Last updated: October 2, 2026
The De’Longhi All-in-One Combination is designed for households that want two very different coffee drinks from one countertop machine: drip coffee from a carafe and espresso-based drinks from a portafilter. It combines a filter-coffee brewer, espresso machine, milk frother, and sometimes a shared water reservoir in one appliance.
That sounds like the best of both worlds. In practice, it is a compromise that makes sense for some kitchens and frustrates others. The main appeal is convenience and space savings. The main drawback is that neither side performs like a dedicated machine built for only one brewing method.
Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Drip coffee — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
What the De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Does
The combination machine is aimed at people who drink regular coffee in the morning but also want occasional cappuccinos, lattes, or espresso. The drip side brews multiple cups into a glass carafe, while the espresso side uses ground coffee in a portafilter. A steam wand or manual frother lets you heat and texture milk.
Some versions include a separate espresso water path, while others use one main reservoir with internal controls that direct water to the selected brewing system. This matters because switching between brewing modes may require more attention than pressing one button. Water left in the system can also affect flavor if the machine is not flushed.
Expect a manual workflow for espresso. You will need to grind or measure coffee, distribute it in the basket, tamp it, lock in the portafilter, and clean the group area afterward. It is not a one-touch superautomatic espresso machine.
Who Should Buy It?
See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine
This machine suits a household with mixed preferences. One person can brew a pot of regular coffee while another makes an espresso drink, although simultaneous brewing may not be possible or may be restricted by the machine’s controls. It is also useful in a small kitchen where there is no room for a separate drip brewer and espresso machine.
It can be a sensible choice for beginners who want to learn basic espresso without giving up a familiar carafe brewer. The espresso side is approachable, but it still requires practice. A pressurized basket can make acceptable espresso with supermarket pre-ground coffee, but it will not remove every variable. Grind size, dose, tamping, and freshness still affect the cup.
Choose a De’Longhi combination coffee maker and espresso machine if you value having both functions more than getting the strongest possible performance from either one.
The Important Trade-Offs
| Feature | What it does well | Where it falls short |
|---|---|---|
| Drip coffee | Makes several cups without pulling individual shots | Usually less refined than a dedicated quality drip brewer |
| Espresso | Provides a low-cost entry to manual espresso | Less temperature and pressure control than a dedicated espresso machine |
| Milk drinks | Manual frothing gives you control over milk texture | Steam power and wand ergonomics may be limited |
| Counter space | One appliance replaces two | The footprint can still be wide and tall |
| Cleaning | No separate drip and espresso machines to maintain | You must clean both brewing systems and the milk equipment |
The biggest failure mode is expecting café-quality espresso immediately. Combination machines commonly have modest boilers or thermoblock systems, so temperature stability and steam power may be limited. You may also need to wait between brewing and steaming. That is normal for this class of appliance, not necessarily a defect.
Another problem is neglected cleaning. Coffee oils accumulate in the portafilter and brew head, while milk residue can block a frothing wand. If the machine begins producing weak coffee, watery espresso, leaking water, or inconsistent steam, cleaning should be the first check. Descaling is also necessary when mineral deposits build up, especially with hard water.
When a Different Type of Machine Is Better
If most of your coffee is drip, a dedicated brewer is usually the better buy. It will be simpler to operate, easier to clean, and often more consistent for a full carafe. The cheaper option is fine here: an inexpensive drip machine can be a better fit than paying extra for an espresso section you rarely use. Browse programmable drip coffee makers if carafe coffee is your priority.
If espresso is your daily drink, buy a dedicated manual espresso machine with a milk frother instead. You will generally get better control, a more capable portafilter, and a workflow designed around espresso. You will still need a separate coffee maker if you want a pot of drip coffee.
A capsule espresso machine is easier for quick, repeatable drinks, but it locks you into a capsule system and creates ongoing consumable costs. A superautomatic machine is more convenient for frequent milk drinks, though it costs considerably more and has more internal parts to maintain. Neither is automatically better; the right choice depends on whether you value control, speed, or low effort.
What to Check Before Buying
Measure the counter carefully. Combination machines often need clearance above the top for filling the filter basket and access at the front for the portafilter handle. Check whether the carafe, water tank, and filter basket can be removed without hitting a cabinet.
Look at capacity rather than relying on the word “all-in-one.” A coffee carafe may be suitable for a couple but too small for a family. The espresso side may accept one or two shots at a time, and the included baskets may be pressurized or traditional. Pressurized baskets are more forgiving for beginners; traditional baskets offer more control but usually require a capable grinder.
Plan for a grinder if you want to improve the espresso side. A blade grinder tends to produce uneven particles, which makes espresso harder to dial in. A basic burr grinder is a more useful upgrade than expensive accessories, although pre-ground coffee can be perfectly adequate for occasional milk drinks.
Also check the return policy and replacement-part availability. Combination machines have more functions and seals than a basic drip brewer. A removable water tank, accessible brew parts, and an easy-to-clean steam wand are practical advantages you will notice long after the initial purchase.
Is It Worth Buying?
The De’Longhi All-in-One Combination is worth considering when you genuinely need both drip coffee and manual espresso in one appliance. It is a space-saving compromise, not a replacement for two high-performing dedicated machines. It works best for casual espresso drinkers, mixed households, renters, and beginners who want flexibility without filling the kitchen with equipment.
Skip it if you want the fastest possible coffee, make only one style of drink, or expect powerful steaming and highly consistent espresso. In those cases, spending less on a good drip brewer or spending more on a dedicated espresso setup will usually give you a better experience.
FAQ
Can it brew drip coffee and espresso at the same time?
Usually not in a fully independent way. The exact behavior depends on the version, so check the manual before buying if simultaneous brewing is important.
Does it come with a coffee grinder?
Most De’Longhi combination machines do not include a built-in grinder. You can use pre-ground coffee or add a burr grinder later.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes, if you are comfortable with a manual espresso process. The drip side is simple, while the espresso side requires measuring, tamping, milk frothing, and cleaning.
Why does the espresso taste weak?
Common causes include an old or coarse grind, too little coffee, light tamping, or a dirty brew path. If the problem continues, descale the machine and check that the basket and portafilter are seated correctly.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Drip coffee.
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