In April, De’Longhi introduced the Primadonna Aromatic, a cutting-edge smart bean-to-cup espresso machine that takes personalization to a new level. After putting it through its paces for a week, I can affirm that it operates like a seasoned barista who not only remembers your favorite order but also serves it with style—all from the comfort of your home.
Aesthetically, the Primadonna Aromatic closely resembles De’Longhi’s popular Eletta Explore, yet it stands out with an impressive touchscreen that offers an extensive array of both hot and cold beverage options. The interface is intuitive, guiding users through setup and the enchanting experience of brewing their first cup of espresso with ease.
A particular highlight of the display is its crystal-clear quality; De’Longhi includes a sleek video tutorial, simplifying the drink selection and preparation process. But this is just scratching the surface of what this remarkable machine can do…
The design caters expertly to beginners; even those who are new to coffee won’t feel overwhelmed. Instead of throwing around technical jargon, simple phrases like “bean container” make for a user-friendly experience. The interface speaks in a conversational tone, making it relatable for everyone.
For instance, rather than a sterile “heating” message, the Primadonna Aromatic cheerfully announces, “I’ll use some hot water to heat everything up.” This machine gently guides you through cappuccino preparation, ensuring your experience feels inviting and personal.
One particularly noteworthy feature is the reliable Bean Adapt system tailored to your chosen beans. Activated at the touch of a button, this system optimizes your brewing experience while remaining entirely optional for those short on time. If you’re in a rush, simply access the menu, select your drink, and savor the moment.
Good Morning! Ready for Your Usual?
This virtual barista knows you by name. Unlike many competitors that offer user profiles devoid of warmth, the Primadonna Aromatic creates a welcoming atmosphere. During setup, you can establish profiles for each user, complete with personalized avatars and names.
This isn’t just a feature; it transforms the interaction into a friendly dialogue. Imagine starting your day with a cheerful “Good morning, [Your Name]” flashing on the screen. The only thing missing? A personalized inscription on your coffee cup.
While I haven’t yet ventured through the entire menu—which boasts over 30 hot and cold beverage options—I can confidently say my initial coffee experiences have been overwhelmingly positive. A standard brew yields a well-extracted espresso in approximately 35 seconds, perfect for a double shot.
I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the quality of foamed milk, whether hot or cold. The machine comes equipped with two distinct carafes for this purpose—an astute design choice, as cold foam doesn’t require steaming. These containers can be stored conveniently in your fridge until needed, each featuring three texture settings tailored to your drink type.
The thick foam setting is ideal for cappuccinos or cortados, while the medium level offers a silky smooth texture for lattes and macchiatos—my personal favorite. You can experiment with different milks for hot drinks, but De’Longhi suggests using skim or plant-based milk for cold foam. My experiences crafting iced drinks with oat milk resulted in beautifully creamy foam that maintained its integrity atop the drink.
The primary downside? The price tag. At £1,549.99 (approximately $2,000 / AU$3,200), it carries a premium compared to many other coffee machines featured in our reviews. However, given my initial experiences, this investment appears justifiable on multiple fronts.
I will continue to explore the features of the Primadonna Aromatic in the coming weeks and share a more comprehensive review soon. Stay tuned for updates!
