De’Longhi espresso machines are known for their versatility, user-friendly design, and ability to brew café-quality drinks at home. However, the quality of your espresso or cappuccino depends heavily on the beans you choose.
Medium to Dark Roast Beans for Espresso
De’Longhi machines are designed to highlight the bold flavors of espresso, which means medium to dark roast beans often perform best. These roasts bring out chocolatey, nutty, and caramel notes that pair well with milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
- Medium roast beans for balanced acidity and sweetness
- Dark roast beans for bold, rich flavors
- Blends with chocolate, nut, or caramel notes
- Beans with low acidity for smoother espresso shots
- Freshly roasted beans for maximum crema and aroma
Choosing medium to dark roasts ensures that your De’Longhi machine extracts a full-bodied espresso with depth and character, perfect for both straight shots and milk-based drinks.
Arabica vs. Robusta Blends
De’Longhi machines handle both 100% Arabica beans and Arabica-Robusta blends well, depending on your taste preferences. Arabica beans are smoother and more aromatic, while Robusta adds strength and crema.
- 100% Arabica for smooth, sweet, and aromatic flavors
- Arabica-Robusta blends for stronger body and crema
- Robusta adds higher caffeine content and intensity
- Arabica offers more nuanced flavor notes
- Balanced blends work well for cappuccinos and lattes
If you prefer a smoother, more refined cup, stick with Arabica. For a bolder, more traditional Italian-style espresso, go with a blend that includes Robusta.
Recommended Coffee Brands for De’Longhi Machines
Several coffee brands are particularly well-suited for De’Longhi espresso machines, offering consistent grind quality and flavor profiles that match the machine’s brewing system.
1. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee
Lavazza Super Crema is one of the most popular choices for De’Longhi users, offering a smooth, creamy espresso with balanced flavor. This Italian blend combines Arabica and Robusta beans for a traditional espresso profile.
- Blend: 60% Arabica, 40% Robusta
- Roast: Medium
- Flavor notes: Honey, almonds, dried fruit
- Crema: Thick and velvety
- Best for: Espresso and cappuccinos
With its approachable flavor and reliable performance, Lavazza Super Crema is an excellent everyday bean for De’Longhi machines, especially for those who enjoy a classic Italian-style espresso.
2. Illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee
Illy is renowned for its consistency and quality, and the Classico blend is a staple for espresso lovers. Made from 100% Arabica beans, it delivers a smooth, aromatic cup with refined flavor.
- Bean type: 100% Arabica
- Roast: Medium
- Flavor notes: Caramel, orange blossom, jasmine
- Aroma: Rich and floral
- Best for: Straight espresso or Americano
Illy Classico pairs perfectly with De’Longhi machines, producing a clean, balanced shot that highlights the natural sweetness of Arabica beans.
3. Lifeboost Espresso Beans
Lifeboost Espresso Beans are a premium option for those who value both flavor and health. These beans are organic, low-acid, and single-origin, making them gentle on the stomach while still delivering bold espresso.
- Bean type: Single-origin Arabica (Nicaragua)
- Roast: Medium-dark espresso roast
- Flavor notes: Chocolate, orange zest, toffee
- Certifications: USDA Organic, Fair Trade
- Best for: Espresso and milk-based drinks
For De’Longhi users seeking a healthier, eco-friendly option without sacrificing taste, Lifeboost Espresso Beans are a standout choice.
4. Volcanica Espresso Roast
Volcanica’s Espresso Roast is crafted from specialty-grade Arabica beans, offering a bold yet refined flavor profile. It’s well-suited for De’Longhi machines thanks to its consistency and depth.
- Bean type: 100% Arabica
- Roast: Dark
- Flavor notes: Caramel, spice, lively acidity
- Processing: Washed for clarity
- Best for: Espresso, lattes, cappuccinos
This roast delivers a strong, full-bodied espresso with a crisp finish, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more intense cup.
5. Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass Dark Roast
Kicking Horse’s Kick Ass Dark Roast is bold, smoky, and full of character. Certified organic and Fair Trade, it’s a sustainable choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Bean type: 100% Arabica
- Roast: Dark
- Flavor notes: Chocolate malt, molasses, licorice
- Aroma: Smoky with hints of vanilla
- Best for: Espresso and French press
For De’Longhi users who prefer a deep, robust espresso, Kick Ass Dark Roast delivers intensity with a smooth finish.
6. Death Wish Coffee Whole Bean
Known as the “world’s strongest coffee,” Death Wish Coffee is famous for its high caffeine content and bold flavor. It’s a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, roasted dark for maximum strength.
- Blend: Arabica and Robusta
- Roast: Dark
- Flavor notes: Dark chocolate, cherry, earthy tones
- Caffeine: Extremely high (up to 2x regular coffee)
- Best for: Strong espresso shots
If you want a powerful caffeine kick from your De’Longhi machine, Death Wish Coffee is the go-to option, though it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
7. Starbucks Blonde Espresso Whole Bean
Starbucks Blonde Espresso is a lighter roast designed to highlight sweetness and smoothness. It’s approachable and works well in De’Longhi machines for those who prefer a milder espresso.
- Bean type: 100% Arabica
- Roast: Light (Blonde)
- Flavor notes: Sweet, citrusy, smooth
- Body: Light to medium
- Best for: Lattes and iced espresso drinks
This option is perfect for coffee drinkers who want a gentler espresso experience without the bitterness of darker roasts.
8. Peet’s Coffee, Dark Roast Whole Bean
Peet’s Coffee is known for its bold, rich roasts, and their dark roast whole beans are a great match for De’Longhi machines. They produce a strong, full-bodied espresso with depth and complexity.
- Bean type: 100% Arabica
- Roast: Dark
- Flavor notes: Cocoa, smoky, rich body
- Aroma: Intense and bold
- Best for: Espresso and cappuccinos
Peet’s Dark Roast is ideal for those who enjoy a classic, robust espresso with a lingering finish, making it a reliable choice for daily brewing.
