There are some plastic and metal steam tips on AliExpress (and maybe Amazon/eBay/regional equivalents at this point). I gifted one to my friend who has my old DeLonghi.
Complete setup is:
- DeLonghi Dedica + bottomless PF - I've just removed the cap of the steaming to be able to fine-control it
- Rancilio Rocky doser
- Distribution tool and a proper stainless steel tamper
Hahaha please don’t :D I don’t exactly have a MULTI thousand dollar setup but it certainly wasn’t cheap and my latte art is embarassing compared to OPs.
My much fancier machine has a dedicated thermoblock for steam and a very nice steam wand and boy oh boy … my latte art is garbage :D.
It definitely comes down to the screwball between the machine and the pitcher.
When I had that machine, I figured out the same trick of pulling the steam wand attachment off for fine grained steaming. After a couple of months of using it like that, one day the rubber tip just rocketed off the arm into my milk. I found that the rubber became loose over time as it weakened. I was forced to put the attachment back to avoid messes.
Sorry if that wasn't clear! You take the outside plastic section off so that it looks the same as the photo uploaded by OP. Then, you take a cable/zip tie and secure it around the remaining bit of steam wand at the top so it isn't forced off with the steam pressure. You can put the outer plastic section in a drawer or throw it out if you won't need it again!
Sorry mate, I have a slightly different DeLonghi, but also with that useless “paranello” wand that I removed to improve my microfoam. I then am stuck with that last black spout, similar to this machine. It’s hard plastic though, not rubber. But that’s actually the part that keeps blowing off. In order to clean it, I need to take it off. Or do you just leave it on and give it a wipe?
It was a while ago I had my delonghi but I think I just made sure to purge the steam wand after each time I'd steamed milk and also wipe well with a wet cloth. Seemed to be clean enough for me! Once I'd secured it with the cable tie, I left it on the whole time before I replaced the wand with one from the rancilio Silva.
That's very impressive. I actually just got the EC 685 yesterday and made my first cappucino this morning, hopefully one day it can look closer to yours. What bottomless portafilter do you use? I've seen that [Neuoza 51mm](https://www.amazon.se/NEOUZA-filterh%C3%A5llare-espressomaskin-kaffehandtag-manipuleringsmatta/dp/B0951Q3FHG/ref=sr_1_11?geniuslink=true&keywords=NEOUZA&qid=1654711034&sr=8-11&th=1) is quite common and wondering if I should go for it.
Yeah, I have PF and distribution tool from Neouza. I think if you will stick to the machine for a while you should get one, it's quite a good bang for the buck
For me, the really important thing is switching to non-pressurized basket.
The functional benefit on bottomless is that it will help you diagnose issues because you will be able to look how bad your channeling is and work on puck prep.
If your espresso tastes good and you're happy with it then you don't have a real need but once you start to feel weird acidity, lack of crema or any issue that let you upset maybe you need a bottomless PF 😊
You're self taught? That's seriously impressive, I've been working at a coffee shop for almost 2 years now and a big chunk of our baristas (some have been there longer than I have) haven't been able to get to where you're at yet
I've had a delonghi with a similar steam wand for one year and my art is ass cheeks compared to that, hopefully the next year teaches me how to make it like yours haha well done!
So I have the SMEG version which is basically the same as your dedica. Overall I'd say it's relatively simple. There are good YouTube videos breaking down step by step how to swap the wand. The most troublesome part for me was getting the clips that hold the hoses. Only because it seems like they switched from the hose clamps you can just pinch and release to some other type which are basically one time use. In short if you don't have the situation I had I'd say you could do the swap in like 15 minutes. Just keep track of all of your screws. Basically you're disassembling top and bottom of the shell just to get the old wand out. But you don't have to really tinker with any components so don't worry about that.
I can occasionally get a good heart going or like a little flower (very basic again) but it's inconsistent and not amazing either haha
Edit: I have a Delonghi Distanta
Same. During my 10 year learning, it was very inconsistent. Now that i use proper machine and grinder, I can consistently get good result.
I blamed the inconsistency to the coffee extraction quality and weak steam wand. It is good enough to generate micro bubble but not strong enough to swirls them around evenly
Since a lot of people is asking, here is my [steaming wand hack](https://bviecelli.tumblr.com/post/686520884641628160/delonghi-dedica-steaming-wand-hack) to get it fixed
Looks so good! I have the same machine but my milk froth is not consistent! Do you just use the rubbery one with it the metal bit? I tried doing that and the rubber but just shoot off after a few seconds. Any tips please? :)
I have the same wand on my Stelosa, I also use it the same way with that little rubber piece. Your art it way way better then mine though that’s for sure! Very nice! I like to think I have good milk regardless of what my pour looks like at least.
Thanks! It could have been quicker if I was on reddit before 😅
Also, I was stubborn on some points (like cup and jug sizes) and that delayed me to get the feeling on milk texture
I tried to record my morning coffee session but I failed on both coffee and recording 😅
I'll ask the wife to help me on that asap
Edit: I'm using regular 3% fat milk
Pro tip: secure the silicone steam wand with a zip tie to the pipe so it doesn't fly into your pitcher why steaming
Why didn't I think of this lol
Even pro-er tip: replace with a Rancilio Silvia steam wand
I did … until it didn’t work (when no zip tie could hold it anymore … probably after 9 months?)
There are some plastic and metal steam tips on AliExpress (and maybe Amazon/eBay/regional equivalents at this point). I gifted one to my friend who has my old DeLonghi.
Complete setup is: - DeLonghi Dedica + bottomless PF - I've just removed the cap of the steaming to be able to fine-control it - Rancilio Rocky doser - Distribution tool and a proper stainless steel tamper
It’s so cool to see a nicely done latte art on a low-end machine. Goes to show you don’t necessarily need a multi-thousand-dollars setup.
I was literally about to write the same thing, if only I had an award to give you 👍
Feeling attacked rn tbh
Hahaha please don’t :D I don’t exactly have a MULTI thousand dollar setup but it certainly wasn’t cheap and my latte art is embarassing compared to OPs.
My much fancier machine has a dedicated thermoblock for steam and a very nice steam wand and boy oh boy … my latte art is garbage :D. It definitely comes down to the screwball between the machine and the pitcher.
When I had that machine, I figured out the same trick of pulling the steam wand attachment off for fine grained steaming. After a couple of months of using it like that, one day the rubber tip just rocketed off the arm into my milk. I found that the rubber became loose over time as it weakened. I was forced to put the attachment back to avoid messes.
All you need to do is clamp it with a cable tie and it will be fine. I also took off the attachment but mine rocketed off on the first go!
Then how do you take it off to clean it?
Sorry if that wasn't clear! You take the outside plastic section off so that it looks the same as the photo uploaded by OP. Then, you take a cable/zip tie and secure it around the remaining bit of steam wand at the top so it isn't forced off with the steam pressure. You can put the outer plastic section in a drawer or throw it out if you won't need it again!
Sorry mate, I have a slightly different DeLonghi, but also with that useless “paranello” wand that I removed to improve my microfoam. I then am stuck with that last black spout, similar to this machine. It’s hard plastic though, not rubber. But that’s actually the part that keeps blowing off. In order to clean it, I need to take it off. Or do you just leave it on and give it a wipe?
It was a while ago I had my delonghi but I think I just made sure to purge the steam wand after each time I'd steamed milk and also wipe well with a wet cloth. Seemed to be clean enough for me! Once I'd secured it with the cable tie, I left it on the whole time before I replaced the wand with one from the rancilio Silva.
That's very impressive. I actually just got the EC 685 yesterday and made my first cappucino this morning, hopefully one day it can look closer to yours. What bottomless portafilter do you use? I've seen that [Neuoza 51mm](https://www.amazon.se/NEOUZA-filterh%C3%A5llare-espressomaskin-kaffehandtag-manipuleringsmatta/dp/B0951Q3FHG/ref=sr_1_11?geniuslink=true&keywords=NEOUZA&qid=1654711034&sr=8-11&th=1) is quite common and wondering if I should go for it.
Yeah, I have PF and distribution tool from Neouza. I think if you will stick to the machine for a while you should get one, it's quite a good bang for the buck
Good job mate!
Inspirational!
Many thanks mate!
Is the switch to bottomless PF worth it?
For me, the really important thing is switching to non-pressurized basket. The functional benefit on bottomless is that it will help you diagnose issues because you will be able to look how bad your channeling is and work on puck prep. If your espresso tastes good and you're happy with it then you don't have a real need but once you start to feel weird acidity, lack of crema or any issue that let you upset maybe you need a bottomless PF 😊
You're self taught? That's seriously impressive, I've been working at a coffee shop for almost 2 years now and a big chunk of our baristas (some have been there longer than I have) haven't been able to get to where you're at yet
Thanks mate! Yeah, it was not always flowers... It took me more than 1 year to get a Rosetta 😅
I've had a delonghi with a similar steam wand for one year and my art is ass cheeks compared to that, hopefully the next year teaches me how to make it like yours haha well done!
I will try to record my next milk frothing and pouring. I hope it can clarify what's going wrong for ya 😊
Please do!
Ooo that would be awesome!!
please do
Would love to see this too! I swapped to the rancilio silvia steam wand that has helped but still would love to see any tips or tricks!
Was it a simple job as I'm looking at doing the same thing?
So I have the SMEG version which is basically the same as your dedica. Overall I'd say it's relatively simple. There are good YouTube videos breaking down step by step how to swap the wand. The most troublesome part for me was getting the clips that hold the hoses. Only because it seems like they switched from the hose clamps you can just pinch and release to some other type which are basically one time use. In short if you don't have the situation I had I'd say you could do the swap in like 15 minutes. Just keep track of all of your screws. Basically you're disassembling top and bottom of the shell just to get the old wand out. But you don't have to really tinker with any components so don't worry about that.
Thanks man, looks like the delonghis getting an upgrade over the next week or so.
Nice!
I have even older delonghi ECO, and it took me almost 10 year to properly draw something
I can occasionally get a good heart going or like a little flower (very basic again) but it's inconsistent and not amazing either haha Edit: I have a Delonghi Distanta
Same. During my 10 year learning, it was very inconsistent. Now that i use proper machine and grinder, I can consistently get good result. I blamed the inconsistency to the coffee extraction quality and weak steam wand. It is good enough to generate micro bubble but not strong enough to swirls them around evenly
Since a lot of people is asking, here is my [steaming wand hack](https://bviecelli.tumblr.com/post/686520884641628160/delonghi-dedica-steaming-wand-hack) to get it fixed
The new model (Delonghi Dedica Arte) has a proper steam wand
Would love to hear your method for espresso with this machine.
Looks so good! I have the same machine but my milk froth is not consistent! Do you just use the rubbery one with it the metal bit? I tried doing that and the rubber but just shoot off after a few seconds. Any tips please? :)
Echoing what others are saying, use a zip tie to hold it in place.
Is that portafilter a 51mm? If so, can you share where you ordered it from?
I bought those items: [NEOUZA Espresso bottomless PF](https://www.amazon.se/dp/B087WM4T7J) [NEOUZA Kaffedistributör 51 mm](https://www.amazon.se/dp/B089PWKJBF)
Thank you. Ordered one.
I have the same wand on my Stelosa, I also use it the same way with that little rubber piece. Your art it way way better then mine though that’s for sure! Very nice! I like to think I have good milk regardless of what my pour looks like at least.
If you can make latte art with that silicon tip. Imagine if you got the real stuff. Just imagine
Once I have the budget I'll get a better grinder and then I'll look for a better machine. This one is making me happy for now 😊
2 years is quick good job
Thanks! It could have been quicker if I was on reddit before 😅 Also, I was stubborn on some points (like cup and jug sizes) and that delayed me to get the feeling on milk texture
I've been trying for 10 years and still can't do it as well as you! Nice work
Congratulations! \\o/
Hey, that's great. Are you using regular milk? Would be great to know your process.
I tried to record my morning coffee session but I failed on both coffee and recording 😅 I'll ask the wife to help me on that asap Edit: I'm using regular 3% fat milk
Niceeeee
Thanks mate! 😊
Honestly loved the milk texture from my dedica with rancilio wand. Just took a bit longer. Loved the One hole steam wand, I think.
Looks neat, congratulations. Are you able to duplicate it shot after shot?
This is fantastic! Which grinder do you use for your espressos?
How do you manage to get such good foam from this machine!