Does your morning espresso taste a little… flat? You own a fantastic De’Longhi machine, a powerhouse designed for rich, perfect shots. But even the best machine needs the right fuel. Choosing the correct ground coffee can feel like a guessing game. Too fine, and you clog the system; too coarse, and your espresso tastes watery and weak. It’s frustrating when you invest in quality equipment only to end up with disappointing coffee.
Finding the sweet spot—that perfect grind size and roast profile that sings with your specific De’Longhi model—is the secret weapon of home baristas. We understand this challenge. That’s why we brewed up this ultimate guide. We will break down exactly what you need to look for, from grind consistency to bean origin, ensuring every cup you pull is better than the last.
Keep reading to unlock the secrets to dialing in your grinder and selecting the best ground coffee specifically engineered to maximize the performance of your De’Longhi espresso machine. Get ready to transform your kitchen counter into your favorite coffee shop!
Top Ground Coffee For Delonghi Espresso Machine Recommendations
- THE COFFEE YOU DESIRE - illy’s blend of fine Arabica ground coffee with a distinctive flavor, featuring a mild and balanced taste with notes of caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine.
- PREPARE COFFEE WITH EASE - Evoke a classic Italian beverage at any time. Coffee is to be freshly prepared and enjoyed immediately. Create the finest coffee experience in the comfort of your home.
- THE FINEST GROUND COFFEE - We select only the 1% of the finest beans, thanks to a devoted collaboration with growers who place maximum importance on quality and sustainability.
- WE BRING THE TASTE OF ITALY TO YOU - We’ve spent eight decades refining a singular, signature blend celebrated over the world as the pinnacle of what espresso coffee can be.
- SUSTAINABILITY IS OUR VISION - We pride ourselves on the constant focus on our environment and the community. We are part of a global movement with a common goal: to pave the way for a better, more liveable and more enlightened world.
- Blend Composition: 70% Arabica, 30% Robusta – A bold yet balanced blend with smooth body and rich crema
- Roast Level: Medium – Slow-roasted to highlight aroma and complexity
- Flavor Profile: Notes of cocoa, cereals, and dark spices for a comforting, full-bodied cup
- Intensity: 10/10 – Strong and aromatic, perfect for an energizing shot
- Suggested Extraction: Specifically designed for home espresso machines – not suitable for moka pot or drip brewing
- PREMIUM GROUND COFFEE—Starbucks delivers exceptional coffee cup after cup with this 28-ounce bag of Espresso Roast dark roast ground coffee
- STARBUCKS ESPRESSO ROAST COFFEE—A classic and time-honored dark roast with notes of rich molasses and caramel that’s perfect for making classic espresso drinks
- FRESH TASTE—Starbucks adheres to the highest quality standards—shipping you the same carefully roasted 100% arabica coffee beans we brew in our cafés
- MAKE IT YOUR OWN—An everyday cup no matter how you brew it, Starbucks coffee is carefully ground to be ideal for a variety of brewing methods, including drip brewer, coffee press, pour-over and moka pot
- ETHICALLY SOURCED—Starbucks is committed to 100% ethical coffee sourcing in partnership with Conservation International
- HOUSE BLEND PERFETTO: With this 12-ounce coffee bag, Lavazza gives honor to the art of blending coffee inspired by the Italian story of our founder, Luigi Lavazza. Ideal for drip brewers
- INTENSITY AND ROASTING: The medium roasting and the 3/5 intensity give this ground coffee a full-bodied taste, for an amazing experience
- BLEND: This coffee selection is made from a blend of 100% Arabica beans from Central and South America
- AROMATIC NOTES: Capture this essence in each sip of our velvety blend, adorned with lingering caramel notes. Let the richness of this coffee transport you to the heart of our tradition
- LAVAZZA: Lavazza Group operates in every sector of the coffee industry, offering products of superior quality, obtained through a sustainable model based on innovation, passion and expertise
- 10 oz Can of Café Gaviña Espresso Roast Extra Fine Ground Coffee — Bold dark roast with smooth chocolate notes and a rich, full body for a deeply satisfying espresso experience.
- Made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from South and Central America — expertly blended and extra finely ground for intense flavor, perfect for espresso machines and traditional brewers.
- Perfectly ground for espresso machines, traditional espresso makers, and as a base for lattes, cappuccinos, and more — enjoy smooth shots or creamy coffee drinks.
- Roasted, blended, and packed at our zero-waste-to-landfill facility in Los Angeles, California. Our Direct Impact Initiative ensures ethical sourcing and sustainability.
- Cafe Gaviña is a family-owned roaster with over 150 years of coffee expertise - delivering high-quality coffee for generations.
- LAVAZZA ESPRESSO: A 20 oz ground coffee bag ideal for espresso and drip preparation. (Pack of 1)
- INTENSITY AND ROAST: With a 5/10 intensity, this fragrant medium roast offers a sweet and aromatic finish
- BLEND: A 100% Arabica, naturally caffeinated blend sourced from South America and Africa
- AROMATIC NOTES: Florals and fruit
- PREPARATION: Ideal for espresso machines, moka pot, drip coffee machines, or French press.
- Starbucks Espresso Roast is intense, caramelly sweet and perfect with steamed milk
- Darker-roasted coffees have fuller body with robust, bold taste
- Enjoy the Starbucks coffee you love without leaving the house
- For finest taste, use cold, filtered water and store ground coffee in a cool, dark place
- Each pack includes an 18-ounce bag of Starbucks Espresso Roast Ground Coffee
- 10 oz Can of Ground Espresso Coffee – Conveniently packed to preserve freshness and aroma. This airtight can locks in Cafe La Llave’s rich, bold flavor from the first scoop to the last.
- Dark Roast with Rich, Bold Taste – Enjoy an intensely aromatic espresso with deep, complex notes and a smooth, full-bodied finish inspired by authentic Cuban-style coffee traditions.
- Perfect for making an Espresso, and Drip Coffee – Finely ground for versatility, Cafe La Llave brews beautifully in espresso machines, moka pots, and drip coffee makers, delivering a consistently strong, flavorful cup every time.
- Roasted in Los Angeles in a Zero Waste facility – Every batch of Cafe La Llave is expertly roasted in Los Angeles, delivering bold, authentic Cuban-style flavor while caring for the environment.
- A Heritage Rooted in Cuban Coffee Culture – Founded by the Gaviña family over 140 years ago, Cafe La Llave represents generations of passion and craftsmanship—bringing authentic Cuban-style coffee and espresso to every cup.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Ground Coffee for Your De’Longhi Espresso Machine
Buying the right ground coffee makes a huge difference in your morning espresso. Your De’Longhi machine deserves the best! This guide helps you choose the perfect bag.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look closely at the bag. Certain features tell you if the coffee will work well in your machine.
1. Grind Size is Crucial
This is the most important thing for a De’Longhi machine. Espresso machines need a very fine grind—finer than regular drip coffee. If the grind is too coarse, the water rushes through too fast. This makes weak, sour espresso.
- Look for labels like “Espresso Grind” or “Finely Ground.”
- If the grind is powdery, like flour, it might be too fine and clog your machine.
2. Roast Level Matters
The roast level controls the flavor intensity.
- Light Roasts: Offer bright, acidic, and fruity flavors. They often have the most caffeine.
- Medium Roasts: Balance flavor, acidity, and sweetness. These are great for all-around espresso.
- Dark Roasts: Taste bold, smoky, and sometimes slightly bitter. They produce a rich, dark crema.
3. Freshness Indicators
Fresh coffee tastes best. Check the roast date, not just the expiration date.
- Aim for coffee roasted within the last two to three weeks.
- Good packaging uses one-way valves to let gases escape without letting air in.
Important Materials: What’s Inside the Bag?
The type of bean used greatly affects your final shot.
Arabica vs. Robusta Beans
Most specialty coffees use Arabica beans. Robusta beans are stronger.
- Arabica: Provides complex flavors, sweetness, and good aroma. It generally makes a smoother espresso.
- Robusta: Adds body, bitterness, and creates a thick, beautiful crema layer on top of your espresso.
Many great espresso blends mix both types for balance.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
How the coffee is grown and processed affects its taste significantly.
Improving Quality: Single Origin vs. Blends
Blends are mixed beans from different regions. They aim for a consistent, balanced flavor shot after shot. Single Origin beans come from one farm or region. They showcase unique flavors, like chocolate or berry notes.
Reducing Quality: Stale Coffee and Oils
Stale coffee tastes flat. Air, light, heat, and moisture ruin coffee quickly. Avoid pre-ground coffee sitting on supermarket shelves for months. Also, very dark roasts release more oils. These oils can sometimes leave residue inside your De’Longhi’s brewing unit.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you drink your coffee.
For Milk Drinks (Lattes and Cappuccinos)
If you always add milk, choose a medium or dark roast. These bolder flavors stand up well to the sweetness of steamed milk. They prevent the coffee flavor from getting lost.
For Straight Espresso Shots
If you drink espresso neat, try a high-quality medium or light roast. You can taste the delicate flavors of the bean more clearly this way.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use any ground coffee in my De’Longhi machine?
A: No. You must use coffee ground specifically for espresso. Regular drip coffee grounds are too coarse and will make weak espresso.
Q: What is the best grind setting for a De’Longhi semi-automatic machine?
A: Aim for a fine, powdery grind that feels slightly gritty, like fine sand. If the shot takes less than 20 seconds, grind finer next time.
Q: Does the brand of coffee matter more than the roast?
A: Both matter a lot! A good roaster will provide a fresh, correctly ground product, which is more important than just a famous brand name.
Q: Why does my espresso taste sour?
A: Sourness usually means the coffee is under-extracted. This happens when the water flows through too quickly, meaning your grind is likely too coarse.
Q: Should I buy whole beans and grind them myself?
A: Yes! Grinding right before brewing makes the best coffee. A burr grinder gives you the most consistent results for espresso.
Q: What is “crema”?
A: Crema is the reddish-brown foam layer on top of a perfect espresso shot. It comes from the pressurized brewing process and holds a lot of the coffee’s aroma.
Q: How should I store my ground espresso coffee?
A: Keep it in an airtight container away from light and heat. Never store it in the refrigerator, as moisture ruins the flavor.
Q: Are dark roast beans lower in caffeine?
A: Surprisingly, yes. Darker roasting burns off a small amount of caffeine. Light roasts usually have slightly more caffeine.
Q: What is a “blend” in coffee terms?
A: A blend is a mix of different types of coffee beans, often from different countries, chosen to create a specific, balanced taste profile.
Q: Can I use coffee meant for a French Press in my De’Longhi?
A: Absolutely not. French Press coffee is very coarse. Using it will result in watery, terrible espresso because the pressure system needs very fine grounds.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!