Diletta Bello+ Espresso Machine Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this machine in person. This verdict rests on two expert reviews of the Bello+ and the original Bello, listed at the end. Independent long-term reliability data is thin, and we say so below. Our method.
Rewarding for enthusiasts, hard to justify for casual use
TechRadar called the Bello+ a fantastic machine that produces a great brew, praising its solid stainless build, shot timer and PID. The same review scored value lower, noting the machine is expensive, large and slow to warm up, with a real learning curve. We found little independent long-term reliability data. If you enjoy dialing in shots and want a premium-feeling machine, owners are likely to be happy. If you want quick, easy coffee, a cheaper machine fits better.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- enjoy learning and dialing in espresso by hand
- want a solid stainless build with a PID and shot timer
- make milk drinks and want a proper steam wand
Skip it if you…
- want fast, push-button coffee
- are on a tight budget
- have limited counter space
The Diletta Bello+ is a manual espresso machine sold in the US through Seattle Coffee Gear. It builds on the original Diletta Bello, which one reviewer describes as an E61 heat-exchanger machine hand-built in Milan. The Bello+ adds a PID controller that also works as a shot timer.
We read expert reviews of both versions. Details below are labeled by which model the source covered, and we flag where evidence is thin.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Type | Manual espresso machine, stainless steel body |
|---|---|
| Control | PID with shot timer and adjustable pre-infusion (Bello+, per TechRadar) |
| Reservoir | 3 L |
| Boiler | 1.8 L stainless steel |
| Warm-up | About 13 to 15 minutes |
| Size | About 11 x 17.75 x 14.5 inches |
What reviewers like
What reviewers criticize
How it holds up over time
We found no independent multi-year durability test of the Bello+. The build is described as solid and the original Bello comes with a two-year warranty per Brew Coffee Home, but we have not seen enough owner data to make a firm claim about long-term reliability.
Tips for new owners
- Give it time to heat fully before pulling shots.
- Expect to experiment with grind and timing to find your preferred shot.
- Measure your cabinet clearance before buying, since the machine is tall and deep.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Solid stainless steel build
- Good espresso and milk texture per experts
- PID and shot timer on the Bello+
- Large 3 L reservoir
- US-based service through the retailer
What owners complain about
- Premium-priced; rated lower on value
- Long warm-up
- Learning curve for beginners
- Large footprint
- Little independent long-term data
Other options owners compare
Cheaper machines that buyers often weigh against the Bello+.
| Model | Style | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diletta Bello+ (this review) | Prosumer, PID and timer | You want a premium manual machine and enjoy the process | See on Amazon |
| Breville Bambino Read our review | Compact, quick heat-up | You want a small, fast and simpler machine | See on Amazon |
| Breville Barista Express Read our review | Built-in grinder | You want grinder and machine in one unit | See on Amazon |
Ready to go deep on home espresso?
Check current options, colors and bundles on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bello+ have a PID?
TechRadar describes a PID controller that doubles as a shot timer. The original Bello, per Brew Coffee Home, has no PID.
How long does it take to warm up?
Reviewers report roughly 13 to 15 minutes.
Is it good for beginners?
TechRadar called it intimidating for novices, though controls become comfortable fairly quickly.
Does it need a separate grinder?
Yes. Neither review describes a built-in grinder.
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Sources we analyzed
- TechRadar: Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ review — Bello+ specs, scores, pros and cons
- Brew Coffee Home: Diletta Bello review — original Bello specs, warm-up, warranty, service
Figures reflect each source as of October 22, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.