US product profile / source checked October 30, 2026
La Specialista Opera combines a built-in burr grinder and a tamping lever with manual milk steaming. It is a middle ground for someone who wants help preparing the puck while keeping a portafilter routine.
At a glance
| Item | De’Longhi La Specialista Opera EC9555M |
|---|---|
| Type | Assisted espresso with integrated grinder |
| Dated USD price | $799.95 — Metal EC9555M; checked October 30, 2026 |
| Capacity / servings | See manufacturer capacity specifications |
| Dimensions | 14 L × 15 W × 17.5 H in |
| Grinder / coffee preparation | Integrated burr grinder; 15 settings |
| Milk features | Manual commercial-style steam wand |
| Workflow | Smart Tamping lever; three brew-temperature settings |
| Source-check date | October 30, 2026 |
| Primary source | Manufacturer product information |
Prices can change after the check date. Confirm the exact variant and complete checkout total before buying.
What the features change in daily use
The integrated grinder changes the equipment budget: you do not need to add a separate grinder solely to use whole beans with this machine. It does not remove grinder cleaning, coffee handling or the need to learn the settings that suit your beans.
Smart Tamping and automatic milk frothing are different features. Opera lists a tamping lever and a manual steam wand. If your priority is automatic milk preparation rather than puck assistance, compare the Dedica Maestro Plus or the bean-to-cup Magnifica Start.
De’Longhi lists hot-drink functions as well as Cold Brew and Espresso Cool modes. These machine recipes should not be assumed to behave like an overnight immersion recipe. We have not tested their flavor or preparation time.
Advantages and limitations
Reasons to consider it
- Built-in burr grinder with 15 listed settings.
- Tamping assistance and selectable brew temperatures.
- Manufacturer-listed hot and cold extraction modes.
Reasons to reconsider
- Manual milk texturing and cleanup remain part of the routine.
- The working height and refill clearance need checking.
- The milk wand requires manual cleaning after use.
Measure refill and working clearance; confirm reservoir volume with the current manual.
Compare the complete setup
Use your checked quotes in the setup and running-cost calculator. For brewing choices, compare the home espresso guide, regular-coffee guide and grinder guide.
Under-$500 espresso shortlist · Under-$1,000 shortlist · Drip coffee setups · Machine selector
Sources and review method
We checked the linked manufacturer listing on October 30, 2026. We have not measured flavor, grind consistency, noise, speed, cleaning time or long-term reliability. We do not convert manufacturer claims or other customers’ ratings into our own test scores.
Read the manufacturer’s current information. Use its manual for operation and care. Review methodology · Commercial-link policy