If you’re looking at an espresso machine from Diletta then you’re already on the right track. We worked tirelessly to shape the design of these machines to address everything we found lacking in other espresso options. The tricky part now is deciding whether the Bello+ or the Mio is right for you. That’s what we’re here to help you with today!
In This Article
Mio or Bello+? Here's the Short Answer
The short answer is that neither one of these machines is the “better” option objectively. We worked to ensure that each of these two machines was going to be the perfect fit for a specific type of user. The Mio is a better pick for someone who is brand new to espresso but wants to dive in with a machine that offers a lot of headroom. The Bello+ on the other hand is designed for a more advanced user seeking some workflow improvements and more powerful steaming. Both of these machines cover the basics - they each brew and steam effectively and consistently with PID controlled temperatures, and they each feature a built-in shot timer. Many competitors are missing one or both of these features, so Diletta is already at the front of the pack. Let’s take a look at how we tested and influenced the design of these machines to help you understand them on a deeper level.
Built by SCG, Tested Like Everything Else We Sell — and Serviced by Us Too
Diletta roughly translates to “beloved” in Italian, and we suggested this name for a reason. We genuinely love espresso, and we loved bringing a new brand of machines to market and influencing their design. We looked at price points and features of existing machines and thought about what we would want in our daily-driver espresso machine, then worked with the engineers at Diletta to make these machines happen. That doesn’t mean we don’t test these machines though, we do. Each new Dilette model gets put through the same rigorous paces that every machine that comes through our doors does. The best part is that we have a direct influence on manufacturing, so when we find something that doesn’t fit or work quite right, we can actually make sure it gets fixed. Support doesn’t end when you purchase a Diletta either, our in-house technicians are the ones that service these machines when you need it.
Our product team lead, Josh, had this to say about the development of Diletta:
We’re actually pretty big coffee nerds here at SCG. We sell machines we actually like to use, because we want to deliver the kind of experience to customers that we enjoy. Developing Diletta is a great extension of that, it lets us bring our passion for great espresso equipment to people from the ground up. Our product development team has spent years testing and evaluating machines ranging from every price point and feature. This was our chance to take a machine and rework certain features to make a machine that they have always wanted.
Josh SCG Product Lead, helped shape the Diletta line from the ground up
The Diletta Mio — Built to Learn On
The Diletta Mio was first introduced in March 2022, so it has already had a solid service life in the field. The name translates to “mine” in Italian, and we chose that name because we wanted to build a machine that owners would be passionate about. The Mio is a relatively simple machine that delivers strong performance and value, and asks its user to really learn the espresso brewing process. This is a single boiler machine, but the secondary thermoblock heating element heats water to steam temps fast and runs on its own circuit, so you can brew and steam at the same time. PID controlled temperatures are consistent and reliable, and the interface is kept simple with buttons for power, brewing, and steaming. We also need to call out the shot timer - timing your shots is an absolute must to ensure quality, and the PID display on the Mio offers a simple and effective way to do this. A side-loading water tank makes this a great machine to slide under cabinets, and there is an ounce of programmability here with this machine’s eco mode timer (which puts the machine in a low power state). You can also turn the steam heating block off if you’re an espresso-only user to further reduce power consumption.
Josh had this to say when it comes to the Mio:
A lot of what you pay for in high-end espresso machines is the extra bells and whistles like pressure profiling, shot programming, and auto-on timers. Those are cool things to have and some of our favorite machines feature them. When mapping out the strategy behind Diletta, we wanted to begin by rolling out machines that walked the line between a hands on experience and including the additional features. In that way we actually were able to keep the price of the machines down in addition to meeting our goals in terms of workflow.
Josh SCG Product Lead, helped shape the Diletta line from the ground up
The Mio is best for newer users who are still learning to brew and steam. The ideal user will either be someone who has purchased a cheap machine and is ready for the real deal, or who wants to jump into a machine that will last a long time. This machine has everything you need to brew cafe quality espresso, but the steam power is lower than what you’d find on higher end machines, which means advanced users may find the mio a bit wanting. That downside is actually a feature for new users, as it will help you avoid getting overwhelmed!
Related: Diletta Mio Espresso Machine Review
The Diletta Bello+ — Built to Grow Into
The Bello’s name translates to “handsome” in Italian, and it’s easy to see why we went with this for this machine. Designed around classic Italian espresso design principles, the Bello+ is the newest version of the machine, which launched in December 2021 originally. Built with a stainless steel case, frame, and boiler, as well as a classic E61 group head, the Bello+ delivers high-end performance and reliability in addition to its cafe-quality looks. While many of the controls are simple here (knobs for steam and hot water, a lever for brewing, and simple PID and shot timer controls), the two things that separate this machine from the Mio (outside of the interface and design) are the steaming power and the boiler configuration.
Here are some thoughts from Josh on the Bello:
The Bello has what's called a heat exchanger boiler. This means that there's actually a higher temp boiler around a smaller tube that holds the water for brewing. This allows the machine to provide steam while also pumping temperature regulated water through the brew group.
Josh SCG Product Lead, helped shape the Diletta line from the ground up
The Bello+ has many of the same features as the Mio, the shot timer and PID controlled temperatures most importantly, but it has some important upgrades as well. This machine features a heat exchanger boiler, which draws hot water through a central tube to further heat it to steam. This gives you the ability to steam milk as you pull your shot, resulting in a much faster workflow. This has practical value of course as it lowers the time it takes to make your latte or cappuccino, but it’s also just a fun skill to master. The steam power here is also much higher than on the Mio, which can be challenging for newer users to master, but it helps you to get that simultaneous workflow going. Other little niceties here include that hot water knob for americanos and a drip tray that’s a bit deeper and easier to access than on the Mio, making cleaning a bit simpler.
The Bello+ is ultimately going to be the better buy for a more advanced user that is looking for simultaneous steaming and brewing and that higher steam power. The choice is really as simple as that! It is worth noting that you aren’t required to brew and steam at the same time, so if you are a newer user with patience who wants to buy a machine that may be the only one they ever need to buy, you can certainly get started with the Bello+.
Mio vs. Bello+ at a Glance
Diletta Mio
A single boiler paired with a separate thermoblock for steam (so you can brew and steam at the same time), PID temperature control, a built-in shot timer, and a simple power/brew/steam interface. The side-loading tank tucks easily under cabinets, and the gentler steam gives you room to practice your milk texture. No hot-water outlet.
Best for beginners still learning milk texture.
Diletta Bello+
A heat exchanger boiler and classic E61 group head with PID, shot timer, programmable pre-infusion, and auto-off. You get stronger steam, a dedicated hot-water arm for americanos, and a deeper, easier-to-reach drip tray.
Best for home baristas ready for more steam power and a dedicated hot-water outlet.
What About the Diletta Alto?
What about the Alto? This machine was introduced in October 2024, and it’s also a very solid option. It shares many features with the Bello+, but does have some fit and finish upgrades. The real differences are its dual boiler configuration and flow control upgrade path. The dual boilers are independently PID controlled, so you can manually set steam and brew temperatures, and that flow control upgrade gives you even deeper shot control. You also get programmable pre-infusion, auto off timing, and upgraded paddles for easier steam control. It’s a great machine for the hobbyist, where the Mio and Bello+ offer options for newer and intermediate users.
Compare the Full Diletta Lineup
Mio, Bello+, and Alto: find the Diletta that fits where you are right now.
Shop Diletta Espresso Machines Meet the Diletta Alto →