DECENT ESPRESSO DE1PRO REVIEW: REINVENTING PROSUMER ESPRESSO

It’s not often a product comes along and carves its own niche in the market.

Once upon a time, John Buckman found himself drinking too much bad coffee. “Alas,” he said, “why is it so hard to find a decent espresso?” And from that, a company was born. 

The founder of Decent took a different tack from all other manufacturers. He decided to use technology rather than tradition to create the easiest and most reliable way to make a perfect espresso.

Did his gamble pay off? Read this Decent Espresso DE1 Pro review to find out.

A Full Review of the Decent DE1 Pro

There are three Decent models: the DE1Pro, the DE1XL, and the DE1XXL. I’m reviewing the DE1 Pro because it is the most affordable of the bunch, and the model clearly targeting home users. Initially, this was the DE1+, but Decent discontinued it as the brand evolved (1). I have thoughts on that, which I’ll expand on later.

Thanks to its operating system, a Decent espresso machine can do things others can’t, including commercial and prosumer machines that far exceed its price. What I wanted to find out was whether these were valuable features or just marketable gimmicks.

How I Rated It

• Brewing Capability
• User Friendliness
• Milk Frothing
• Build Quality
• Value For Money

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What’s So Special About The Decent DE1Pro?

Every time I review a new espresso machine, I like to point out what makes it different from the competition. For the most part, these are small things, as espresso technology has stayed fairly consistent over the years. After all, we still rely heavily on the E61 group invented in 1961.

Then, along came the Decent. Explaining how it differs from the best prosumer espresso machines on the market will probably take up most of this review. It’s simply a new category.

Software Over Hardware

The idea of a Decent espresso machine is to use software to pull a shot of espresso rather than manual manipulation of levers. As a result, you get much more precise control over all parameters, not to mention impeccable reproducibility. The trade-off is you lose the more tactile, hands-on feel of using a manual lever, E61 group head, or flow control paddle.

You can program the Decent DE1 Pro with a flow profile or pressure profile – features becoming increasingly common in espresso machines at this price (2). But you can also do more unusual things, like programming a temperature profile. There are even low-pressure profiles for brewing pour-overs.

Just as exciting, you can monitor temperature and pressure data as the shot progresses. This is priceless information to understand the nuts and bolts of a perfect espresso. This is a data junkie’s dream machine. No more watching the needle on a tiny pressure gauge to see if your puck prep is on point. And once you pull the ideal shot, you know exactly how to pull it again and again.

The DE1 Pro comes preloaded with pressure profiles designed to mimic the operation of popular espresso machines. You can pull an espresso like a Slayer, a manual lever machine, an E61 group machine, or the best La Marzocco espresso machines. Or you can use the touch screen to adjust the flow rate or pressure on the fly. It’s like having every kind of espresso machine all wrapped up in one.

Most premium espresso makers offer an automatic or programmable preinfusion time. But the Decent DE1 Pro takes it one step further. Knowing that different coffees require different preinfusion times, it detects when the puck is saturated and then automatically ramps up pressure to start the shot.

Other Non-Coffee Drinks

Are you a tea drinker? Or are you trying to convince your tea-loving spouse to let you buy this machine? You’ll be happy to hear it also comes preloaded with special profiles for brewing different teas. In fact, the temperature is adjustable through an enormous range – 20 to 105°C (68 to 221 ℉) – allowing you to properly extract all manner of aromatics.

No Boiler? No Boiler!

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The Decent DE1 Pro doesn’t have a boiler. You read that right. 

Instead, it uses proprietary technology to achieve highly stable brew temperatures. But you won’t be able to pull a shot and steam milk simultaneously, which many users will take exception to at this price point. However, this isn’t exactly like using a single boiler dual-use machine because you can switch between brewing and steaming with virtually no wait time.

Using The DE1Pro: Software Instead Of Hardware

Decent DE1 Pro is probably the most foolproof high-end espresso machine I’ve tested, provided you’re reasonably adept with technology. The software control leaves far less room for human error. That said, you still need to dial in the grind size and properly prepare the coffee puck in the portafilter. This is not a super-automatic machine.

The software is very straightforward. It even has a “teaching mode,” which I highly recommend engaging if you want to get the most from this machine. John Buckman, the founder of Decent Espresso, says one of his aims in the design was to use software to mimic the mentoring experience (3).

While just about anyone can get a great espresso from a Decent espresso machine, there is no denying that lovers of software, programming, data analysis, and small details will truly exploit this machine to its fullest. 

I love that the software is entirely open source – something increasingly rare in this era of protectionism and fierce competition – and there is an ever-growing and enthusiastic community of Decent users always adding updates, new recipes, and even programming whole apps. It’s easy to download software updates as they’re released, so you don’t need to worry about your new machine quickly going out of date.

If you don’t want to mess around with the Android tablet, the Decent coffee maker can be operated with buttons, in which case it will run a standard recipe like any good espresso machine. But if that’s all you want, you needn’t spend your money on a Decent unless you especially like the aesthetic.

Automatic Volumetric (Or Gravimetric) Dosing

The Decent DE1 Pro is classified as an automatic espresso machine, meaning that once you start the shot, the machine takes over. It uses volumetric dosing by default; the shot stops automatically once a set volume of water has passed through the group head. 

However, you also have the option of gravimetric dosing by integrating a smart coffee scale. Many top brands are compatible and can connect to the DE1 Pro via Bluetooth. In this case, the shot stops automatically when it reaches a specific espresso weight. This is a more accurate system usually only found on expensive commercial models, like the La Marzocco Strada.

There is also an option for timed dosing, but I’m not sure in what context it would be useful. I suspect it was just a very easy feature for them to program.

Super Fast Heat-Up

This is one of the main selling points of the Decent’s unique design. I timed it at less than 5 minutes for it to heat up to be ready to brew or steam. By the time I have my accessories out and my coffee ground, it’s waiting for me. It’s easily five times faster than a comparable E61 machine.

The Decent relies on a water-mixing technology to achieve its brew temperature. This proprietary system allows you to brew and steam back to back, pull consecutive shots at different temperatures, and take advantage of temperature profiling during a shot. All of this is unique to the brand.

The Pump

I would be remiss not to mention what I found to be the worst part of the whole user experience – the noise. The vibration pump in this machine is both loud and unruly. It makes a sort of steady thunking that is far from pleasant first thing in the morning.

Every espresso machine with a vibe pump is noisy, so I understand that this is a necessary evil. But this machine is probably one of the worst offenders I’ve experienced. I hear that Decent is releasing a brand-new model for 2025, the Bengel, which is being touted as much quieter. I suspect they have gotten noise complaints from many users.

Easy To Clean And Maintain, But…

Generally, all prosumer espresso machines are created equal when it comes to cleaning, but as I said before, the Decent is unique. Without a boiler or standard E61 group head, a lot of the regular cleaning and maintenance isn’t needed – no backflushing, no lubricating of gaskets, no worrying about the build-up scale in the boiler. Every removable component, including the water tank, is dishwasher safe.

The downside to the unusual design of the Decent is that if something goes wrong, you will likely have to ship it for repair. More traditional espresso machine technicians won’t have the expertise to deal with this software-based machine. There are a growing number of Decent service centers – in the USA, Australia, Canada, Korea, China, and Hong Kong – but it will still be an ordeal.

Shipping hassles aside, I have had universally positive experiences in any dealings with Decent customer service. 

Milk Steaming Is Slow But Fantastic

I had low expectations for milk frothing with the Decent. The fancy software makes a lot of sense for pulling elaborate espresso shots, but can you really steam milk properly without a boiler?

As it turns out, yes. The DE1 Pro performed way better than I anticipated. For their frothing system and steam wand, the team at Decent has adopted the same strategy of using advanced technology rather than traditional design.

Most notably, the steam is very dry due to being heated with far more energy. Drier steam means less dilution of the milk with water, ensuring perfect silky smooth microfoam for your lattes and other espresso drinks. 

You can use software to slow down or speed up steaming by adjusting the flow rate in the app, but I will say that the Decent steams a little slower than others in its price bracket. It took me about 45 seconds to steam 8 ounces of milk for a latte – about 50% slower than something like the ECM Synchronika, for example. Personally, I didn’t find it a hardship, though I could see it adding up in a commercial setting.

Hot Water Gets Its Due

You can use the tablet to customize the hot water tap by setting both the temperature and volume of hot water delivered. The ability to set a specific water temperature is a feature rarely seen, even on top espresso machines, but it should be more common. An Americano and a green tea don’t succeed at the same temperature (4).

Sleek Design, Bombproof Build

The Decent DE1 Pro doesn’t have the same chrome box aesthetic as many prosumer models. At first glance, it actually reminded me of the friendly appeal of a Breville. But don’t be fooled; it is every bit as high quality as those shiny metal machines – or in some ways even better. 

The chassis is all metal, and both the water tank and drip tray are made from glazed porcelain, a nice upgrade from plastic. Since the release of the original Decent espresso machines, the internal components have all been upgraded. The DE1 Pro is certified for commercial use and rated for 200,000 shots.

The Decent coffee maker remains lightweight and compact compared to most prosumer models, and I’m a big fan of its sleek, modern style – though traditionalists may disagree. It fits more seamlessly into a domestic kitchen than the average steel behemoth, and it’s now available in four colors. There’s the original matte black, a vibrant blue or green, and a wild clear case that computer geeks and avid gamers will immediately recognize.

The DE1Pro weighs just 30 pounds and measures 12.6 inches tall (or 16.5 inches with the tablet installed) by 14.5 inches deep by 9 inches wide. This small size and light weight, made possible by the absence of a boiler, make it one of the most portable prosumer espresso machines. Each one comes with a custom wheeled suitcase, perfect for catering jobs or a coffee cart.

Is The Decent DE1 Pro Worth Its Price?

This is the real question to address in 2025. When the original Decent DE1 was released in 2018, affordability was part of the mandate. I believe it was priced somewhere in the vicinity of $1000 – a remarkable value. Then reality (and a pandemic) set it, and the team at Decent was forced to raise prices to keep the lights on.

The Decent DE1Pro currently runs around $3700, which is probably a more honest reflection of its capabilities. Is it still good value? Yes, if this is the style of machine you want. It has literally no competition; you’re a captive audience. But can you spend less money and still enjoy spectacular espresso shots and milk-based drinks? Also, yes. 

Don’t Buy the Decent DE1 Pro If…

• You want something more traditional: If you want the more tactile experience of a classic espresso machine and aren’t interested in graphs, software, and profiles, check out the ECM espresso machine models. The top-of-the-line dual boiler Synchronika, with optional flow-control add-on, is priced similarly to the DE1 Pro but offers a very different user experience.
• You want something more affordable: If flow profiling is a priority, consider the top-rated Lelit espresso machines. The Lelit Bianca has built-in flow control and is about two-thirds the Decent price. Alternatively, for a similarly user-friendly experience, I’d steer you toward the often-overlooked Breville Dual Boiler.
• You’re looking for a larger-scale commercial machine: Decent machines are rated for commercial use, but in a busy cafe, you will need more than one to meet demand – even if you go with the DE1XXL. For a more traditional multi-group design that still packs a high-tech punch, Slayer Espresso is the one to beat.

The Verdict

The Decent DE1Pro is a fun espresso machine, and the nerdier you are – about espresso, data, and programming – the more fun you will find it. I spent days exploring the various features and options, and I’m confident I just scratched the surface.

If you like to tinker with your espresso, there is no other machine (at any price point!) that gives you the options you have with the DE1 Pro. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more traditional espresso machine experience, your money could be better spent elsewhere.