DeLonghi Magnifica S Review: Simple but Good!

As you know, I’m a big fan of no-nonsense marketing. That’s why I love it when a manufacturer clearly states what you can expect from their coffee maker or super automatic espresso machine. This holds true, even when such expectations are deliberately set low, and in the eyes of many, expectations could hardly be lower than they are with the DeLonghi Magnifica S.

The De’Longhi Magnifica S has had a place in my super automatic espresso machine tests for years. In fact, it’s always been my benchmark device. That said, to make sure you get the most out of your machine, I’ve experimented with the settings a lot.

Why did I go to all of this trouble? Well, because it can do much more than the price tag suggests. Plus, it doesn’t pretend to be a high-tech device at all, merely focusing on what counts. Or to put it in DeLonghi’s words: “what more could coffee lovers want from their first super automatic espresso machine?”

Overview: DeLonghi Magnifica S Review

To answer DeLonghi’s question, absolutely nothing! Not even more expensive machines typically deliver on all of these specs.

However, keep in mind that the price of the DeLonghi Magnifica S has obviously forced the manufacturer to cut a few corners. With that in mind, the most important negatives for me are these:

Don’t think for a moment that I’ll classify a manual milk frothing wand as a disadvantage, else you’ll be greatly disappointed.

Though the basic premise behind super automatic espresso makers is complete laziness, I really like working with manual stream wands.

With more experience, you too will love the manual milk frothing feature, as it allows you to personalize your milk foam consistency in a way that automatic milk frothers can’t. If that doesn’t float your boat though, I recommend you take a look at my DeLonghi Dinamica Plus review.

At this point I should mention that the Italian manufacturer seems to be phasing out the Magnifica S. In fact, the machine no longer features on the DeLonghi website, although it’s very much still available on Amazon. What’s more, the Magnifica S is available for the stupidly low price of $499.95, making it an absolute steal.

Seriously, if you’re interested in this awesome machine, now’s the time to pull the trigger! 

DeLonghi Magnifica S Features

Let’s continue this DeLonghi Magnifica S review by delving into the machine’s standout features. A little later I’ll offer some guidance on getting the best out of the machine.

Size and Design

With its boxy shape and minimalist, utilitarian aesthetic, the Magnifica S is instantly recognizable as a DeLonghi machine.

Let’s face it, no one could accuse the Italian manufacturer of producing beautiful espresso machines. They leave that to Jura. However, there is something to be said for the low-key vibe of the DeLonghi Magnifica S. I mean, it’s going to fit seamlessly with pretty much any kitchen style.

What’s more, this is a very compact machine, soi you won’t need a ton of extra counter space. Incidentally, I should mention that the 60.9-ounce (1.8-liter) water tank is side-mounted. That’s a real bonus, especially if you have overhead cabinets in your kitchen.

As I mentioned, the DeLonghi Magnifica S is pretty much a study in how to use plastic for everything. Still, considering the machine’s absurdly low price, you can’t really expect more.

User Interface

Just like how a manual milk frothing wand can be less attractive to some, a super automatic espresso machine without a display can be unappealing as well. After all, how are you supposed to adjust all of the settings with ease if they’re buried under combinations of buttons? It can feel a bit like trying to break the code to get out of an escape room challenge!

The reality is, if you want to adjust the amount of coffee that flows into your cup or the temperature, you’ll have to invest a little time and get to know the machine. However, I think that’s how it should be for an entry-level model. After all, once you’re an expert on the Magnifica S, you’ll be able to set up other DeLonghi espresso machines with ease.

If you happen to be one of those people who hates instruction manuals, you might want to at least throw this one in a drawer. That way, you can refer to it while your spouse or roommates aren’t looking.

Take the steps to set the temperature up or down, for example. The manual says to turn the machine off, but leave the power switch on and then press a series of icons and buttons in a certain order. Good luck feeling your way through that one without the manual!

Although this complex of a procedure is common for many other coffee machines and super automatic espresso machines, it always makes beginners want to pull their hair out. That’s why it’s worth saving the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 user manual as a PDF on your smartphone or tablet – especially in the beginning.

Conical Burr Grinder

Having 13 grind levels to choose from on an entry-level model is normal for DeLonghi, but it’s certainly not common in this price range. Unfortunately, the two finest levels will be of little use to you, as the grinder gets overwhelmed and tends to jam.

The pump also apparently fails to generate the necessary water pressure to force the liquid through the compressed coffee puck and extract a perfect espresso. That’s why the Magnifica S saves itself by saying that the other 11 levels are more than sufficient. Though the finest usable setting obviously corresponds to the machine’s actual parameters, as always, you can make these settings directly on the wheel in the bean compartment.

Plus, don’t forget that you can only adjust the wheel during operation so that the grinder engages. You’ll also need to keep in mind that the changes won’t be apparent until you’ve prepared a couple of coffees.

By the way, when it comes to noise levels, what you’ll hear from the DeLonghi Magnifica S is normal for a stainless steel grinder – and certainly quieter than the roar of the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300.

Milk Foam

As a former barista, I usually prefer a manual steam wand over an automatic milk frothing system with hoses, nozzles and preset consistency. That’s because nothing could be better for your latte macchiato or that trendy flat white than hand-frothed milk. With the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110, you have full creative control over:

In other words, everything that really matters! In addition, the steam wand is easy to clean. All you have to do is open it briefly before and after frothing to release the steam and rinse the milk residue from the nozzles. Then, wipe it down with a dedicated damp towel, and you’re done.

Yes, I know, manual milk frothing is annoying because it takes a lot of practice to get it right. Still, once you’ve got the hang of it, you can froth up cocoa or matcha lattes directly in the milk jug, or even start some other adventurous experiments.

However, I do want to say that the steam pressure of the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 is nowhere near what you’ll get from a decent home espresso machine. Then again, beginners don’t have anything to compare it to, so you can approach the features of your super automatic espresso machine with an open mind … which ensures better results!

Specialty Drinks

Unlike some super automatics that come fully loaded with an endless menu of specialty drinks, the DeLonghi Magnifica S keeps things simple.

Essentially, this machine offers you a few options for espresso, including single, double and lungo. Besides, seeing as you’re using a manual steam wand, you’re free to create whichever specialty drink tickles your fancy. Plus, you can tailor it to your preferences without relying on the machine. I’d call that a win-win situation!

Coffee strength Dial

In my opinion, the prominent coffee strength dial is one of the most outstanding features of this affordable fully automatic coffee machine.

You have the option to adjust the coffee strength continuously with the dial – that is, to use more or less coffee grinds to achieve the strength of coffee you’re going for while brewing.

Many other models don’t offer nearly this much freedom of choice. For example the Philips 3200 LatteGo super automatic espresso machine only offers three aroma strength settings.

Cup Height

For such a compact machine, the DeLonghi Magnifica S offers a surprising amount of headroom for brewing into taller latte cups. With that said, 5.5 inches (14 centimeters) might be kind of limiting if you like to brew directly into a travel coffee mug.

On the other hand, the minimum spout height of 2.7 inches (6.9 centimeters) is ideal for brewing into espresso cups. By moving the dispensing spout all the way down, you’ll prevent annoying splashes and preserve the espresso’s lovely coffee crema.

The DeLonghi Magnifica S in Use

Like the grinder issue mentioned above, the other espresso settings that come preset on the De’Longhi Magnifica S are wrong – or at least not optimal by barista standards. That said, once adjusted properly, the components mesh so well together that you can brew a very convincing espresso.

The minimum volume is 0.85 ounces (25 milliliters), which is wonderful for a single shot of espresso. I also tested the Magnifica with 1.35 ounces – the preset – as the basis for a double shot. This required me to adjust the amount of coffee grounds as well as the temperature.

Speaking of coffee grinds: it’s still a bad habit for manufacturers to equip their super automatic coffee machines with a pre-ground coffee compartment – in case you ever run out of beans. As you know, I don’t think much of this feature and, therefore, avoid mentioning it.

Since we’re talking about an entry-level machine though, here’s my opinion on the matter: use only freshly roasted coffee beans from small, independent roasters. That way, you get the best flavor and ensure that industrial roasters gradually lose their grip on the market.

If you want a caffè lungo – that is, a longer extracted espresso with more water – there’s also a button for that. You should save that one. For the best taste, I always recommend an americano – a properly extracted espresso that you top off with hot water afterward. It’s super nice that a hot-water function is built-in to help with such operations.

While this means additional work, it’s worth it for good beans and an excellent aroma that’ll pull you out of bed in the morning.

Best Coffee Beans for DeLonghi Magnifica S

DeLonghi Magnifica S Cleaning

It should be obvious by now that I think the DeLonghi Magnifica S is a very well-thought-out super automatic coffee machine that focuses on simplicity in all the right places. Cleaning is definitely one of those places.

The DeLonghi Magnifica S makes cleaning very easy. For starters, there’s a built-in water filter, which at least keeps the problem of limescale buildup at bay for a while. There’s also a mandatory cleaning program designed to be foolproof. That said, a cleaning tablet and a few online tutorials will usually get the job done in no time.

You’ll be happy to hear that you can easily remove the brew group of the DeLonghi Magnifica S. Just rinse it under running water after each day of use. To do so, simply open the flap behind the water tank and remove the component while the machine is idle.

You should clean the water reservoir, grounds container and drip tray daily. Either by hand or in a dishwasher will do just fine, at least initially. However, keep in mind that plastic and dishwashers aren’t the best of friends in the long run.

Using mild dish soap to hand wash the drip tray and grounds container will work nicely. However, I’d avoid using dish soap on the water reservoir unless you want your coffee or milk froth to taste like soap. No one wants that!

Removing the coffee grounds container and drip tray is very easy to do, as it can be done without having to move or turn the machine. Both parts are quite small, which means you’ll have to empty and rinse them more frequently anyway. That’s a good thing though! I don’t want to know how rarely I might empty the garbage can if it was never full.

Descaling

Just because there’s a water filter doesn’t mean you can save yourself the trouble of descaling the DeLonghi Magnifica S. With a few exceptions, limescale in water is a pretty common occurrence worldwide. That’s why it’s important to program the water hardness of the machine at the very beginning. This setting determines how often it will present a descale notification.

For the exact sequence of descaling, I recommend you refer back to the instruction manual or check out DeLonghi’s instructional video on descaling a Magnifica S. On average, you need to plan on descaling the machine once a month – which should be perfectly doable.

DeLonghi Magnifica S Technical Specifications

DeLonghi Magnifica S vs Other Super Automatics

Let’s take a look at how the DeLonghi Magnifica S measures up in comparison to a couple of other popular super automatics.

DeLonghi Magnifica S vs Magnifca Evo

As I mentioned earlier, DeLonghi has recently released a shiny new model that’s now the flagship Magnifica machine. The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo essentially takes everything that’s great about the older models and adds a little more functionality and pizazz.

Costing $698.99, the Magnifica Evo requires a more substantial financial investment, but what you get definitely makes this machine worth the money.

For starters, the user interface is about as easy to navigate as it gets. Everything you need is right there, including color drink icons and soft touch buttons for making adjustments.

What’s more, the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo features a wonderful automatic milk frother that’ll provide milk foam on-demand. Plus, the integrated milk flask can easily be removed for cleaning.

Sure, I didn’t feel like the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo had revolutionized the world of automatic espresso makers during my testing. However, as an upgrade to older machines like the Magnifica S, it feels like a great leap forward.

See Also: DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Review

DeLonghi Magnifica S vs Gaggia Brera

I was actually very impressed by the Gaggia Brera during my review of the Italian espresso machine. Another compact and affordable super automatic, the Gaggia Brera is easy to use and capable of producing very good espresso. However, I found the manual steam wand to be way too flimsy, and the machine’s overall build quality isn’t the best.

Costing $480.03, the Gaggia Brera is a good deal more expensive than the DeLonghi Magnifica S. That said, it’s often on sale for much less.

While the Gaggia Brera’s user interface is certainly more intuitive than that of the Magnifica S, there are only three strength settings to choose from. Plus, the Gaggia’s ceramic grinder only offers five adjustment settings.

Overall, I’d say the DeLonghi Magnifica S represents much better value than the Gaggia Brera. Then again, I really enjoyed the espresso from both machines.

See Also: Gaggia Brera Review

DeLonghi Magnifica S vs Others Comparison Chart

Verdict: DeLonghi Magnifica S Review

As I mentioned at the start of this DeLonghi Magnifica S review, I never tire of this workhorse machine and rate it most highly. In spite of its ugly plastic housing, the Magnifica S offers aton of useful functionality and produces very good espresso.

And let’s not forget that the DeLonghi Magnifica S represents incredible value for money. Plus, you aren’t going to buy this machine and then want to upgrade in a few months. Rather, you’ll count yourself lucky that you didn’t empty your bank account to buy a big flashy touchscreen model!