DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next Review: A Compact and Powerful Machine

In today’s DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next review I’ll be taking a look at one of the manufacturer’s latest fully automatic espresso machines.

As it happens, DeLonghi has been churning out new super automatics like there’s no tomorrow, making it hard for me to keep up! So, I haven’t yet had a chance to get my hands on the Magnifica Evo Next. Still, I figured it’d be a good idea to give you my first impressions while I’m waiting for the machine to arrive.

And once I’ve put the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next through its paces, I’ll be sure to update this review with my experiences using the thing.

Overview: DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next Review

The best DeLonghi espresso machines have always been really popular here at Coffeeness. In fact, the evergreen DeLonghi Dinamica Plus has long kept its “Best Overall” status in my best super automatic espresso machine guide.

Still, I have to wonder why the Italian manufacturer feels the need to flood the market with so many variations on a theme. After all, with the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo and Magnifica Plus already selling like hot cakes, does the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next really need to exist?

Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to compare all these machines later in this DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next review. However, before we get there, I’ll try to offer a fair and balanced assessment of the machine.

So, what are we dealing with here? Well, the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next is a compact fully automatic espresso machine that offers everything you’d expect, including a generous menu of one-touch specialty drinks and a sophisticated automatic milk frother.

What’s more, the Magnifica Evo Next is reasonably priced at $799.95, making it way more affordable than competitor machines from Jura and Miele.

While the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next doesn’t offer any kind of app functionality, it does bring three user profiles to the table. Plus, the Italians have included a gorgeous high-resolution color display surrounded by soft touch buttons.

Of course, the proof will be in the pudding, or rather the latte macchiato. Then again, I’ve tested enough DeLonghi super automatics to know that this baby will produce very convincing espresso and milk foam.

DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next Features

Now that we have a clearer picture of what we’re looking at, let’s continue this DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next review by taking a closer look at its standout features.

Size and Design

The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next features the classic design language I’ve come to expect from the manufacturer. In other words, this fully automatic machine is boxy and understated. It isn’t as alluring as a Jura coffee machine, but it’s far from unattractive.

As for construction materials, you won’t be surprised to hear that we’re dealing with a mostly plastic appliance. However, there are a few tasteful stainless steel accents to elevate the machine’s vibe somewhat.

What I especially appreciate is that the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next is compact and well thought-out. Case in point: The integrated milk carafe suits snugly next to the moveable dispensing spouts with no dead space whatsoever.

I should also make special mention of the large user interface, which is angled upward for easy viewing. Oh, and despite its relatively small footprint, the Magnifica Evo Next still manages to rock an 8.8-ounce (250-gram) bean hopper and 70-ounce (1.8-liter) front-loading water tank.

Magnifica Evo Next Display

As I mentioned earlier, the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next features a high-resolution TFT color display. The screen itself isn’t huge, but it’s surrounded by pretty color drink icons, all of which are actually soft touch buttons. What’s more, there are a few buttons for navigating the various menus and changing settings.

All in all, this DeLonghi user interface looks to be intuitive and easy to figure out, which doesn’t come as any surprise to me. In fact, I kind of prefer a user interface like this to a touchscreen display. After all, in my experience, touchscreens on coffee makers are usually rather laggy, and they end up covered with coffee smudges and sticky fingerprints.

DeLonghi Grinder

A stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 adjustment settings comes as standard in DeLonghi super automatic espresso machines.

I’ve used this grinder many times and I’ve always felt like I have enough room to maneuver when I’m dialing in my espresso. With that said, I’d recommend avoiding the finest setting, seeing as the brew group could get clogged. Oh, and speaking of clogs, avoid choosing coffee beans that are really dark and oily. That could cause a nasty blockage in the machine’s brew group.

Getting back to the grinder, you’ll find a handy adjustment dial in the bean hopper. Just remember to only make grind setting changes when the grinder is running. Incidentally, you’ll also find the bypass doser in here, which is for using pre ground coffee. And while I usually ignore this feature, it can come in handy when you want to make a decaf coffee.

One-Touch Drinks

DeLonghi proudly claims that the Magnifica Evo Next offers 13 one-touch recipes. However, the list includes hot water as well as a bunch of silly drinks like Doppio+ and Cappuccino+.

To be honest, I’m getting a little tired of cynical marketing rubbish like this. I mean, what customers really want is a machine that makes great espresso and a couple of different milk-based specialties. No one really cares about made-up drinks or the latest exotic-sounding iced coffee concoction. They might try them once, but I’d wager that most folks end up falling back on the classics like cappuccino and espresso macchiato.

Anyway, what’s more important is that you’re able to adjust a bunch of settings via the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next menu. So, you can adjust the strength, size and temperature of your preferred drink. That way, you can get what you really want and then call it whatever you’d like!

LatteCrema Milk Frother

I’ve always loved the DeLonghi LatteCrema milk system. The removable milk carafe clicks satisfyingly into the front of the machine and when it’s not in use you can store it in the fridge.

Sure, the milk foam isn’t going to blow your mind, but it’s perfectly decent. Then again, it’s hard to complain when you can literally make a cappuccino at the push of a button.

The 9.5-ounce (281-milliliter) capacity milk carafe has handy level markers on the side, as well as a moveable dispensing spout. This makes it really easy to make drinks without milk splashing everywhere.

Finally, the Magnifica Evo Next will let you know when the milk system needs rinsing, which is a quick and easy process.

User Profiles

I simply have to make special mention of the fact that the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next comes with three user profiles. Seriously, that’s very impressive for a machine at this price point.

Anyway, this level of functionality makes the Magnifica Evo Next ideal for coffee-loving families. You can play around with drink settings to your heart’s content, then save them for next time. And seeing as everyone has their own profile, you won’t have to worry about anyone ruining your carefully curated espresso parameters.

I should also mention the “MY” button, which lets you make changes to a drink “on the fly” and then save them in your profile. That’s pretty cool!

DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next Brew Group

The DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next is equipped with a removable brew group located behind the water tank.

As I’m sure you’ve heard me say before, the brew group is the heart of your fully automatic espresso machine. It’s where all the magic happens, so treat it as you would your firstborn child.

OK, that was taking things too far, but you really should take good care of the removable brew group by thoroughly rinsing it on a regular basis. That way, you’ll make both the machine and your tastebuds happy!

How to Use the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next

As I mentioned at the start of this DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next review, I haven’t tested the machine yet, so I can’t pass judgement on its performance. However, I can give you a quick rundown on how to get started with this fully automatic espresso machine.

Once you’ve unboxed your new machine, make sure to thoroughly rinse the water reservoir and LatteCrema milk system. Once that’s done, install the included water filter as per the manufacturer’s instructions then add cold water. Oh, and don’t forget to fill the hopper with the very best espresso beans!

Once you’ve plugged the machine in and switched it on, the Magnifica Evo Next will guide you through a short setup, which will include entering your water hardness. There’ll also be some rinsing and flushing to take care of.

Now it’s time to make your first coffee. Trust me, doing so with the Magnifica Evo Next will be a piece of cake. In fact, you probably won’t even need to consult the user manual.

Having tested this machine’s siblings, I can recommend that you set the grinder to the third finest setting for espresso and reduce the shot volume to 1.4 ounces (40 milliliters). As for coffee, reduce the volume to 4 ounces (120 milliliters).

Feel free to experiment with temperature and strength settings until you find your personal sweet spot. There are plenty of settings to choose from, so a little trial and error will go a long way.

Finally, using the LatteCrema milk system is a breeze. Simply add cold milk to the carafe and plug it into the machine. From there, you can tweak the milk settings on the control panel.

Magnifica Evo Next Cleaning

I’m well aware that coffee maker cleaning isn’t the most interesting of subjects, so I won’t spend much time discussing it in this DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next review. Still, it is important to know what you’ll be getting into, right?

Fortunately, there isn’t much to tell, seeing as the Italian manufacturer makes it really easy on you. As I mentioned earlier, the machine will perform a quick rinse of the milk system after each use. Still, I’d recommend taking the whole thing apart for deeper cleaning every couple of days.

As for other regular tasks, you can easily remove the drip tray, waste container and brew group for rinsing. Oh, and make sure the brew group has fully dried before putting it back!

I do recommend using a water filter in the reservoir – that’ll definitely make your espresso taste better. However, don’t think it gets you off the descaling hook. You’ll still need to perform this deep cleaning task every so often. It’ll take around half an hour and you’ll need to use DeLonghi descaler so as not to void your warranty.

DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next Specifications

DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next vs Other Fully Automatic Espresso Machines

As you already know, DeLonghi has amassed quite an extensive lineup of Magnifica machines. Let’s see how the new DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next measures up in comparison to a couple of its closest siblings.

DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next vs Evo

I tested out the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo when it was first released, and found it to be rather uninspiring. With that said, at just $561.99, this entry-level super automatic represents exceptional value for money.

Although the Magnifica Evo is very similar to the Magnifica Evo Next, it doesn’t offer user profiles. What’s more, its specialty drink menu is more limited and you won’t get the same level of drink customization. Then again, it does have the same grinder with 13 adjustment settings.

Ultimately, the Magnifica Evo Next is a better and more sophisticated fully automatic machine. However, if money is tight, the Magnifica Evo is definitely worth considering.

See Also: DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Review

DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next vs Plus

Now we come to the new star of the Magnifica range, the DeLonghi Magnifica Plus. Costing $1,020.99, this awesome machine takes things to the next level, with four user profiles and an improved LatteCrema milk system with different froth settings.

The Magnifica Plus also features a color touchscreen display, rather than a screen with buttons. To top it all off, the DeLonghi Magnifica Plus has an 18-drink menu, with iced coffee options as well as cortado coffee and latte options.

Obviously you’re getting what you pay for with the DeLonghi Magnifica Plus – it’s the top-of-the-line machine in its range. However, the Magnifica Evo Next comes a close second.

See Also: DeLonghi Magnifica Plus Review

DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next vs Others Comparison Chart

Verdict: DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next Review

At the start of this DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Next review I wondered whether this machine was even necessary. Well, I’m not sure whether I’ve decided one way or the other. Still, I can see how it fits into the Magnifica range of machines. It offers substantially more than the Magnifica Evo, while not quite reaching the heights of the Magnifica Plus.

At the end of the day, DeLonghi has, yet again, produced a really good fully automatic coffee machine that doesn’t cost the earth. One that sits beside a whole bunch of other affordable and good machines!

So, can I recommend this machine? Well, not having tested it out I can’t yet say. However, it promises to deliver the goods and then some. So, stay tuned – I’ll update this initial review as soon as I have some test results to share.