In today’s DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart review I’ll be focusing on an older fully automatic machine that’s now been discontinued. Why would I do that? Well, because it just so happens that the Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart is still available on Amazon. What’s more, this machine is priced so reasonably that I simply had to test it out for you.
So, is the DeLonghi ECAM23270S worth buying, or should you spend a little more (or a little less) on a different super automatic espresso machine? Keep reading to find out!
DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart
Easy to use & definitely worth buying
Compact and stylish
Great value
Very easy to use
Good espresso and milk foam
Limited customization options
Lots of plastic
| DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart | |
| Manufacturer | De’Longhi |
|---|---|
| Model number | ECAM23270S |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color options | Silver |
| Milk frother | Integrated carafe |
| User interface | Buttons and dials |
| App | |
| User profiles | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.6 in / 14.2 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.2 in / 8.1 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 13 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 8.8 oz / 250.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 14 |
| Specialty drinks | 5 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| Adjustable milk temperature | |
| 2-cup function | No |
| Pot function | |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1450 W |
| Weight | 9.0 lb / 4.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 9.4 x 16.9 in |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, water filter, cleaning brush, coffee scoop, descaled |
| Current price on Amazon | BUY NOW ON AMAZON |
| All specifications | |
Table of Contents
Overview: DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart Review
Coffeeness Medium Roast Espresso
Well-balanced with chocolate & hazelnut notes
Freshly roasted in Brooklyn
Very low acidity
Regular Coffeeness readers already know how much I love DeLonghi’s Magnifica series. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that the enduring DeLonghi Magnifica S is one of the best fully automatic espresso machines of all time. Heck, it isn’t flashy by any means, but it costs next to nothing and produces exceptional espresso. That’s why I still use it as a benchmark when I’m testing other machines in the Coffeeness kitchen.
More recently, DeLonghi has expanded the Magnifica series, adding more modern models like the DeLonghi Magnifica Plus and the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo.
Interestingly enough, the DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart is somewhat of a footnote. Although this machine was very popular upon its release, it quickly faded, to be replaced by the aforementioned machines. Still, the ECAM23270S has a lot to recommend it, especially given its reasonable $N/A asking price.
You’ll find everything you’d expect from a DeLonghi espresso machine, including a conical burr grinder with 13 adjustment levels, a compact footprint and an intuitive user interface. Plus, the Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart comes with an early version of the manufacturer’s awesome LatteCrema automatic milk system.
I should point out that the ECAM23270S doesn’t offer the customization options that impressed me when I reviewed other Magnifica machines. But at the end of the day, if it can produce good espresso and milk foam without any fuss, that’s all that really matters. In other words, those looking for a reliable and affordable machine may want to keep reading this review!
DeLonghi ECAM23270S Features
As we’ve already established, the DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart is a simple and straightforward coffee maker. Still, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look at a few of the machine’s most notable features. Let’s do this!
Construction and Design
Given that the ECAM23270S is a few years old, it looks surprisingly modern. Sure, it doesn’t boast the alluring design of a Jura coffee machine. But it will look pretty good sitting on your kitchen counter.
Speaking of, the DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart is nice and compact, rising to just 13.4 inches (34 centimeters) and with a depth of 16.9 inches (43 centimeters). In other words, you shouldn’t have any problems finding space for the machine, and overhead cabinets probably won’t be an issue.
I particularly appreciate the fact that the 61-ounce (1.8-liter) water reservoir slides out from the front of the machine. This makes it really easy to refill the thing without having to move the coffee maker. Elsewhere, there’s a generous drip tray with a stainless steel grille and moveable spouts offering plenty of headroom for larger latte glasses.
Of course, the DeLonghi ECAM23270S is made almost exclusively of plastic, but that’s to be expected from a budget-friendly espresso machine. Besides, clocking in at 9 pounds (4.1 kilograms), this Magnifica model feels very substantial, and all parts fit together seamlessly.
User Interface
At this point, it’s almost a given that a new fully automatic espresso machine will feature a flashy touchscreen interface with beautiful color drink icons. However, it’s worth remembering that this kind of control panel isn’t essential and in no way guarantees a better cup of coffee.
Personally, I like this DeLonghi machine’s simple user interface. There’s a chunky drink selection dial surrounded by clearly labeled buttons, as well as icons that light up to show the drink you’ve selected or something that needs to be taken care of. Ultimately, I don’t think you’ll need to consult the user manual unless an alert icon lights up. And you’ll soon learn to recognize the difference between the “fill water tank” and “empty grounds container” lights.
As for the specialty drinks on offer, there’s espresso, lungo, coffee, latte macchiato and cappuccino. Oh, and the machine dispenses hot water, so it’s easy to whip up an americano.
As I mentioned earlier, there are very few customization options. Sure, you can choose from three strength settings, but there’s no way to adjust coffee temperature or volume, and the strength dial that makes the Magnifica S so successful is absent. But don’t despair! The Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart actually makes fantastic espresso and milk foam. I’ll tell you more a little later.
Grinder
I’ve become accustomed to finding a stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 adjustment settings in DeLonghi machines. Still, it’s worth pointing out that this is far superior to what you’ll find in most fully automatic machines at this price point. Sure, the grinder tends to jam at its finest settings, but from the third-finest level upward, it performs like a champ.
As for noise levels, I can’t really complain about the slightly annoying whine the machine produces when it’s grinding beans. Again, this is to be expected from an affordable espresso machine.
The DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart is equipped with an 8.8-ounce (250-gram) bean container with a nice airtight lid. Inside, you’ll find the grind adjustment dial, and there’s also a bypass chute for ground coffee. I guess that could come in useful if you want to prepare the odd decaf coffee.
LatteCrema Milk System
The LatteCrema milk system is one of the best automatic frothers around. DeLonghi has made improvements to the LatteCrema system over the years, with some machines now offering things like adjustable foam and volume. However, seeing as this is an older iteration, it’s fairly basic.
That’s not to say that the Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart’s milk system doesn’t deliver, though. As it happens, the ECAM23270S produces luxurious milk foam that’s hot enough to satisfy just about anyone. What’s more, the system is supremely easy to use and keep clean – it’s simply a case of removing the hot water spout, clipping on the carafe and placing a cup under the spouts. And once you’re done, the machine will prompt you to turn the dial to the “clean” setting for rinsing.
The DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart in Use
When I tell you that the DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart is easy to set up out of the box, I really mean it. Sure, you’ll need to thoroughly rinse the water tank and latteCrema system first, but once that’s done, you’re good to go. With that said, it does take a few coffees before the machine is properly “seasoned.” So, I’d recommend using some cheaper coffee beans first.
Anyway, once the ECAM23270S is powered up, it’ll perform a quick rinse and spend a few seconds heating up. Then you’re ready to make a drink. Use the center dial to select your beverage and press the button with the coffee bean symbol to select your desired strength. This refers to the dose of ground coffee used for a shot.
Incidentally, I recommend staying away from the “2X” button. You’d be forgiven for thinking this will provide you with a double shot of espresso, but don’t be fooled. Rather, the machine simply runs double the amount of weather through the puck. So, if you want a double espresso, you should brew two singles, one after the other.
While I’m on the subject, you should do yourself a favor and use the hot water function to prepare an americano rather than select the coffee function. Trust me, you’ll enjoy a much more flavorful and complex drink by doing so.
One thing I noticed during my test was that the cup warmer gets nice and toasty. So, make sure to warm your espresso cups up there. And while the milk-based drinks are nice and hot, they are rather limited in size. So, you might find yourself having to prepare two in a row in the same glass. Your drink won’t look as pretty, but I guess you can’t win ’em all.
How Does Espresso From the DeLonghi ECAM23270S Taste?
I already gave the game away earlier when I told you that the DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart makes very good espresso.
As with its Magnifica siblings, this fully automatic machine produces typically Italian espresso. During my testing I used my Coffeeness Espresso Blend, and the machine did a great job of highlighting the chocolate and hazelnut notes. Surprisingly, there was even a hint of fruitiness present – something I don’t usually detect.
Seeing as I couldn’t program the espresso volume, I settled for the 1-ounce (30-milliliter) default espresso setting. However, if you want an especially ristretto shot, you can always stop the brewing cycle. Personally, I found the default setting to be ideal.
Best Coffee for the DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart
Coffeeness Medium Roast Espresso
Well-balanced with chocolate & hazelnut notes
Freshly roasted in Brooklyn
Very low acidity
After 10 years reviewing super automatics and espresso machines, and over 15 years reviewing coffee beans, we’re proud to offer our own Coffeeness Espresso Blend. Comprising ethically farmed and sourced coffee beans, our Espresso Blend is expertly roasted in small batches to guarantee freshness.
This premium blend of direct trade Brazilian coffee beans produces rich, bold and complex espresso that’s ideal straight or paired with milk. Featuring notes of chocolate and hazelnut, our Espresso Blend is particularly low in acidity, making it easy on the stomach.
Here’s how we recommend setting up your DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart for the perfect cup of coffee:
Grind setting: 3 (Attention: Only adjust when the grinder is running!)
Espresso volume: Default setting. Prepare coffee as an americano (espresso first then hot water)
Coffee strength: Maximum
Special note: Prepare a double espresso by making two single shots rather than using the 2X button
DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart Cleaning
I won’t spend too much time talking about cleaning in this DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart review. Suffice to say, you should expect a few chores at the end of each day’s use. These include emptying and rinsing the drip tray and dumping out the pucks from the waste container.
Elsewhere, you should remove the brew group for cleaning once a week and remember to give the water tank some attention here and there.
As I mentioned earlier, the machine will let you know when some things need to be taken care of via lights on the control panel. You’ll find a comprehensive explanation of their meaning in the user manual as well as a guide to descaling the machine.
DeLonghi ECAM23270S vs ECAM22110B
You already know that the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22110B is one of my all-time favorite espresso machines. And at $499.00, it’s a good deal cheaper than the Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart. Oh, and part of the reason the ECAM22110B is so successful is that it has a coffee strength dial and programmable strength and temperature.
So, why would you ever want to pick the ECAM23270S? Well, one main advantage that the Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart has is the LatteCrema system. The Magnifica S has a manual panarello steam wand, and that puts off those who value convenience. What’s more, my testing proved that despite its limited customization options, the ECAM23270S makes a pretty superb espresso. And you can get good results without having to consult any operating instructions.
Overall, there are both superb machines. Personally, I prefer the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22110B. But I’d be happy to have either machine in my kitchen at home.
See Also: DeLonghi Magnifica S Review
DeLonghi ECAM23270S vs ECAM22110B Comparison Chart
| DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart | DeLonghi Magnifica S | |
| Manufacturer | De’Longhi | De’Longhi |
| Model number | ECAM23270S | ECAM22110 |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | ||
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts | Plastic |
| Color options | Silver | Black, Silver, Silver/Black |
| Milk frother | Integrated carafe | Steam wand |
| User interface | Buttons and dials | Text display with buttons |
| App | ||
| User profiles | Memo function only | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | ||
| Water reservoir capacity | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.6 in / 14.2 cm | 5.5 in / 14.0 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.2 in / 8.1 cm | 2.7 in / 6.9 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 13 | 13 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 8.8 oz / 250.0 g | 8.8 oz / 250.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | ||
| Grounds discard container capacity | 14 | 14 |
| Specialty drinks | 5 | 2 |
| Pre-infusion | ||
| Adjustable coffee temperature | ||
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | ||
| Adjustable milk temperature | ||
| 2-cup function | No | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | ||
| Hot water function | ||
| Hot milk function | ||
| Milk foam only option | ||
| Water filter | ||
| Power consumption | 1450 W | 1250 W |
| Weight | 9.0 lb / 4.1 kg | 20.1 lb / 9.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 9.4 x 17.0 in | |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, water filter, cleaning brush, coffee scoop, descaled | Included Accessories: Water softener filter, Descaling solution, Measuring scoop, Instruction booklet. |
| Current price on Amazon | $499.00 |
| DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart | DeLonghi Magnifica S | |
| Manufacturer | De’Longhi | De’Longhi |
| Model number | ECAM23270S | ECAM22110 |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | ||
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts | Plastic |
| Color options | Silver | Black, Silver, Silver/Black |
| Milk frother | Integrated carafe | Steam wand |
| User interface | Buttons and dials | Text display with buttons |
| App | ||
| User profiles | Memo function only | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | ||
| Water reservoir capacity | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.6 in / 14.2 cm | 5.5 in / 14.0 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.2 in / 8.1 cm | 2.7 in / 6.9 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 13 | 13 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 8.8 oz / 250.0 g | 8.8 oz / 250.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | ||
| Grounds discard container capacity | 14 | 14 |
| Specialty drinks | 5 | 2 |
| Pre-infusion | ||
| Adjustable coffee temperature | ||
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | ||
| Adjustable milk temperature | ||
| 2-cup function | No | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | ||
| Hot water function | ||
| Hot milk function | ||
| Milk foam only option | ||
| Water filter | ||
| Power consumption | 1450 W | 1250 W |
| Weight | 9.0 lb / 4.1 kg | 20.1 lb / 9.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 9.4 x 17.0 in | |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, water filter, cleaning brush, coffee scoop, descaled | Included Accessories: Water softener filter, Descaling solution, Measuring scoop, Instruction booklet. |
| Current price on Amazon | $499.00 |
Verdict: DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart Review
DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart
Easy to use & definitely worth buying
Compact and stylish
Great value
Very easy to use
Good espresso and milk foam
Limited customization options
Lots of plastic
| DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart | |
| Manufacturer | De’Longhi |
|---|---|
| Model number | ECAM23270S |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color options | Silver |
| Milk frother | Integrated carafe |
| User interface | Buttons and dials |
| App | |
| User profiles | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.6 in / 14.2 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.2 in / 8.1 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 13 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 8.8 oz / 250.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 14 |
| Specialty drinks | 5 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| Adjustable milk temperature | |
| 2-cup function | No |
| Pot function | |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1450 W |
| Weight | 9.0 lb / 4.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 9.4 x 16.9 in |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, water filter, cleaning brush, coffee scoop, descaled |
| Current price on Amazon | BUY NOW ON AMAZON |
| All specifications | |
Having reached the end of my DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart review, I can only say that I very much recommend this machine. That is, as long as you’re happy to sacrifice control and don’t want to tinker with settings. And if you desperately want full control over dose, volume and temperature, you can always pick up the Magnifica S instead.
Ultimately, the ECAM23270S produces excellent espresso and milk foam, is easy to use and won’t break the bank. What more could you ask for?
What’s your verdict? Do you own this machine and would you recommend it? Share your thoughts in the comments section!














