Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica Introduction
The DeLonghi La Specialista takes the lead in the comparison between the DeLonghi La Specialista and the Magnifica, delivering a superior espresso-making experience.
With its sturdy build, advanced controls, efficient tamping mechanism, and intuitive extraction system, the La Specialista is designed to meet the expectations of coffee enthusiasts who value precision and quality.
What sets the DeLonghi La Specialista apart is its durable, sophisticated design combined with user-friendly features. Its precise controls make it easy to craft the perfect espresso, while the innovative extraction system ensures consistently excellent results. It’s not just an espresso machine—it’s a dependable tool for elevating your coffee experience.
Meanwhile, the DeLonghi Magnifica offers a solid, no-frills alternative. While it doesn’t match the La Specialista’s rugged elegance or advanced functionality, it provides a straightforward and reliable option for users who prioritize simplicity and ease of use in their espresso-making routine.
Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica: Specs & Features Comparison
| Feature | DeLonghi La Specialista | DeLonghi Magnifica |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14.48 x 15 x 17.5 inches | 11 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches |
| Weight | 29.7 lbs | 23.12 lbs |
| Water Reservoir | 2 liters | 1.8 liters |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 8.8 ounces | 8.8 ounces |
| Pump Pressure | 19 bars | 15 bars |
| Key Features | Smart tamping, quick start, adjustable microfoam steam wand | Automatic tamping, adjustable coffee spout |
| Price | $584.99 | $599.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
The DeLonghi La Specialista and the DeLonghi Magnifica are two impressive espresso machines, each with its own strengths. The La Specialista measures 14.48 x 15 x 17.5 inches, slightly larger than the Magnifica’s compact 11 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches. Both models feature stainless steel construction in an elegant silver finish, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance.
In terms of capacity, the La Specialista has a larger 2-liter water reservoir compared to the Magnifica’s 1.8 liters. Both machines share the same bean container capacity of 8.8 ounces.
Despite the La Specialista’s additional features, it is slightly heavier at 29.7 pounds, while the Magnifica weighs 23.12 pounds, making it more portable.
The La Specialista operates with 19 bars of pressure, offering a higher performance level than the Magnifica’s 15 bars. It also features a smart tamping station for precision, while the Magnifica utilizes an automatic tamping mechanism.
Both machines include convenient features such as a removable water reservoir and drip tray, sensor grinding technology, and a dual heating system.
The La Specialista further enhances convenience with a 1-second quick start, a separate hot water spout, and an adjustable microfoam steam wand for crafting creamy drinks. The Magnifica offers an adjustable coffee spout for flexibility in cup sizes.
The La Specialista stands out with its intelligent brewing setup, dual heating system with Thermoblock technology, and user-friendly design that minimizes mess.
It provides exceptional espresso with a smooth, creamy texture, making it a reliable choice for coffee enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Magnifica impresses with its compact design and adjustable features, delivering high-quality espresso in a more space-saving format.
Price-wise, the La Specialista is slightly more affordable at $584.99, compared to the Magnifica at $599.99, making it a better value for those seeking advanced brewing capabilities.
Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica: Differences
The DeLonghi La Specialista emerges as the winner with a 2-1 advantage and one tie against the Magnifica. Let’s explore the details to see what makes it the better option.
⏩ COFFEE FLAVOUR & BREWING TECHNOLOGY
Winner: Delonghi La Specialista
⏩ BUILT-IN GRINDER
Both machines are equipped with stainless steel conical burr grinders, a common choice in this price range but not without some drawbacks.
One issue is the potential for the grinder to overheat, which can scorch coffee grounds and introduce bitterness to the espresso. Premium models often address this problem with ceramic burr grinders. Additionally, despite marketing claims, these grinders are far from quiet. If you’re brewing early in the morning, the noise might be an unwelcome disruption. Models with ceramic grinders or Jura machines with A3 Aroma grinders tend to operate more quietly.
When it comes to grind size, precision is crucial. A grind that’s too fine may block water flow, leading to over-extraction and bitterness, while a grind that’s too coarse can result in weak, watery espresso. Having more grind settings allows for greater control over your coffee’s flavor.
The DeLonghi La Specialista offers six grind settings, which are sufficient for basic adjustments. I typically use the higher settings for lighter espresso and the lower ones for a stronger, more robust flavor. Meanwhile, the Magnifica provides 13 grind settings, offering a broader range for customization, from very coarse to extra fine. While I don’t always need this many options, it’s a fantastic feature for those who want precise control over their coffee.
⏩ HEATING SYSTEM
Both the La Specialista and Magnifica are equipped with dual boiler systems, allowing you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously—a significant advantage over single-boiler machines that require a wait time between brewing and steaming.
These machines also feature Thermoblock technology, which heats only the necessary amount of water in about 20 seconds. This “instant reheat” capability ensures a quick and efficient coffee-making process, letting you enjoy your espresso without unnecessary delays.
⏩ BREWING SYSTEM
The DeLonghi La Specialista and Magnifica both feature an automatic pre-infusion stage, where hot water is briefly introduced to the coffee grounds before extraction begins. This step ensures even saturation, preventing uneven extraction and enhancing flavor.
However, unlike some high-end machines that allow you to customize the pre-infusion time, this process on both models is entirely automatic and cannot be adjusted. During pre-infusion on the La Specialista, you’ll notice its pressure gauge starting at a low level before gradually rising to the optimal pressure as the brewing progresses.
Both machines can extract espresso at a maximum pressure of 15 bars, far exceeding the 9-bar standard required for a quality espresso shot. This higher pressure ensures the coffee is extracted efficiently, using the power of pressure rather than relying solely on gravity. The result is a flavorful, aromatic coffee that captures the essence of freshly ground beans—a perfect way to enjoy café-quality espresso from the comfort of home.
⏩ DESIGN & USABILITY
Winner: Delonghi La Specialista
⏩ DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
- DeLonghi La Specialista: 12.5 x 14 x 14.5 inches, 29.7 lbs
- DeLonghi Magnifica: 11 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches, 23.2 lbs
The DeLonghi Magnifica features a stainless steel build and a classic design. While functional, it doesn’t have the kind of visual appeal that would make it a centerpiece in your kitchen. Its understated style is practical but unlikely to turn heads.
On the other hand, the DeLonghi La Specialista stands out with its premium, sophisticated aesthetic. Its sleek stainless steel body gives it a polished, high-end look that I find quite impressive. Beyond its stylish appearance, the robust metal casing adds durability, offering excellent resistance to rust, damage, and corrosion.
Despite their sturdy build, both machines are relatively compact, making them suitable for kitchens with limited counter space. While they are heavier than many other espresso machines, this weight is a testament to their solid stainless steel construction, which adds to their longevity.
In terms of design and usability, the La Specialista’s refined look and durable build make it the clear winner.
⏩ PRE-PROGRAMMED COFFEE OPTIONS
DeLonghi La Specialista
- Espresso
- Coffee
- Americano
DeLonghi Magnifica
- Espresso
Both machines are primarily designed for one-touch espresso brewing, but preparing milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes requires manual milk frothing.
While this process might take some practice to perfect, it’s rewarding when you finally achieve that creamy, barista-quality texture. Don’t worry if your early attempts aren’t perfect—milk frothing is a skill that improves with time.
In terms of customization, the DeLonghi Magnifica allows you to adjust espresso shot lengths and coffee strength, offering 10 levels for each. This provides great flexibility for tailoring your brew to your taste.
The DeLonghi La Specialista steps it up a notch with options to customize the coffee grounds’ volume, adjust the espresso shot length, and save your preferences using the Memo function. Additionally, it offers two brew temperature levels for more control over your coffee experience.
⏩ SPOUT & CUP CLEARANCE
Spout Type
- DeLonghi La Specialista: Dual
- DeLonghi Magnifica: Dual
Cup Height Clearance
- DeLonghi La Specialista: Up to 12 inches
- DeLonghi Magnifica: Adjustable (2.75–4.25 inches)
When choosing an espresso machine, spout height is an important consideration, especially if you have specific cups or mugs you like to use. The DeLonghi Magnifica features an adjustable dual coffee spout that accommodates most standard coffee cups. However, it might struggle with larger mugs or travel tumblers.
In contrast, the DeLonghi La Specialista shines in this category, offering an impressive maximum cup clearance of 12 inches. This makes it compatible with even the tallest cups or mugs. Additionally, it includes a perch for smaller cups, which helps minimize splattering and preserves the creamy layer on your espresso.
Both machines feature dual spouts, allowing you to prepare two espressos simultaneously with a single touch. This is particularly convenient for households where sharing coffee is a must—it eliminates the awkward debate over who gets their cup first. Trust me, avoiding that argument is a win in itself!
Both machines are equipped with a hot water dispenser, which is perfect for brewing tea, making hot chocolate, or crafting an authentic Americano by diluting espresso. This versatile feature might even make you reconsider the need for a separate kettle.
⏩ WATER RESERVOIR & BEAN HOPPER
Specifications
Water Reservoir Capacity:
- DeLonghi La Specialista: 2 liters
- DeLonghi Magnifica: 1.77 liters
Bean Hopper Capacity:
- Both Models: 0.26 liters (250g)
Both the DeLonghi La Specialista and Magnifica feature large water tanks, ideal for home use since they don’t require constant refilling. However, their designs differ slightly in terms of usability.
The La Specialista has its water reservoir positioned at the back, which can be a bit inconvenient if the machine is placed under a cabinet. In contrast, the Magnifica offers a side-access reservoir, making refilling simpler and more user-friendly. If counter space is limited, the Magnifica’s design might be more practical.
Neither machine includes a built-in water filter to remove impurities, so it’s important to use high-quality water or regularly descale to maintain the best flavor and machine performance. Alternatively, consider using bottled or pre-filtered water, though this might not always be practical. A separate water filter dispenser could be a smart long-term investment for better coffee quality.
As for the bean hoppers, both models can hold up to 250g of coffee beans. However, since the hoppers aren’t airtight, it’s not advisable to leave beans stored in them for extended periods. Air exposure can cause beans to lose freshness and flavor. To ensure the best taste, only add the amount of coffee beans you plan to grind and brew immediately.
⏩ MILK SYSTEM
The Winner: Tie
If you’re hoping for a “one-touch” milk frothing system, you may need to look at higher-end models. Both the DeLonghi La Specialista and Magnifica are equipped with Panarello steam wands, which require some manual effort but are user-friendly enough for beginners.
Using the Panarello wand is straightforward: submerge it in your milk, turn the steaming knob, and let the machine do its job. Just be cautious with the hot steam!
Compared to traditional steam wands, the Panarello design simplifies the frothing process—no need to master advanced techniques like creating a vortex or precisely adjusting the wand’s depth. While perfecting latte art still takes practice, this setup makes it easier for home users to achieve creamy froth.
In my experience, the La Specialista excelled in producing café-quality microfoam for both lattes and cappuccinos. Its adjustable collar ring lets you control the froth texture—raising it for steaming (ideal for lattes) or lowering it for frothing (perfect for cappuccinos). The results were consistently impressive and versatile.
The Magnifica also surprised me with its performance, delivering rich, creamy foam that worked beautifully for cappuccinos. Even as a first-time user, I managed to get great results. However, its wand may fall short for those looking to create intricate latte art.
⏩ CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Winner: Delonghi Magnifica
The Magnifica stands out with its detachable brew group, which can be manually cleaned under a tap. While this may seem like extra effort, it offers significant benefits.
Hand-washing the brew group ensures thorough cleaning, often more effective than automatic systems. Additionally, if the brew group ever breaks, it’s easy to replace. However, avoid putting it in the dishwasher, as this can damage the plastic components.
Both machines make descaling straightforward: fill the water reservoir with DeLonghi Descaler, and let the machine automatically run its cycle. Since these models lack built-in water filters, they may require more frequent descaling compared to machines that filter water. Using low-mineral water can help minimize buildup and reduce the frequency of this task.
For cleaning the steam wand, let steam pass through it, then wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to prevent milk residue from hardening. Be cautious, as the wand becomes very hot during use.
Regular maintenance of removable parts—like the water tank, drip tray, dregs basket, and portafilter—is also essential. Both machines feature stainless steel bodies that are easy to clean and maintain, making the overall upkeep relatively hassle-free.
Quick Overview of DeLonghi La Specialista
⏩ Model: De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine (EC9335M)
⏩ Features:
- Sensor Grinder
- Dual Heating System
- Advanced Latte System
- Hot Water Spout for Americanos or Tea
- 3-liter Stainless Steel Design
⏩ Pros:
- Easy to use with minimal mess.
- Compact, durable, and stylish design.
- Fully customizable settings for grind size, water, and coffee ratio.
- Produces smooth, cream-infused espresso.
⏩ Cons:
- The water tank is located at the back, making it harder to access.
- Requires re-dialing settings when switching coffee beans.
Quick Overview of DeLonghi Magnifica
⏩ Model: De’Longhi Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine (ESAM3300)
⏩ Features:
- Professional burr grinder with 13 adjustable settings.
- Compatible with both fresh beans and pre-ground coffee.
- Manual frother for creamy, textured drinks.
- Customizable temperature, richness, and density settings.
- Compact, removable brew unit for easy cleaning.
Note: Be mindful of grind size and tamping to maintain proper pressure during brewing. Reprogramming may be required when grind size or coffee amount is adjusted.
⏩ Pros:
- Freshly ground espresso for every cup.
- Frother delivers rich, creamy milk textures.
- Consistent, customizable brewing results.
- Removable brew unit for easy cleaning.
⏩ Cons:
- Grinder is quite loud during operation.
- Smaller water tank requires frequent refilling.
Conclusion
Both the DeLonghi La Specialista and Magnifica are exceptional espresso machines, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
The La Specialista shines with its premium design, intuitive features, and smart tamping system, making it ideal for those who value convenience and aesthetics. It delivers a near-barista experience with its dual heating system and excellent milk frothing capabilities, though it requires manual adjustments when switching beans.
On the other hand, the Magnifica stands out for its affordability and simplicity. Its 13 grind settings and removable brew group make it a reliable choice for users who prioritize customization and easy maintenance. However, its smaller water tank and louder operation might be drawbacks for some.
Ultimately, if you want a high-end, feature-rich espresso machine and don’t mind spending a bit more, the La Specialista is the superior choice. If ease of use, value for money, and a compact design are your priorities, the Magnifica won’t disappoint.
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