Both the Delonghi Magnifica XS and the Magnifica share impressive features, including a stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 grind settings and a versatile steam wand. These attributes are essential for producing freshly ground coffee and achieving a rich, creamy froth for your lattes and cappuccinos. However, the Magnifica XS distinguishes itself with several enhancements that elevate the overall user experience.
One of the most notable advantages of the Magnifica XS is its one-touch drink list. This feature simplifies the process of selecting and brewing your favorite coffee beverages with just a single button press. Whether you’re craving a classic espresso, a robust cappuccino, or a smooth latte, the Magnifica XS streamlines the process, making it incredibly convenient for users who enjoy variety without the hassle of manual adjustments.
Additionally, the Magnifica XS boasts compatibility with a water filter, a feature that is not available in the original Magnifica model. The water filter enhances the taste of your coffee by reducing impurities and extending the lifespan of the machine by preventing mineral buildup. This added layer of convenience and maintenance ease further sets the Magnifica XS apart, ensuring that every cup of coffee is brewed to perfection with clean, filtered water.
That said, the Delonghi Magnifica is by no means a weak competitor. Its affordability makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious coffee enthusiasts who still want a reliable and efficient espresso machine. The Magnifica’s dual boiler system contributes to its heat-up speed, allowing you to get your coffee quickly without waiting. This feature is particularly advantageous for busy mornings or when entertaining guests who appreciate a speedy coffee service.
In conclusion, while the Delonghi Magnifica remains a solid choice with its cost-effectiveness and quick heat-up time, the Magnifica XS offers additional features that enhance convenience and coffee quality. Its one-touch drink options and water filter compatibility make it a standout option for those seeking a more user-friendly and versatile machine. As we explore these machines in greater detail, it becomes clear why the Magnifica XS is the ultimate winner in this showdown.
Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica: Specs & Features Comparison
The Delonghi Magnifica XS and the Delonghi Magnifica both stand out in the realm of super-automatic espresso machines, each offering unique features and advantages. The Magnifica XS measures 17 x 9.4 x 13.8 inches and weighs 20.1 pounds, while the Magnifica is slightly larger at 11 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches and heavier at 23.12 pounds. Both machines have a 1.8-liter water tank, ensuring ample capacity for brewing multiple drinks. Constructed from stainless steel and plastic, the Magnifica XS features a sleek silver design, while the Magnifica is made entirely of stainless steel with a similar silver finish.
Both models provide five drink options: Espresso (multi-length), Cappuccino, Latte, Hot Water, and Americano. However, the Magnifica XS enhances user convenience with a rotary control and display, whereas the Magnifica relies solely on a rotary control. The XS model offers four one-touch recipes, including Single Espresso, Double Espresso, Single Espresso Long, and Double Espresso Long, compared to the Magnifica’s two one-touch options: Single Espresso and Double Espresso. This added functionality allows for greater ease and customization in brewing.
In terms of heat-up time, the Magnifica XS excels with an average of approximately 60 seconds, compared to the Magnifica’s 75 seconds. Both models include temperature control, the possibility to use pre-ground coffee, and an aroma function with 13 adjustable grind settings. The Magnifica XS also supports the use of a water filter and allows for programmable water hardness, adding to its convenience and maintenance features.
The Magnifica XS is praised for its accessible and intuitive menu, which simplifies quick settings and ensures that it heats up quickly. It also features proper indicators for cleaning and maintenance, making it easy to maintain. The design of the XS is noted for being quieter and more attractive, with a longer clearance for different mug sizes. Additionally, it allows for brewing two cups at a time, which is a significant advantage for those who enjoy sharing their coffee with others. The Magnifica, while also capable and well-designed, lacks some of these more refined features, making the XS the preferred choice for those seeking a more user-friendly and efficient espresso machine.
DeLonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica: Differences
When comparing the DeLonghi Magnifica XS and the DeLonghi Magnifica, the Magnifica XS stands out with its superior features, earning a victory with a score of 2-1 and securing two ties against its counterpart. To understand why the Magnifica XS edges ahead, let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two espresso machines across several crucial categories.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
The Winner: DeLonghi Magnifica
At the heart of every great espresso machine is its grinder, and both the DeLonghi Magnifica and Magnifica XS are equipped with conical steel burr grinders. These grinders are known for their ability to produce a robust flavor profile, which is enhanced by their tendency to generate a bit of heat during grinding. This heat can contribute a subtle, slightly burnt flavor to the coffee, which many espresso enthusiasts find desirable.
Both machines offer 13 grind settings, providing ample flexibility to fine-tune the grind size to your preference. This wide range allows for customization based on the type of coffee bean used and the desired strength of the brew. However, it’s important to note that grinding too finely can sometimes lead to issues with pump pressure, particularly with these machines, which may struggle to push water through a very fine coffee puck.
A notable aspect of both grinders is their noise level; they can be quite loud during operation. While this may not be an issue for everyone, it could be disruptive, especially in quiet households or early mornings.
Another feature both machines share is the bypass doser, which allows users to use pre-ground coffee in addition to whole beans. This is particularly useful for switching between different coffee varieties or for convenience when running low on beans.
Heating System
The Winner: DeLonghi Magnifica
The DeLonghi Magnifica XS and Magnifica differ significantly in their heating systems. The Magnifica XS features a single boiler, which impacts the machine’s ability to handle milk-based drinks efficiently. The transition time between brewing and frothing is longer with a single boiler, which can be inconvenient for those who enjoy making cappuccinos or lattes.
In contrast, the DeLonghi Magnifica is equipped with a dual boiler system. This setup allows for a much smoother and faster transition between brewing espresso and steaming milk. The dual boiler system eliminates the lengthy waits often associated with single boilers, providing a more seamless experience when preparing milk-based drinks.
It’s important to note that neither machine can brew coffee and froth milk simultaneously, but the dual boiler in the Magnifica minimizes delays and improves overall efficiency.
Design & Convenience
The Winner: Tie
In terms of dimensions, the DeLonghi Magnifica XS is more compact at 9.4 x 17.0 x 13.8 inches and weighs 20.1 pounds, whereas the Magnifica is slightly larger at 11 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches and heavier at 23.12 pounds. Despite these differences, the capacity of both machines is identical. They both feature a 1.8-liter water tank, a 14-serving waste container, and a 250-gram coffee bean hopper.
The size and weight differences are minor and unlikely to significantly influence the decision between the two machines. Both offer similar capacities, making them suitable for home use without any major spatial concerns.
User Interface
The Winner: Tie
Both the DeLonghi Magnifica XS and the Magnifica offer user-friendly interfaces. The Magnifica XS features a straightforward interface with two rows of buttons and a rotary dial, making it easy to navigate through its settings.
On the other hand, the DeLonghi Magnifica uses a control panel with push buttons and dials. It also provides alerts for refilling water, emptying the coffee puck container, and performing maintenance tasks like descaling. Both interfaces are intuitive and simple to use, requiring only a short period of familiarization.
Milk System
The Winner: Tie
Both machines rely on a Panarello wand for manual steaming of milk. While this manual steam wand is effective, it lacks the convenience of one-touch systems found in more advanced models. The Panarello wand allows users to control the texture and temperature of the milk, which is ideal for those who enjoy hands-on brewing.
Both machines can produce good-quality milk froth, though it may not match the excellence of more expensive models with traditional steam wands. Additionally, neither machine is equipped to create milk froth suitable for latte art.
For improved performance, the Panarello wand can be converted into a traditional steam wand by removing its cover, which facilitates hotter steam and easier temperature control.
Steaming & Frothing Milk Speed
The Winner: DeLonghi Magnifica
The difference in boiling systems between the Magnifica XS and Magnifica significantly affects the speed of steaming and frothing milk. The single boiler in the Magnifica XS results in longer wait times between brewing and frothing, whereas the dual boiler system in the Magnifica allows for quicker transitions, typically completing milk frothing in about 30 to 40 seconds.
This difference is not drastic but can be noticeable depending on your speed and technique. The Magnifica’s dual boiler system provides a slight edge in efficiency and convenience.
Drink Options & Programmability
The Winner: DeLonghi Magnifica XS
The DeLonghi Magnifica XS offers more programmable options compared to the Magnifica. It features dedicated buttons for single and double espresso shots as well as long coffee options, making it versatile for different coffee preferences.
The Magnifica, while still offering good options, is limited to two programmable buttons for single and double espresso shots. The XS also allows for greater customization in temperature and grind size, which enhances the overall user experience.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The Winner: DeLonghi Magnifica XS
Cleaning and maintenance are crucial aspects of any coffee machine, and here the DeLonghi Magnifica XS has a clear advantage. It supports the use of a water filter, which significantly reduces the need for frequent descaling. This feature simplifies maintenance and helps extend the machine’s lifespan.
The Magnifica, in contrast, does not support a water filter and requires more frequent descaling. It does come with a test strip to check water hardness, which helps manage scaling. However, the additional cost and effort associated with frequent descaling can be a drawback for some users.
Using filtered or bottled water can mitigate scaling issues in both machines, but the convenience of the water filter in the Magnifica XS makes it the preferable choice for those seeking low-maintenance operation.
Quick Rundown of Delonghi Magnifica XS
- Brand: De’Longhi
- Color: Silver
- Product Dimensions: 9.4″D x 17″W x 13.8″H
- Special Feature: Programmable
- Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
- Capacity: 1.8 Liters
- Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
- Item Weight: 9000 Grams
- Wattage: 1450 watts
The De’Longhi Magnifica XS is a compact yet powerful espresso machine designed to deliver quality coffee and espresso with convenience. This machine stands out with its professional burr grinder, adjustable manual cappuccino system, and user-friendly interface, making it a robust choice for coffee enthusiasts.
Key Features
Professional Burr Grinder
- 13 Adjustable Settings: The built-in burr grinder comes with 13 grind settings, allowing you to customize the grind size to suit your coffee preference. This feature ensures that fresh beans are ground to the perfect consistency for optimal flavor extraction.
- Dual Chamber Option: Besides grinding fresh beans, the Magnifica XS also includes a second chamber for pre-ground coffee. This flexibility is ideal for switching between regular, specialty, or decaf options without needing to empty the bean hopper.
Adjustable Manual Cappuccino System
- Versatile Frothing: The manual cappuccino system allows you to mix steam and milk to create thick, long-lasting foam. You can adjust the frothing levels to prepare a variety of milk-based beverages, including cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and flat whites.
- Height Adjustable Coffee Spout: The coffee spout is height adjustable to accommodate different cup sizes, ensuring that your espresso or coffee is brewed to the right height for your mug or cup.
Programmable Settings
- Customizable Brew: The Magnifica XS offers adjustable settings for temperature, coffee strength, and cup size. These programmable options allow you to tailor each cup to your preferences, ensuring a personalized coffee experience every time.
Maintenance
- Ease of Cleaning: Unlike many competitors, the De’Longhi Magnifica XS requires significantly less cleaning time. It eliminates the need for monthly chemical cleaning tablets, simplifying maintenance and reducing the overall effort involved in keeping the machine in good condition.
Warranty Information
- Authorized Retailer Purchases: It is important to note that warranties may not apply to purchases made from unauthorized retailers. For warranty coverage, ensure you buy from authorized dealers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Intuitive Controls: The user interface is designed to be extremely intuitive, making it easy to navigate and customize your coffee brewing experience.
- Dual Coffee Spout: The machine features a dual coffee spout, allowing you to brew two espresso shots simultaneously, which is perfect for serving multiple cups quickly.
- Manual Milk Frother: The manual frother provides control over milk texture and temperature, giving you the flexibility to craft your preferred milk foam for various coffee drinks.
Cons:
- Manual Steam Wand: The manual steam wand requires some skill to achieve the perfect milk foam, which might be challenging for beginners or those who prefer an automatic frothing option.
- Noise Level: The machine can be quite loud during operation, which might be disruptive in quiet settings or early mornings.
Quick Rundown of Delonghi Magnifica
- Brand: De’Longhi
- Color: Silver
- Product Dimensions: 11″D x 15.3″W x 14.4″H
- Special Features: Integrated Coffee Grinder, Milk Frother, Auto Clean Function
- Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
- Capacity: 1.8 Liters
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Weight: 23.12 Pounds
- Wattage: 1350 watts
About this item:
- Fresh Espresso for Every Cup: Enjoy freshly ground coffee with the professional burr grinder featuring 13 adjustable settings, ensuring maximum freshness with each brew. Alternatively, use pre-ground coffee from the second chamber for convenience.
- Customized Foam Creation: The manual frother allows you to create rich, creamy foam by mixing steam and milk to your desired texture. Perfect for cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, or flat whites.
- Consistent Brewing: Each cup is brewed to perfection with automatic adjustments for temperature, richness, and density. Customize settings to suit your taste, ensuring every cup is just the way you like it.
- Easy to Clean and Maintain: The compact, extractable brew unit simplifies cleaning and self-adjusts for one or two shots of espresso.
- Delicious Cappuccinos and Lattes: The adjustable manual Cappuccino System mixes steam and milk for thick, long-lasting foam. Adjust levels for creamy lattes and more.
- Personalized Espresso Experience: Program your preferences for espresso and cappuccino to create your ideal drink. The machine remembers your settings, from strength to beverage size.
- User-Friendly Control Panel: Easily adjust temperature, coffee strength, and cup size through an intuitive control panel. The machine manages the rest.
- Compact Design: Offers full-size functionality in a sleek, compact design that fits seamlessly on your countertop.
- No Waiting Between Cups: The Rapid Cappuccino System maintains optimal temperature, allowing you to brew multiple cups without delay.
- Front-Accessible Components: Enjoy easy cleanup with front-accessible water tank, drip tray, and used espresso grounds. Indicators alert you when cleaning is needed, and all removable parts are dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- One-Touch Convenience: Brew a variety of coffee-based drinks at the touch of a button, making it incredibly easy to enjoy your favorite beverages with minimal effort.
- Dual Coffee Spout: The dual coffee spout feature allows you to brew two espresso cups simultaneously, perfect for serving multiple people or enjoying a double shot.
- Manual Milk Frother: Take full control over your milk’s texture and temperature with the manual frother, enabling you to create the perfect froth for lattes, cappuccinos, and more.
- Dual Boilers: Equipped with dual boilers, this machine minimizes the delay between brewing coffee and frothing milk, ensuring a seamless and efficient coffee-making process.
Cons:
- Limited One-Touch Options: The machine offers a limited selection of one-touch drink options, which may restrict customization for those who prefer a wider variety of pre-programmed beverages.
- No Water Filter Included: The absence of a water filter means you’ll need to manage water quality and scaling issues manually, which could impact the machine’s long-term maintenance and performance.
Conclusion
In the battle between the DeLonghi Magnifica XS and Magnifica, the Magnifica XS emerges as the superior choice with its enhanced programmability, efficient heating system, and convenient cleaning features. While the Magnifica remains a strong contender with its dual boiler system and affordability, the Magnifica XS’s advantages in ease of use, maintenance, and drink options make it a standout choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking a more refined and user-friendly espresso machine.