After comparing the Delonghi Magnifica XS and the Magnifica, I have to say the Magnifica XS takes the crown for me! Let me explain why.
Both machines have some fantastic shared features, like a high-quality stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 grind settings and a reliable steam wand for frothing. However, the Magnifica XS edges ahead with its convenient one-touch drink menu and compatibility with a water filter, which makes it even more user-friendly and versatile.
That said, the Magnifica isn’t without its strengths. It’s more affordable and has an impressive heat-up speed, thanks to its dual boiler system. If budget and quick performance are your priorities, the Magnifica is still a great choice.
Overall, I think the Magnifica XS is worth the extra investment for its added convenience and features.
Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica: Specs & Features Comparison
When comparing the Delonghi Magnifica XS and the Magnifica, there are some key differences to consider. Both models share a sleek silver design and the same 1.8-liter capacity, but the Magnifica XS is slightly more compact (17 x 9.4 x 13.8 inches) and lighter at 20.1 pounds, making it a better fit for smaller spaces. The XS also stands out with its upgraded interface, featuring a rotary control with a display and four one-touch drink recipes, including single and double espressos (regular and long).
In terms of performance, the Magnifica XS heats up faster (around 60 seconds compared to the Magnifica’s 75 seconds) and includes helpful features like programmable water hardness, compatibility with water filters, and 13 grind settings. Both models offer five drink options (espresso, cappuccino, latte, hot water, and Americano) and allow for two cups to be brewed simultaneously.
While the Magnifica XS costs more at $849.93 compared to the Magnifica’s $599.99 price tag, its user-friendly features, quieter operation, and modern design make it a worthy upgrade for those who value convenience and efficiency.
Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica: Differences
DeLonghi Magnifica XS emerges victorious with a score of 2-1 and secures two ties against its counterpart, the DeLonghi Magnifica.But what makes the Magnifica XS stand out? Let’s delve into the details to uncover the reasons behind its triumph.
COFFEE FLAVOR & BREWING SYSTEM
The Winner: DeLonghi Magnifica
GRINDER
The grinder is the soul of any espresso machine, and both the DeLonghi Magnifica and Magnifica XS deliver in this department. Equipped with conical steel burr grinders, they provide impressive performance, especially considering their price range. If you enjoy a bold espresso with a slightly burnt kick, these machines might be your new favorite. The steel burrs tend to heat up a little during grinding, which can add a hint of bitterness and a distinctive “roasted” flavor to your coffee. While some may love this extra edge, it’s not for everyone.
Both machines offer 13 grind settings, allowing you to customize the grind size to match your coffee beans and taste preferences. This level of control ensures you can brew everything from a mild cup to a robust espresso. Personally, I’ve found settings around 3-4 on the grind lever work best for a strong coffee. However, going too fine can cause issues with the pump pressure, as neither machine is equipped to handle extremely fine coffee grounds effectively.
One drawback worth noting is the noise. Both grinders are on the louder side, which might be a dealbreaker if you’re trying to enjoy a peaceful morning or avoid waking up your family.
BYPASS DOSER
A handy feature of both models is the bypass doser, conveniently located inside the bean hopper. This allows you to use pre-ground coffee whenever you run out of whole beans or if you want to switch between coffee varieties without emptying the hopper. It’s a small but practical addition that I’ve found incredibly useful.
HEATING SYSTEM
Here’s where the two machines differ significantly. The Magnifica XS features a single boiler, while the Magnifica comes with a dual boiler setup. Both use stainless steel Thermoblock heating systems, which are known for their quick heat-up times.
However, the difference becomes clear with milk-based drinks. The single boiler in the Magnifica XS means a slight delay when switching between brewing coffee and frothing milk. The Magnifica, with its dual boilers, eliminates this lag, allowing for a smoother and faster transition. Neither machine can brew coffee and steam milk simultaneously, but the dual boiler system makes the process feel much more seamless.
DESIGN & CONVENIENCE
The Winner: Tie
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITY
In terms of design, both machines are sleek and functional. The Magnifica XS is slightly more compact (9.4″ x 17.0″ x 13.8″) and lighter (20.1 pounds), making it a better choice for smaller kitchens. The Magnifica is larger and heavier, but the difference is negligible and unlikely to influence most decisions.
Both models have identical capacities: a 1.8-liter water tank, a 250-gram bean hopper, and a waste container that holds up to 14 servings.
USER INTERFACE
The Magnifica XS keeps things simple with two rows of buttons and a central rotary dial, making it easy to navigate. The Magnifica uses push buttons and dials with helpful alerts to remind you about maintenance, like refilling water or descaling. While their interfaces look slightly different, both are intuitive and easy to master with minimal effort.
MILK SYSTEM
The Winner: Tie
Both machines use a Panarello steam wand for manual frothing. While they lack the one-touch cappuccino systems found in higher-end models, the manual wand offers excellent control over milk texture and temperature. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy customizing their drinks.
For a richer frothing experience, you can remove the Panarello cover to convert the wand into a traditional steam wand. This allows for hotter steam and better control, though the milk quality still doesn’t match that of premium machines. Latte art enthusiasts may find the froth less than ideal for intricate designs.
STEAMING, FROTHING MILK SPEED
The Magnifica XS takes a bit longer to froth milk due to its single boiler, while the Magnifica’s dual boiler speeds things up, completing the process in 30-40 seconds. This difference, while noticeable, isn’t drastic and largely depends on your technique.
DRINK OPTIONS & PROGRAMMABILITY
The winner: Delonghi Magnifica XS
The Magnifica XS takes the lead here with dedicated buttons for single and double espressos, as well as one-shot and two-shot long coffees. The Magnifica keeps it simple with only two programmable buttons for single and double espressos. Both models allow you to adjust the temperature and grind size to suit your taste.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
The Winner: Delonghi Magnifica XS
The Magnifica XS stands out with its compatibility with water filters, reducing the need for frequent descaling. While the filters need replacing every month or two, they save time and effort in the long run. The Magnifica, on the other hand, lacks this feature and requires more frequent descaling.
To minimize scaling, I recommend using filtered or bottled water. Tools like Brita water filters can help soften the water, prolonging the lifespan of the machine.
Quick Overview of Delonghi Magnifica XS
De’Longhi ECAM22110SB Coffee Maker – 13.8″, Silver
This fully automatic coffee maker is designed for coffee enthusiasts who crave freshness and versatility. Equipped with a professional burr grinder offering 13 adjustable settings, it grinds fresh beans for every cup to maximize flavor. Prefer pre-ground coffee? The second chamber allows you to switch effortlessly between regular, specialty, or decaf options.
Features to Love
- Rich, Creamy Froth: The adjustable manual cappuccino system blends steam and milk to create thick, long-lasting foam. Whether you’re making a creamy latte, a bold macchiato, or a smooth flat white, the frothing system adapts to your preferences.
- Customizable Settings: Tailor the temperature, coffee strength, and cup size to suit your tastes. Simply adjust the menu, and the machine takes care of the rest.
- Height-Adjustable Coffee Spout: Easily accommodate different cup sizes for a seamless brewing experience.
- Low Maintenance: De’Longhi machines are a breeze to clean, requiring only half the cleaning time compared to other brands. Plus, they don’t rely on chemical cleaning tablets for monthly upkeep.
Price and Availability
Price: $849.93 (originally $899.95 – save $50.02). .
Pros
- Intuitive controls and user-friendly interface.
- Can brew both espresso and coffee.
- Dual coffee spouts let you brew two espresso cups at once.
- Manual frother gives full control over milk texture and temperature.
Cons
- The manual steam wand requires some skill to perfect the milk foam.
- Operates loudly, which may disrupt quiet mornings.
Quick Overview of Delonghi Magnifica
De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine – Silver
The Magnifica offers an exceptional brewing experience, combining convenience and customization. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a coffee lover looking for ease of use, this machine delivers fresh espresso and coffee at the touch of a button.
Key Features
- Fresh Espresso Every Time: With a professional burr grinder featuring 13 adjustable settings, this machine grinds beans fresh for every cup. For added flexibility, use the second chamber for pre-ground coffee—perfect for decaf or specialty blends.
- Manual Frothing Control: The manual frother gives you full control over the texture and richness of your milk, allowing you to craft creamy froth for cappuccinos or silky microfoam for lattes.
- Consistent Brewing: Each cup is brewed to perfection with consistent temperature, richness, and density. Plus, customizable settings let you adjust your brew to your exact liking.
- Easy Cleaning: The compact, extractable brew unit simplifies cleaning and adjusts automatically for single or double espresso shots.
Price and Availability
Price: $599.99.
Pros
- Simple, one-touch brewing for coffee-based drinks.
- Dual coffee spouts for brewing two espressos at once.
- Manual milk frother for complete control over frothing.
- Dual boilers minimize delays between brewing coffee and steaming milk.
Cons
- Limited one-touch drink options compared to higher-end models.
- Does not include a built-in water filter, requiring more frequent maintenance.
Conclusion
Both the DeLonghi Magnifica XS and Magnifica are excellent espresso machines that cater to coffee lovers seeking quality and customization. While they share many similarities, such as their 13 adjustable grinder settings, manual milk frothing systems, and durable build, a few key differences set them apart.
The Magnifica XS is the better choice for those prioritizing ease of maintenance, thanks to its compatibility with water filters and slightly faster heat-up time. It also offers more programmable drink options, making it ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with their coffee preferences.
On the other hand, the Magnifica shines with its dual boiler system, which minimizes delays between brewing and milk frothing, a big plus for fans of milk-based drinks. It’s also slightly larger and heavier, which can be advantageous if you want a sturdier machine.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your preferences and lifestyle. If you value a faster brewing-to-frothing transition and don’t mind the occasional descaling, the Magnifica is a solid pick. But if you want lower maintenance, extra drink options, and a compact design, the Magnifica XS edges ahead. Either way, you’re investing in a reliable and versatile espresso machine that delivers café-quality coffee at home.