Which is the best super-automatic espresso machine Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica? From my perspective, I would say that the winner is Eletta.
Delonghi Eletta is a super-automatic espresso maker with a special latte system for espresso and milk lattes. In terms of brewing, foaming, and even cleaning, this model performs better than its competitors.
The runner-up, Delonghi Magnifica is a simple model; it does everything with a single button press. However, this machine isn’t very quiet, and the quality of its milk foam isn’t great. The verdict can be found below.
Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica: Differences
Delonghi Eletta wins by 3-1 against Magnifica thanks to its flavor, better grinder functions, easy-to-clean, and smoother and creamier milk foam. It is sure to please more than just cappuccino drinkers. It is sure to please more than just cappuccino lovers.
FLAVOR
The winner: Delonghi Eletta
+ Grinder
Generally, both models come with an integrated burr grinder that produces consistent results every time. There are 13 different grind size settings available on the integrated burr grinder, making it smooth and multifunctional. The grind can be adjusted finely or coarsely without any difficulty. By using this grinder, I can customize the texture and taste of my coffee.
Additionally, both Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica offer bypass doses that allow you to use pre-ground coffee. This is also a feature I appreciate for having a great decaf coffee.
However, I noticed the big difference between the Delonghi Magnifica vs Eletta grinders is the noise. Eletta’s grinder is much more stable, and I have had almost no problems with it. While it’s not the quietest grinder, it’s pretty decent for the price. On the contrary, with the Magnifica machine, I found that the machine has a rather loud noise, which is quite inconvenient for many users.
+ Heating system
These machines use Dual Thermoblocks heating system, which ensures that the water heats up to high temperatures quickly. In spite of the similarity in their heating systems, I still find some slight differences.
The Delonghi Eletta does a better job when it comes to controlling the temperature. Everything is hot and steamy, from the coffee to the milk. With Eletta, the average time taken for heating up the espresso machine to brew is less than 60 seconds. With the touch of a button, you can enjoy coffee drinks of the highest quality.
On the other hand, with Magnifica seems to brew less hot coffee. Personally, I prefer hot drinks, so this is a minus point of this machine. In some cases, the heating time takes as long as 2 minutes because the machine is slow to start.
Milk system
The Winner: DeLonghi Eletta
I feel satisfied with the quality of the milk foam produced by these machines. Magnifica and Eletta are both automatic espresso machines, and their milk systems are Panarello steam wands. However, when I put it to use, I found a difference.
With the DeLonghi Eletta, milk foam is finer, smoother, richer, and more powerful than ever before. You can use the wand with all sizes of milk containers since it can be rotated 180 degrees. According to my observations, the steam wand creates finely textured milk foam very effectively. If you prefer more or less foam, you can adjust the dial on top according to your preference. Additionally, it keeps the milk hotter for longer.
The Delonghi Magnifica has a quick and simple milk system. Despite this, it does not produce a rich micro-foam and lacks consistency. It does offer adjustable milk settings if you want to control the milk foam. When I checked, the milk foam was somewhat thicker.
Clean & Maintain
The Winner: DeLonghi Eletta
The Delonghi Eletta wins thanks to its auto-purge feature. The machine will run some water through the system every time it is turned on and off. Eletta has active indicators that indicate when the machine needs to be cleaned.
Even if you don’t rinse it after use, it stays odor-free the rest of the week. It is, however, highly recommended that you clean it every week. All in all, it’s designed to make even the laziest coffee maker happy. This it does admirably.
Compared to Eletta, I have to clean Delonghi Magnifica more often. Due to Magnifica’s lack of a water filter, calcium deposits are a common problem. It is these deposits that can clog hoses, affect temperature control, and in general, shorten the life of any coffee maker. In observing the machine as a whole, I also noticed that the steam wand has an O-ring that needs to be replaced more often. Luckily, Delonghi offers cheap and usable replacement parts.
Utilities
Tie
Both Eletta and Magnifica are easy and convenient to use. The models feature one-touch dairy-based beverages such as latte, cappuccino, and flat white. Moreover, displays show you all the necessary features and adjustments, as well as alerts when changes need to be made.
Using the Eletta, you can customize the settings according to your preferences. It is also easier to access the default coffee selections for a wide variety of drinks. Most importantly, the display on the control panel guides you throughout the entire bean-to-cup process.
Magnifica has features that make espresso at home. It is also possible to brew double shots in one cup with a single touch operation. Additionally, the machine will automatically adjust doses, sizes, and strengths based on what you select.
Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica: Similarities
Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica share some crucial similarities about automatic steam wand and auto shut-off, which I will highlight below.
Auto shut-off
The two models can be programmed to auto shut down after a certain period of inactivity. With this feature, you will be able to save electricity, and you will also be able to extend their lifespan. I recommend buying an espresso machine with an auto shut down feature if possible to make it more convenient for busy mornings.
Automatic steam wand
The steam wands of DeLonghi Eletta and Magnifica are amazing, and designed for true coffee lovers. One of the most rare things about espresso machines is that they steam milk automatically at your choice of temperature at the touch of a button.
A perfect velvety texture requires the right steam pressure to draw in air and create thousands of tiny bubbles. Thus, Delonghi’s automated steam wands are able to produce that silky smooth, latte-art-friendly microfoam.
Quick Rundown of DeLonghi Eletta
- Fresh Espresso for every cup the integrated burr grinder with adjustable settings grinds fresh beans every time to ensure maximum freshness. You can also use pre-ground in the second chamber – your choice of regular, specialty or decaf.
- The de’longhi lattecrema system creates perfectly layered Espresso beverages, with dense, rich, long-lasting foam in every cup from start to finish.
- Consistent brewing every time Each cup is automatically brewed to the perfect temperature, richness and density. And, you can customize the settings to ensure it’s always just the way you like it.
- Maintenance: de’longhi machines require half the cleaning time of other brands, unlike competitor machines, which require chemical cleaning tablets monthly.
- Warranties may not apply to purchases from an unauthorized retailer.
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- FRESH ESPRESSO FOR EVERY CUP: The professional burr grinder with 13 adjustable settings grinds fresh beans every time to ensure maximum freshness. You can also use pre-ground in the second chamber. Your choice of regular, specialty or decaf.
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them.
- CONSISTENT BREWING EVERY TIME: Each cup is automatically brewed to the perfect temperature, richness and density. And you can customize the settings to ensure its always just the way you like it.
- EASY TO CLEAN AND HANDLE: The compact, extractable brew unit is not only easy to clean, it self-adjusts for one or two shots of espresso.
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Delonghi Eletta: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/eletta-automatic-espresso/p/ECAM45760B
- Delonghi Magnifica: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/magnifica-automatic-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker-esam-esam3300/p/ESAM-3300
I am Ralph Mason and I am a passionate coffee drinker. I worked as a barista for a few years and since 2012 I have been trying to convince as many people as possible of good coffee.
I started writing on the barista blog on RepublikCoffeeBar in 2018. It was a pure hobby site and I tested coffee products like coffee machines, beans, mug, and other accessories. After the first year, my blog is becoming a well-known coffee site with about 100 thousand visits per month.
In 2019 I decided to focus on RepublikCoffeeBar only. I became a full-time coffee blogger and was declared crazy by many.