Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica: A Comparison of the 2 Best Coffee Machines Convenience

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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

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
De'Longhi Eletta Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine with Latte Crema System, Black
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, Silver
Model
Delonghi Eletta ECAM45760B
Magnifica Espresso ESAM-3300
Dimensions
14,2 x 10,2 x 18,4 inches
11.0 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches
Color / Material
Black/ Plastic
Silver/ Plastic
Weight
24,5 Pounds
23.2 Pounds
Voltage
110/120 Volts
120 Volts
Beans container capacity
14.1 oz
8.8 oz
Water Tank Capacity
67 oz
60 oz
Grinder
Stainless Steel Conical Burr
Stainless Steel Conical Burr
Heating System
Dual thermoblock
Dual Thermoblock
Control Panel
Metal touch buttons
Buttons
Adjustable Grinding Settings
Pump pressure
15 bar
15 bar
Possibility to use water filter
Heat-up Time
40-60 second
About 75 seconds
LatteCrema System Technology
Temperature Control
What I Like
Price
$2,999.00
$549.99
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
De'Longhi Eletta Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine with Latte Crema System, Black
Model
Delonghi Eletta ECAM45760B
Dimensions
14,2 x 10,2 x 18,4 inches
Color / Material
Black/ Plastic
Weight
24,5 Pounds
Voltage
110/120 Volts
Beans container capacity
14.1 oz
Water Tank Capacity
67 oz
Grinder
Stainless Steel Conical Burr
Heating System
Dual thermoblock
Control Panel
Metal touch buttons
Adjustable Grinding Settings
Pump pressure
15 bar
Possibility to use water filter
Heat-up Time
40-60 second
LatteCrema System Technology
Temperature Control
What I Like
Price
$2,999.00
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, Silver
Model
Magnifica Espresso ESAM-3300
Dimensions
11.0 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches
Color / Material
Silver/ Plastic
Weight
23.2 Pounds
Voltage
120 Volts
Beans container capacity
8.8 oz
Water Tank Capacity
60 oz
Grinder
Stainless Steel Conical Burr
Heating System
Dual Thermoblock
Control Panel
Buttons
Adjustable Grinding Settings
Pump pressure
15 bar
Possibility to use water filter
Heat-up Time
About 75 seconds
LatteCrema System Technology
Temperature Control
What I Like
Price
$549.99
More Info

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.

Eletta's grinder provides even grinding and is stable
Eletta’s grinder provides even grinding and is stable

+ 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.

DeLonghi Eletta has finely textured milk foam
DeLonghi Eletta has finely textured milk foam

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

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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.

Eletta can customize the settings according to your preferences
Eletta can customize the settings according to your preferences

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

De'Longhi Eletta Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine with Latte Crema System, Black
  • 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

Pros
  • Cup warmer made of stainless steel
  • Easy-to-use milk system cleaning
  • LatteCrema system for milk foam
  • One-Touch Controls
  • Coffee and milk thermoblocks that are independent
  • The finest grind produces finer coffee beans
Cons
  • It takes a long time to clean before and after use

Quick Rundown of DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica

Sale
De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, Silver
  • 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

Pros
  • Design with low failure rates and high quality
  • Stainless steel removable double boiler
  • Very affordable
  • A water quantity that can be adjusted gives you more control
Cons
  • Noisy grinder
  • You can’t brew and steam at the same time
  • It does not have a digital display

Product Videos

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References

4.5/5 - (2 votes)