Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica are two choices among mid-range espresso machines that many people consider. Here is an answer to your question if you don’t have time to read a long article.
Delonghi La Specialista is highly recommended by many professionals. It has a smart tamper, which helps pack your grounds perfectly, and an adjustable steam wand that can be used for flat or foamy milk. Brewing coffee and steaming milk are possible simultaneously with two separate heating systems. In my opinion, this model is ideal for families and couples.
As a runner-up, Delonghi Magnifica stands out for its excellent milk froth and strong coffee flavor. However, there are some minus points in terms of consistency of operation, which I will explain below.
Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica : Differences
It is due to its unique and useful features that Delonghi La Specialista defeated Delonghi Magnifica with a score of 3 – 0. The machine grinds beans automatically, tamps them precisely, extracts coffee with precision, and textures milk in less than a minute. Find out how these two machines differ by reading on.
Flavor
The winner: Delonghi La Specialista
Grinder
Both of Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica have built-in precision conical burr grinder, which assists with grinding and provides consistent ground coffee.
The Delonghi La Specialista features a burr grinder with 6 grind settings ranging from fine to coarse. Furthermore, you can choose how much grinding to do with these machines. However, smart grind technology is what makes this grinder stand out from the crowd. It is is totally automatic. In other words, you will always receive the ideal dosage, regardless of the coarseness you need.
With the Delonghi Magnifica, the grinder size is adjustable inside the bean hopper. I have a problem with Magnifica grinder because it’s not very stable. Occasionally, I must manually push beans down the grinder when it doesn’t receive them from the bypass doser.
Dosing & Tamping
Differences are evident here since Magnifica uses nozzles technology while La Specialista uses portafilters system.
I really like the integrated tamping system on the La Specialista, which means zero mess. When the coffee has been ground into the filter-basket, all you have to do is press the lever on the side of the machine, and the coffee will be pressed into the basket perfectly. Using Sensor Grinder Technology can help you understand espresso grinders better.
It is my opinion that this is a great way to ensure new users receive consistent and level tamps. There is no need to remove the portafilter so that you can enjoy a mess-free experience.
The Magnifica is equipped with an automatic tamping system. After putting the beans in the bean chamber, nothing needs to be moved to extract coffee. The machine does all the work for you; all you need to do is press the button and choose the drink.
Brewing technique
In my opinion, the biggest difference between these two machines is the quality of the coffee they produce.
La Specialista is a functional and durable semi-automatic machine. The machine uses a 19-bar pump system, which froths espresso with thick crema for full-bodied flavor. Because of the amount of pressure, I’m not surprised that espresso always tastes robust and aromatic. Personally, I prefer this espresso with a smooth crema. For those who enjoy strong coffee, this model is for you.
In contrast, with 15-bar pump pressure, Magnifica can still extract perfect cups. Howerver, the crema layers have not impressed me much.
I think the La Specialista is better at brewing technology than the Magnifica since it’s a newer model. In addition to the sensor grinder technology, the 1-second quick start and dual heating systems make the La Specialista a mess-free and consistent winner.
Milk system
The winner: Delonghi La Specialista
First of all, both Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica have a milk frothing system that can froth various milk textures, such as creamy steamed milk and dry foam. Nevertheless, the quality of milk texture that these machines aim for is generally different.
After many tests of foaming, my comment is that they are all excellent enough to serve in cafes.
However, La Specialista foams more; the automatic foaming machine will produce amazing micro-foam that good enough to pour lattle art. Additionally, the Panarello wand on La Specialista has been upgraded. You can adjust the spout to make flat white, latte or cappuccino foam. All you have to do is place the steaming wand into the milk jug, turn on the steaming knob, and it will do its magic.
Utilities
The winner: Delonghi La Specialista
La Specialista has three pre-set coffee drinks recipes to choose between, including Espresso, Americano, and Coffee. If you like this drink and don’t want to measure the water to espresso ratio yourself, this device does it for you.
A bigger water tank is also available with this machine compared to that of Delonghi Magnifica. As a result, you will have to refill fewer times, which is convenient if you drink coffee regularly.
Cleaning & Maintain
Tie
There is no elaborate cleaning system in these machines, so they are not hard to clean, but neither are they difficult to maintain.
I like how you can easily find the rinsing button in the interface. To get rid of leftover coffee quickly and efficiently, click it, and the pair will run hot water through the dispenser.
Whenever we brew coffee, we must follow this step. The parts need to be cleaned more thoroughly with more cleaning products and more effort.
Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica : Similarities
Heating system
Both Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica machine has two independent heating systems: one for extracting coffee, and one for steaming milk or frothing.
In this configuration, milk-based drinks can be frothed or steamed immediately. With two heaters, once your coffee is ready, steaming your milk for beverages like latte and macchiato doesn’t require additional heating.
In my opinion, Delonghi is the more attractive option in this respect.
Bean Hopper Capacity
Both Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica have an 8.8 oz bean hopper capacity and sealed shut lids to avoid aroma loss.
Quick Rundown of DeLonghi La Specialista
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
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 La Specialista: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/la-specialista-espresso-machine-with-sensor-grinder-and-dual-heating-system-stainless-steel-ec9335m/p/EC9335M
- 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.