After putting these 2 very distinctive espresso machines to the test, I have found the winner of the debate Delonghi Magnifica S Smart vs Breville Barista Express. Thanks to its updated design and many one-touch recipes for quick cappuccino making, Delonghi Magnifica S Smart easily wins the round.
The winner Delonghi Magnifica S Smart is an expensive model that I believe is a good option for entry-level or intermediate coffee making in the comfort of your home. With one touch, we can make a delicious tall cup of cappuccino. It offers a 100% hand-free operation in which even non-expert at coffee can pull tasty shots of espresso. So, if you are OK with the price tag, I highly recommend going for this model.
Breville Barista Express has been a trusty favorite entry-level machine for coffee drinkers in the US. For classic espresso extraction, I always recommend this efficient and affordable model. But, compared to Magnifica S Smart, this model’s design is much more simplistic. It requires more manual brewing and milk frothing.
Delonghi Magnifica S Smart vs Breville Barista Express: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Magnifica S Smart vs Breville Barista Express: Differences
Delonghi Magnifica S Smart wins 4-1 against Breville Barista Express. Being a super-automatic machine, it offers a better hand-free coffee brewing experience for users that Breville Barista Express isn’t designed to offer. Check out my full verdict below.
Heating element
Winner: Delonghi Magnifica S Smart
Delonghi Magnifica S Smart is designed with a dual boiler system that allows the machine to steam milk while extracting espresso. Knowing fully well the recipe of cappuccino, The S Smart knows the amount and order of milk and espresso pouring to deliver a delicious cup with the right aesthetic.
With the dual boiler, this model can extract cups after cups constantly without requiring a waiting time between brewing sessions.
In addition, despite being a boiler system, the actual heat-up time of this model impresses me a lot. It only takes a total of about 45 seconds to finish the prep cycle and enter brewing mode. As for espresso extraction or coffee making, it takes over 1 minute to get a cup of latte or cappuccino. So including heat-up time, it shouldn’t take you more than 2 minutes to get morning coffee.
One-touch recipes
Winner: Delonghi Magnifica S Smart
With Delonghi Magnifica S Smart, we can brew ristretto, espresso, low-pressure coffee, latte, and cappuccino with a touch of a button. For home use, I assure you that a machine with this much one-touch recipe is a much better option in the long run.
I have tested the flavor quality of each recipe, and I can confirm that this machine does a great job, especially with espresso, latte, and cappuccino. The flavor note definitely inclines to the stronger side. So if you aren’t fond of strong espresso, I suggest setting the grinder level at 4 only. In case you enjoy extra potent coffee, selecting the grinder at 6 should be enough.
Although Breville Barista Express is exceptionally good at making espresso, especially with its low price tag, busy coffee drinkers may not be satisfied with it in the long run. Why? It requires more hands-on intervention during the brewing process. But, if you are a fan of making your own cup of Joe, I 100% recommend Barista Express if you are looking for a good value entry-level machine.
Automation rating
Winner: Delonghi Magnifica S Smart
The Delonghi model is a super-automatic machine, which means that it offers a 100% hands-free experience. I don’t have to get my hands on anything from milk frothing to coffee grinding and espresso extraction. Just select the recipe, and we are good to go.
As for Breville Barista Express, this one is a fully-automatic, which means it will automatically dose for users, but it still requires some manual intervention. Since the machine has a detachable portafilter with a separate port for feeding coffee ground from the machine to the filter, I have to attach and remove it between the steps. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t say that this is inconvenient. Most entry-level espresso machines have this design, and the operation is quick and easy.
Milk system
Winner: Delonghi Magnifica S Smart
Delonghi Magnifica S Smart is equipped with a milk carafe that can deliver microfoam, which is something we are looking for in a good cappuccino machine.
I have tested the latte and cappuccino recipes to see if there is much difference between the milk foam texture of the two. And I must say that they are quite similar. The latte recipe has slightly less foam, but the texture is pretty much the same.
As for Breville Barista, the machine is equipped with a classic Panarello wand. After testing it many times, I conclude that this model is more than ideal for making a latte or flat white, but not cappuccino. And although the milk foam layer is less significant than Magnifica S Smart, I can still do latte art with it.
Price
Winner: Breville Barista Express
Price-wise, Breville Barista Express is much more affordable than Delonghi Magnifica S Smart for the right reasons. I have owned Barista Express for years. I never question its espresso quality, not just because of its affordable price but because of its genuinely stable pressure work and balanced espresso flavor.
As for Delonghi Magnifica S Smart, its many convenient features are reflected in its price tag. But, I believe the price could have been better considering that the model is made of mostly plastic. Or it could have been made of stainless steel.
So what is my suggestion? These machines have very different price ranges, and there aren’t many similar features to compare them correctly. So, it boils down to your needs and budget. Delonghi is the better pick if you are ready to invest in a super-automatic machine that handles every step for you. On the other hand, if you want a simple espresso machine with a good milk system and an affordable price, Breville is the one.
Delonghi Magnifica S Smart vs Breville Barista Express: Similarities
Besides the indicator that tells user when to clean or descale the machines, I don’t think there are any other major similarities between these two machines. I appreciate the clean/descale indicator a lot because we can’t all keep up with the cleaning schedule wit the coffee machines, especially for me when I have so many products at hand to review.
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Magnifica S Smart
Last update on 2024-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Ruwndown Of Breville Barista Express
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
- MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: The powerful steam wand performance allows you to hand texture microfoam milk that enhances flavor and enables creation of coffee art at home, helping you make the perfect cup of latte or cappuccino
Last update on 2024-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Video
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References:
- https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/magnifica-s-smart-cappuccino-maker-ecam23260sb/p/ECAM23260SB
- https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.