Delonghi Magnifica S vs Magnifica S Smart: Which Espresso Maker Is Worth Buying More?

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Delonghi Magnifica S vs Magnifica S Smart is an unequal debate where Magnifica S Smart excels above by miles. This model is much more intuitive, ergonomic, and stable than Magnifica S. And I will give you all the details on how it performs for me.

Purchase the Magnifica S Smart for the best espresso flavor and consistency in quality. The best value is provided by it. Its dual Thermoblock technology is also speedier and more feature-rich than the Delonghi Magnifica S.

Additionally, the Delonghi Magnifica S has useful features. Such as adaptable Aroma functionality and reliable espresso extraction technology. You can select how robust or well-balanced you want the espresso to taste. However, the S line isn’t as stable in operating the grinder or the temperature control compared to S Smart.

Delonghi Magnifica S vs Magnifica S Smart: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Delonghi" MAGNIFICA S CAPPUCCINO smart" ECAM23260SBN (BLACK × SILVER)【Japan Domestic genuine products】 【Ships from JAPAN】
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Delonghi ECAM23120SB Magnifica S Express Super Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver
Model
DeLonghi Magnifica S Smart
Delonghi Magnifica S
Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.37 x 16.93 x 13.78 inches
9.37 x 16.93 x 13.78 inches
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 120V
1450W/ 220-240V
Weight
19.8 Pounds
19.8 Pounds
Capacity
61 oz
61 oz
Material
Stainless steel, plastic
Plastic
Adjustable milk texure
Color
Black
Silver and Black
Pump pressure (bar)
15 bars
15 bars
One-touch cappuccino
Cup warmer
Grinder settings
7 settings
7 settings
Average Heat-up Time
45s
45s
Bean Container Capacity
0.55 pounds
0.55 pounds
Water tank position
Frontal access
Frontal access
Human Interface Input
Button and dial
Buttons and dials
What I Like
Price
Price not available
$699.00
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Delonghi" MAGNIFICA S CAPPUCCINO smart" ECAM23260SBN (BLACK × SILVER)【Japan Domestic genuine products】 【Ships from JAPAN】
Model
DeLonghi Magnifica S Smart
Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.37 x 16.93 x 13.78 inches
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 120V
Weight
19.8 Pounds
Capacity
61 oz
Material
Stainless steel, plastic
Adjustable milk texure
Color
Black
Pump pressure (bar)
15 bars
One-touch cappuccino
Cup warmer
Grinder settings
7 settings
Average Heat-up Time
45s
Bean Container Capacity
0.55 pounds
Water tank position
Frontal access
Human Interface Input
Button and dial
What I Like
Price
Price not available
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Delonghi ECAM23120SB Magnifica S Express Super Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver
Model
Delonghi Magnifica S
Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.37 x 16.93 x 13.78 inches
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 220-240V
Weight
19.8 Pounds
Capacity
61 oz
Material
Plastic
Adjustable milk texure
Color
Silver and Black
Pump pressure (bar)
15 bars
One-touch cappuccino
Cup warmer
Grinder settings
7 settings
Average Heat-up Time
45s
Bean Container Capacity
0.55 pounds
Water tank position
Frontal access
Human Interface Input
Buttons and dials
What I Like
Price
$699.00
More Info

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Delonghi Magnifica S vs Magnifica S Smart: Differences

Magnifica S Smart wins 3-0 and ties once against Magnifica S. Both can brew delicious espresso. Still, Magnifica S Smart is so much more convenient with its one-touch beverages and stable grinder.

Espresso flavor

Tie

Regarding the espresso flavor, there is no difference between the pair for me to highlight. They can both brew very nuanced and nutty cups that will satisfy your needs for caffeine and good taste. The consistency of the espresso flavor is good as well. It’s hard to brew watered-down or too-bitter cups with this pair. Also, the temperature of the drinks is great. This must be due to the implementation of the Thermoblocks, one of the best heating elements out there today.

Delonghi Magnifica S Smart can brew nutty espresso
Delonghi Magnifica S Smart can brew nutty espresso

Also, thanks to the consistent and powerful 15-bar pump pressure, the pair can deliver some magnificent coffee crema and full-bodied espresso texture.

One-touch recipes

Winner: Magnifica S Smart

Magnifica S Smart offers many more one-touch recipes than Magnifica S. The drinks that these machines can brew are:

  • Delonghi Magnifica S Smart: Espresso, long coffee, Americano, latte, cappuccino, hot milk, hot water
  • Delonghi Magnifica S: espresso, espresso lungo, hot water

There is no doubt that the one-touch system of Magnifica S Smart is more impressive. I highly recommend machines similar to this one because there will always be times when you feel like something other than frothing your own milk and prefer enjoying super-automatic brewing features instead. You won’t have to assist the brewing process with the efficient one-touch cappuccino or latte.

Coffee Grinder

Winner: Magnifica S Smart

The Magnifica S is a dependable and steady machine with an inbuilt conical grinder. Because it is made of steel, it is stronger and sharper for regular usage.

Delonghi Magnifica S has a decent grinder that deliver even grounds
Delonghi Magnifica S has a decent grinder that deliver even grounds

A burr grinder with varying degrees is a feature of the Magnifica S Smart. There are thirteen distinct ways to modify the grind settings. There are 13 grind modification levels available for the Magnifica S.

However, no matter the drink you’re making, setting the grinder settings on the Magnifica S Smart feels better and more precise than on the Magnifica S.

You can modify the coffee grounds’ fineness using the Delonghi Magnifica S. Similar to the Magnifica S Smart. It sets up remarkably quickly and simply. But it yields less crema when it comes to coffee extraction. Even after changing the coffee’s strength, the espresso still comes out quite light and watery.

Temperature Control

Winner: Magnifica S Smart

The main distinction between the DeLonghi Magnifica S and S Smart can be found here. One Thermoblock heating element is used by the Magnifica S, which is adequate. However, it is better, quicker, and stronger than the Magnifica S Smart, which employs two Thermoblock components.

The dual Thermoblocks allow the additional machine room to brew and froth simultaneously, impacting performance, something that one Thermoblock is unable to accomplish. So, with the Magnifica S Smart, you can anticipate speedier performance.

Both machines accurately raise the water’s temperature for milk steaming and espresso extraction. Overall, the DeLonghi does an excellent job keeping the ideal heating temps for a consistent and smooth brew. But with two Thermoblocks, the Magnifica S Smart is faster than the Magnifica S.

Milk System

Winner: Magnifica S Smart

The integrated milk frother with the carafe on the Magnifica S Smart is a reliable and sophisticated feature compared to manual steam wands. It guarantees that I save even 15 seconds trying to figure out the cup’s or the steam wand’s angle.

The Magnifica S does not have a carafe, but this is okay. It has a steam wand that you can quickly adjust for hot milk and cappuccino foam right on the wand. It’s straightforward, and the steam wand can easily be tilted to fit a cup or a milk jug.

The milk frother’s integration of S Smart is quite helpful for specialized beverages. For example, to make velvety, smooth milk for a range of coffee drinks such as latte macchiato, iced latte, or cappuccino, I only need to push a single button and make the necessary adjustments. You don’t even need to move the cup at all because the milk spout rests right on top of it!

Delonghi Magnifica S Smart can froth microfoam
Delonghi Magnifica S Smart can froth microfoam

DeLonghi Magnifica S vs Magnifica S Smart: Similarities

There are 2 similarities between Magnifica S and Magnifica S Smart that I want to highlight: cup warming tray and heat-up time.

Cup warming tray

The pair comes with a cup warming tray, which is quite standard in espresso machines. But, shockingly, only some models have this nowadays. Therefore, DeLonghi Magnifica S and Magnifica S Smart are super handy. Imagine you pour hot coffee into a cool cup, which will undoubtedly cool down the drink’s temperature. So preheating the cups is a smart choice if you want the cup to last longer.

Quick heat-up time

Boasting efficient heating elements, DeLonghi Magnifica S and Magnifica S Smart can prime themselves very quickly under 1 minute. This means that you can start brewing after 1 minute of waiting only. The Magnifica S uses a single Thermoblock to heat water. At the same time, the S Smart is equipped with a dual Thermoblock system and has a dedicated boiler for heating water that is later used for espresso extraction.

Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Magnifica S Smart

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Sturdy construction that occupies little space
  • A practical milk carafe for speedy foaming
  • Several one-touch milk-based coffee recipes
  • Double brewing cycle that is quick
  • 13-level quiet steel burr grinder
  • There is no waiting time between brews, you can continuously draw cups
Cons
  • Slightly noisy, but not too much

Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Magnifica S

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Large water capacity with simple refilling
  • It’s quite nice to have the descaling/ cleaning indicator
  • It simultaneously brews in two little glasses
  • The taste and aroma of espresso is smooth and excellent
  • Exceptionally well-designed with clean-up-friendly removable pieces
  • After two hours, the device automatic shuts off
Cons
  • It takes a few minutes to use the steam wand
  • Noisy grinder and the bean hopper doesn’t feed beans into it well

Product Videos

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References

Rating 5/5 - (4 votes)