Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica: which automatic espresso machine will be the final winner? After comparing their features, I found that the Magnifica XS is the final winner, and this post is my detailed explanation.
I have to admit that these two machines share many similar features, such as the stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 grind settings, the excellent steam wand, and the ease of operation and cleaning. Even so, the Delonghi Magnifica XS still proves its superiority with its coffee flavor, one-touch drink list, and built-in water filter.
As for the Delonghi Magnifica, this is still a great candidate, especially when it has all the features of a super-automatic espresso machine at an affordable price. If you are a fan of cappuccino or latte, I would say that its ability to create wonderful milk foam is not to be missed.
Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2025-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica – What To Look For
After much research on the difference between this pair, it appears that Delonghi Magnifica XS wins 3-1 against Magnifica. Let’s dive into the details together.
Coffee Flavor and Brewing System
The winner: Delonghi Magnifica XS
Grinder
When it comes to grinders, both the Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica are steel grinders. If you’re the type who loves that intense, slightly burnt kick in your espresso, you’ll dig this. You see, steel grinders heat up a bit during the grinding process. It’s almost like a mini roast that brings some extra bitterness and a hint of that delicious ‘burnt’ flavor you can only get with a good espresso.
On the customization side, they both boast 13 different grinding settings. Whether you’re looking to grind your beans as fine as dust or want a chunkier grind, these machines have you covered. It’s like having your coffee tailored; you get to dial in the exact texture you fancy.
Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The Delonghi Magnifica XS is its quieter, gentler cousin. It operates with a chill vibe, its grinder humming at a low RPM. This saves your ears from jarring noises and is also great news for your beans. This smoother ride prevents excessive heat buildup, ensuring those precious oils—the ones that give your espresso its unique flavor – are preserved. It’s like whispering a lullaby to your coffee beans, coaxing out their secrets.
On the flip side, the Magnifica is not the quietest kid on the block, which could be a turn-off if you’re a fan of serenity in your morning coffee routine. That said, some people like their mornings to be loud and lively – if that’s you, the Magnifica will fit right into your vibe.
So, it’s a tale of two coffee machines, each with its own style, but both eager to serve up a delicious cup of joe. Your choice, coffee lover!
Heating system
The Delonghi Magnifica XS has a Thermoblock boiler and a fast and efficient heating system. It works by heating the water as it passes through the boiler, ensuring you get hot water for your coffee or steam in no time. One of the notable advantages of this system is that it only heats the necessary amount of water for each cup of coffee, which helps conserve energy.
This means you don’t have to wait for a large water tank to heat up before brewing your coffee. In addition to its speed and energy-saving capabilities, the Magnifica XS offers four temperature settings. This feature lets you personalize your coffee’s temperature according to your taste preferences, giving you more control over your brewing experience.
On the other hand, the Magnifica utilizes a dual heat block heating system. While it’s still a functional system, it doesn’t match the speed and efficiency of the Thermoblock boiler found in the Magnifica XS. The average heat-up time for the Magnifica is approximately 75 seconds, which is decent but comparatively slower than the Magnifica XS. Moreover, the Magnifica doesn’t offer as many temperature control options as its counterpart. It may have a basic temperature setting, but it lacks the flexibility to fine-tune the temperature to your liking.
In summary, the Delonghi Magnifica XS, with its Thermoblock boiler, provides a faster and more energy-efficient heating system compared to the Magnifica. With its ability to heat only the necessary amount of water for each cup and the added advantage of four temperature settings, the Magnifica XS allows for a quicker brewing process and customization options. While Magnifica’s dual heat block system is functional, it takes longer to heat up and lacks the same temperature control options as its competitor.
milk system
The winner: Delonghi Magnifica
Regarding the milk system, both the Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica can produce milk with a thick and creamy texture. Both machines utilize manual Pannarello steam nozzles, known for their effectiveness in creating frothy milk.
Operating these machines is relatively easy. You simply fill the milk bottle, place it under the wand, and let it work. The wand steams and aerates the milk, creating airy and dense foam. A small tube in the Magnifica sets these machines apart, which helps achieve even more perfect milk froth. You have the option to rotate the bottle along with the wand, which enhances the quality of the foam.
There is a slight difference between the two machines in terms of speed. The Delonghi Magnifica XS takes a little longer to make the perfect cup of coffee with frothed milk. On average, it will take a bit more time to ensure that the milk is adequately steamed and frothed. On the other hand, the Magnifica is slightly faster, typically taking about 30 to 40 seconds to complete the milk frothing process.
Both machines offer a good milk system that produces creamy and frothy milk. The operation is simple, and they both utilize manual Pannarello steam nozzles. The Delonghi Magnifica XS takes a bit longer to create the ideal cup of coffee with frothed milk, while the Magnifica is slightly faster in this aspect.
Cleaning and maintenance
The winner: Delonghi Magnifica XS
It is relatively easy and hassle-free to clean and maintain both of these devices. They have a simple automatic descaling process that keeps the machines in top condition. All you need to do is fill the tank with a descaling solution and run it through the machine. This makes the cleaning process quick and effortless.
One notable feature that I appreciate about these devices is their alarm system. They have well-designed alerts that notify you of important maintenance tasks. These alerts can include messages for an empty water tank, descaling warnings, or error notifications. When you see the corresponding icon flashing, it serves as a reminder to check the entire machine and ensure that everything is in its proper place.
However, it is worth mentioning that my experience with Magnifica hasn’t always been flawless. There have been instances where I encountered water leakage issues. Dealing with these problems can be quite annoying and time-consuming, as it requires troubleshooting and fixing the source of the leakage.
Both machines offer a relatively easy cleaning and maintenance process thanks to their automatic descaling features. The alarm system helps you stay on top of maintenance tasks. While the Magnifica has occasionally presented water leakage problems, it’s important to note that such issues may not be common for every user.
Drink Options & Programmability
The winner: Delonghi Magnifica XS
First off, let’s talk about drink options. The Magnifica kicks things off with a pair of one-touch recipes. It’s a classic and elegant choice for espresso and cappuccino. This is not to say the Magnifica is basic; it simply prefers to keep things uncomplicated. You might even find its simplicity refreshing. After all, sometimes, less is more.
On the other side of the counter, we have the Magnifica XS. This little number doubles the Magnifica’s offerings with four recipes. You get the staples – espresso and double espresso – along with the long espresso and double long espresso. So, if you like to mix things up or enjoy your espresso a bit more drawn out, the Magnifica XS is worth the extra glance. It’s got the variety that’ll make every morning feel like a personalized coffee adventure.
Now, moving on to programmability. Here, both machines are equally matched, standing toe-to-toe. They’re kind of like baristas living in your kitchen. You can program your ideal strength, volume, and temperature for that perfect cup every time. And the best part? These machines remember. Yes, they’re smart enough to recall your preferences for future brews. So these machines have your back, whether you’re a “just give me the regular” or an “a pinch stronger today, please” type.
Whether you go with the Magnifica or the Magnifica XS, you’re in for a barista-level coffee experience right at home. It’s just a question of whether you prefer to stick with a tried-and-true pair of recipes or step out and explore a bit more with four options.
Quick Rundown of Delonghi Magnifica XS
- 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.
- DELICIOUS CAPPUCCINO AND LATTE: The adjustable manual Cappuccino System mixes steam and milk to create the thickest, longest-lasting foam for your cappuccino. And it’s easy to adjust the levels to prepare a creamy latte, macchiato or flat white.
Last update on 2025-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Delonghi 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 2025-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Delonghi Magnifica XS: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/magnifica-xs-automatic-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker-ecam22110sb/p/ECAM22110SB
- Delonghi Magnifica: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/magnifica-automatic-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker-esam-esam3300/p/ESAM-3300
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.