Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica: which automatic espresso machine will walk away as 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 2023-05-28 / 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 4-1 against Magnifica. Let’s dive into the details together.
milk system
The winner: Delonghi Magnifica
Both machines feature a manual steam wand, which requires the user’s involvement. Be assured that the operations are easy to practice. You just need to fill the milk jug, set it beneath the steam wand, and then let the wand do its work. The device will get the milk to the ideal temperature and produce the perfect, dense foam that works beautifully with lattes and cappuccinos. Also, you can manually swirl the jug while the wand steams and aerates the milk so that the froth will become airier and thicker.
However, there is a little note that the steam wands will take a bit of time to reach the perfect density for milk foam. With the Delonghi Magnifica, it takes about 40 seconds, while the Magnifica XS will take a little longer.
coffee flavor
The winner: Delonghi Magnifica XS
Grinder
Speaking about the grinders of the Delonghi Magnifica and Magnifica XS, I didn’t notice much difference between them. The same stainless steel conical burr design, which has 13 settings for fine to coarse coffee bean grinding, can be adjusted easily by both beginners and experts. However, the Magnifica XS seems to run smoothly and make less noise than the competition. With the Magnifica, noise can wake your child up if the coffee maker is left too close to the bedroom.
I do not recommend you use oily coffee beans for these two machines. Those beans are greasy and over-roasted, and they will gum up your grinder and clog it. In this case, medium-roasted beans are the best option. In addition, there is also a spot for pre-ground coffee in case you want to enjoy a cup of decaf coffee occasionally.
Espresso flavor
Both Magnifica and Magnifica XS use 15-bar pump pressure to extract rich, aromatic espresso. They also offer a menu setting for coffee strength and grinding levels for users to customize their coffee drinks.
Overall, these two machines produce good espresso. The thick and flavorful crema still stays around for as long as your coffee is warm. However, when I tested brewing on both machines with certain types of coffee beans, the espresso from Magnifica would occasionally taste a little bit sour. But compared to its affordable price, this is completely acceptable.
Heating system
This aspect shows us more differences between these two espresso machines. While the XS comes with a single thermoblock, its competitor employs a dual thermoblock heating system. Let’s see which machine has the better advantage.
With Magnifica XS, the single thermoblock ensures fast heating and saves energy as well. As examined, this machine’s average heat-up time is around 60 seconds, and it just takes 10 seconds to get ready for steaming after brewing. Moreover, it features 4 temperature settings that let you customize the temperature of your coffee following your preferences. Besides, this device also features the Rapid Cappuccino System that maintains the temperature so you can brew cup after cup instantly without suffering a huge temperature loss.
As for Magnifica, despite owning the dual thermoblock, it doesn’t mean that you can brew coffee and steam milk at once. In reality, this heating system speeds up the heating process, and there is almost no waiting time between steaming and brewing. However, the average heat-up time of this machine is a bit longer than the XS, around 75 seconds, and it also doesn’t offer as many temperature control options as its competitor.
Espresso flavor
Both Magnifica and Magnifica XS use 15-bar pump pressure to extract rich, aromatic espresso. They also offer a menu setting for coffee strength and grinding levels for users to customize their coffee drinks.
Overall, these two machines produce good espresso. The thick and flavorful crema still stays around for as long as your coffee is warm. However, when I tested brewing on both machines with certain types of coffee beans, the espresso from Magnifica would occasionally taste a little bit sour. But compared to its affordable price, this is completely acceptable.
user interface
The winner: Delonghi Magnifica XS
To be frank, the user interface of these two machines is nothing special but simple and easy to use. However, the control panel of the XS uses icons to illustrate with larger buttons for easy operation. Meanwhile, the interface of Delonghi Magnifica only includes classic buttons and rotation.
drink options
The winner: Delonghi Magnifica XS
To begin with, both machines provide users with 5 basic drink options: espresso (multi-length), cappuccino, latte, Americano, and hot water function for tea and hot chocolate. Besides, this pair also features some one-touch drink recipes.
Specifically, Delonghi Magnifica comes with 2 one-touch recipes, while Magnifica XS offers 4, slightly more than its opponent.
Besides, you can create your ideal espresso and cappuccino experience by programming in your preferences. These two machines will remember the details, from the strength of your espresso to your preferred size beverage, and save them for the next time.
CLEANing
The winner: Delonghi Magnifica XS
With these two machines, cleaning is quite gentle and simple. Removable parts like the water tank, drip tray, or brew champer are easy to access and dishwasher safe. When it’s time to clean the machine, the indicators will let you know. Another small but still very important detail that users can find in both machines is that you can use hot water to clean the steam wand after each use.
As for the difference, the XS comes with a built-in water filter, while its opponent does not accept any filter. That means you need to filter prior to adding water to the tank. In my opinion, this is not a big deal, and it won’t take much of your time either.
Quick Rundown of Delonghi Magnifica XS
- This automatic coffee maker has a 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.
- 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. Height adjustable Coffee spout
- Simply adjust the menu settings for temperature, coffee strength and cup size according to your preferences. The machine takes care of the rest.
- 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
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 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Videos
Related Articles to Delonghi Magnifica Xs
- Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Eletta: Useful Review You Should Know
- Delonghi Dinamica vs Magnifica XS: Comparing 2 Most Popular Mid-range Espresso Machines By Delonghi
- Delonghi Magnifica S vs XS: What You Should Choose?
- Philips 3200 Lattego vs Delonghi Magnifica XS: The True Winner Of These 2 Mid-range Espresso Makers
- Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Gaggia Brera: Honest Review For a Good Budget Espresso Machine
- Philips 3200 vs Delonghi Magnifica XS: 4 Major Differences In Flavor, Milk Frothing, And More
- Breville Barista Express vs Delonghi Magnifica XS: An Honest Review Of My Real Experience With These Machines
Related Articles to Delonghi Magnifica
- Which Product Line To Choose Between Delonghi Magnifica vs Magnifica S ECAM23120SB?
- Philips 2200 vs Delonghi Magnifica: Which Is The True Beginner-friendly Machine?
- Jura A1 vs Delonghi Magnifica: Which Affordable Espresso Machine Should You Choose?
- Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica: A Comparison of the 2 Best Coffee Machines Convenience
- Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica: What Is The Best Option For You?
- Philips 3200 vs Delonghi Magnifica: Reviewing 2 Potent Entry-level Espresso Machines
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 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.