Do you want to know which of these entry-level espresso machines is better for you? Check out my final verdict of the debate Philips 3200 vs Delonghi Magnifica. These beginner-friendly models from Philips and Delonghi aren’t exactly cheap, so there must be reasonable expectations regarding their brewing style and espresso quality performance. And for me, the Philips 3200 is the machine with the better hands-on operation.
The winner is the Philips 3200 Lattego is a well-rounded model. This low-cost model can make nutty and mellow espresso and also features one-touch controls for other modern drinks, including milk-based ones like cappuccinos. I highly recommend the LatteGo line, mostly because of the delicious one-touch recipes that it has to offer.
Regarding Delonghi Magnifica, this model is easy to operate and is a typical machine for consumers who want pure espresso pulling only. Also, we may extract and froth simultaneously because it has a dual boiler. However, this machine is not very quiet, and the milk foam quality isn’t the finest.
Philips 3200 vs Delonghi Magnifica: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Philips 3200 vs Delonghi Magnifica: Differences
Philips 3200 with Lattego system wins 3-1 against Delonghi Magnifica thanks to its overall better design that allows users to brew a great variety of beverages, including milk-based ones. Its temperature control also leaves a better impression on me. You can find out how these models perform from my experience.
Milk system
Winner: Philips 3200
Philips 3200 Lattego is equipped with an automatic system assisted by a milk carafe. After testing all its settings, I can tell you that it is made to froth a good variety of textures, from creamy steamed milk to dry microfoam. We can and should expect this for a machine of its price.
As for Delonghi Magnifica, this model comes with a classic Panarello wand. For the price, I expected it to be able to froth enough microfoam for latte or cappuccino art. But the result has been a little disappointing. I can only pull steamed milk with this model after 45 to 50 seconds of handling the milk jug. The wand adds too much water while the steam pressure is low, so it can’t really pull off the dry foam texture.
Heating element
Winner: Delonghi Magnifica
While Delonghi Magnifica boasts a dual boiler heating element, Philips 3200 only uses a single boiler system to heat water.
What are the differences here? With a dual boiler system, we can steam milk right after pulling an espresso shot without waiting for the water to be returned to the right temperature. This is because the boiler compartment that assists the milk wand only already has the temperature right. There is no doubt that this feature is highly convenient, especially when you are in a hurry or when you need to make coffee quickly.
Temperature control
Winner: Philips 3200
Despite its less potent heating system, Philips 3200 offers better control over the water temperature. This comes across as a surprise to me because I didn’t expect it to be as precise as Delonghi Magnifica. But with the adjustable temperature control and the hot cups that come out of the machine every time I brew, I have nothing to complain about regarding the temperature department.
One-touch recipes
Winner: Philips 3200
Philips 3200 actually has 2 different product lines, one with the LatteGo system, which I’m reviewing in this post, and a classic Panarello system. If you opt for the LatteGo one, the price will be higher, but the one-touch drinks are definitely worth the investment more. It has single and double brewing, single and double brewing, one-touch espresso, coffee, Americano, latte, and cappuccino.
As for Delonghi Magnifica, this machine is designed solely for espresso extraction, so we can’t get anything more than espresso, ristretto, or lungo, which basically are diluted forms of espresso.
Being in the same price range, I highly recommend Philips 3200 over the Delonghi one. The value is much better and worth the investment more.
Philips 3200 vs Delonghi Magnifica: Similarities
Besides some obvious differences, I want to highlight 3 similarities between Philips 3200 and Delonghi Magnifica as well. Check out how they can elevate your coffee experience.
Cleaning indicator
Cleaning must be the most boring part of owning an espresso machine, so whatever convenient additional features are appreciated. With Philips 3200 and Delonghi Magnifica, I can enjoy the cleaning indicator to the fullest. With many machines at hand to review, I can’t keep track of the cleaning schedule of all of them. So the cleaning indicator that lights up whenever it’s time to clean or descale the brew system is very convenient.
Side water tank
I always prefer the side water tank because it’s easier to remove and doesn’t take up as much space as back water tanks. Even though most back water tanks have removable lids to refill from the top, we still have to take it out eventually for monthly filter changing or cleaning. So if possible, I recommend always picking a side water tank machine. But this shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing an espresso machine. Just my humble suggestions if possible!
Compatible with pre-ground coffee
With a built-in slot for pre-ground coffee, it’s convenient if you want to try other types of beans without removing the preexisted beans from the hopper.
Quick Rundown Of Philips 3200
- 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.Product note: Please refer to user guide or user manual (provided below in PDF) before first use
- Enjoy 4 coffees at your fingertips, makes espresso, hot water, coffee, Americano, Espresso Lungo. The classic milk frother allows you to create a silky smooth cappuccino or latte macchiato with ease
- Intuitive touch display, frequency: 60 hertz
- Adjust aroma strength and quantity
- 12-step grinder adjustment
Last update on 2023-03-30 / 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 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Video
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References:
- https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/EP3241_54/series-3200-fully-automatic-espresso-machines
- https://www.delonghi.com/en/esam3200-s-ex-1-magnifica-automatic-coffee-maker/p/ESAM3200.S%20EX%3A1
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.