If you’re looking for a bean-to-cup machine, chances are you’ve already heard of the Delonghi Magnifica S.
And for good reason: it’s probably one of the best-selling
best-selling bean to cup espresso machine in this category.
And it has to be said that, on paper, this bean-to-cup coffee machine is not lacking in assets: a quality grinder with 13 positions, the possibility of making 2 espressos with a single percolation, and really simple operation and maintenance.
And I almost forgot, it’s one of the least expensive models on the market. Ideal, therefore, for starting out on the adventure of quality coffee without breaking the bank.
You may be wondering whether this machine delivers what it promises? Is the espresso really quality? Is it really possible to make cappuccinos and machiatto?
So I decided to do the test myself, and I’ll tell you all about it in this article, starting with its features and ending with my verdict on this model.
Update:
Today there’s a new model, the Delonghi Magnifica Start. I tested the machine for you and was not disappointed.
First impression
DeLonghi is known for doing things right.
So it’s a very good first impression when you take the machine out of its box. Connection and start-up take just a few seconds.
We still recommend reading the manual to get started with your machine. This is not the time to make a small, costly mistake.
Like all other entry-level machines, there’s little in the way of stainless steel finish.
I did like the metal drip tray, though.
It’s a small flaw, but not a major one, because you have to remember that this is Delonghi’s entry-level model, and for this price you can’t expect a top-of-the-range body like the Dinamica , for example.
Testing the De’Longhi Magnifica S
Design
Let’s start with the aesthetics of the De’Longhi ECAM22.110B Magnifica S coffee machine.
Nothing really extraordinary here. The design is simple and functional. That’s what I like about the Magnifica S. Nothing complicated, no difficult settings. She makes good coffee, and she does.
Still, the Magnifica S feels a few years old, and I’d love to see a refreshed version.
It’s black with a silver tint on the cup holder and control panel. The ensemble adds an extra touch of elegance to the machine.
It’s about 35 cm high, 44 cm wide and 24 cm deep. Overall, the dimensions are right without being too bulky.
It is indeed quite compact compared to other models in the same range, but a small kitchen could very quickly run out of space in its presence.
Features
The many features of the De’Longhi ECAM22.110B Magnifica S coffee machine make it particularly practical.
Firstly, it features the “Rapid Cappuccino” function, allowing you to make delicious cappuccinos in no time at all. For the enhanced version. Your favorite milk drink has never been easier or more enjoyable to prepare.
Secondly, it also features an “Auto Shuff OFF” function. It automatically switches off the machine after 30 minutes of non-use. This practical option saves energy, among other things.
It also has a trap door for ground coffee. I don’t use it very often, but it can come in handy for decaf or as an emergency solution if you run out of beans.
Technical data
- Grinder settings: 13 positions
- Steel mill
- Steam nozzle for dairy drinks
- Milling hatch available
- Coffee intensity setting: 5 positions
- Water temperature: 3 levels
- Control panel: knob + thumbwheel (no LCD screen)
- Drink options: Espresso, Ristretto, Lungo, Coffee, Manual milk foam, Hot water
- Passive cup warmer
- Maintenance of brew unit: by hand and removable
- Pump pressure: 15 Bars
The control panel: simplicity at its best
No frills for the controls, the control panel is extremely simple.
Although it is not touch-sensitive, it comes in very handy for adjusting the coffee maker’s settings and functions.
For operation, 6 buttons and a setting wheel are integrated into the coffee maker’s on-board computer. We’ve also written a comprehensive guide to Magnifica S settings.
A knob lets you choose the intensity of your coffee. This is the volume of coffee the machine will grind. The higher it is, the stronger your coffee will be, and the closer it will be to an espresso.
You then have 4 buttons to choose the length of your coffee: single or double espresso, or single or double long espresso.
Another button to switch to steam nozzle mode and voila!
The little button below the intensity selector will tell you when it’s time to start a Magnifica S descaling program. It will flash red.
No connectivity, no user profile, not even an LCD screen (as found on the Krups Essential, for example).
Is it a problem? From my point of view, not at all, quite the contrary. Delonghi has chosen to focus primarily on ease of use and machine quality. Some extra options are nice, but for a machine of this type, you’ll have to make a choice: keep your budget in check and still get excellent coffee, or look for a higher-end model, which will inevitably be more expensive.
But don’t get rid of your instruction manual. While the control panel is very easy to use for daily coffee preparation, it will also be very useful for adjusting some of the machine’s parameters (water temperature). It’s at these moments that a touch-sensitive or LCD system would be most welcome.
Capacity
I really appreciate the machine’s relatively generous capacity. Its water tank holds up to 1.8 L of water. You can also integrate the Delonghi filter to purify the water.
You can make up to 15 espressos and serve the whole family. It is perfectly suited to domestic use, but will be too small for professional use in a cafeteria.
However, the bean compartment is small, holding just 250g of coffee beans. Other models are more interesting at over 350 g.
The settings: an espresso please
The integrated grinder
As always with DeLonghi bean-to-cup machines stainless steel grinder. This sturdy, well-built machine can handle up to 13 different grind sizes.
However, I have noticed that the grinder is a little more temperamental with very fine grinds (level 1 and 2). Avoid dark roasts.
How do I set the grinder for espresso?
To get a good espresso – and this is what this machine is all about – you need to set the grinder to the smallest position (between 1 and 3) to obtain the finest grind possible.
Percolation power
As with most domestic coffee machines, the DeLonghi offers 15 Bars of percolating power, which is quite enough for us.
Some brands may use this as a selling point, but in reality there’s very little point in having a higher number. An espresso machine generally has a pressure of 9 bar.
Flow block
This is well thought-out, and can be adjusted to accommodate both large mugs and small ristretto/espresso cups. The DeLonghi magnifica S allows two cups to be poured at the same time, thanks to its two flow nozzles.
It’s therefore possible to have an espresso for 2 people with percolation. It’s practical but I personally prefer the double espresso.
Cup warmer
On most grain processing machines, the cup warmer is passive, i.e. it heats very little and serves little purpose other than to store your cups. On the other hand, its chrome finish blends in well with the rest of the machine.
Espresso quality
In terms of efficiency, the De’Longhi ECAM22.110B Magnifica S bean-to-cup coffee machine is very convincing when it comes to the quality of the espresso it produces.
The crema is very present and the espresso is very good.
However, the lack of power of the espresso depends on the beans used. As is often the case with this type of machine, the espresso may be slightly under-extracted.
We’ll have to play with the settings as much as possible and find the right roast.
The machine is also very fast. It takes about 1 minute from start-up to pouring hot coffee into your cup. Preparing the second cup in a row is almost instantaneous.
Getting started
Its height can be adjusted from 8.5 cm to 14.2 cm to accommodate all types of cups and mugs. The machine also comes with a water filter to purify the water as much as possible before making a coffee, thus enhancing its flavor.
All in all, it’s very easy to use, and its many functions make the task all the easier.
The steam nozzle
The steam nozzle does an excellent job of making cappuccino or latte. The system is not automatic, as on a LatteGo, and will require a little practice to produce the perfect milk foam.
If you have several cappuccinos to make, you’ll need to wait a few seconds for the machine to recharge the steam system.
Maintenance and cleaning
Maintenance and cleaning are also automated for the majority of tasks. The De’Longhi ECAM22.110B Magnifica S coffee machine features a self-cleaning function between each preparation. Water is used to clean the pipes after the machine has been used, to prevent clogging.
To maintain the machine properly, it is advisable to descale it regularly to prevent limescale deposits in the water tank.
Every week, you’ll also need to take out the infusion block. It is located behind the water tank. Then simply run it under water.
Strengths and weaknesses
We like
- Simple, functional design
- Its many features
- Quick to prepare
- The quality of its beverages
- Easy to handle
- Easy to clean and maintain
We like it less
- Noisy engine
- Drip tray scratches easily
My opinion on the De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM22 coffee machine
Whether it’s my opinion or that of our users, we’re virtually unanimous in saying that the Magnifica S is one of the most versatile machines available today.
Its wide range of functions makes it an excellent espresso grinder, easy to handle and pleasant to use. I was intrigued by its price tag in relation to its quality, and in the end, I doubt it’s possible to beat this device in terms of quality/price ratio.
The only major fault I can find with this model concerns its grinder, which is a little noisy compared with some other models.
All in all, the perfect machine for getting started in the exciting world of espresso at home. And if you’re looking for a machine with more options and beverage possibilities, the Magnifica S Smart might be just what you’re looking for!
