Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica: Comparing What They Can Do For You

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The Delonghi Eletta is a super-automatic espresso maker equipped with a special latte system for both espresso and milk. If you love adding milk to your morning coffee, the Delonghi Eletta is the better option when comparing with the Magnifica. It makes things automatic and quick.

I think of the Delonghi Magnifica as a barista-style modern espresso machine. It does everything at the touch of a button. So for people who care more about the intensity of their espresso, not milk, milk steaming, etc. the Magnifica is the one for them.

Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica: Comparison Chart

Image
The Winner (#1)
De'Longhi Eletta Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine with Latte Crema System, Black
The Runner-up (#2)
De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, Silver
Model
De'Longhi Eletta
De'Longhi Magnifica
Dimensions
18.36 x 10.2 x 14.16 Inches
11 x 15.3 x 14.4 Inches
Capacity
1.8 Liters
1.8 Liters
Material
Plastic
Stainless Steel
Color
Black
Silver
Weight
24.47 Pounds
23.12 Pounds
Drink Options
11: Regular Coffee, Espresso (multi-length), Cappuccino (auto), Caffe Latte (auto), Lattemacchiato (auto), Espresso Macchiato, Flat White (auto), Milk (auto), My Milk, Hot Water, Americano
5: Espresso (multi-length), Cappuccino, Latte, Hot Water, Americano
User Interface
Touch Control with LED
Rotary Control
Milk Preparation System
Automatic Frother with Latte Crema System + Manual Steam Wand
Manual Steam Wand
Beans container capacity
14.1 oz
8.8 oz
Max cup height
5.5 inches
4.25 inches
Possibility to use pre-ground coffee
Possibility to use water filter
Temperature Control
Energy-saving automatic shut off
Average Heat-up Time
≈75 sec
≈60 sec
What I Like
Price
$2,126.80
$799.99
The Winner (#1)
Image
De'Longhi Eletta Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine with Latte Crema System, Black
Model
De'Longhi Eletta
Dimensions
18.36 x 10.2 x 14.16 Inches
Capacity
1.8 Liters
Material
Plastic
Color
Black
Weight
24.47 Pounds
Drink Options
11: Regular Coffee, Espresso (multi-length), Cappuccino (auto), Caffe Latte (auto), Lattemacchiato (auto), Espresso Macchiato, Flat White (auto), Milk (auto), My Milk, Hot Water, Americano
User Interface
Touch Control with LED
Milk Preparation System
Automatic Frother with Latte Crema System + Manual Steam Wand
Beans container capacity
14.1 oz
Max cup height
5.5 inches
Possibility to use pre-ground coffee
Possibility to use water filter
Temperature Control
Energy-saving automatic shut off
Average Heat-up Time
≈75 sec
What I Like
Price
$2,126.80
More Info
The Runner-up (#2)
Image
De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, Silver
Model
De'Longhi Magnifica
Dimensions
11 x 15.3 x 14.4 Inches
Capacity
1.8 Liters
Material
Stainless Steel
Color
Silver
Weight
23.12 Pounds
Drink Options
5: Espresso (multi-length), Cappuccino, Latte, Hot Water, Americano
User Interface
Rotary Control
Milk Preparation System
Manual Steam Wand
Beans container capacity
8.8 oz
Max cup height
4.25 inches
Possibility to use pre-ground coffee
Possibility to use water filter
Temperature Control
Energy-saving automatic shut off
Average Heat-up Time
≈60 sec
What I Like
Price
$799.99
More Info

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica – Which Is Better?

Delonghi Eletta wins by 3-1 against Magnifica thanks to its performance, easy to clean and  creamy milk froth. It is sure to please more than just cappuccino drinkers.

1. Price

Features Of DeLonghi Magnifica
Features Of DeLonghi Magnifica

The Eletta is $1,000 costlier than the Magnifica which stands at a lower price range. This is because Eletta has more advanced features for faster brewing and a robust design. If you see the control panel, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

The main feature that really sets the tone for Eletta is the Lattecrema system. Its one-touch operation keeps the machine running smoothly and without delay. And unlike the Magnifica, the Eletta also features special coffee buttons – for cappuccino, cafe latte, and latte macchiato. 

For Magnifica, even though it’s significantly cheaper than the Eletta, I did find some really amazing features. Like the programmable menu settings and the Advanced cappuccino system. 

It performs well consistently but the durability lags behind because of its low cost. 

2. User-friendliness

Both the Eletta and Magnifica are easy and convenient to maintain. With accurate programmable functions, the single touch operation even while adjusting the grind size, volume, and intensity are seamless.

The Eletta lets you program to your personal preferences. This includes temperature and coffee ratio controls. What is also simplified is accessing the default coffee selections for a large variety of drinks. And most importantly, the display on the control panel guides you as you move through the entire bean-to-cup operation.

Magnifica has in its potent housing all the features that ace making espresso at home. With a single touch, you can make an Americano that’s better than any Starbucks’. The one-touch operation also applies to brewing double shots in one cup. The machine will automatically adjust the dose, size, and strength-based on what you select. 

3. Cleaning

Delonghi Eletta features active indicators that let you know when the machine needs cleaning. The indicators are for descaling and for cleaning out the water filter that carries mineral deposits. 

It has a milk carafe that I would advise you to wash once every 7 days. It keeps itself odor-free the rest of the week even if you don’t rinse it after use. You can detach the milk carafe and store it in the fridge to get cold foam for delicious espresso drinks.

I did have to clean the Delonghi Magnifica more often than the Eletta. If you’re worried about clogging, use bottled water. It really complements the charcoal water filter to prolong the machine’s shelf life. 

It features the descaling indicator so I always know when to clean. Rinsing the parts that come in use during espresso extraction is also necessary. I also did find that the steam wand with the o-ring needs replacement more often. Thankfully, Delonghi has accessible replaceable parts that aren’t that expensive. 

4. Milk

The steam wand/integrated milk frother deserves a category of its own. The milk frother on the Eletta is adjustable in that you have 3 levels of milk to pick from. The Milk Menu on the Eletta is accurate and consistent. The milk reservoir is 0.6L so it’s almost the size of a milk carton that you can store easily in the fridge.

The steam wand on the Magnifica is part plastic and part stainless steel. It has a small hole that releases hot air into the milk to froth it quickly and smoothly. I use a slightly damp but soft cloth to wipe the wand after every use. It takes about 60 seconds to use and clean.

Quick Rundown of DeLonghi Eletta

De'Longhi Eletta Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine with Latte Crema System, Black
  • Fresh Espresso for every cup the integrated burr grinder with 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 de’longhi lattecrema system creates perfectly layered Espresso beverages, with dense, rich, long-lasting foam in every cup from start to finish.
  • Consistent brewing every time Each cup is automatically brewed to the perfect temperature, richness and density. And, you can customize the settings to ensure it’s always just the way you like it.
  • 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 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Intelligent and efficient parts and features.
  • Large 1.8L water reservoir with filter.
  • Compatible with fresh coffee beans and pre-ground coffee.
Cons
  • You have to keep referring to the user manual for assistance.

Quick Rundown of DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica

Sale
De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, Silver
  • 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 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Fast “Direct-to-Brew” system for strong espresso.
  • Great for light, medium, and dark roast beans.
  • Compact design with sturdy parts.
Cons
  • The steam wand is sometimes tricky to use.

Product Videos

Conclusion

If all you care about is the sound and aroma of piping hot and creamy espresso pouring into your cup, nothing does it better than a Delonghi coffee machine. And two of its top competing super-automatic espresso makers are Eletta and Magnifica. 

They’re better than any local coffee shop’s coffee. Granted that you continue to use high-quality coffee beans and/or pre-ground coffee. They allow you to brew espresso and all kinds of espresso drinks at home without babysitting each cup. 

So if you feel stuck figuring out which espresso maker to buy, pick from the Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica models.

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