In this article, I will compare 2 incredibly functional and user-friendly choices: the Delonghi Magnifica S Smart vs Dinamica. Both machines boast of interesting features such as an automated milk frothing system, programmable coffee strength, which make the DeLonghi a grade above in many ways.
But to give you a quick answer, DeLonghi Dinamica is my chosen winner. This super-automatic machine with 13 grinding levels will do everything for you, from preparing the coffee beans to brewing the richest espresso shots. In addition, the Latte Crema system works like a champ.
It’s true that the Magnifica S Smart can also pull some excellent shots of espresso and it is easy to clean as well. But it does offer fewer coffee options. The biggest strength of this model, however, is its superior build quality and competitive burr grinder.
Delonghi Magnifica S Smart vs Dinamica: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Magnifica S Smart vs Dinamica : Differences
After comparing the differences between the two models, I declare that DeLonghi Dinamica wins by 2 to 1 against the DeLonghi Magnifica S Smart.
Between both espresso makers, they’re each almost the same price, hence worthy of the relatively higher price tag. But the Dinamica, which is the better choice, is slightly lower priced which makes this evaluation even more interesting for you!
1. Espresso Flavor
The Winner: DeLonghi Dinamica
Both the DeLonghi Magnifica and Dinamica are super-automatic espresso machines. This means they have intricate features that manage every step of the brewing process. But which of those directly affect the taste of espresso?
Coffee Grinder
Both have the same built-in grinder with 13 grind levels that you can adjust easily. Made of steel with a separate container for pre-ground coffee.
Programmable Drinks
This is where Dinamica steals the show. It features 18 customizable coffee drinks with its TrueBrew Over Ice espresso technology. This top feature of the Dinamica is absent in the Magnifica S Smart. The Dinamica allows you to brew coffee directly over ice with the specialty ‘TrueBrew Over Ice’ button. It tweaks the espresso extraction process to suit iced coffee, or exactly like cold brew. So you get strong iced coffee that tastes exactly like it should.
The 6 drinks that Magnifica S offers are espresso, drip style coffee, latte, americano, cappuccino, and hot water. These are all one-touch recipes including the special lattemacchiato with a long coffee. As you can see, the Magnifica is a great choice for rich and intense coffee plus the intricate customizations.
But the Dinamica overshadows this coffee selection with its own unique and versatile drink menu. The Dinamica offers espresso, drip style long coffee, Truebrew Over Ice, cappuccino, latte, lungo, ristretto, double espresso, cappuccino+, latte macchiato, flat white, espresso macchiato, double espresso, double lungo, and hot water.
Want also find the differences between Delonghi Dinamica vs Delonghi Magnifica XS ? DeLonghi Dinamica lets you brew directly over a glass, offering iced coffee that’s ‘made-to-order’. The result is smooth, full-bodied coffee. For an entry-level espresso machine, Delonghi Magnifica XS is ideal. It’s automatic, fast, and durable. Let see the full article Delonghi Dinamica vs Magnifica XS: What Will You Buy Next?
Temperature Control
While both machines do have the same dual thermoblock feature, the Magnifica S Smart lacks temperature control. The Dinamica features 4 levels of temperature for easy and quick accessibility. So you’re in control over how hot you want the espresso to be.
2. Price
The Winner: DeLonghi Dinamica
The first thing you notice when looking at any kitchen appliance is the cost. Even when you have a flexible budget, it’s a good way to start your journey of selecting the best of the best.
The Delonghi Magnifica S Smart is an expensive competitor. It’s a high-end and premium machine with good reason because it boasts of a superior-grade build quality.
The Delonghi Dinamica is notably lower in price than Magnifica S Smart. It’s a functional bean-to-cup coffee maker to buy if you don’t want to pay a very high price for it. It has all the right features lined up to make delicious and rich espresso.
Between the Delonghi Magnifica S Smart vs Dinamica, you’re not missing out on much. Although the Magnifica S Smart is a more concrete machine in terms of design and smooth controls.
But having said that, the DeLonghi Dinamica delivers espresso quickly with more consistent features and pre-programmed coffees, without you having to refer to the machine’s manual to operate it effectively. This makes the low cost of the Dinamica more enticing than the Magnifica S Smart.
3. Cleaning & Maintenance
The Winner: Magnifica S Smart
Everything about the Delonghi Dinamica is convenient. A practical design, sturdy buttons, and comfortable size that fits on most kitchen counters. It doesn’t offer the automated cleaning programs of the Magnifica S Smart but it’s a great choice for direct and user-friendly use.
Cleaning gets a whole lot easier, at least the internal components, with a water filter. The Magnifica S Smart has that. The self-cleaning milk container is also an added benefit. You have to do the bare minimum to keep this machine working in the best condition. The good build quality goes a long way, better than many super-automatic coffee machines.
The Dinamica makes up for its slightly low quality in accessories that let you clean the machine better. The descaling solution, cleaning brush, water filter, and a measuring spoon. Some parts are removable and dishwasher-safe which cuts your cleaning time in half.
If you feel stuck somewhere, you can always refer to the user manual for a step-by-step self-cleaning technique. This will prolong the shelf life of any coffee maker, especially the Delonghi.
DeLonghi Magnifica S Smart vs Dinamica: Similarities
Let’s talk about what they do have in common that makes them unique and powerful for home espresso makers.
1. Cappuccino + Latte Crema System
The Latte Crema system is under the umbrella of most high-end DeLonghi super-automatic espresso machines. What it does is gives you intricate control over how much foam you’d like in your coffee.
With drinks like a latte, cappuccino, or a latte macchiato, you don’t always require the same amount of foam. The Latte Crema system has automatic milk recipes built-in to save you time. So you don’t have to figure out the correct amount of foam and dial it in. Just press the right milk setting from the control panel itself and the DeLonghi takes care of the rest.
Thankfully, you can do this on both these super-awesome machines!
2. Built-In Grinder
Both machines feature a steel burr grinder with 13 levels of adjustments. This means you control the exact level of fineness of the coffee powder. Pair it up with the level of coffee customization on both machines, it’s one of the fastest and quietest grinders on the market.
3. Dual Thermoblock
Speaking of features that are fast, the Magnifica S Smart and Dinamica also share a dual Thermoblock heating system. This means you can select your drink and the machine won’t make you wait while heating up. It does simultaneous brewing so it’s active all the time. And there’s no waiting in between cups.
4. Capacity
Both espresso machines share a similar design, with a 60-ounce water tank capacity. The Magnifica S Smart does have a slightly smaller bean hopper capacity – 8.8 ounce. While that of the Dinamica is 10.5-ounce. But this is not a worry at all. There is only 1-2 cups of difference. Sometimes, it is hardly even noticeable.
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Dinamica ECAM35025SB
- ALL-IN-ONE BARISTA - With bean-to-cup brewing and a built-in burr grinder, the Dinamica Espresso Machine produces cafe-quality beverages like espresso, long espresso, drip style coffee, and even iced coffee at the push of a button.
- EASY TO USE - Customize the size & strength of every cup with our automatic, touch-sensitive interface. Our revolutionary technology grinds the perfect amount of beans, leaving no residue in the brew unit, so your next cup is just as fresh.
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY - With an integrated manual frother, enjoy your cafe favorites like lattes and cappuccinos with rich, creamy foam whether you use milk or your favorite milk alternatives like: almond, soy, coconut, or oat.
- QUICK CLEANUP - Cleanup is simple & easy, saving you time. No chemicals are needed—just pop out the drip tray & drop it in the dishwasher.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED - The Dinamica Espresso Machine comes equipped with a descaling solution, a cleaning brush, a coffee bean-shaped ice cube tray, a water filter, and a measuring spoon.
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Magnifica S Smart ECAM23260SB
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Final Verdict
As most of you who have read my previous coffee reviews already know, I hate marketing mumbo-jumbo. If a coffee machine doesn’t prove in action what it claims to do in words, I’m out.
That is why I found the Delonghi Magnifica S Smart to serve as the ideal challenger for the Dinamica. It’s an intuitive and precise espresso maker that does everything at the touch of a button.
And the Delonghi Dinamica is one of the speediest coffee makers I’ve used. And just like the Magnifica S Smart, it is intuitively tuned to do everything once you’ve pressed the right buttons.
Related Articles to Delonghi Dinamica
- Delonghi Magnifica S vs Dinamica: Which Of These Mid-End Espresso Makers Is Better?
- Delonghi Dinamica vs Magnifica XS: What Will You Buy Next?
- Delonghi La Specialista vs Dinamica: Comparison Review & Top Features
- Delonghi Dinamica vs Magnifica – The Best Bean To Cup Coffee Machine To Buy
- Delonghi Dinamica Plus vs Dinamica: Which Is The Best Mid-Range Espresso Maker?
- Delonghi Dinamica vs Eletta: What To Choose & Why?
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References
- DeLonghi Dinamica ECAM35020SB from DeLonghi https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/dinamica-automatic-coffee-and-espresso-machine-with-iced-coffee-plus-adjustable-milk-frother-silver-ecam35025sb/p/ECAM35025SB
- DeLonghi Magnifica S Smart ECAM23260SB from DeLonghi https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/magnifica-s-smart-cappuccino-maker-ecam23260sb/p/ECAM23260SB
I am a passionate coffee drinker. Since I left my job as a barista a few years back in 2012, I’ve been sharing my expertise on coffee and buying the best coffee equipment online. That’s how Wild Boar Coffee came to life.
I write about everything coffee-related under the sun. Where to buy the freshest coffee beans from? How to test coffee beans based on texture, aroma, and acidity?
I know all this from scratch – all thanks to my years and years of experience as a barista. So I’ve gotten real up-close-and-personal with coffee beans and different brewing techniques.