Delonghi Magnifica S vs Delonghi La Specialista: 2 Amazing Affordable Espresso Makers. Which Is Better?

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Delonghi Magnifica S vs Delonghi La Specialista has been a tough debate for me to find out the winner. Both machines belong to the same price range and more or less have highly similar features. But for me, the final winner is Delonghi La Specialista.

Delonghi La Specialista is equipped with an 84.5 oz water tank, and it can brew balanced, robust, and nuanced coffee. Its milk system is quite impressive since I can easily adjust the milk texture, and the results are creamy steamed milk or airy microfoam. I recommend this model for families and couples.

Delonghi Magnifica S is a formidable opponent thanks to its strong coffee flavor and great milk froth. But there are some minus points in terms of consistency in operation, which I will explain further below.

Delonghi Magnifica S vs Delonghi La Specialista: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
De'Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Sensor Grinder, Dual Heating System, Advanced Latte System & Hot Water Spout for Americano Coffee or Tea, Stainless Steel, EC9335M
The Runner-Up (#2)
Delonghi super-automatic espresso coffee machine with an adjustable grinder, manual cappuccino maker, for brewing espresso, cappuccino, latte. ECAM22110B MagnificaS
Model
Delonghi La Specialista
DeLonghi Magnifica S
Dimensions (WxDxH)
14.48" x 15" x 17.5"
19.2 x 11.5 x 16.3 Inches
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless Steel
Weight
29.7 Pound
24.4 Pounds
Pump pressure
19 bars
15 bars
Power / Voltage
1450 W/ 110–120 V
1450W/ 120V
Water Tank Capacity
84.5 oz
60.8oz
Bean Hopper Capacity
8.8 oz
8.8oz
Interface
Analog Gauge, Button Control
Buttons and Dial Knob
Quick and Easy Americano
Cup warming Tray
Microfoam
Pre-programmed beverages
3
4
Heating System
Dual boilers
1 Thermoblock
Grind Setting
6
7
Tamping
Manual
Automatic
What I Like
Price
$432.63
Price not available
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
De'Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Sensor Grinder, Dual Heating System, Advanced Latte System & Hot Water Spout for Americano Coffee or Tea, Stainless Steel, EC9335M
Model
Delonghi La Specialista
Dimensions (WxDxH)
14.48" x 15" x 17.5"
Material
Stainless steel
Weight
29.7 Pound
Pump pressure
19 bars
Power / Voltage
1450 W/ 110–120 V
Water Tank Capacity
84.5 oz
Bean Hopper Capacity
8.8 oz
Interface
Analog Gauge, Button Control
Quick and Easy Americano
Cup warming Tray
Microfoam
Pre-programmed beverages
3
Heating System
Dual boilers
Grind Setting
6
Tamping
Manual
What I Like
Price
$432.63
More Info
The Runner-Up (#2)
Image
Delonghi super-automatic espresso coffee machine with an adjustable grinder, manual cappuccino maker, for brewing espresso, cappuccino, latte. ECAM22110B MagnificaS
Model
DeLonghi Magnifica S
Dimensions (WxDxH)
19.2 x 11.5 x 16.3 Inches
Material
Stainless Steel
Weight
24.4 Pounds
Pump pressure
15 bars
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 120V
Water Tank Capacity
60.8oz
Bean Hopper Capacity
8.8oz
Interface
Buttons and Dial Knob
Quick and Easy Americano
Cup warming Tray
Microfoam
Pre-programmed beverages
4
Heating System
1 Thermoblock
Grind Setting
7
Tamping
Automatic
What I Like
Price
Price not available
More Info

Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Delonghi Magnifica S vs Delonghi La Specialista: Differences

Delonghi La Specialista wins 3 to 1 against Delonghi Magnifica S. The coffee flavor is unbeatable, the microfoam and steam milk are top quality, and the temperature control is very impressive. I will reveal how each machine work now.

Coffee Flavor: Delonghi La Specialista

+Grinder

Delonghi La Specialista has 6 grinder settings, while Magnifica S has 7. We can change the coffee ground from fine to coarse.

Here is my experience: with La Specialista, you should set the grinder at a coarser level since the model applies a lot of pressure to brew espressos. Thus, a fine ground will be too tough to soak and extract. Setting it at 4 will be ideal, but if you prefer bitter and strong espresso, you can set the grinder at 5 max.

Delonghi La Specialista has a potent grinder with 6 settings
Delonghi La Specialista has a potent grinder with 6 settings

With Magnifica S, you should set the grinder at 3 or 4 only, given that the machine already brews strong coffees.

My problem with Magnifica S’ grinder is that it isn’t very stable. Sometimes it doesn’t receive beans from bypass doser, and I have to push them down the grinder manually.

+Dosing + tamping

There is a big difference here since Magnifica S uses the nozzles technology while La Specialista uses a portafilter system.

As for Magnifica S, all you have to do is press a button to choose the drink, and the machine does the rest, from grinding to dosing and tamping. With La Specialista, we have to pluck the portafilter in place, press the button and wait for the machine to grind, then pull a lever to tamp the puck manually.

Magnifica S is slightly more convenient in this aspect, but the tamping step on Delonghi La Speciaista isn’t complicated either.

+Brewing technique

Delonghi La Specialista makes use of a 19 bars pump system, and this feature makes the machine froths full-bodied espresso with thick crema. With this amount of pressure, I’m not surprised that the espressos always come out robust and very aromatic. This model is not for soft coffee lovers.

Delonghi La Specialista makes use of a 19 bars pump system
Delonghi La Specialista makes use of a 19 bars pump system

Personally, I prefer the pressure work on this one. Who doesn´t like espresso with a velvety layer of crema?

Delonghi Magnifica S also makes creamy espressos, but the crema layers haven´t impressed me much. Flavor-wise, this machine delivers strong and nuanced coffees as well.

Utilities: Delonghi La Specialista

Delonghi La Specialista has one button dedicated to Americano only. If you like this beverage and don’t want to measure the water to espresso ratio yourself, this device does it for you.

Also, the machine has a bigger water tank compared to that of Delonghi Magnifica S. This ensures fewer refills, which is convenient if you drink coffees regularly.

Milk system: Tie

Firstly, both Delonghi La Specialista and Magnifica S offer an adjustable milk system that froths different milk textures, from creamy steamed milk to dry foam. This ensures that we get the perfect milk for each recipe.

After many frothing sessions, the only comment I can make is that they are equally great, and the foam quality makes them good enough to serve in coffee shops. The steamed milk is creamy and full-bodied, while the milk foam is airy and dry.

One thing I want to add is that Magnifica S froths milk quicker, but La Specialista makes hotter foam. You can choose according to your priority.

Magnifica S froths milk quicker
Magnifica S froths milk quicker

Cleaning & Maintain: Tie

These machines aren’t hard to clean, but they don’t have an elaborate cleaning system either. What I like about them is that you can find the rinsing button in the interface easily. Click it, and the pair will run hot water through the dispenser to get rid of leftover coffee quickly and efficiently.

This step is a must every time we brew coffees. To clean the parts more thoroughly requires more cleaning products and effort.

Delonghi Magnifica S vs Delonghi La Specialista: Similarities

Delonghi Magnifica S and Delonghi La Specialista share some minor similarities, including a cup warming tray and the same bean hopper capacity.

Cup Warming Tray

Both machines have an integrated cup warming tray with which you can make sure that the coffee temperature is hot and steaming. If you prefer enjoying your cup of coffee slowly in the morning, this feature is crucial. Nevertheless, Delonghi La Specialista already brews very hot drinks, so you won’t have to worry too much temp-wise with this model.

Bean Hopper Capacity

La Specialista and Magnifica S share the same 8.8 oz bean hopper capacity, and they come with sealed shut lids to avoid aroma loss and dirt.

Quick Rundown of Delonghi La Specialista

Sale
De'Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Sensor Grinder, Dual Heating System, Advanced Latte System & Hot Water Spout for Americano Coffee or Tea, Stainless Steel, EC9335M
  • 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
  • Sensor grinding technology: Exclusive segsing technology delivers precise, consistent grinding and the optimal dose for espresso, every time. Plus, the bean sensor ensures you’ll never run out of beans while grindin. Auto shut-off
  • The smart tamping station: Simply pull the lever to tamp the ground coffee with the right pressure for perfect results. There’s no need to remove the portafilter, so you get to enjoy a mess-free experience, for Espresso Made Right(TM)
  • Active temperature control with dual heating system: The best temperature stability for optimal coffee extraction and milk texturing. One thermoblock for extracting coffee and an independent heating system for steaming milk or frothing
  • Advanced latte system: Micro-foam frothing for Latte Art or rich froth for cappuccino. Just place your cup under the spout and select flat or foam. Now, you can enjoy your flat hot milk, or the perfect foam to express your latte art creativity

Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • No mess and waste using the built-in tamper
  • Two heating systems for shorter wait time between processes
  • The grinder comes with a sensor
  • Very quiet operation
  • Automatic steam wand with a 60s cycle
  • Quick and airy microfoam
  • Easy rinsing process
Cons
  • Milk frothing is not very quick

Quick Rundown of Delonghi Magnifica S

Delonghi super-automatic espresso coffee machine with an adjustable grinder, manual cappuccino maker, for brewing espresso, cappuccino, latte. ECAM22110B MagnificaS
  • MULTIFUNCTIONAL automatic espresso coffee machine with a maual CAPPUCCINO system that delivers a tasty barista-quality Espresso, Long Coffee, Double Espresso, Cappuccino, than 3 minutes. Can be used with either coffee beans or ground coffee for preparation of two cups of coffee within a single brewing cycle.
  • PROFESSIONAL Brew two cups of magic drink simultaneously with Top-of-the-line Delonghi bean-to-cup brews two cups. Great brewing without having to learn how to be a barista. This fully automated machine has an integrated silent coffee grinder with 13 adjustable grinding settings, a bypass doser, a pump generating up to 15 bars of pressure, a water filter,an manual milk frother, as electronic temperature control and pre-brewing technology.
  • USER FRIENDLY. A super-automatic espresso maker can deliver the coffee shop experience to the comfort of your home, any time you feel the urge. System equipped with control panel with icons,the Cappuccino System device, a front-loading water tank, a bean hopper & coffee-grounds container with a capacity indicator and also provides adjustable water & coffee drink quantity.
  • EASY TO CLEAN All removable components of the Delonghi super-automatic espresso coffee machine are dishwasher safe.
  • WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: Delonghi super-automatic coffee machine backed with an Unconditional Satisfaction Guarantee and a 12-month Warranty. If you are not 100% satisfied, please CONTACT US immediately and we will help you right away. Our world-class customer support is available 7 days per week.

Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Quick performance with hardly any delay
  • Manual steam wand and stainless steel grinder
  • The milk system can froth various milk texture
  • Microfoam is its strength
  • It prepares coffee and espresso with a touch of a button
Cons
  • The grinder sometimes is faulty and doesn’t bring coffee beans down from the bypass doser

Product Videos

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References:

Delonghi La Specialista: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/la-specialista-espresso-machine-with-sensor-grinder-and-dual-heating-system-stainless-steel-ec9335m/p/EC9335M

Delonghi Magnifica S: https://www.delonghi.com/en/ecam22-110-b-magnifica-s-automatic-coffee-maker/p/ECAM22.110.B

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