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
Last update on 2023-11-30 / 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.
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.
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.
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
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Delonghi Magnifica S
- ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH GRINDER: enjoy high-quality coffee in every cup as the machine grinds the beans fresh, right before brewing; includes a 250g bean container and a case for pre-ground coffee
- GRINDING TECHNOLOGY: integrated grinding technology for freshly ground beans with adjustable grinding level; conical steel grinders calibrated with 100% accuracy
- THE FRESHEST COFFEE: the machine's technology grinds the exact amount of beans, leaving no residual coffee in the unit, ensuring your next cup is just as fresh
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL: De'Longhi Thermoblock system brews your coffee at the ideal temperature; it does this by only heating the water required for each beverage
- EASY CLEAN: many of the removable components of this coffee machine are dishwasher-safe for an easy care
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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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
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.