DeLonghi Magnifica S vs XS are two very popular espresso machines of the DeLonghi brand. They have several similarities with just one notable distinction.
The only difference between the DeLonghi Magnifica S and DeLonghi Magnifica XS is their dimensions; otherwise, they share identical features and capabilities. Both machines excel at crafting rich and well-balanced espresso while maintaining an affordable price point. Additionally, I appreciate the presence of their manual Panarello wand, which greatly assists in creating my preferred milk-based beverages.
If I were to make a selection between the two, my preference would still lean towards the DeLonghi Magnifica S. To delve deeper into my reasoning, continue reading.
Delonghi Magnifica S vs XS: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
DeLonghi Magnifica S vs XS: Comparison & Review
As mentioned above, the DeLonghi Magnifica S and XS are nearly identical, with the sole distinction being their dimensions. However, when it comes to making a choice, I lean towards the DeLonghi Magnifica S. Why?
They perform exceptionally well in terms of brewing coffee, frothing milk, and overall build quality. I chose the DeLonghi Magnifica S because of the wealth of positive feedback and purchases on Amazon, where tens of thousands of users have attested to its quality. It’s simply more reassuring to opt for a product that has proven itself to a broad audience.
Keep reading to find out how their differences affect your buying decision. Additionally, I’ll provide a comprehensive review of both products and share my personal experiences with them.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Grinder
DeLonghi Magnifica S and XS both use conical steel burr grinders, and I’ve found that these grinders perform quite admirably, especially considering their price point.
I love how we can fine-tune the coffee grind with up to 13 different levels. Now, that’s quite a range, isn’t it? I know you’re impressed because it’s hard to find any product that provides so many grind settings like these two machines. But for me, I’m not too surprised because it seems that most coffee machines from DeLonghi are “generous” like that.
However, numbers are just one part of the equation. Ultimately, quality trumps quantity, wouldn’t you agree? Personally, I don’t find myself overly wowed by the sheer number of grind settings. That’s because, in practice, when I adjust the grind to the last 2-3 levels to achieve an extremely fine grind for my coffee beans, both the Magnifica S and XS struggle to brew. The reason is their pump pressure, which isn’t robust enough to push water through a very fine coffee puck effectively.
Speaking of grinders, I must mention that both of these machines offer another handy feature: the ability to use pre-ground coffee thanks to a bypass doser. This means you can opt for the convenience of pre-ground coffee when you’re in a hurry or simply prefer a specific coffee ground.
Heating System
The heating system in both the DeLonghi Magnifica S and XS employs a dual boiler setup. I should note that they can’t simultaneously brew coffee and froth milk. But having two boilers dedicated to these two functions does make a significant difference. The waiting time between these two processes is considerably shorter compared to machines with a single boiler.
Design & Convenience
Dimensions and Aesthetics
| DeLonghi Magnifica S | DeLonghi Magnifica XS | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 17” x 9.4” x 16” | 17” x 9.4” x 13.8” |
| Weight | 20 pounds | 20 pounds |
Welcome to the first, and perhaps only, difference between the DeLonghi Magnifica S and the DeLonghi Magnifica XS. The XS model is 2 inches shorter than its counterpart, the S model. Now, personally, I don’t consider a 2-inch difference to be particularly significant. However, it’s entirely possible that there are individuals out there seeking a coffee maker that would be a perfect fit in their kitchen with just those 2 inches of difference. Who knows?
For me, both of these machines boast a compact design that easily finds its place on my kitchen counter. They’re space-efficient and don’t take up much room at all. So, whether you opt for the S or XS, you’ll likely appreciate the compactness they bring to your kitchen setup.
Speaking of aesthetics, the design always garnered divided opinions. Personally, I find them to be quite attractive, striking a balance between style and subtlety. They don’t scream for attention but rather blend in seamlessly on your countertop without being overly flashy.
Capacity
| DeLonghi Magnifica S | DeLonghi Magnifica XS | |
|---|---|---|
| Water tank capacity | 1.8 L | 1.8 L |
| Capacity waste container | 14 servings | 14 servings |
| Coffee bean capacity | 250g | 250g |
I was initially skeptical about the capacity of the DeLonghi Magnifica S and Magnifica XS due to their compact size, but I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. These machines may be small, but they sure pack a punch in terms of capacity.
Let’s start with their water tank, which can hold a generous 1.8 litres of water. To put that into perspective, that’s approximately enough for 9 cups of coffee. Sure, it’s not the largest water tank you’ll find in a coffee machine, but it’s pretty impressive considering the machine’s size.
Moving on to their bean hopper, it can hold up to 250 grams of coffee beans. That’s sufficient for home use. Of course, if you’re a coffee aficionado who guzzles down cup after cup, you might find yourself refilling the hopper more frequently. However, for most of us, it’s more than adequate and ensures that you always have fresh coffee beans ready to go.
One standout feature that I absolutely love is the front-loading design. It may not sound like a big deal, but trust me, it makes a world of difference. No more awkwardly manoeuvring your coffee machine to access the water tank, bean hopper, or waste container.
User Interface
DeLonghi Magnifica S and Magnifica XS do not boast the flashy touchscreen displays or high-tech wizardry of some other machines; they have a certain simplicity that I find quite user-friendly.
You can find an array of buttons on the side and a central rotational dial in the middle. There is no need to be intimidated by the myriad of buttons and options here. It’s all about ease of use.
Now, speaking of buttons, you won’t find a plethora of one-touch drink options on their screens. Instead, they keep it simple with essential functions. You’ve got your trusty power button, buttons for single and double espressos, single and double coffees, and a button for steaming milk.
In addition, on the left side of the machine, there’s a knob twister. This little gadget lets you effortlessly switch between hot water and steam.
Sure, you won’t find preset buttons for crafting cappuccinos, lattes, or other fancy drinks. But making those drinks is still entirely possible with these machines. It just requires a bit more manual control. You’ll need to brew your espresso, froth your milk separately, and then combine them.
Milk System
These machines are equipped with a Panarello wand for manual steaming.
Personally, I’m a fan of the Panarello wand because it gives me complete control over the texture and temperature of my milk. It allows you to tailor your milk froth to your exact liking, whether you prefer a velvety microfoam for a latte or a rich and creamy froth for your cappuccino.
However, I must admit that the milk temperature provided by the Panarello wand might not always meet everyone’s expectations, and I’m no exception in this regard. But I’ve discovered that you can remove the Panarello cover, effectively converting it into a traditional steam wand. This simple modification allows you to generate hotter steam and achieve the desired milk temperature more easily.
The milk they produce falls into the “okay” category. It’s good for the price, but it doesn’t quite reach the excellence achieved by more expensive machines with the Panarello wand and traditional wand. And it also cannot create milk for latte art.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning the DeLonghi Magnifica S and XS is a breeze.
First of all, these coffee machines are compatible with a water filter. If you decide to use one, it significantly reduces the amount of work required to keep your machine in tip-top shape. Say goodbye to the hassle of descaling – the water filter takes care of that for you.
However, the filter isn’t a one-and-done solution. You’ll need to change it every month or two, depending on your usage. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, the cost of these filters can add up over time and impact the overall cost of ownership. It’s something to keep in mind, especially if you’re budget-conscious.
Now, if you’re looking for alternatives, you do have options. You can opt to use purified water from another source or explore filtered water alternatives that suit your personal preferences, cost considerations, and availability.
But it’s not just the water filter that’s easy to deal with. Other parts of these machines are designed with user-friendliness in mind. The water tank, Panarello cover, drip tray, coffee waste container, and even the brewing group are all removable for easy cleaning under running water.
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 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of DeLonghi Magnifica XS
- Compact size yet maintains all the features of our full-size automatic machines
- No waiting between making Espresso and frothing milk with the rapid cappuccino system
- MAINTENANCE: De’Longhi machines require half the cleaning time of other brands, unlike competitor machines, which require chemical cleaning tablets monthly.
- Removable 60 ounce water tank. Height adjustable Coffee spouts to accommodate different sizes of cups
- What's in the Box: Instruction Manual, Measuring Spoon, Water Testing Strip and Descaler
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Magnifica S: https://www.delonghi.com/en-gb/ecam22-110-b-magnifica-s-automatic-coffee-maker/p/ECAM22.110.B
- Magnifica XS: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/magnifica-xs-automatic-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker-ecam22110sb/p/ECAM22110SB
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.