Between Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Eletta, which is the best super-automatic espresso machine? Personally, I would say that the winner is Eletta.
The Delonghi Eletta is a super-automatic espresso machine featuring a unique latte mechanism that allows you to produce both espresso and milk lattes. Because of its more complex automation, Eletta is more expensive. This model outperforms the competition in terms of brewing, foaming, and even cleaning.
The runner-up, Delonghi Magnifica XS is a more user-friendly espresso machine. Moreover, on your kitchen counter, it takes up less space.
Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Eletta: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-01-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Eletta: Differences
Delonghi Eletta wins 3-1 against Delonghi Magnifica XS because of the milk frother and customization options, cleaning.
Milk Frother
You’re lucky to have found not one but two espresso machines equipped with an excellent milk frothing system. Although Delonghi Eletta has a superior one, and I’ll soon talk about how and why that is.
With Magnifica XS, you get a patented cappuccino system frother, which is manual by the way. You place the container of milk under that nozzle and witness the milk transform into a creamy, rich froth.
It’s much the same with the Eletta model except that its automated latte crema system is one step ahead when it comes to creating long-lasting, rich, dense foam for all your favorite espresso-based beverages.
The manual milk frothing of Magnifica XS, no doubt, is pretty straightforward (all you have to do is press the button on the control panel). But it’s certainly not as convenient and advanced as Eletta’s milk storage + frothing unit. Meaning Eletta, after you select your choice of beverage, dispenses the perfect amount of milk from its 600-ml milk storage container for the most delicious cappuccino or latte. Of course, you can adjust the amount of milk (in 3 different settings).
On top of that, there’s the automatic-rinse function, which, obviously, Magnifica XS doesn’t have. But you can clean the milk carafe of the latter in your dishwasher or using hot water.
Customization Options
Let’s start with Eletta…
Strength of coffee – 5 different options (extra-strong to extra-mild)
You can choose how much ground coffee to use and the temperature of water for brewing. Along with cup size (standard, short, long, and extra-long).
And definitely extra points to Delonghi Eletta for the “My Coffee” setting. This option allows you to customize and also save your favorite, personalized coffee.
Compared to all that, Delonghi Magnifica XS doesn’t at all seem inferior (for the lack of a better word). It gives you the same kind of options for adjusting coffee strength, water temperature, and cup size. But there’s no “My Coffee” setting with this one.
Also, since Eletta comes with an integrated milk container, you can also customize the milk-to-espresso ratio. And this is not a part of Magnifica XS, which means you have to figure out on your own how much milk to use.
Cleaning
The Delonghi Eletta has live indications that tell you when it’s time to clean it. The indications are for descaling and cleaning the mineral-deposit-carrying water filter.
It comes with a milk carafe, which I recommend washing once every seven days. Even if you don’t rinse it after use, it stays odor-free for the remainder of the week. To make cold foam for great espresso beverages, remove the milk carafe and store it in the fridge.
Capacity And Size
Now, this is kind of an important one where the differences are the most noticeable. And something like size/capacity matters the most if your priority is to buy a bean-to-cup espresso machine that fits into the limited space of your small kitchen.
On that note, let me tell you that Delonghi Magnifica XS, as the XS here suggests, is a very compact AND lightweight coffee maker. Delonghi Eletta, on the other hand, is a heavier and bulkier unit.
- Magnifica XS – 9.4 inches x 17 inches x 13.8 inches (with a weight of 20 pounds)
- Eletta – 18.4 inches x 10.2 inches x 14.1 inches (with a weight of 24.5 pounds)
What about capacity, meaning the capacity of the water tank and coffee bean container?
Both Magnifica XS and Eletta have the same bean hopper capacity and water tank size. 8.8 ounces of whole beans and 60 ounces of water.
Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Eletta: Similarities
Your Coffee Options
The comparison doesn’t necessarily have to be differences only. Both super-automatic espresso machines by Delonghi here share the common functionality of preparing the following coffee beverages…
- Cappuccino
- Macchiato
- Latte
- Single-shot and double-shot espresso
- Americano
- Flat white
With both machines, all you have to do is press a single button and your choice of coffee will be ready for you in no time.
Type Of Coffee To Use
Once again, both are bean-to-cup espresso coffee makers that prepare for you the freshest, hence the most delicious coffee at home.
The best part about super-automatic espresso machines like Magnifica XS and Eletta is that they accept both whole coffee beans and ground coffee. Just make sure the latter has an espresso-appropriate grind size if you want your extraction to be the most flavorful and aromatic.
On the other hand, with whole beans, each machine, with the help of its patented, integrated grinder system grinds the beans instantly right before brewing.
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Eletta ECAM45760B
- 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 2023-01-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Magnifica XS ECAM22110B-X
- 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 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Conclusion – What’s the Verdict Then?
There’s no denying that Delonghi Magnifica XS is an easier-to-use and navigate espresso machine. Maybe that’s why it’s not as ridiculously expensive as Delonghi Eletta. Plus, the former occupies less space on your kitchen counter.
But then you should also take into account that Eletta, first of all, is so ridiculously high-priced precisely because of its more advanced automation. This model, hands down, is a superior choice in terms of brewing, frothing, and even cleaning. The only issue is the bigger space it occupies on the countertop.
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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.