In the battle between the Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica, the ultimate winner is the Magnifica XS. In this post, I’ll walk you through my detailed explanation behind this conclusion.
While both machines boast similar features like the stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 grind settings and an excellent steam wand, the Delonghi Magnifica XS outshines its counterpart with its one-touch drink list and compatibility with the water filter.
However, let’s not overlook the strengths of the Delonghi Magnificaa. It remains a strong contender, especially considering its affordability. Additionally, its heat-up speed surpasses that of its counterpart, thanks to the dual boiler system.
Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica: Differences
DeLonghi Magnifica XS emerges victorious with a score of 2-1 and secures two ties against its counterpart, the DeLonghi Magnifica. But what makes the Magnifica XS stand out? Let’s delve into the details to uncover the reasons behind its triumph.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
The Winner: DeLonghi Magnifica
Grinder
First, let’s talk about the heart of any good espresso machine – the grinder. Both the DeLonghi Magnifica and XS come equipped with conical steel burr grinders, and they’re quite the performers, especially considering their price point.
If you enjoy the intense, slightly burnt kick in your espresso, you’re in for a treat with these grinders because their steel grinders heat up a bit during the grinding process. It’s like a mini roast, adding an extra layer of bitterness and that distinct ‘burnt’ flavor that’s oh-so-delicious in a good espresso. But I get it – not everyone is a fan of that slightly bitter taste that can result from the grinder heating up.
When it comes to grinding capabilities, both the DeLonghi Magnifica and XS offer a whopping 13 different settings – quite impressive for machines in this price range. Having this range of options means you can easily tweak the grind fineness to match the type of coffee bean you’re using and achieve your desired strength level.
Personally, I’ve found that dialing it in around the 3-4 mark on the grind lever works best for brewing a really strong cup of coffee. However, I learned the hard way that going too fine can sometimes cause issues, especially with these machines’ pump pressure, which isn’t quite robust enough to push water through a very fine coffee puck effectively.
I won’t sugarcoat the fact that both grinders tend to be on the louder side. While this might not bother everyone, it can be a bit disruptive, especially if you have little ones sleeping or if you’re trying to enjoy a peaceful morning without waking up your family.
Bypass Doser
Both the Magnifica and XS boast this handy feature, conveniently located inside the bean hopper. This allows you to use pre-ground coffee whenever you run out of whole beans or if you simply want to switch between different coffee varieties without having to empty the hopper. It’s a small detail, but one that I’ve come to appreciate for its practicality and convenience.
Heating System
Their heating system has a huge difference as the DeLonghi Magnifica XS only comes with a single boiler, while the heating system of the Magnifica is a dual boiler setup.
First, I still praise their stainless steel Thermoblock heating systems because they heat up quite quickly.
However, there’s a notable contrast when it comes to milk-based drinks. With the Magnifica XS’s single boiler, there’s a slight delay in transitioning from brewing to frothing.
On the other hand, the Magnifica’s dual boiler system shines here. Say goodbye to those frustratingly long pauses between pulling an espresso shot and frothing milk. Thanks to its dual boilers, the switch between brewing and steaming is smooth and remarkably rapid.
Keep in mind that neither machine can simultaneously brew coffee and froth milk.
Design & Convenience
The Winner: Tie
Dimensions & Capacity
| DeLonghi Magnifica XS | DeLonghi Magnifica | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 9.4″ x 17.0″ x 13.8″ | 11 x 15.3 x 14.4 in |
| Weight | 20.1 pounds | 23.12 Pounds |
| Water tank capacity | 1.8 L | 1.8 L |
| Capacity waste container | 14 servings | 14 servings |
| Coffee bean capacity | 250g | 250g |
As depicted in the table, the DeLonghi Magnifica is marginally larger and heavier compared to the Magnifica XS. Nevertheless, I find this variance to be trivial, and it’s unlikely to play a pivotal role in the decision-making process between these two machines.
In terms of capacity, both machines boast identical specifications. The water tank can hold up to 1.8 liters, the waste container has a capacity of 14 servings, and the coffee bean hopper can accommodate 250 grams of beans.
User Interface
When it comes to user interface, both the DeLonghi Magnifica and Magnifica XS keep it simple, and that’s something I appreciate. Let’s start with the Magnifica XS – its interface is refreshingly straightforward. With just two rows of buttons and a rotary dial in the center, navigating through its options is a breeze.
Moving on to the DeLonghi Magnifica, it opts for a control panel featuring push buttons and dials. Below this panel, handy alerts remind you when it’s time to refill water, empty the coffee puck container, or perform maintenance like descaling.
While the appearance of their interfaces may differ slightly, the overall user experience remains consistent. I found it surprisingly easy to get the hang of both machines, with just a couple of uses needed to feel comfortable navigating through their features.
Milk System
The Winner: Tie
When it comes to milk system, both the DeLonghi Magnifica XS and the Magnifica rely on a Panarello wand for manual steaming. While they lack the fancy “one-touch” cappuccinatore system found in higher-end models, I’ve found the manual steam wand surprisingly effective.
As someone who’s spent time behind the bar, I actually prefer this method. It gives me complete control over the texture and temperature of my milk, allowing me to tailor it to my exact liking.
With these manual steam wands, I can create velvety microfoam for lattes or rich, creamy froth for cappuccinos. However, I’ll admit that achieving the perfect milk temperature with the Panarello wand can be a bit tricky at times. But here’s a little trick I’ve discovered: you can remove the Panarello cover to convert it into a traditional steam wand. This simple modification allows for hotter steam and makes it easier to achieve the desired milk temperature.
While the milk produced by both machines is decent considering their price point, it doesn’t quite reach the level of excellence achieved by more expensive models with traditional steam wands. Additionally, neither machine is capable of creating milk froth suitable for latte art.
Steaming, Frothing Milk Speed
As I mentioned earlier, the DeLonghi Magnifica XS comes with a single boiler, while the Magnifica is equipped with a dual boiler system. This distinction directly impacts how quickly they can steam or froth milk.
The Delonghi Magnifica XS takes a bit longer to ensure that the milk is properly steamed and frothed. On the flip side, the Magnifica tends to be slightly quicker, typically completing the milk frothing process in about 30 to 40 seconds.
However, it’s worth noting that this timing isn’t set in stone; it can vary based on your skills and technique. Therefore, while there is a slight disparity in frothing time between the two models, it’s not a major difference.
Drink Options & Programmability
The winner: Delonghi Magnifica XS
| Delonghi Magnifica XS | Delonghi Magnifica |
|---|---|
| Espresso 2 x Espresso Long Coffee 2x Long Coffee | Espresso 2 x Espresso |
Now, let’s dive into a seemingly minor yet crucial aspect of these semi-automatic coffee machines—the programmable buttons they offer.
On the control panel of the Delonghi Magnifica XS, there’s a dedicated button for a single shot of espresso, another for a double shot of espresso, as well as separate buttons for one-shot long coffee and two-shot long coffee.
The Delonghi Magnifica keeps it simple with just two programmable buttons—one for a single shot of espresso and the other for a double shot of espresso.
Furthermore, we have the flexibility to adjust both the temperature and the coffee grind size to match our personal preferences, ensuring that each cup of coffee or espresso is perfectly suited to our taste. Although their customization options may be somewhat restricted compared to more expensive models, it’s worth noting that they still offer great value for their price.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The Winner: Delonghi Magnifica XS
In terms of cleaning and maintenance, one significant difference between the two models is their compatibility with water filters. The Magnifica XS offers the convenience of using a water filter, which greatly simplifies the maintenance process by reducing the need for frequent descaling. With the filter in place, I bid farewell to the tedious task of descaling, allowing me to focus more on enjoying my coffee.
However, it’s important to note that the water filter isn’t a one-time solution. I’ve learned that I need to replace it every month or two, depending on the usage. While this recurring cost may seem trivial at first, it can accumulate over time and affect the overall cost of owning the machine. Nonetheless, the convenience and time saved from not having to descale as often make it a worthwhile investment.
On the other hand, the DeLonghi Magnifica lacks compatibility with a water filter, leaving it more vulnerable to calcium buildup and requiring more frequent descaling. This aspect can be a drawback for those seeking a low-maintenance coffee machine.
To combat the scaling issues, the Magnifica provides a handy test strip to check the hardness of the water. This tool has been invaluable in helping me gauge the mineral content in my tap water, allowing me to take appropriate measures to minimize scaling.
To alleviate the need for frequent descaling in both cases, I’ve adopted the practice of using filtered or bottled water. This simple solution significantly reduces scaling and helps maintain the longevity of my machines.
Personally, I recommend using a Brita water filter to soften the water and minimize calcium deposits. Alternatively, opting for water with a low hardness level, if available, can also effectively mitigate scaling issues and prolong the lifespan of your coffee machine.
Quick Rundown of Delonghi Magnifica XS
- This automatic coffee maker has a professional burr grinder with 13 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 adjustable manual cappuccino system mixes steam and milk to create the thickest, longest-lasting foam for your cappuccino. And it’s easy to adjust the levels to prepare a creamy latte, macchiato or flat white. Height adjustable Coffee spout
- Simply adjust the menu settings for temperature, coffee strength and cup size according to your preferences. The machine takes care of the rest.
- 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 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Delonghi Magnifica
- 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
- FRESH ESPRESSO FOR EVERY CUP: The professional burr grinder with 13 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.
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them.
- CONSISTENT BREWING EVERY TIME: Each cup is automatically brewed to the perfect temperature, richness and density. And you can customize the settings to ensure its always just the way you like it.
- EASY TO CLEAN AND HANDLE: The compact, extractable brew unit is not only easy to clean, it self-adjusts for one or two shots of espresso.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- DeLonghi 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.