The world of coffee has grown exponentially over the past few decades, and for home baristas or coffee enthusiasts, having a quality espresso machine is a must. The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus is one such machine that has garnered attention for its promise of delivering authentic espresso drinks with ease, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
As someone who enjoys a good cup of espresso every morning, I was excited to dive into this machine, and after weeks of testing and exploring every feature, I’m ready to share an in-depth review. This will cover everything from design and build quality to the actual performance, usability, and whether it’s worth the investment.
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Table of Contents
De’Longhi Magnifica Plus Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | De’Longhi |
| Model | Magnifica Plus |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 17 x 13.6 x 11.5 inches (43 x 34.5 x 29.2 cm) |
| Weight | 23 pounds (10.4 kg) |
| Color | Black with Stainless Steel accents |
| Power | 1250 watts |
| Voltage | 110-120V (USA) / 220-240V (Europe) |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bar |
| Heating System | Dual Thermoblock |
| Grinder Type | Integrated Conical Burr Grinder |
| Grind Settings | 13 adjustable settings |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 8.8 oz (250 g) |
| Water Tank Capacity | 60.8 oz (1.8 liters) |
| Brew Unit | Removable |
| Coffee Strength Settings | Adjustable |
| Coffee Volume Control | Adjustable (0.5 oz to 8 oz) |
| Bypass Doser | Yes (for pre-ground coffee) |
| Milk Frother | Manual Panarello Steam Wand |
| Cup Warmer | Yes |
| Energy-Saving Mode | Yes |
| Automatic Shutoff | Yes |
| Drip Tray | Removable |
| Cleaning Alerts | Yes (for descaling, cleaning, and emptying the drip tray) |
| Water Filter | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years |
First Impressions and Design
When I first unboxed the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus, I was immediately struck by its size and design. It has a sleek, modern look with a mix of stainless steel and black plastic, which can easily blend into most kitchen settings. It’s neither too large nor too small—just the right balance for a fully automatic espresso machine.
Dimensions:
- 17 x 13.6 x 11.5 inches (H x W x D)
- Weighs around 23 pounds
These measurements make it relatively compact for an automatic espresso machine, but keep in mind that you’ll need some counter space for it. It’s not the kind of device you can tuck away in a small kitchen cabinet. The machine feels robust and well-built, with high-quality materials used in both the housing and internal components.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The stainless steel finish on the front panel gives it a premium look, and the interface—featuring a digital display and mechanical dials—is intuitive enough for new users. There are no unnecessary bells and whistles, but it doesn’t look too bare either. The machine maintains a fine balance between simplicity and elegance.
Build Quality
One of the aspects I truly appreciated from the get-go was the solid construction. The drip tray, steam wand, and even the removable water tank felt sturdy. Unlike cheaper machines that tend to use more plastic, De’Longhi’s choice of metal parts where it counts makes a big difference in terms of durability.
The buttons and dials have a satisfying click when turned, and there’s a general sense of reliability when you interact with it. The water tank and bean hopper are easy to access, and their placement is thoughtful, ensuring that refilling and cleaning are hassle-free tasks.
Features and Functionality
The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus offers a range of features that make it stand out, especially considering its price range. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what this machine can actually do.
Grinder & Bean Hopper
At the heart of any great espresso machine is the grinder, and De’Longhi didn’t skimp on this feature. The Magnifica Plus has an integrated conical burr grinder, which is known for producing consistent grinds, essential for espresso.
Grind Settings:
- The machine offers 13 different grind settings, which range from coarse to fine.
- Adjusting the grind size is easy, thanks to a dial on the top of the machine near the hopper.
After experimenting with various settings, I found the medium-fine grind produced the best crema and flavor for espresso. If you’re using different coffee beans (dark roast vs. medium roast), it’s great to have the flexibility to adjust the grind size.
Bean Hopper:
- The hopper can hold about 8.8 ounces of beans, which is adequate for several days of use in a typical household.
- There’s also a rubber seal that helps keep the beans fresh, preventing them from going stale if you don’t use them immediately.
One feature I particularly appreciated is the bypass doser for pre-ground coffee. If you want to switch things up and use decaf or another pre-ground option, you can do so easily without emptying the bean hopper.
Brewing Technology
The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus is equipped with a 15-bar pump pressure, which is the standard for extracting rich, flavorful espresso. This pressure level is perfect for extracting the full flavor profile from your coffee beans and creating that coveted crema layer on top of your espresso shots.
Dual Thermoblock System:
One feature that stood out to me was the dual thermoblock system. Instead of having a single boiler, this system uses two separate heating elements: one for brewing and one for steaming. This is a significant advantage because it cuts down on the wait time between pulling a shot of espresso and frothing milk for your cappuccino or latte.
In practice, I found that I could seamlessly switch between brewing and steaming without much delay, which is a massive time-saver when you’re preparing multiple drinks. The system also ensures that the temperature is always optimal for each function, so you get consistently good results.
Adjustable Strength and Volume:
The machine gives you control over the strength and volume of your coffee, which is great for customization. There are simple dials to adjust how much coffee is dispensed and how strong you want it. I found this to be a game-changer, especially when making back-to-back espressos for different people who have varied preferences.
You can brew anything from a small 0.5 oz ristretto to a larger 8 oz coffee. I tend to drink double espressos, so I often used the higher volume settings, and the machine handled it well every time.
Steam Wand for Milk Frothing
The manual steam wand is one of the key features for those who love milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes. It’s a Pannarello wand, which means it’s designed to help even beginners froth milk properly.
Ease of Use:
The steam wand is fairly easy to use, and after a bit of practice, I was able to produce decent microfoam for my lattes. It swivels in multiple directions, which makes it easier to position your milk jug beneath it.
However, if you’re used to professional machines, you’ll notice that it lacks the power and precision of a commercial steam wand. That being said, for a home machine, it does a good job. The steam pressure is strong, and it heats up quickly, so you won’t be standing around waiting for it to reach the proper temperature.
One thing to note is that because this is a manual system, it requires some practice to get perfect froth for latte art, but it’s very achievable once you get the hang of it.
Performance and Coffee Quality
Let’s get to the most important aspect of this machine: the coffee it produces. Over several weeks, I brewed dozens of espresso shots, cappuccinos, and lattes, experimenting with different beans, grind sizes, and settings.
Espresso Shots:
The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus consistently produced rich, flavorful espresso with a nice layer of crema. Using a medium-dark roast, I found that the machine extracted deep, chocolatey notes with a smooth finish. The 15-bar pump ensures proper extraction, and the crema it creates is thick and velvety, which is a hallmark of a good espresso shot.
Temperature Control:
The machine maintains excellent temperature control throughout the brewing process. I used a thermometer to check, and the water was consistently between 190°F and 200°F during extraction, which is the ideal range for espresso. This ensures that you’re not under-extracting (leading to sour espresso) or over-extracting (resulting in bitter coffee).
Consistency:
I ran back-to-back tests, brewing shot after shot, and found that the Magnifica Plus was extremely consistent. Once I dialed in the grind and strength settings, I could rely on it to produce the same quality espresso each time, which is a critical feature for any espresso machine.
Milk-Based Drinks:
The steam wand performed admirably when frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The foam it created was light and fluffy for cappuccinos and more dense for lattes. The machine allows for a good level of control, and while it’s not on par with commercial-grade frothing, it’s more than capable of producing cafe-quality drinks at home.
One small drawback I noticed is that the machine tends to cool down slightly if you brew multiple milk-based drinks in succession. You may need to let it rest for a moment to ensure optimal temperature for the next cup.
Ease of Use
One of the standout features of the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus is how user-friendly it is, even for beginners. I have used various espresso machines over the years, and this one struck a fine balance between offering advanced features and being simple enough for anyone to use.
Control Panel:
The control panel is intuitive, with clearly marked buttons and dials. You can select the type of coffee, adjust the volume and strength, and start the brewing process with minimal effort. The digital display helps guide you through the process, and there’s very little guesswork involved.
Automated Maintenance:
The machine also alerts you when it’s time to clean or descale, which I found to be very convenient. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping an espresso machine running smoothly, and De’Longhi has done a good job of making this process as hassle-free as possible. There’s a removable drip tray and an indicator that lets you know when it’s full, as well as an easily accessible brew unit for cleaning.
Programmable Settings:
If you’re someone who likes to have their coffee just the way they want it, the programmable settings are a dream. You can program the machine to remember your preferred strength and volume, so each time
you brew, it’s exactly how you like it. I used this feature a lot, especially for my morning espresso shots, and it saved me time and effort.
Energy Efficiency:
Another plus is the machine’s energy-saving mode. After a set period of inactivity, the Magnifica Plus powers down to conserve energy, which is both environmentally friendly and helps to keep your electricity bills in check. I appreciated that the machine powers back up quickly when you’re ready to use it again.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential aspect of owning any espresso machine, and De’Longhi makes it relatively easy to keep the Magnifica Plus in top shape.
Cleaning the Brew Unit
The brew unit is fully removable, which is a huge plus in my opinion. Many machines on the market today have fixed brew groups, making them more difficult to clean. Being able to remove the unit allows you to thoroughly rinse it under running water, ensuring there’s no coffee residue buildup that could affect the flavor of future brews.
I recommend doing this at least once a week if you’re a daily coffee drinker. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference in terms of machine longevity and coffee quality.
Descaling
Like most espresso machines, the Magnifica Plus requires descaling every few months, depending on your water hardness. Fortunately, the machine comes with a descaling program that guides you through the process, making it straightforward even for those who have never done it before.
Descaling ensures that the internal components stay free of mineral buildup, which can impair performance over time. The machine’s digital display will notify you when it’s time to descale, so you don’t have to keep track of it manually.
Cleaning the Steam Wand
The steam wand needs to be cleaned after each use to prevent milk residue from clogging the nozzle. This is fairly easy to do with a damp cloth, and I found that the wand has an auto-purge feature that helps keep it clear between uses. However, I would still recommend doing a deep clean every few days to ensure it’s in optimal condition.
Water Filter
The Magnifica Plus includes a water filter, which helps improve the taste of your coffee and extends the life of the machine by reducing mineral deposits. I found that changing the water filter every couple of months was simple, and it’s a worthwhile investment if you want to keep your machine running smoothly.
Price and Value for Money
Now, let’s talk about the price. The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus is typically priced in the mid-range for automatic espresso machines, retailing around $700-$900 depending on where you buy it. This places it above entry-level models but below high-end machines that can cost upwards of $2,000.
Is it worth the price?
In my opinion, yes. Considering the machine’s build quality, ease of use, and the quality of coffee it produces, the Magnifica Plus offers excellent value for money. It’s packed with features that cater to both beginners and more experienced coffee enthusiasts, and it delivers consistent results that rival what you would get from a coffee shop.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality espresso with rich crema and full flavor
- Built-in burr grinder with 13 settings for customization
- Dual thermoblock system for efficient brewing and steaming
- Compact design that fits comfortably on most countertops
- Removable brew unit for easy cleaning
- Customizable settings for coffee strength and volume
- Energy-saving mode
- Bypass doser for pre-ground coffee
Cons:
- The steam wand lacks the power and precision of commercial machines
- Plastic drip tray feels less premium compared to the rest of the machine
- Cooling down between milk-based drinks can cause slight delays
- Higher price point compared to basic models
Comparison to Alternatives
De’Longhi Magnifica Plus vs. Gaggia Brera
The Gaggia Brera and De’Longhi Magnifica Plus both belong to the mid-range price category for automatic espresso machines and offer a similar set of features. However, there are several distinctions that set them apart.
Design and Build Quality:
The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus has a slightly more premium feel due to its combination of stainless steel and sturdy plastic construction. The Gaggia Brera, while also well-built, leans more towards a compact, minimalist design, with more plastic components. Both machines are relatively compact, but the Brera is smaller, making it ideal for those with limited counter space.
Grinder:
Both machines come equipped with built-in burr grinders. The Magnifica Plus has 13 grind settings, offering more flexibility compared to the Gaggia Brera, which has five settings. This additional control in the Magnifica Plus allows for finer adjustments to the grind size, which can significantly impact the flavor and quality of espresso.
User Interface and Customization:
The Gaggia Brera has a simpler control panel with fewer customization options than the Magnifica Plus. While both machines allow you to adjust coffee strength and volume, the Magnifica Plus provides more precise control over these parameters. Additionally, the Magnifica Plus includes a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee, giving it a slight edge in versatility.
Steam Wand:
In terms of milk frothing, the Gaggia Brera features a Panarello steam wand, similar to the Magnifica Plus. However, the steam wand on the Gaggia Brera can feel slightly underpowered, especially when frothing larger quantities of milk. The Magnifica Plus, with its dual thermoblock system, allows for quicker transitions between brewing and steaming, improving workflow.
Performance and Coffee Quality:
Both machines produce high-quality espresso with good crema, but the Magnifica Plus tends to be more consistent, thanks to its 15-bar pressure system and more precise control over brewing parameters. The Gaggia Brera performs well, but for those who prefer a more tailored espresso experience, the Magnifica Plus offers superior customization and consistency.
Verdict:
Overall, the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus provides more control, customization, and consistency, making it a better option for espresso aficionados. The Gaggia Brera, while a competent and compact machine, is better suited for those who want a simpler, more streamlined espresso-making experience.
De’Longhi Magnifica Plus vs. Jura ENA 4
The Jura ENA 4 and De’Longhi Magnifica Plus are both popular choices in the mid-range automatic espresso machine category, but they cater to different types of users.
Design and Build Quality:
The Jura ENA 4 sports a sleek, minimalist design with a modern aesthetic. It’s slightly more compact than the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus and uses high-quality materials, including a mix of stainless steel and durable plastic. The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus also has a sturdy design, but it is bulkier, with a more traditional interface compared to Jura’s streamlined, touch-based controls.
Grinder:
The Jura ENA 4 comes with an integrated AromaG3 grinder, which is designed for faster and quieter operation compared to many competitors. It has fewer grind settings than the Magnifica Plus, but Jura machines are known for their precise, efficient grinding system. The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus, with its 13 adjustable settings, offers more manual control over grind size, which could be more appealing to coffee enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their espresso.
User Interface and Customization:
Jura ENA 4’s interface is designed to be incredibly simple, offering fewer options for tweaking coffee parameters compared to the Magnifica Plus. This makes it ideal for users who want great coffee with minimal input. The Magnifica Plus offers more flexibility, including adjustable coffee strength, volume, and grind settings, as well as a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee.
Milk Frothing:
One of the most significant differences between the two machines is their milk frothing capabilities. The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus comes with a manual steam wand, allowing you to froth milk yourself. In contrast, the Jura ENA 4 does not include a milk frothing system, meaning you’ll need to purchase a separate frother if you enjoy milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Performance and Coffee Quality:
Both machines produce high-quality espresso, but the Jura ENA 4 is particularly known for its efficient brewing process and smooth, balanced coffee. The Jura’s Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) optimizes extraction time, delivering exceptional flavor. The Magnifica Plus, with its 15-bar pressure system and customizable settings, also delivers rich, flavorful espresso, but its real strength lies in its ability to offer more control over the brewing process.
Verdict:
The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus is a more versatile machine with greater customization options, particularly if you enjoy making milk-based drinks. The Jura ENA 4, on the other hand, is a minimalist, user-friendly machine that excels in simplicity and efficient coffee brewing, making it ideal for those who prefer black coffee and want fewer manual adjustments.
De’Longhi Magnifica Plus vs. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series and De’Longhi Magnifica Plus are both strong contenders in the automatic espresso machine market, offering a range of features at similar price points. However, there are a few key differences that could sway a buyer depending on their preferences.
Design and Build Quality:
The Philips 3200 Series is known for its sleek, modern design with an intuitive touch interface. It’s a bit more compact than the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus, making it a better option for those with limited counter space. The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with dials and buttons, giving it a slightly bulkier feel but with a durable build. Both machines are well-constructed, but the Magnifica Plus has a bit more heft and durability due to its robust design.
Grinder:
The Philips 3200 Series features a built-in ceramic grinder, which is known for its durability and quiet operation. The ceramic grinder also helps to prevent overheating, which can affect the flavor of your coffee beans. However, the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus features a steel burr grinder with 13 adjustable settings, offering more precise control over the grind size. This makes the Magnifica Plus more versatile for those who want to fine-tune their espresso.
User Interface and Customization:
Both machines offer customizable coffee settings, but the Philips 3200 Series shines with its fully touch-based interface, allowing for easy selection of coffee strength, quantity, and type. The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus offers similar customization through its dial-based controls but also adds a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee, which the Philips lacks. The Magnifica Plus provides a slightly higher degree of control over the grind size and coffee strength.
Milk Frothing:
The Philips 3200 Series includes a LatteGo system, which is an automatic milk frothing feature that is easy to use and clean. This system is ideal for users who prefer the convenience of automatic milk frothing without much manual input. In contrast, the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus has a manual steam wand, giving users more control over the texture and temperature of the milk. While this can produce better microfoam for experienced users, it requires more skill and time.
Performance and Coffee Quality:
Both machines produce high-quality espresso, but they cater to different audiences. The De’Longhi Magnifica Plus offers more flexibility with its grind settings and manual milk frothing, making it appealing to coffee aficionados who enjoy customizing every aspect of their drink. The Philips 3200 Series, with its automatic milk system and straightforward interface, is designed for convenience and ease of use, making it perfect for those who want good coffee without much effort.
Verdict:
If you’re looking for a more customizable, hands-on espresso experience, the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus is the better choice with its manual steam wand and adjustable grinder. However, if convenience and simplicity are your priorities, the Philips 3200 Series with its LatteGo milk system and user-friendly interface will likely be a better fit.
Weaknesses
While the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus is a well-rounded espresso machine, it does have some weaknesses that potential buyers should consider.
One of the most notable drawbacks is the steam wand. While it works well for basic milk frothing, it’s a manual Pannarello wand, which lacks the power and precision of commercial-grade wands. For home users aspiring to create silky microfoam for latte art, it may feel limiting. The wand can also be slow when frothing larger amounts of milk, which may not be ideal for those making multiple milk-based drinks in succession.
Another weakness is the machine’s bulkiness. While relatively compact for a fully automatic model, it still takes up a considerable amount of counter space, which could be an issue for smaller kitchens. At 23 pounds, it’s also not the most portable or easy to move around once set up.
Additionally, the plastic drip tray and certain exterior components feel less premium compared to the machine’s overall build quality. This can detract from the otherwise sturdy feel of the unit, giving some parts a more budget-friendly appearance.
Finally, the cooling period between milk-based drinks can be noticeable. The machine may need a brief rest between successive cups to reach the optimal temperature again, slowing down the process when making multiple drinks at once.
While these weaknesses don’t overshadow its many strengths, they’re worth considering depending on your specific espresso-making needs.
8. Conclusion: Is the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus Worth It?
After using the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus extensively, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to up their espresso game at home. It offers a near-perfect balance of performance, ease of use, and customization, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned coffee lovers alike.
While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the steam wand’s limitations and the occasional need for the machine to cool down between drinks, these are far outweighed by its overall quality and consistency. If you’re someone who enjoys espresso or milk-based drinks and wants the convenience of an automatic machine without compromising on taste, the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus is a solid investment that will elevate your home coffee experience.
In the world of home espresso machines, the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus stands out as a well-rounded, reliable option that delivers professional-quality results without breaking the bank.