DeLonghi Magnifica S Review 2023: Simple but Good!

The De’Longhi Magnifica ECAM 22.110 has had a place in my super automatic espresso machine tests for years. In fact, it’s always been my benchmark device. That said, to make sure you get the most out of your ECAM 22.110, we’ve experimented with the settings a lot.

Why did we go through all of this trouble? Well, because it can do much more than the price tag suggests. Though it doesn’t pretend to be a high-tech device at all, merely focusing on what counts. Or to put it in DeLonghi’s words: “what more could coffee lovers want from their first super automatic espresso machine?”

A SOLID PERFORMER

    

DeLonghi Magnifica S

Not the best, but it’s definitely the best in its class!

Exceptionally favorable

Very compact

Thoughtful details

Easy to clean

Good cup results

Without display

CHECK PRICE

The DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 Automatic Espresso Machine at a Glance

Like most independent organizations, our local German one doesn’t always get it right. To be honest, I’d often love to slap them upside their heads with their reports. In the case of the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 super automatic coffee machine, however, we actually agree for a change:

The device achieves high marks as a super automatic coffee machine with a useful manual milk frothing system. Throw in the numerous setting options available, and you’ve got yourself a great cup of coffee. Plus, let’s not forget about the affordable price.

As we’ve all become accustomed to with so many other manufacturers, DeLonghi Magnifica models are confusing due to their long names and cryptic codes. These codes are supposed to indicate the differences between them, but those differences aren’t always clear.

When it comes down to it, the letter at the end is all that really matters — and it doesn’t matter all that much! The breakdown goes like this:

• “S” means “Silver”
• “B” means “Black”
• “SB” means “Silver and Black”

Be careful though: just because it says Silver doesn’t mean it has a stainless steel bezel inside. This machine is plastic through and through.

If you want to make your head spin, go ahead and compare the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 with the other De’Longhi Magnifica models in their lineup:

• DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 04.110.S (Renewed) — Radial buttons and a lower maximum cup height
• DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 — A double boiler (one for steam and one for water)
• DeLonghi Magnifica S Smart ECAM 23.260.SB — The LatteCrema System
• DeLonghi Magnifica Digital S (Renewed) — The LatteCrema System and a text-based display

A quick price comparison of the specs will show you that you’ll get a lot for your money with the ECAM 22.110. Check out what comes with it:

• 13-level stainless steel cone grinder
• Ability to easily adjust coffee strength
• Temperature adjustment settings with up to 208 degrees Fahrenheit (98 degrees Celsius) max brewing temperature
• Adjustable cup spout for cups between 3.35 and 5.6 inches (8.5 and 14.2 centimeters)
• Minimum espresso capacity of 25 milliliters (0.85 ounces) with accurate calibration when increased

In the words of DeLonghi: “what more could you want from an entry-level coffee machine?” Absolutely nothing! Not even more expensive machines typically deliver on all of these specs.

However, keep in mind that the price of the DeLonghi Magnifica S would obviously force you to cut corners somewhere. That said, the most important aspects for me are these:

• A completely plastic housing
• No display
• Many setting options — but not ones that are very intuitive
• The grinder has a few problems when set on the finest settings

Don’t think for a moment that I’ll classify a manual milk frothing wand as a disadvantage either, else you’ll be greatly disappointed. Though the basic premise behind super automatic espresso makers is complete laziness, I really like working with milk frothing nozzles.

With more experience, you too will love the manual milk frothing feature, as it allows you to personalize your froth consistency in a way that automatic milk frothers can’t. If that doesn’t float your boat though, I recommend you take a look at my DeLonghi Dinamica Plus review.

Adjusting the DeLonghi Magnifica: Getting Started

Just like how a manual milk frothing wand can be less attractive to some, a super automatic espresso machine without a display can be unappealing as well. After all, how are you supposed to adjust all of the settings with ease if they’re buried under combinations of buttons? It can feel a bit like trying to break the code to get out of an escape room challenge!

The reality is, if you want to adjust the amount of water that flows into your cup or the temperature, you’ll have to invest a little time and get to know the machine. However, I think that’s how it should be for an entry-level model. After all, once you’re an expert on the ECAM 22.110, you’ll be able to set up other DeLonghi models with ease.

Not Without My Instruction Manual!

If you happen to be one of those people who hates instruction manuals, you might want to at least throw this one in a drawer in case you need to refer to it while your spouse or roommates aren’t looking. Take the steps to set the temperature up or down, for example. The manual says to turn the machine off, but leave the power switch on and then press a series of icons and buttons in a certain order. Good luck feeling your way through that one without the manual!

Although this complex of a procedure is common for many other coffee machines and super automatic espresso machines, it always makes beginners want to pull their hair out. That’s why it’s worth saving the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 user manual as a PDF on your smartphone or tablet — especially in the beginning.

Adjusting the Grinder to Meet Your Needs

Having 13 grind levels to choose from on an entry-level model is normal for DeLonghi, but it’s certainly not common in this price range. Unfortunately, the two finest levels will be of little use to you, as the grinder gets overwhelmed and tends to jam.

The pump also apparently fails to generate the necessary water pressure to force the liquid through the compressed coffee puck and extract a perfect espresso. That’s why the Magnifica ECAM 22.110 saves itself by saying that the other 11 levels are more than sufficient. Though the finest usable setting obviously corresponds to the machine’s actual parameters, as always, you can make these settings directly on the wheel in the bean compartment.

Plus, don’t forget that you can only adjust the wheel during operation so that the grinder engages. You’ll also need to keep in mind that the changes won’t be apparent until after two cups of coffee have run through the machine.

By the way, when it comes to noise levels, what you’ll hear from the DeLonghi Magnifica ECAM 22.110 is normal for a stainless steel grinder — and certainly quieter than the roar of the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300.

Espresso That’s Close to Portafilter Quality and Yet So Far Away

Like the grinder issue mentioned above, the other espresso settings that come preset on the De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 are wrong — or at least not optimal by barista standards. That said, once adjusted properly, the components mesh so well together that you can brew a very convincing espresso.

The minimum fill quantity is 25 milliliters (0.85 ounces), which is wonderful for a single shot of espresso. I also tested the Magnifica with 1.35 ounces — the preset — as the basis for a double shot. This required me to adjust the amount of coffee grinds and the corresponding temperature as well. You also have the option to adjust the coffee strength continuously with the dial on the front — that is, to use more or less coffee grinds to achieve the strength of coffee you’re going for while brewing.

Again, many other models don’t offer this much freedom of choice. For example the Philips 3200 LatteGo super automatic espresso machine only offers three aroma strength settings.

Speaking of coffee grinds: it’s still a bad habit for manufacturers to equip their super automatic coffee machines with a pre-ground coffee compartment — in case you ever run out of beans. As you know, I don’t think much of this feature and, therefore, avoid mentioning it.

Since we’re talking about an entry-level machine though, here’s my opinion on the matter: use only fresh, whole coffee beans from small independent roasters. That way, you get the best aroma and ensure that industrial beans gradually lose their grip on the market.

Here’s a list of settings you’ll want to change right away. Basically, for an espresso from the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110, I recommend the following settings:

• Set the fill volume to 25 milliliters (0.85 ounces) for a simple espresso — the “1 cup espresso” button.
• Set the coffee strength to about 80 percent — the dial relatively far to the right.
• Set the temperature to high.
• Set the coarseness of the grinder to its third finest setting.

If you want a Caffè Lungo — that is, a longer extracted espresso with more water — there’s also a button for that. You should save that one. For the best taste though, I always recommend an Americano — a properly extracted espresso that you top up with hot water afterward. It’s super nice that a hot-water function is built-in to help with such operations.

While this means additional work, it’s worth it for good beans and an excellent aroma that’ll pull you out of bed in the morning.

The Milk Froth: Become a Barista

There really should be a point deduction for any super automatic coffee maker without a milk frothing system in the test — after all, automating all aspects of coffee preparation is part of the foundations for the category.

As a former barista, I usually prefer a steam lance as a means to manually froth milk over an automatic milk frothing system with hoses, nozzles and preset consistency. That’s because nothing could be better for your latte macchiato or that trendy flat white than hand-frothed milk. With the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110, you have full creative control over:

• The amount of milk
• Consistency of the milk froth
• Milk temperature

In other words, everything that really matters! In addition, the steam lance is easy to clean. All you have to do is open it briefly before and after frothing to release the steam and rinse the milk residue from the nozzles. Then, wipe it down with a designated cloth, and you’re done. Yes, I know, manual milk frothing is annoying because it takes a lot of practice to get it right. Though once you’ve got the hang of it, you can froth up cocoa or matcha lattes directly in the milk jug, or even start some other adventurous experiments.

However, I do want to say that the steam pressure of the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 is nowhere near the high values of a decent espresso machine. Then again, for beginners, you don’t have anything to compare it to, so you can approach the features of your super automatic espresso machine with an open mind … which ensures better results!

Cleaning the DeLonghi Magnifica ECAM 22.110

It should be obvious by now that I think the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 is a very well-thought-out super automatic coffee machine that focuses on simplicity in all the right places. Cleaning is definitely one of those places.

The DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 makes cleaning very easy. For starters, there’s a built-in water filter, which at least keeps the problem of limescale buildup at bay for a while. There’s also a mandatory cleaning program designed to be foolproof. That said, a cleaning tablet and a few online tutorials will usually get the job done in no time.

Cleaning the Brew Group

In contrast to the direct low-priced competitors in the Krups line of machines, you can easily remove the brew group of the DeLonghi Magnifica ECAM 22.110. Just rinse it under running water after each day of use. To do so, simply open the flap behind the water tank and remove the component while the machine is idle.

It’s a good idea to dry the brew group completely while it’s detached from the machine and leave the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 open for a while to air dry. I recommend doing this from time to time, especially if you’re going out of town for a while. Otherwise, the moisture present in the espresso machine will provide optimal conditions for bacteria to grow.

Descaling Made Easy

Just because there’s a water filter doesn’t mean you can save yourself the trouble of descaling the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110. With a few exceptions, limescale in water is a pretty common occurrence worldwide. That’s why it’s important to program the water hardness of the machine at the very beginning. This setting determines how often it will present a descale notification.

For the exact sequence of descaling, I recommend you refer back to the instruction manual or check out DeLonghi’s instructional video on descaling a Magnifica S ECAM 22.110. On average, you need to plan on descaling the machine once a month — which should be doable.

Cleaning the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110: Quick Steps That Yield Results

You should clean the water reservoir, grounds container and drip tray daily. Either by hand or in a dishwasher will do just fine, at least initially. However, keep in mind that plastic and dishwashers aren’t the best of friends in the long run — a recommendation from the manufacturer that is lost on most people in our fast-paced society where convenience is king.

Using mild dish soap to hand wash the drip tray and grounds container will work nicely. However, I’d avoid using dish soap on the water reservoir unless you want your coffee or milk froth to taste like soap. No one wants that! Simply rinsing the water reservoir with water and allowing it to air dry or drying it with a towel will suffice.

Removing the coffee grounds container and drip tray is very easy to do, as it can be done without having to move or turn the machine. Both parts are quite small, which means you’ll have to empty and rinse them more frequently anyway. That’s a good thing though! I don’t want to know how rarely I might empty the garbage can if it was never full.

The DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110 vs the DeLonghi ESAM3300

Since you’re looking at the Magnifica S ECAM 22.110, you might find yourself comparing it to the DeLonghi ESAM 3300. Both of these machines enjoy a lot of popularity and are identical when it comes to pump pressure, bean container capacity and the built-in grinder. However, the ESAM 3300 was specifically designed for the United States market and has been an entry-level workhorse for many families for years.

What the ECAM offers that the ESAM doesn’t is a bit more technology. For example, the ESAM doesn’t have a water filter, so you’ll need to filter your water before filling the machine. Otherwise, the money you’ll save by buying an ESAM will be sunk into more frequent descaling.

The ESAM also has a shorter maximum cup height. In the real world, the difference between the ECAM’s 5.6 inches and the ESAM’s 4.25 inches will make a big difference when it comes to preparing milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.

Both models offer a steam wand, but the ESAM has the advantage of having two independent boilers. Why does that matter? Well, because having a single boiler means you’ll have to wait for the water to heat back up to use the steam wand immediately after brewing a shot of espresso. I don’t know about you, but the less time I have to wait for my caffeine, the better! Plus, if your spouse or roommate is waiting to use the machine, they’ll likely be annoyed by the delay — especially first thing in the morning.

My Conclusion: Fall in Love With the Plastic