In all my talks about making delicious espresso at home, the Delonghi Magnifica has been my go-to machine every time. That’s why I chose the Delonghi Magnifica S vs Magnifica S Smart this time.
Here’s the straight answer in case you’re short on time. For the best espresso flavour and quality consistency, buy the Magnifica S Smart. It offers the best value for money. And it’s more feature-rich and faster, on account of its dual Thermoblock technology, than the Delonghi Magnifica S.
Delonghi Magnifica S also offers convenient functions. Such as consistent espresso extraction technology and adjustable Aroma functionality. This lets you decide how strong or balanced you want the espresso to taste. But it’s true that with the Magnifica S Smart, you’re going to get more.
It’s time to continue reading to find out the pros and cons of both machines.
Delonghi Magnifica S vs Magnifica S Smart: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Magnifica S vs Magnifica S Smart: Differences
The DeLonghi Magnifica S loses to the DeLonghi Magnifica S Smart (0 – 3). The Magnifica S Smart model is more ergonomic, it offers more speed and control over the espresso extraction. Plus, it features a more advanced milk system that is hard to resist.
At the same time, the installation and operation are incredibly straightforward and quick. Read on to find out more.
1. Espresso Quality
The Winner: Magnifica S Smart
Coffee Grinder
Featuring an integrated conical grinder, the Magnifica S is a stable and reliable machine. It is a steel grinder which makes it sharper and stronger for everyday use.
The Magnifica S Smart features a burr grinder with adjustable levels. You can adjust the grind settings in 13 different ways. The Magnifica S also allows 13 levels of grind customizations.
But dialing in the grinder settings on the Magnifica S Smart, no matter the drink you’re making, feels more superior and accurate than the Magnifica S.
The Delonghi Magnifica S allows you to tweak the fineness of the coffee grounds. It’s incredibly quick and easy to set up, like the Magnifica S Smart. But in terms of coffee extraction, it doesn’t produce as much crema. Even after adjusting the coffee strength, it does produce relatively watery and light espresso.
Temperature Control
Here lies the main point of difference between the DeLonghi Magnifica S and S Smart. The Magnifica S uses a single Thermoblock heating element which is good enough. But not as great and fast and durable as the Magnifica S Smart which uses double Thermoblock elements.
How this affects performance is that the dual Thermoblocks give the machine more breathing space to brew and froth simultaneously. Something that a single Thermoblock is not equipped to do. So you can expect faster performance with the Magnifica S Smart.
Raising the water’s temperature for both espresso extraction and milk steaming is accurate on both machines. The DeLonghi, overall, does a great job of maintaining optimal heating temperatures for a smooth and consistent brew. But it’s only that the Magnifica S Smart is faster with 2 Thermoblocks than the one of Magnifica S.
Water Filter
A great way that the Magnifica S Smart saves time is with the water filtration system. Install the water filter along with the water container and add water. The 60-ounce water tank holds enough water for multiple cups of coffee every day.
The water filter makes descaling easier and faster. With fewer and fewer instances where the internal components of the machine get clogged up due to limescale buildup. Plus, I don’t have to spell it out but the water filter also improves the quality and flavour and smoothness of espresso!
2. Dose Control
The Winner: Magnifica S Smart
Programmable Buttons
The Magnifica uses symbols instead of words to do the adjustments. While this, on its own, takes some getting used to. I think it’s more convenient and easy considering how straightforward this machine is.
You literally have to press 4 buttons to get delicious espresso. The control panel has all the buttons you need to get started. And it also shows you what drink is currently being made. The illuminating icons are bright and responsive.
It has a few instructive indicators that let you know when some things are missing or need to be emptied out or cleaned.
Contrary to that, the Magnifica S has fewer illuminating icons and more buttons on its control panel. It looks more basic but it is easy to control, regardless. With fewer icons on the screen, it’s better to have the manual right next to the machine for a few days. And you’ll immediately get acquainted with how to use it and what each icon means.
3. Milk System
The Winner: Magnifica S Smart
Compared to manual steam wands, the integrated milk frother with carafe on the Magnifica S Smart is a foolproof and advanced feature. It ensures I don’t waste even 15 seconds figuring out the angle of the steam wand or the cup.
The carafe is missing from the Magnifica S which is not necessarily a bad thing. It features a steam wand with a quick foam adjustment for Hot Milk and Cappuccino that you can adjust from the wand itself. It’s basic and the steam wand tilts easily to accommodate a cup or a milk jug. But it’s not as convenient and storage-friendly as the milk carafe on the Magnifica S Smart.
For specialty drinks, the integrated-ness of the milk frother is super useful. I just have to press a single button, adjust what needs to be tweaked to produce smooth, velvety milk for a variety of coffee drinks like latte macchiato, iced latte, cappuccino, etc. And the milk spout rests directly over the cup so you don’t have to move the cup back and forth at all!
DeLonghi Magnifica S vs Magnifica S Smart: Similarities
There are many great features that put both the Magnifica S and Magnifica S Smart into the limelight. They both feature efficient heating systems, intricate customizations, removable water tanks, and other similar accessories. Such as the cup holder, Aroma function, automatic shut-off, and a by-pass doser for pre-ground coffee.
1. Espresso Size
Both machines feature 1-2 cups of espresso brewing capacity. This means you can select a single shot of espresso or a double shot. And there is no major delay in the time it takes for the machine to grind and pull 2 shots.
2. Ease of Use
Allowing an espresso lover to make a wide variety of basic and specialty coffee drinks with ease of use, durability, and consistency. They also come with an instructive user’s manual that is quite helpful for beginners. No way you’re going to get stuck figuring out the control panel when you want a quick cup of coffee.
3. Capacity
The difference in the water tank size between the two bean-to-cup machines is not much. The Magnifica S features a 1.6L tank while the other one has a 1.8L. This capacity holds 6 to 10 cups of espresso per refill. There’s a manual steam wand that allows you to take control over how thick and creamy you want the milk.
4. Installation & Maintenance
By the looks of both machines, I was expecting a long installation process. But much to my surprise, it took me less than 15 minutes to brew my first espresso.
To make sure everything goes smoothly, I did use the water hardness level indicator and descale accessory before. Then I tried every possible setting to make sure the grind settings and temperature controls are well-coordinated. This includes brewing espresso for specialty coffee, long coffee, espresso, hot water, and plain coffee.
Even the performance and maintenance of the machines are as quick and smooth as the installation.
To sum up, the basic features and consistent performance of the Magnifica S and Magnifica S Smart are of great value. But it is also important to consider that the Magnifica S costs $600 to $700 less than the Magnifica S Smart.
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Magnifica S Smart ECAM23260SB
Last update on 2024-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Magnifica S ECAM23120BN
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Videos
Final Verdict
The Delonghi Magnifica S Smart is a solid machine. So is the Delonghi Magnifica S but it’s not as performance-driven and speedy as the Magnifica S Smart. Even if you’re looking for a direct and reliable espresso maker that delivers flavorful espresso along with a few customizations here and there, I have no problem with either. It’s only that for intense and richer coffee that I have my eyes on the Magnifica S Smart. It makes such great espresso and specialty drinks at the touch of a button!
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References
- DeLonghi Magnifica S Smart ECAM23260SB from DeLonghi https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/magnifica-s-smart-cappuccino-maker-ecam23260sb/p/ECAM23260SB
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.