Which Product Line To Choose Between Delonghi Magnifica vs Magnifica S ECAM23120SB?

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Delonghi Magnifica vs Magnifica S ECAM23120SB, which one should we choose? It’s not easy to choose an intermediate espresso machine that boasts both high automation and manual features. But after many considerations, I choose Delonghi Magnifica as the true winner.

The winner is the Delonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 because it has many great features, like a one-touch lungo, a cup warming tray, reliable brewing, foaming, cleaning, and an auto shut-off option. In addition, its dual boiler is phenomenal in temperature performance, and the lack of waiting time between brewing sessions is to die for. I suggest this highly automated machine to any newbie out there.

The Delonghi Magnifica S espresso machine has a lot of features that make it a great piece of equipment for the house. For creating foamy cappuccinos and lattes, it boasts a powerful steam wand. Thanks to the machine’s huge water tank, you can create several beverages at once. However, it’s not the most technologically advanced piece out there.

Delonghi Magnifica vs Magnifica S ECAM23120SB: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1) #
De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, Silver
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Delonghi ECAM23120SB Magnifica S Express Super Automatic Espresso Machine, 60 Ounces, Silver (Renewed)
Model
Delonghi Magnifica ESAM3300
Delonghi Magnifica S ECAM23120SB
Dimensions
11.0 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches
13.8 x 9.4 x 17.0 inches
Material
Stainless Steel
Plastic
Weight
23.2 Pounds
20.1 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1350W/ 110-120V
1450W/220-240 V
Water tank capacity
60 oz
60 oz
Bean container capacity
8.8 oz
8.8 oz
Grinder
Conical burr grinder
Conical burr grinder
Milk system
Manual Steam Wand
Manual Steam Wand
Interface
Buttons and rotary switch
Buttons and rotary switch
Descaling indicator
Removable drip tray
Instant reheat function
Heating element
Dual boiler
Single boiler
Coffee recipes
Espresso, ristretto, lungo
Espresso, coffee
Pump pressure
15 bar
15 bars
What I Like
Price
$799.00
Price not available
THE WINNER (#1) #
Image
De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, Silver
Model
Delonghi Magnifica ESAM3300
Dimensions
11.0 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches
Material
Stainless Steel
Weight
23.2 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1350W/ 110-120V
Water tank capacity
60 oz
Bean container capacity
8.8 oz
Grinder
Conical burr grinder
Milk system
Manual Steam Wand
Interface
Buttons and rotary switch
Descaling indicator
Removable drip tray
Instant reheat function
Heating element
Dual boiler
Coffee recipes
Espresso, ristretto, lungo
Pump pressure
15 bar
What I Like
Price
$799.00
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Delonghi ECAM23120SB Magnifica S Express Super Automatic Espresso Machine, 60 Ounces, Silver (Renewed)
Model
Delonghi Magnifica S ECAM23120SB
Dimensions
13.8 x 9.4 x 17.0 inches
Material
Plastic
Weight
20.1 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1450W/220-240 V
Water tank capacity
60 oz
Bean container capacity
8.8 oz
Grinder
Conical burr grinder
Milk system
Manual Steam Wand
Interface
Buttons and rotary switch
Descaling indicator
Removable drip tray
Instant reheat function
Heating element
Single boiler
Coffee recipes
Espresso, coffee
Pump pressure
15 bars
What I Like
Price
Price not available
More Info

Last update on 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Delonghi Magnifica vs Magnifica S ECAM23120SB: Differences

Delonghi Magnifica wins 2-0 and ties twice against Delonghi Magnifica S ECAM23120SB. It boasts better brewing technologies and no leaking issue like Magnifica S does. Check out my full review below!

Espresso extraction

Winner: Delonghi Magnifica

Both versions’ 15-bar pump pressure guarantees that the espresso has the proper crema and a consistent flavor. It makes it possible for the drink to be extracted with a rich, smooth flavor that you may savor every day. Simply push a button, and the devices will complete your task. I don’t find any machine weaker than the other in the flavor aspect.

Delonghi Magnifica uses 15-bar pump pressure to extract espresso
Delonghi Magnifica uses 15-bar pump pressure to extract espresso

But, in the technological regard, Delonghi Magnifica has the higher ground. Since it’s designed with a dual boiler and the Rapid Cappuccino System, there is no waiting between cups. Users can extract espressos and cappuccinos after cappuccinos without experiencing a huge temperature loss or too lengthy waiting time. It’s more convenient with this device, especially when you need to entertain a larger crowd.

Regarding the quick recipes, these models are very classic. They focus on basic espresso drinks. There is no special one-touch like Americano or flat white, given that the steam wands are manual.

Milk frother

Winner: Delonghi Magnifica

Dual boilers work great with Delonghi ESAM3300, and this characteristic has an impact on how the espresso machine handles different milk textures. Of course, it can’t simultaneously brew and foam, but the steam pressure is astounding. After extensive testing, this is among the greatest automated milk systems I have ever used, if not the best, in the price range.

My experience has shown that Magnifica’s milk foam can get from thick and creamy to airy and dry. So if you prefer drinking macchiato, latte, flat white, or cappuccino, this device can get the recipes right with its varying milk texture with very good consistency.

As for Magnifica S ECAM23120SB, its milk foam textures are also quite good. They can vary from creamy to dry, like the Magnifica line. However, since the wand shares the same single boiler system with the extracting process, the milk comes out not very hot when I froth after extracting (with 30-40s waiting time between sessions).

Delonghi Magnifica S ECAM23120SB froths various milk textures
Delonghi Magnifica S ECAM23120SB froths various milk textures

The catch is Magnifica is equipped with a plastic steam wand only, while Magnifica S ECAM23120SB has a stainless steel one. So there is a trade-off here!

Cleaning and maintenance

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Cleaning these machines is pretty much the same. It’s important to do weekly and monthly cleaning. Remember that hot water can’t remove all the leftover oils and gunks inside the brewing system, so it’s important to use special cleaning solutions, at least monthly, to get rid of the possible biohazards in your own espresso machine.

Even more, I like these devices because they have a good set of alerts. The alerts include empty tank notices, descaling alerts, or error alerts. The error alert is generic and may reflect a badly placed brew unit, drip tray, or any possible error. So when you see the symbol flashing, check the entire machine to ensure everything is in its right place.

By pressing the dedicated descale button for 5s, you can trigger the machine into automatic descaling mode. Even if you have to stay beside the devices during the 20 minutes process, it’s still quite a light cleaning job.

Utilities

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The DeLonghi Magnifica and S versions are exceptional among kitchen appliances since they let you program an auto-shutoff timer. You may use this function to configure the device to turn off after a predetermined amount of time, eliminating the risk that you’ll forget to turn it off. It’s a lifesaver for those times when you’re distracted and forget to turn the machine off.

Delonghi Magnifica can auto shut off
Delonghi Magnifica can auto shut off

Also, these machines have a cup warming tray that is very hot. So, if you want a hot cup of coffee every morning and want it to last longer, give them a blast of hot water, or turn on the machines and leave the cups on top of the cup warmer.

Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Magnifica

De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, Silver
  • 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 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Dual boilers provide quick heating
  • Built-in conical steel burr grinder
  • The adjustable water quantity allows you to control the amount of water
  • Airy milk foam for cappuccinos and latte macchiatos
  • Easy to adjust shot volume and brew strength
  • Great value for money
Cons
  • Plastic steam wand

Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Magnifica S ECAM23120SB

Delonghi ECAM23120SB Magnifica S Express Super Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver
  • 15 bar pressure for brewing excellence and consistent results, with integrated silent burr grinder
  • Select steam milk or froth milk with the hot milk/cappuccino selector
  • Saves up to 77-percent energy with energy-saving switch and single boiler system
  • Removable 1.8 litre (60 oz) water tank with water level indicator
  • Long coffee function allows you to enjoy drip style coffee, plus a hot water spout for tea or hot chocolate

Last update on 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Heat-up time is quick in 60 seconds
  • It includes a stainless steel grinder and a steam wand that can be controlled manually
  • The steam wand is made of stainless steel
  • Straightforward interface, even beginners can use
Cons
  • Water leakage can be annoying

Product Video

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