After two months with the Magnifica Plus in my kitchen, mornings have transformed from hectic to serene. It's user-friendly, the milk frother produces café-style drinks, and the self-cleaning feature is perfect for those sleepy or busy moments. Even my partner, a trained barista, approves.
Reasons to buy
18 coffee choices at your fingertips
Built-in milk frother
Quality cappuccinos & flat whites
Can prepare cold coffee
Convenient water tank access
Self-cleaning capability
Reasons to avoid
Not ideal for ground coffee
Espresso flavor could be bolder
Temperature could be hotter
As someone who craves coffee first thing in the morning, I need a fast and straightforward brewing method. Whether it's grinding fresh beans or the meticulous pour-over technique, when I'm barely awake and running late, I require an easy solution.
Previously, I relied on wasteful coffee pods or spent too much on café lattes. Then I tried the De'Longhi Magnifica Plus. This machine has revolutionized my mornings. With its vibrant touchscreen and 18 coffee options, just grab your mug, select your brew, and in 15 seconds, enjoy that ideal first sip.
De'Longhi Magnifica Plus: Initial Impressions
The design of the De'Longhi Magnifica Plus is compact and tidy. Unlike many machines with rear water tanks, this model has a side-mounted tank that easily slides out for refills, fitting conveniently under my mug shelf. It feels solid and well-designed; every component assembles smoothly. I opted for the sleek black finish.
| Dimensions | 17.5D x 9.5W x 14H inches |
| Type | Automatic Espresso Machine |
| Included Accessories | Automatic milk frother |
| Coffee Options | 18 settings: Latte, Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino, Espresso, Flat White, Coffee, Americano, Long, Iced Coffee, Iced Americano, Cappuccino Mix, Cappuccino+, Cortado, Espresso Macchiato, Doppio+, 2x Espresso, Hot Milk & Hot Water. |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel and plastic |
| Price | $1,199.95 |
Setup
As a kitchen appliance expert and coffee enthusiast, I evaluated the De'Longhi Magnifica Plus in my home. I focus on performance, usability, cleaning ease, and design. Having attended coffee brewing masterclasses, I know how to assess taste.
The intuitive touchscreen is responsive and serves as a guide (no manual needed), with a friendly interface explaining operations. Swipe through 18 drink options, from espresso to cappuccino, even hot water for tea.
Setting up personalized profiles was a highlight. Each family member can save their coffee preferences, creating a tailored experience. My partner prefers stronger brews, while I enjoy milder options; this machine makes it effortless with just a button press.
Once the beans and water are added, you're ready to brew. The integrated conical burr grinder grinds beans fresh for each cup (with 13 grind settings for intensity). The bean hopper is large, reducing refill frequency, and the front-access water tank is easy to slide out for refilling.
A handy auto-shutdown feature powers the machine down after 15 minutes of inactivity, enhancing its convenience.
Brewing Performance
The Magnifica Plus offers an extensive range of beverages. Here's how it performed with some favorites.
Test 1: Espresso
I selected espresso and the machine offered strength and size options. I chose a small, strong shot, and it started in seconds. The grinding was slightly noisy, and while the espresso wasn't as rich as my Moka pot's, it was still impressive for an automatic machine. It tasted significantly better than my old Nespresso pods, with no plastic waste.
Test 2: Latte and Flat White
This machine excels at milky coffees. It has completely replaced my takeout cravings. The LatteCrema frother on the left includes a silicone straw for adding airy foam directly into drinks. You can choose from three foam levels, with the screen indicating which suits your drink best. Both oat and whole milk frothed beautifully.
Previously, I loved lattes, but now the flat white has become my top pick. The velvety microfoam blends perfectly with the espresso, and the results rival café quality. I often customize my settings for an extra shot of coffee.
Test 3: Cappuccino
I used to grab cappuccinos on my way to work, but this machine makes them quickly at home. The adjustable coffee dispenser accommodates my travel cup, allowing for speedy preparation. There are four cup sizes available, perfect for tailoring to your chosen mug. My only wish is for a temperature customization option, as I prefer my coffee very hot.
Test 4: Iced Coffee and Americano
Baristas suggest brewing coffee slightly stronger for iced versions, since ice can dilute flavor. While this machine is automatic and quick, it did a commendable job. I appreciated the temperature control, allowing for a swift switch from hot to cool, preserving the integrity of my ice cubes. However, the flavor was a bit weaker than I prefer, and the Americano could also be stronger.
Test 5: Ground Coffee
One day, I ran out of coffee beans but had ground coffee available. Unfortunately, the Magnifica Plus struggled to register the grounds I added, leading to a messy situation. I recommend sticking to beans for optimal performance.
Cleaning
As long as coffee grounds aren't released into the machine, cleaning is largely automated, which is fantastic. Before and after each brew, it rinses with hot water. About every ten brews, you'll need to empty the grounds container and drip tray, but the machine notifies you when it's time, and both are easily accessible from the front.
The trays hold a good volume, but I did notice occasional overflow with rinse water. Keeping a small cup handy for catching rinse water helps prevent messes.
The LatteCrema carafe features an automatic cleaning system. After frothing, simply turn the dial to clean the nozzle, preventing milk spoilage.
Monthly alerts remind you to descale. Most components are dishwasher-safe, making maintenance a breeze.
Who is it for?
The De'Longhi Magnifica Plus suits various coffee lovers, especially those seeking barista-quality drinks at home with minimal effort. It's perfect for those who want quick brewing and self-cleaning features, allowing a grab-and-go coffee routine. Regular café visitors can save over time by crafting their favorite lattes and cappuccinos at home.
How does it stack up?
If you're shopping for an exceptional automatic coffee machine, consider our guide to the best coffee makers and the best espresso machines. The top-rated De'Longhi Eletta Explore leads our buying guide but comes at $2,000, double the Magnifica's price. Alternatively, the Philips 3200 Series offers eight coffee options and customizable drinks, but it can't match the De'Longhi's extensive capabilities. While the initial price of a De'Longhi may seem steep, its durability ensures long-term savings.
Customer Feedback
This machine is relatively new but has garnered positive reviews. Users appreciate its simplicity and build quality. Although noted as pricey, many find it 'more economical than it seems when you factor in its all-in-one functionality.' Customers have exchanged their daily takeout coffees for this sleek device, enjoying its speed, versatility, and personalization. Check out the five-star reviews on Amazon and Williams Sonoma.
Final Thoughts
After a month of testing the De'Longhi Magnifica Plus, I can confidently say it's a standout. It's straightforward to operate, and the self-cleaning features are invaluable for those maintenance-free mornings.
There are some drawbacks. The espresso isn't as rich as I prefer, and the lack of temperature customization is a letdown for those who like their coffee hot. However, these minor issues are far outweighed by the ease of use and cost efficiency – my reliance on expensive takeout coffee has significantly decreased, making our mornings much more peaceful.
Testing Methodology
To evaluate coffee machines, we prioritize superior brewing performance. Our team, consisting of product testers, baristas, and coffee lovers, brews various styles, including espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes, assessing consistency, flavor, and temperature for the perfect balance.
Usability is essential, so we examine the controls' intuitiveness, drink customization ease, and instruction manual clarity. We also explore unique features like milk frothing systems and cold brew options to determine their effectiveness. Capacity matters too; we note the size of the water tank and bean hopper for single or multiple brews.
Given that maintenance can be tedious, we assess how simple the machine is to clean, looking at self-cleaning capabilities and dishwasher-safe components. We also review the build quality to ensure long-lasting durability. Finally, we analyze customer feedback for long-term reliability and satisfaction.
We compare the machine's price with its features and performance to ensure it offers good value for money. Our goal is to help you find a coffee machine that brews exceptional coffee and integrates seamlessly into your kitchen for years.
