The year before last, DeLonghi expanded one of its most popular Magnifica family with the Magnifica Start and Magnifica Evo series. However, the iconic Magnifica S (2011), costing up to € 350, still successfully competes in the market. This legendary model convincingly proves the dependence of the espresso taste on the optimal grind and brewing temperature. Of course, technology is also very important, but it mainly only expands and complements the functionality.
The Start series includes entry-level models with a manual milk frother. The more expensive Magnifica Evo line includes models with / without an automatic frother. The new expansion adds coffee machines with an automatic frother to the Magnifica Start, effectively blurring the line between the Start and Evo series.
Magnifica Start series
To reduce competition within the family, DeLonghi has officially discontinued some simpler Start models. In fact, the ECAM220.80 and 222.60 / 61 with an automatic frother replace the ECAM220.21 and ECAM220.30 with a steam wand.
Traditionally for entry-level models, the line uses LED indicators instead of a display. However, the control is very simple and convenient.
The buttons for directly starting programs are located in the top row. The settings buttons, including the choice of coffee strength (amount of coffee per serving, 3 levels, and the option of the ground coffee mode), are located below them. The utility functions are located below them and include:
– quick rinse of the milk jug (preferably after each milk frothing);
– descaling (cleaning from scale);
– the mode for two black coffees (one double grinding and one double pouring, an additional two grams of ground coffee vs standard espresso or coffee). Keeping the button pressed activates the entrance to the settings (temperature – 3 levels, auto-off time from 15 minutes to 3 hours, energy saving, water hardness, etc.);
– on / off.
Programs
– Espresso (standard pre-wetting 1 sec) – 40 ml (default) / 20 – 180 ml (adjustable);
– Coffee (without pre-wetting) – 180 ml / 100 to 240 ml;
– Cappuccino – 120 ml milk + 60 ml espresso / 70 – 350 ml milk + 20-180 ml espresso;
– Latte macchiato – 200 ml milk + 50 ml espresso / 70 – 350 ml milk + 20-180 ml espresso;
– Hot water – 250 ml / 20 – 420 ml.
This function requires replacing the milk jug with a hot water spout (supplied).
Lineup & specs
The Magnifica Start list with auto milk frother includes:
– Delonghi ECAM 22x.60.B (black with Cappuccino program) and 22x.61.W / GB (white or black and gray with Latte Macchiato program);
– ECAM 22x.80.SB (black with silver front, Cappuccino and Latte Macchiato).
The three-digit index depends on the market. For example, 222 is used in Germany and Poland.
The algorithms of the Cappuccino and Latte Macchiato programs are almost identical and include:
– Cappuccino – by default 120 ml milk + 60 ml espresso with adjustment range 70 – 350 ml milk + 20 – 180 ml espresso;
– Latte Macchiato – 200 ml + 50 ml espresso with adjustment range 70 – 350 ml milk + 20-180 ml espresso.
Therefore, 22x.60 and 22x.61 can be positioned as one model.
The design of the new coffee machines is similar to the previous Start models, except for the steam wand on the left side, which has been replaced by a 250 ml milk jug.
The jug is identical to those used in the Magnifica Evo ECAM 290.61/290.81. Unfortunately, there is no foam height adjustment.
Specs
– touch keys without screen;
– removable coffee group;
– matte plastic material;
– Silver, Black, White;
– automatic (built-in) milk foam system;
– no display / app / user profile;
– 1.8 l water tank;
– 8.2 cm/14 cm min/max cup height;
– stainless steel conical grinder with 13 levels;
– 250 g grain bin;
– ground coffee compartment;
– adjustable three-level coffee intensity and temperature;
– 2 cup function (without milk-based programs).
Comparison
Thus, DeLonghi Magnifica today offers several series of bean-to-cup coffee machines, including S, Start and Evo. Perhaps, such an abundance of very similar devices can slightly complicate the choice. Therefore, even a simplified comparison can be useful.
ECAM220.31 vs 222.60
– € 400 vs € 500;
– lacquered plastic vs plastic;
– Espresso, Coffee, Long Coffee, Doppio+ vs Cappuccino, Espresso, Coffee, Hot water;
– milk system – manual vs automatic;
– milk foam only – yes vs no.
The brewing unit, water tank, pump, etc are completely identical. In fact, the auto cappuccino costs € 100. Perhaps this is quite adequate for fans of milk-based drinks, but may seem expensive for lovers of black coffee.
Of course, the comparison with the legendary Magnifica S is also relevant (Magnifica S vs Magnifica Start):
– € 350 vs € 500;
– interface – touch control panel with direct selection keys vs direct selection buttons and rotary switch;
– coffee drinks – Cappuccino, Espresso, Coffee, Long coffee, Doppio, Americano, Hot water (depending on version) vs Espresso, Coffee, Doppio, Hot water;
– coffee intensity – 3 levels vs continuously;
– temperature – 3 levels vs 4 levels;
– coffee grinder volume – 75.9 dB vs 71.1 dB;
– weight – 8.8 kg vs 9 kg.
Conclusions
The improved Magnifica Start coffee machines with automatic frother can replace the phenomenally popular Magnifica S. Offering superb value for money, this legendary model has been on most top lists since 2011. At € 350, it’s still competitive. In fact, the new Magnifica Start models offer the replacement of the manual steam wand with a milk jug with auto frother for an extra € 150 (€ 500 vs € 350).
However, the ultra-popular Magnifica S is unlikely to be discontinued as ECAM220.21 or ECAM220.30. The traditional expansion of the range with new models seems a more likely scenario.
This video shows Magnifica Start ECAM220.80.SB with automatic frother.