The Italian Delonghi brand hardly needs an introduction. Along with the Swiss Jura, the Dutch Philips (Saeco) and the German Bosch-Siemens, this Italian giant has long been among the industry leaders. As known, today fully auto coffee machines are mainly produced at the factories of the Swiss company Eugster/Frismag or Saeco. For example, Eugster/Frismag is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) supplier for Jura, Bosch, Melitta, Nivona, etc. The company has three development and production locations in Switzerland, a production facility in Portugal, and stakes in several Chinese joint ventures.
Delonghi coffee machines
Unlike its main competitors, Delonghi produces coffee machines at its own factory, which is located in China and until 2001 belonged to the British appliance maker Kenwood. In addition, the company uses production facilities in Romania. Thus, the full list includes one in Italy, two in China, three in Romania, and a share in a joint venture with the TCL Group in China.
The company’s model range includes up to 10 lines based on three platforms, including ESAM (large models with increased reliability and longevity), universal ECAM and compact ETAM platforms.
All series successfully compete in the market, but the mid-budget ECAM – based Magnifica and Dinamica are the most popular. Of course, the company’s management does not ignore consumer preferences, actively expanding these series. For example, Magnifica line expanded with entry-level DeLonghi Magnifica Start and Magnifica Evo. Some models of the more expensive Magnifica Evo have an auto cappuccino maker. Last year, the company expanded the Magnifica Start with ECAM 220.80 and 222.60, which are also equipped with auto milk frother. Today Magnifica Start claims to repeat the incredible success of the legendary Magnifica ECAM 22.110 (Magnifica S), which successfully competes in the market since 2014.
This year, the company introduced several mid-priced Magnifica Evo Next models, including ECAM 310.60.GB and 312.80.TB with an automatic milk frother, which became an improved version of ECAM Magnifica Evo series.
Magnifica Evo vs Evo Next
With the exception of color (Titanium Black vs Gray Black), both models have identical design.
In addition, they are built on the same ECAM platform. It includes:
– 2.4” touch TFT display;
– built-in steel coffee grinder with 13 grind settings;
– auto milk frother (LatteCrema Hot system with three foam consistency settings);
– 1450 W thermoblock;
– 15 Bar pump;
– capacity of water / beans / coffee grounds container – 1.8 l / 250 g / 14 shots;
– settings – amount of water, grind, temperature, consistency and height of foam for latte, cappuccino and macchiato, water hardness;
– 2 espressos simultaneously;
– ground or bean coffee;
– descaling, cleaning and rinsing programs;
– 36 x 24 x 44 cm@9.6 kg;
– Romania.
ECAM 290.81.TB has MyLatte function (optimization of milk quantity). But Evo Next model supports three user profiles.
In fact, the programs are the only and main difference between the models. Magnifica Evo makes Espresso, Coffee, Long, Cappuccino and Latte Macchiato. Evo Next additionally offers 2x Espresso, Doppio+, Cappuccino Mix and Hot Milk.
For reference:
– 2x Espresso – double espresso and double the hot water;
– Doppio+ (special program for strong coffee; long and intermittent pre-wetting; ~ 14g of ground coffee) – 120 ml by default with adjustment from 80 to 180 ml.
It was first introduced in DeLonghi Dinamica Plus.
– Cappuccino Mix (espresso + frothed milk).
Unfortunately, the difference in their prices reaches ~ € 100 (€ 550 vs € 650). But perhaps the traditional launch price correction will reduce the difference.
Of course, the menu interfaces of the models also differ.
Conclusions
Of course, the innovative level of Magnifica Evo Next is significantly lower compared to, for example, Eletta, PrimaDonna Soul or Dinamica series. But it’s more than sufficient for the mid-priced segment. For a very affordable price, the model offers almost all popular milk-based drinks, special Doppio+ and Cappuccino Mix, which supports the classic recipe for making Cappuccino (espresso and frothed milk on top). Until recently, only a few premium models offered a similar option.
Of course, a price increase of ~20% (~ €100) compared to the previous Magnifica Evo seems too much for several additional programs. But perhaps the traditional correction of the launch price will reduce the difference. In any case, the consumer market can only welcome the expansion of the popular model range.
The video suggests Magnifica Evo Next unboxing.