Reveal the Truth About De’Longhi Magnifica Plus Espresso Machine in This Detailed Review

Description

Brewing Performance

I’ve been using the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus ECAM32070SB every morning for the past few weeks, and it’s safe to say my coffee game has been elevated. This machine brews with precision, thanks to its built-in conical burr grinder with 13 settings. It grinds the beans fresh for each cup, and you can taste the difference. Whether I’m making an Americano or a rich espresso, the brewing process feels consistent. The customizable intensity settings allow me to adjust the strength to match my mood, and the pre-infusion feature ensures the grounds are evenly saturated for maximum flavor extraction. However, I did notice that the coffee temperature could be a bit hotter, especially when frothing milk, which seems to be a common gripe among other users as well.

Milk Frothing & Steaming Capability

The LatteCrema™ system on this espresso machine is a standout feature. It froths milk to perfection, whether I’m using regular milk or alternatives like almond or oat milk. With three frothing settings—light, creamy, or dense—it’s easy to switch up the texture depending on the recipe. My favorite has been crafting café-style cappuccinos at home, topped with a dense, velvety foam. The detachable milk carafe is convenient for storing leftovers in the fridge, though cleaning it after each use is recommended to avoid any lingering odors. Occasionally, I found the frothing system needed a second pass to get the milk hot enough, but the quality of foam it produces more than makes up for it.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Cleaning an espresso machine can often feel like a chore, but the Magnifica Plus simplifies this process. It features an auto-clean function that rinses the machine before and after each use. The brew group is removable, making it easy to clean under running water, and the milk carafe can go straight into the dishwasher. However, you do have to keep an eye on the drip tray and grounds container, as they fill up quicker than expected. The built-in maintenance reminders, like alerts for descaling and filter replacement, have been helpful in keeping the machine running smoothly.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels

Some mornings, I dread loud appliances, but this espresso machine operates relatively quietly for its category. The grinder emits a gentle hum rather than an irritating grind, which I appreciate during early mornings. Additionally, it has an energy-saving mode that automatically shuts off after a set period of inactivity. This is a nice touch for those of us who may forget to power down appliances after use. Despite these positives, the initial start-up does take a minute longer than expected, which can be mildly annoying if you’re in a rush.

Design & Build Quality

The sleek silver finish of the Magnifica Plus fits seamlessly into my kitchen setup. Its compact design ensures it doesn’t hog counter space, and at 17.5”D x 9.5”W x 14”H, it even fits under my cabinets. The 3.5” color touchscreen is both intuitive and responsive, making it easy to select and customize drinks. However, the plastic components, while sturdy, feel a bit less premium than I’d expect at this price point. The overall build quality is robust, and the machine has a satisfying weight to it, giving me confidence in its durability.

Water Tank & Capacity

The water tank on this machine holds 60 ounces, which is enough for several cups of coffee throughout the day. Refilling it is straightforward, thanks to its removable design. However, if you have a household of coffee lovers, you might find yourself refilling it more often than anticipated. I appreciated that the machine comes with a water filter and a hardness test kit to ensure optimal water quality, which directly impacts the taste of the coffee.

Coffee Quality

The coffee this machine produces is nothing short of stellar. Freshly ground beans paired with precise brewing mechanics result in rich, aromatic cups every time. I experimented with several bean types, from dark roasts to lighter blends, and the machine handled them all beautifully. The crema on the espresso shots is thick and flavorful, a testament to the quality of the extraction process. My husband, who is particular about his coffee, claimed it tasted better than the drinks we usually get at our local café.

Warranty & Support

De’Longhi offers a three-year warranty if you register the product online, which provides peace of mind. That said, I did come across reviews mentioning less-than-stellar customer support for issues like malfunctioning panels or shipping damages. Personally, I haven’t had to reach out to their support team yet, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this machine.

Positives

Here are some of its winning points:

• Produces café-quality coffee with rich crema.
• Versatile milk frothing system for various textures.
• Easy-to-use touch screen with customizable profiles.
• Compact design that fits well on countertops.
• Energy-efficient with an auto-shutoff feature.

Negative Attributes

While it’s a fantastic machine, a few areas of concern stand out:

• Coffee temperature could be hotter, especially with milk-based drinks.
• Water tank and grounds container fill up quickly.
• Plastic components lack a high-end feel.

Competing Products

Comparing the Magnifica Plus to competitors like the Philips 3200 Series LatteGo and the Jura E6, there are some clear distinctions. The Philips model is slightly more affordable and boasts an equally impressive milk frothing system, but its drink customization options are less extensive. The Jura E6, on the other hand, offers premium build quality and superior customer support but comes at a significantly higher price point. Where the Magnifica Plus excels is its balance of features, user-friendliness, and value, making it a strong contender in the super-automatic espresso machine market.

Price Performance

In terms of price to quality ratio, the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus is a worthy investment for coffee enthusiasts. While not the cheapest option, it delivers a premium experience with its versatility, ease of use, and excellent coffee quality. If you’re looking to replicate café-style drinks at home without breaking the bank, this machine hits the sweet spot.

Additional information