In-depth review
DeLonghi Magnifica S Review
In-depth review of the DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22.110.B: compact 9.4-inch automatic, 13-setting grinder, removable brew group, and honest trade-offs.
DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM22.110.B
The long-running compact automatic: small footprint, removable brew group, honest espresso.
- Pump: 15-bar
- Grinder: Conical burr, 13 settings
- Water tank: 60 oz (1.8 L)
Our verdict
The Magnifica S endures because it nails the brief: one-touch espresso from fresh beans in a 9.4-inch body with a 60 oz tank and a brew group you rinse under the tap. The 13-setting grinder and 15-bar pump are the same core as pricier DeLonghi automatics. The manual frother is the line in the sand: accept two-step milk drinks and this is the value king; want one-touch cappuccinos and the Dinamica earns its premium. Compare them in Magnifica vs Dinamica, or see the best DeLonghi ranking.
What we like
- Compact 9.4-inch width fits where bigger automatics cannot
- Removable brew group rinses clean under the tap
- 60 oz front-loading water tank is large for the footprint
- 13-setting conical burr grinder with 250 g bean hopper
What to watch out for
- Manual milk frother needs technique for real microfoam
- No one-touch milk recipes; milk drinks are two-step
- Plastic-heavy body feels basic next to newer models
Who it is for
Espresso-first households that want automatic brewing in a compact box and do not mind steaming milk by hand.
Brewing and grinder
The 13-setting steel conical burr grinder with 250 g hopper covers the espresso range adequately, and the 15-bar pump with adjustable coffee strength produces consistent shots at one touch. The compact thermoblock heats quickly, and the 9.4-inch width genuinely fits small kitchens where the Dinamica and Eletta Explore cannot.
Maintenance
The removable brew group is the Magnifica S's quiet advantage: pull it out weekly and rinse it under warm water, and the machine stays fresh with minimal effort. The 60 oz front-loading tank is large for the footprint, and used grounds compact into an accessible container. Descaling alerts keep the schedule honest.
Milk reality
The manual frother (panarello-style) makes hot frothed milk easily but not true microfoam without technique and ideally a wand upgrade. This is a one-touch espresso machine with a two-step milk process, and buyers who imagine automatic cappuccinos are the ones who leave disappointed reviews.
How it stacks up
Against the Magnifica Evo, the S trades the color touch display and iced coffee recipe for a lower price; core brewing (13-setting grinder, 15-bar pump, 60 oz tank, manual frother) is equivalent. Against the Dinamica, the S gives up the LatteCrema automatic milk system and iced coffee setting, which is exactly the premium the Dinamica charges for one-touch milk drinks.
Key specifications
- Pump
- 15-bar
- Grinder
- Conical burr, 13 settings
- Water tank
- 60 oz (1.8 L)
- Width
- 9.4 in
- Milk
- Manual frother
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
Owners praise
- Owners praise how the slim 9.4-inch body squeezes onto counters where wider automatics simply will not fit
- Many owners say the pull-out brew group rinses clean under a tap, which keeps upkeep refreshingly simple
- Long-term owners value the 60 oz front-loading tank, a generous size for such a compact machine
Common complaints
- Some owners find the manual frother takes real practice before it produces genuine microfoam
- A common complaint is that milk drinks always take two steps, with no one-touch recipes on board
- Owners note the plastic-heavy body feels plain beside newer DeLonghi models
Also consider
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo ECAM29043SB
The modern Magnifica: color touch display and iced coffee, still with a manual frother.
- Recipes: 5 one-touch recipes
- Grinder: Conical burr, 13 settings
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
Check current priceDeLonghi Dinamica ECAM35020
The automatic-milk step up: LatteCrema one-touch milk drinks plus iced coffee.
- Milk: LatteCrema automatic system
- Grinder: Conical burr, 13 settings
Sources: DeLonghi official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
Check current priceResearch-based assessment. TheBrewLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Can the Magnifica S make cappuccinos?
Yes, in two steps: brew the espresso one-touch, then froth milk with the manual frother. It cannot do it in one touch; that needs the Dinamica's LatteCrema system.
How do I clean the brew group?
Remove it from the machine weekly and rinse under warm water, no soap. Let it air dry before reinserting. This simple habit prevents most flavor and reliability issues.
Is it loud?
The grinder is audible, as on all integrated-grinder automatics, and the pump has the characteristic vibration-pump buzz. It is normal for the category, not a defect.
How long do Magnifica machines last?
With descaling and brew-group rinsing, many owners report years of daily service. The long production history means replacement parts remain available, a real advantage over newer platforms.