Delonghi Magnifica S Vs Delonghi La Specialista: Which Is Better?

It can be hard to decide which machine you should go for in the comparison of the Delonghi Magnifica S vs Delonghi La Specialista since they each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

After using it for about 3 months, I decided to choose the latter as the winner. This coffee machine stands out with a fast start mechanism within only 1 second. It also boasts a dual heating system to provide more control over temperature and two modes of frothing.

What if you are too busy to do so much work only for a cup of Joe? Choose the Magnifica S with mostly automatic functions instead! This one is extremely easy to use and more affordable than its competitor, making it the ideal option for beginners or those on a tight budget.

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Delonghi Magnifica S Vs Delonghi La Specialista – Differences

The La Specialista completely beats the other with a hat-trick (3-0) for its precise Espresso extraction, great steam wand with two settings, and optimal functionality.

It is perfect for those seeking a fast brewer that can make a range of specialty coffee in a perfect manner.

Meanwhile, the Magnifica S is a better choice if you do not want much manual work in the brewing process like adjusting the analogs.

It lacks some of the more convenient features of its counterpart, such as a quick start or a dual heating system. Still, you can enjoy great Espresso with the ideal richness and smoothness right when your tongue buds touch the drink.

#1. Espresso Extraction

The Winner: Delonghi La Specialista

La Specialista produces the richest Espresso as well as other coffee types consistently due to the high-end sensor grinder and optimal temperature control.

While the grinder provides the ideal coarseness for producing the best Espresso, the temperature control ensures that the brewing process takes place at the optimal temperature. Thus, the coffee taste can be perfectly enhanced and bold enough.

If you prefer specialty coffee like flat white, latte, and cappuccino, this machine lets you adjust the dose and texture to make the best milk-based beverages. With its simple analog control, you will find it quite fast, intuitive, and smooth to start brewing and finishing with this machine.

On top of that, it comes with a 19-bar pump system to grind the beans and exert the needed pressure for making Espresso all the time.

The Magnifica S also does a great job making Espresso that is rich, flavorful, and smooth with its 15 pumping bars. It allows you to adjust the brewing settings to get the optimal balance of strength and quantity.

Nevertheless, it is slightly inferior to the La Specialista in terms of taste. It cannot provide the perfect bitterness of Espresso like the winner pumping at 19 bars.

#2. Steam Wand

The Winner: Delonghi La Specialista

Both models come with a steam wand, but the score comes to the Delong La Specialista. The reason is that it provides two settings for you to choose from: foam and flat.

The flat mode is perfect for milk-based beverages like latte or flat white with a slight milk layer on the top. Meanwhile, the foam setting offers more air to make specialty coffee like cappuccino. You can rest assured that both settings can provide rich and smooth crema.

Unlike its opponent, the Magnifica S provides more than two brewing options, so you can make any type of coffee. The foam it makes is firm and consistent, which is ideal for your cappuccino and latte.

There is also no difficulty in making a cup of Americano with this machine. All you need to do is to press the steam button on the panel, and it will take care of the rest. Plus, you will find it easy to clean the steam wand, thanks to its detachable design.

#3. Functionality

The Winner: Delonghi La Specialista

This machine outweighs its competitor again when it comes to functionality. I highly appreciate its fast start mechanism within only a second, so the users do not need to wait for so long to boot up the machine.

When it begins to operate, a dual heating system offers active control over temperature. This feature can allow the coffee machine to extract coffee at a stable temperature without overheating and burning.

Furthermore, the machine includes a smart sensor grinding to ensure that the right amount of grinding and dose is used to make Espresso every time. These features are attributable to the Espresso’s richness and smoothness that other machines cannot beat.

Though the Magnifica S does not have features like the La Specialista, it still boasts a great grinder with 13 settings to provide fresh coffee ground for Espresso. You can adjust how the grinder works for the ideal grinding size, helping you enjoy your favorite beverage efficiently.

If you do not want to use fresh beans, you can add pre-ground coffee to its second chamber. You can then customize the brewing settings to make your desired coffee like a breeze.