Joybuy Insights

De'Longhi automatic coffee machine: how to choose the right model for your everyday needs

A De'Longhi automatic coffee machine makes it easy to prepare an espresso, a long coffee or a milky drink. But the range is extensive: Magnifica S, Magnifica Evo, Dinamica, Autentica, as well as manual models. To avoid choosing a machine that does not suit your needs, it is worth looking beyond the number of recipes or the advertised pressure.

Common pitfalls before buying

1. Mistaking high pressure for guaranteed results

Many models advertise a 15-bar pump. This figure refers to the pump’s maximum pressure, but it is not enough to predict the flavour in the cup. The type of coffee beans, grind size, amount of water and temperature also play a decisive role.

A De'Longhi bean-to-cup coffee machine with a grinder allows you to adjust some of these settings. However, make small adjustments gradually, as the ideal setting depends on the roast and the freshness of the beans.

2. Underestimating daily maintenance

A De'Longhi bean-to-cup espresso machine requires regular maintenance: emptying the coffee-grounds container, rinsing the removable parts and cleaning the steam wand after every use. Models with an automatic milk system are convenient, but their tubes and milk container also require careful cleaning.

Check that the machine has a rinsing and descaling programme, as well as access to the brewing unit. A removable water tank generally makes filling and cleaning easier.

3. Buying a machine that is too large for your worktop

The dimensions are sometimes missing from listings or shown without specifying the order of width × depth × height. Before placing your order, measure the available space, taking into account the opening of the water tank and the coffee-bean hopper lid.

An automatic espresso machine can weigh almost 9 to 10 kg. It should therefore be placed on a stable, level and heat-resistant surface.

Technical features to check

Grinder and settings

For a coffee machine with an integrated grinder, pay particular attention to:

  • the coffee-bean hopper capacity, generally between 200 and 300 g for the models featured here ;
  • the number of grind settings, with 13 settings on several models ;
  • whether it has a compartment for ground coffee, which is useful when preparing a decaffeinated coffee without emptying the bean hopper.

A conical grinder grinds the coffee as needed. Adjust the grind gradually: if it is too fine, it can slow the flow; if it is too coarse, it may produce a weaker cup.

Water tank and usage capacity

The selected machines have 1.4 or 1.8-litre water tanks, while the coffee-grounds containers can hold up to 14 preparations, according to the model specifications. For a couple, 1.4 litres may be sufficient. For a family or several coffees a day, 1.8 litres helps reduce the need for refilling.

A water filter can help reduce limescale deposits, but it does not replace descaling. How often this should be done depends on the hardness of the water and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Milk drinks and customisation

A simple steam wand requires you to heat and froth the milk manually. It is suitable for people who want to control the texture, but it must be cleaned immediately after use.

The LatteCrema Hot system on the Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B uses a dedicated milk carafe and offers a MyLatte function, according to the supplied specifications. This configuration reduces the amount of manual preparation, but adds several parts to rinse and store.

Our selection for different user profiles

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
DE'LONGHI Magnifica S with two espresso glasses

DE‘LONGHI Magnifica S + set of 2 DLSC310 espresso glasses

Why this choice suits this profile : this bundle combines an automatic coffee machine with two 90 ml espresso glasses. A well-considered set for two people or a small household.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The integrated grinder, ground-coffee compartment and descaling programme mean you do not need to buy several essential items separately.

Main benefit and key features

1.8-litre tank, two-cup preparation, steam wand, thermoblock and 15-bar pump, according to the product specifications.

Recommended for : Premium coffee enthusiasts
White De'Longhi Dinamica ECAM350.35.W

De'Longhi Dinamica ECAM350.35.W

Why this choice suits this profile : its display, temperature, aroma and quantity settings, together with the My function, allow everyone’s preferences to be saved.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The on-screen controls make the settings clearly visible, rather than limiting users to preset buttons that are difficult to customise.

Main benefit and key features

250 g bean hopper, 1.8-litre tank, two-cup preparation, water filter and automatic descaling, according to the product specifications.

Recommended for : Specific requirements and intensive users
De'Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema system

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.61.B

Why this choice suits this profile : the milk carafe and MyLatte function are ideal for households that regularly prepare cappuccinos and other milky drinks.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The automatic milk-cleaning system and dishwasher-safe carafe reduce the risk of neglecting maintenance.

Main benefit and key features

Five drinks available at the touch of a button, 250 g bean hopper, 1.8-litre tank and 13 grind settings, according to the supplied information.

Useful accessories to complete your set-up

The De'Longhi DLSC310 espresso glasses feature double-wall construction, a 90 ml capacity and borosilicate glass. Their size is suitable for espressos and double espressos. For milky drinks, the 270 ml DLSC311 glasses are better suited to cappuccinos and caffè lattes.

The EcoDecalk DLSC500 descaler is sold in a 500 ml bottle. The product information states that it provides five treatments, with the dilution to be checked in the machine manual. Never mix this product with another cleaner and keep it out of the reach of children.

Looking for other options ?

We have put together a complete, real-time updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.

FAQ about De'Longhi automatic coffee machines

Is a De'Longhi bean-to-cup coffee machine suitable for a family ?

Yes, provided you choose a tank size that suits your household’s consumption. A 250 or 300 g bean hopper and a 1.8-litre water tank help reduce the need for refilling. The two-cup function can also be useful at breakfast or when several people want coffee at the same time.

How much does it cost to use a De'Longhi bean-to-cup espresso machine every day ?

The cost mainly depends on the price of the coffee beans, the amount prepared, electricity consumption and cleaning products. You should also budget for replacing the water filter when necessary and buying a descaler such as EcoDecalk. The ground-coffee compartment also allows you to prepare a different variety or a decaffeinated coffee from time to time.

What is the difference between a steam wand and an automatic cappuccino machine ?

A steam wand requires you to heat and froth the milk manually. It gives you greater control over the texture, but requires cleaning after every use. An automatic cappuccino machine with a carafe, such as the Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema Hot, automates more of the preparation and rinsing of the system, at the cost of a few additional parts to maintain.