Choosing between the DeLonghi Magnifica S vs XS can be tricky since both are popular bean-to-cup espresso machines. The key difference is size and setup—the Magnifica S offers a bigger tank and hotter coffee, while the Magnifica XS is slimmer with a simpler control panel. I’ve used both at home, and each shines in its own way depending on your space and coffee habits. With years of hands-on testing and comparing espresso machines, I’ll help you see which model fits your needs best—let’s dive in.
Is DeLonghi Magnifica S Good?
Yes, the DeLonghi Magnifica S is still a solid choice if you want an affordable entry into the world of bean-to-cup espresso machines. It makes good coffee, works reliably, and is easy to keep clean.
I first tried this machine when I wanted a simple espresso at home without too many buttons. Over the years, I used it daily for both quick morning shots and quiet weekend brews. Even after long use, it never gave me big problems. The machine kept working like a small workhorse.
Key things you should know:
- It has a removable brew group, which means you can pull it out, rinse it under hot water, and put it back in minutes. This keeps the coffee taste fresh and avoids costly cleaning tablets.
- The conical grinder comes with 13 grind settings. It’s not the quietest, but it lets you tune the grind size based on your beans.
- The Panarello steam wand is manual. It takes practice if you love cappuccinos, but once you get the hang of it, you can make decent foam.
What I Like
- Reliable performance: I’ve used it for years without major breakdowns. It feels sturdy even though the body is plastic.
- Simple to use: The physical buttons and dial make it easy. No confusing menus or apps—just press, and coffee comes out.
- Affordable for its class: Compared to newer DeLonghi machines or premium brands, the Magnifica S gives nearly the same espresso taste for a much lower price.
What Could Be Better
- Milk frothing: The manual steam wand is not as smooth as automatic milk systems. For daily lattes or cappuccinos, this can get tiring.
- Noise level: The grinder works fine but can be loud, especially in the morning when the house is quiet.
- Outdated design: The machine looks basic. The plastic finish and indicator lights feel a bit old compared to modern touchscreen models.
Recommendation
I recommend the DeLonghi Magnifica S for:
- Beginners who want their first espresso machine without the risk of frustration.
- Espresso lovers who mostly drink black coffee (espresso, lungo, or Americano). The taste is nearly the same as higher-priced models.
- Budget-conscious buyers who still want a machine that can last 7–10 years with proper care.
If you live in the USA, keep in mind that this model runs on 120 volts, so it works with standard outlets. Also, spare parts like the brew group are easy to find online and usually affordable (around $50 or less).
But if your daily routine includes several cappuccinos or lattes, I suggest looking at DeLonghi models with an automatic milk frother, such as the Magnifica Evo or Dinamica LatteCrema systems. They cost more, but they save time and effort.De’Longhi Magnifica S Automatic Espresso Machine ECAM23270S
Is DeLonghi Magnifica XS Good?
Yes, the DeLonghi Magnifica XS is a good choice if you want a compact, fully automatic espresso machine that balances price and performance. It makes solid coffee, gives you control over strength, and comes with a manual cappuccino system for milk drinks.
I’ve used the XS on busy mornings when I needed a quick Americano before work and on weekends when I took time to dial in the grind for a smoother espresso. The experience has been consistent—good flavor, reliable heat, and a simple process.
The 13-setting burr grinder ensures each cup is brewed from fresh beans, and you can fine-tune the grind to your taste. The removable brew unit makes cleaning quick, which is a big deal when you don’t want to spend extra on cleaning tablets. For U.S. buyers, the 120V/1250W setup plugs right into standard outlets, making it easy to use at home.
What I Like
- Reliable coffee quality: I enjoyed consistent shots of espresso with a nice layer of crema. The flavor stayed balanced, whether I brewed one cup or two.
- Compact but practical design: It fits well on my counter. Even though it’s called “XS,” it doesn’t feel cramped. The water tank and bean hopper are still big enough for daily use.
- Flexible brewing options: I liked switching between fresh beans and pre-ground coffee. This was handy when friends wanted decaf in the evening while I stuck with regular beans.
What Could Be Better
- Milk frothing takes practice: The manual steam wand works, but it’s not as smooth as an automatic system. It took me time to learn how to get silky foam for cappuccinos.
- Noise level: The grinder can be loud in the morning when the house is quiet. It’s normal for burr grinders, but worth noting if you need silence.
- Water and drip tray management: The disposal tray sometimes collects extra water. It’s not a defect, but you need to clean and dry it often to avoid build-up.
Recommendation
I recommend the Magnifica XS for:
- Beginners who want an entry-level automatic espresso machine without too many settings.
- Espresso and Americano drinkers who care more about the coffee than fancy features.
- U.S. buyers who want a reliable 120V machine that works with standard kitchen outlets.
If you love cappuccinos and lattes every day, you may want to look at De’Longhi models with an automatic milk frother, like the Magnifica Evo. But if you’re happy to learn with a manual steam wand, the XS still delivers strong value.
For me, the DeLonghi Magnifica XS is a dependable everyday coffee machine. It doesn’t have the newest touchscreen or app features, but it makes good coffee, cleans up easily, and holds up well over time.
Details Comparison
I’ve used both the DeLonghi Magnifica S and the DeLonghi Magnifica XS, and people often ask me which one is better. Both are entry-level bean-to-cup machines that promise fresh coffee at home. But they do feel different once you use them daily.
Brewing Speed: Details Comparison
The Magnifica S feels a touch quicker when making espresso. It warms up fast and pulls a shot without delay. The Magnifica XS is not slow, but the rinse cycle and grind seem to add a few extra seconds.
In my mornings, the S gave me coffee before I even finished grabbing my mug. With the XS, I had to wait a little longer.
- Magnifica S: 9/10
- Magnifica XS: 8/10
Coffee Temperature: Details Comparison
Both machines make hot coffee, but the Magnifica S delivers a slightly hotter espresso. The XS still makes a warm, drinkable cup, but when I compared side by side, the S gave me the stronger heat.
For an Americano, I noticed the XS cooled down a bit faster. If you like your coffee piping hot, the S has the edge.
- Magnifica S: 9/10
- Magnifica XS: 8/10
Water Tank Capacity: Details Comparison
The XS is slimmer, so the water tank is smaller. That means more refills if you brew often. The Magnifica S gives you a bit more room, which I preferred on busy days.
When friends came over, I noticed I had to refill the XS sooner. The S handled back-to-back cups better.
- Magnifica S: 9/10
- Magnifica XS: 7/10
Filter Quality: Details Comparison
Both models use a removable brew unit and can handle filtered water if you add a filter. The XS has an option in the tank for a screw-in filter, which is nice. But since I already use filtered water, I didn’t see much difference.
What mattered most for me was cleaning. The brew group on both pulls out easily, which saves money on cleaning tablets compared to other brands.
- Magnifica S: 9/10
- Magnifica XS: 9/10
Brew Quality: Details Comparison
This is where both shine. The DeLonghi brew group is the same across these models, so espresso flavor is nearly identical. Both gave me rich crema and balanced taste.
When I adjusted the burr grinder on the XS to a finer setting, I got a smoother shot. On the S, I liked the default setting better. Taste-wise, I couldn’t say one was better—they both did great.
- Magnifica S: 9/10
- Magnifica XS: 9/10
Performance: Details Comparison
Over time, the Magnifica S felt like the sturdier machine. The XS, while good, has a lighter build with more plastic. The S held up better after months of daily use.
Still, the XS never failed me. It worked every day, but it felt a bit less robust.
- Magnifica S: 9/10
- Magnifica XS: 8/10
Ease of Use: Details Comparison
The Magnifica XS has a simpler control panel with six buttons and a knob. It’s very straightforward. The S uses more icons and lights, which can be unclear at first.
When showing family how to use each machine, they picked up the XS faster. But I liked the dial on the S for fine-tuning strength.
- Magnifica S: 8/10
- Magnifica XS: 9/10
Value for Money: Details Comparison
The Magnifica S often costs less than the XS in U.S. stores. And since both make the same coffee, the S feels like the better deal.
The XS has a sleeker design, but you pay more for the compact body. For me, the S gives more value because of the bigger tank and slightly hotter coffee.
- Magnifica S: 9/10
- Magnifica XS: 8/10
Overall: Details Comparison
If you want compact size and simple buttons, the Magnifica XS is a great pick. If you want better value, hotter coffee, and more capacity, the Magnifica S is the safer choice.
In my home, the S ended up being my daily machine. The XS looked neat and worked fine, but I didn’t like refilling the tank so often.
- Magnifica S: 9/10
- Magnifica XS: 8/10
FAQs
Q1. What is the main difference between DeLonghi Magnifica S vs XS?
The Magnifica S has a larger water tank and hotter coffee. The Magnifica XS is slimmer with simpler controls. Both brew similar espresso quality.
Q2. Which is better for beginners, DeLonghi Magnifica S or XS?
The Magnifica XS is easier for beginners due to its simple panel. The Magnifica S has more settings but takes a bit longer to learn.
Q3. Does the DeLonghi Magnifica S vs XS make better cappuccinos?
Both use a manual steam wand. With practice, you can froth good milk on either. The S has more room for steaming with a bigger water tank.
Q4. Which model is better value, DeLonghi Magnifica S vs XS?
The Magnifica S is usually cheaper in the U.S. and has a larger capacity. The XS costs more but is compact, which suits small kitchens.
Q5. How long do DeLonghi Magnifica S and XS last?
Both models can last 7–10 years with care. Regular cleaning of the brew unit and drip tray helps keep them running smoothly over time.