De’Longhi Magnifica S Express Review (Super Automatic)

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Quick verdict

Buy it if you want quick, consistent espresso from whole beans, straightforward controls, a compact machine, and a reliable manual steam wand for cappuccinos and lattes. Skip it if you want one-touch milk drinks or a large touchscreen. The ECAM23120SB focuses on solid bean-to-cup espresso, not extra bells and whistles.

Who it suits

• Busy households that want espresso and Americanos day after day
• Newcomers to super-automatic machines who want easy cleaning and a removable brew group
• Latte and cappuccino fans who don’t mind steaming milk manually

Who should look elsewhere

• One-touch milk drink fans (consider De’Longhi models with LatteCrema or the Philips 3200 LatteGo)
• Tinkerers who want full hands-on control (consider a semi-automatic like Breville Barista Express)

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Key specs at a glance

(Typical for this model family. Always confirm details in your retailer listing or the manual for your exact unit.)

• Grinder: Built-in conical burr grinder, multiple grind settings
• Bean hopper: About 8.8 oz, with an aroma-sealing lid
• Bypass doser: Yes, for pre-ground decaf or an occasional test coffee
• Pump: Up to 15 bar
• Water tank: About 60 oz, removable
• Brew group: Removable for rinsing under the tap
• Steam: Manual Panarello-style wand, plus hot water
• Programs: Espresso, double espresso, coffee, hot water; adjustable strength and volume
• Footprint: Compact for a super-automatic; generally fits under standard cabinets

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Design and build quality

The Magnifica S Express feels solid and thoughtfully built. It uses durable plastic to keep weight reasonable, with metal in the high-contact areas like the drip tray grate. The bean hopper lid seals well, the water tank slides in and out smoothly, and the removable brew unit is a real plus for cleanliness and long-term reliability.

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Setup and ease of use

Fill the tank, add beans, run the initial rinse, then pull your first shot. The front dials and buttons make it easy to get going without digging through menus. Once you set your preferred strength and cup volume, the machine will keep using those settings. The bypass doser is especially handy for decaf or trying a different coffee without emptying the hopper.

Tip: Start at a mid-range grind and medium strength. Pull a 1–2 oz espresso, then adjust the grind finer or coarser to land in a roughly 25–35 second brew time for a double (including pre-infusion).

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Grinder and dosing

The conical burr grinder is reasonably quiet for a super-automatic and delivers consistent results in the espresso range. It has enough adjustment to dial in most medium to medium-dark roasts. Very light roasts can be tougher on machines in this class, but using a finer setting and thoroughly preheating your cup can help.

Good practices

• Adjust the grind while the grinder is running to reduce the chance of burr binding
• Use fresh beans and store them in an airtight container away from heat and light
• Avoid very oily beans, which can stick in the chute and cause feeding issues

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Espresso quality and consistency

Once you’ve set grind, strength, and volume, shots are consistent and repeatable. The machine’s pre-infusion helps even out extraction, and the default temperature works well for most medium roasts. Crema is stable, and bitterness stays in check as long as you don’t run overly long “espresso” volumes. For a bigger cup, brew espresso and add hot water for an Americano instead of stretching the shot.

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Milk steaming on the Panarello wand

The Panarello wand is beginner-friendly: it adds air quickly for classic cappuccino foam, and with a bit of practice you can get a smoother, finer foam by lowering the tip after the initial stretching phase. Purge before and after steaming, wipe the wand with a damp cloth, and purge again to keep it clean.

Fast workflow

1. Pull espresso first
2. Purge the wand, then steam milk to about 140–150°F
3. Swirl and tap the pitcher, then pour right away

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Controls and programmability

• Strength control that adjusts dosing
• Volume programming per button for your preferred espresso and coffee sizes
• Temperature options on many units (higher can help medium-light roasts)
• Auto-off timer to save energy

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Maintenance and cleaning

• Daily: Empty the puck bin, rinse the drip tray, and rinse the brew group if needed
• Weekly: Clean the Panarello sleeve and wand, wipe the hopper area, and vacuum stray grounds
• Monthly: Run a cleaning cycle if prompted, descale on schedule (or use a compatible water filter if your unit supports one), and lubricate the brew group as your manual recommends

The removable brew group is the standout here. A quick rinse helps keep things fresh and can reduce how often you need deeper cleaning cycles.

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Noise, size, and household fit

You’ll hear the grinder and pump, but noise levels are typical for a super-automatic and generally fine for most kitchens. The machine is compact for its category and usually works under standard cabinets—just leave a little clearance above to open the hopper lid comfortably.

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Value for money

This model delivers the essentials: a real burr grinder, a removable brew group, and a straightforward manual steam wand. One-touch milk machines cost more and typically require more milk-system cleaning. If you’re okay steaming milk yourself, the Magnifica S Express offers excellent everyday performance for the price.

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Common mistakes and quick fixes

• Sour shots: Grind finer, raise temperature (if available), and shorten the volume
• Bitter shots: Grind coarser, lower temperature (if available), and avoid running “espresso” too long
• Weak foam: Use cold, fresh milk; purge the wand; keep the tip near the surface to add air, then lower it to create a rolling texture
• Slow flow/clogging: Rinse the brew unit, clear built-up grounds, and avoid very oily beans

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Comparisons

• De’Longhi Magnifica Evo: Some versions add one-touch milk drinks and a more modern interface; espresso is similar, but milk systems add cleanup
• Philips 3200 LatteGo: Very easy milk cleanup with LatteGo; espresso has a slightly different flavor profile; ceramic grinder
• Breville Barista Express (semi automatic): More control and a steeper learning curve; better for hands-on users; slower daily routine
• De’Longhi Dinamica: Step-up interface and more drink options on many versions; typically costs more

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Compact super-automatic with a removable brew group
• Consistent espresso once dialed in, with an easy Americano workflow
• Manual Panarello wand is simple to use and easy to clean

Cons

• No one-touch milk drinks (steaming is manual)
• Small display and basic buttons
• Very light roasts can be harder to dial in on this class of machine

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Frequently Asked Questions ▾

Does it take pre-ground coffee?

Yes. Use the bypass doser for a single serving of pre-ground coffee—great for decaf.

Is the brew group removable?

Yes. You can remove it and rinse it under the tap, which helps with cleanliness and long-term performance.

Can it make a large coffee in one go?

It can brew a longer coffee, but for the best flavor, pull espresso and add hot water for an Americano.

What water should I use?

Filtered water with moderate hardness is a good choice. If your unit supports an in-tank filter, using one can help reduce scale buildup and extend the time between descaling cycles.

How often do I descale?

Follow the machine’s descaling prompt. For many households, that’s every few months, depending on your water hardness. Using a filter (when supported) can reduce how often you need to descale.

See Also.

If you’re comparing other bean-to-cup machines, take a look at the De’Longhi Dinamica Plus Review and Jura E4 Review. Want a manual route with more control? Try the Breville Barista Express review. Need a quick primer on machine types? Our Types of Coffee Makers: A U.S. Home Brewing Guide keeps it simple.