The De’Longhi Magnifica S ESAM4200.S was our favourite bean to cup machine for a long time, and then the De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110.B came along, as the updated version definitely one of the best money could buy.
De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110.B is a great value pick but looks a little bit more modern. The benefits don’t just stop there, either.
In terms of functionality, you get better results and a machine which just feels a lot more sleek, quick and efficient to use. But don’t just take our word for it.
As our picks for two of the best budget bean to cup coffee machines around, we are going to compare them side by side below, before telling you why else the De’Longhi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110.B stands out as one of the best coffee machines available to buy.
De’Longhi S ECAM22.110.B or the ESAM4200.S?
First up, a big part of why the machine looks better than its predecessor is the change on the control face.
The larger black buttons against the silver background look more modern than the previous silver finish, which had smaller buttons and tiny control knobs. The De’Longhi Magnifica ECAM 22.110.B has also got rid of the unnecessary lights which tell you when something needs seeing to, or the water needs topping up.
Each button is clear in what it does thanks to the graphic by its side, making for a less complicated interface. Even the shape of the overall machine is a bit more slimline, with a taller less bulky figure.
How else do the two differ? The newer of the two features a silent integrated grinder, and you can really tell the difference between the two when using one after the other.
There are also 13 grind settings as opposed to the original 7, which allows you to get a finer result for anyone who wants a more impactful taste. The large dial at the centre of the De’Longhi Magnifica ECAM 22.110.B coffee machine is what alters the ground level, so you have plenty of leeway to get the taste just right.
Other Reasons To Buy The De’Longhi ECAM22.110.B
Comparing two machines in terms of the quality of milk frothing and automatic cleaning system can be difficult, as it all depends on the condition of the machine and the drink being made.
However, we will say that both are outstanding on the Magnifica S. The control of the milk frother is brilliant, with a manual arm. This does mean that you can’t make milky coffees from the off, and will need to add milk manually, but for any beginners or people who don’t mind saving money this way, it is still ideal.
It is officially a bestseller at the time of writing (November 2020), with tens of thousands of glowing reviews across all platforms. It seems to perfectly balance that easy-to-use machine with something which is technical enough to make a good brew.
Designed for beans, but for use with grounds too – this also makes it a really great entry-level model. Maybe you need to look into which beans will be best for your tastebuds, so want to stick to your current grounds which you use in a cafetiere. It also means you don’t have to leave your favourite behind, but can occasionally have a coffee from freshly ground beans when you need a real caffeine boost.
There is an integrated cleaning function which will keep everything running well too. After your beverage is made, all parts which come into contact with milk will automatically be washed with hot water and steam, and the whole unit is simple to descale.
Coffee is also best when served between 88° and 96°C – this machine will deliver the coffee at the perfect temperature time after time.
You can also brew two coffees at once, so it is an ideal model if you will be making coffee for the household in the morning and need to speed up the process. Or, put the full double shot coffee in your cup if you need something which will last a bit longer.
To say it doesn’t cost that much more than the older models with less to offer makes it a simple decision for anyone who wants to balance value with efficiency – you won’t break the bank with this purchase, but it is modern and future-proof enough to last for years.
What Buyers Say
Taking tens of thousands of reviews and condensing them into a few lines is difficult, but we will give it a go…
- “Excellent machine, easy to set up and use, more importantly, the coffee taste fantastic and can be adjusted easily to suit taste”
- “Fantastic machine, really worth the money. It makes excellent coffee, is easy to maintain and clean and simple to use”
- “It seems well made, works exceptionally, and produces first-class coffee with little fuss”
- “Love this machine. Grinds perfectly with different settings. Makes a lovely coffee”
Any negatives are in regards to the cleaning – it can be a bit of a faff as it is mostly manual, in a world where some of the higher-end machines will do everything automatically. But for the price saving, it is an extra worth going through.
If you’re in the mood for more reviews, check out our latest reviews on the Sage Duo Temp Pro, Sage Barista Pro, Swan Retro Pump Espresso, De’Longhi Scultura, and De’Longhi Eletta.
Thank you to the guys over at Coffee Friend for gifting this item to us. #ad-affiliate.
Dan is a former competition barista and has been honing his knowledge of coffee for over two decades.
He has worked in coffee farms in Peru, as well as roasters in Australia. He now trains new baristas and hosts cupping experiences in Austin.