De'Longhi vs Philips bean-to-cup machines

Matching models side by side

The table pairs two Philips LatteGo models with two De'Longhi LatteCrema models from our guides. All figures come from the makers' Amazon UK listings.

Milk: LatteGo against LatteCrema

Philips LatteGo is a jug that clips onto the front of the machine. Milk is drawn up and frothed in a small chamber in the jug itself, with no tubes inside the machine. Philips says it has two parts and can be rinsed in about 10 seconds, and it goes in the dishwasher. The foam is light and airy, which suits cappuccino and latte macchiato.

De'Longhi LatteCrema uses a sealed carafe with a frothing head and a short tube. The machine runs a quick automatic rinse after each milk drink, and the carafe goes in the fridge between uses. Many people find the foam denser and hotter. The trade-off is more parts to wash. If cleaning time matters most, LatteGo has the edge; if you want to store milk in the carafe, LatteCrema suits better. Our automatic milk vs steam wand guide covers the wider choice.

Grinders: ceramic against steel

Philips uses flat ceramic burrs with 12 grind steps on most models. Ceramic is hard-wearing and the grinders are relatively quiet, and Philips markets its SilentBrew models as quieter still. De'Longhi uses conical steel burrs, with adjustment by a dial inside the bean hopper on most models.

Both are designed around the medium and darker roasts most bean-to-cup owners use. With either, change the grind only while the grinder is running, as the manuals advise, and adjust one step at a time. For background on burr types, see our conical vs flat burr grinder guide.

Controls and drink choice

Entry machines from both brands use simple touch icons. Higher up, De'Longhi offers colour touchscreens and user profiles, such as three profiles on the Magnifica Evo Next and four on the Magnifica Plus. Philips offers My Coffee Choice for strength, length and milk level, and the 5500 adds user profiles and iced drinks.

If you only make espresso, americano and one milk drink, an entry model from either brand covers it. Larger menus are useful when several people share the machine.

Cleaning, descaling and upkeep

Both brands use a removable brew unit you rinse under the tap, typically weekly, plus a grounds bin and drip tray to empty. Both offer water filters (AquaClean for Philips) that reduce descaling when fitted and changed on time. Set the water hardness from the test strip in the box. In hard water areas, descale when the machine asks; our guide on descaling a De'Longhi Magnifica shows the routine, and Philips manuals give their own steps.

Note:Always switch off and unplug before removing the brew unit or reaching inside the machine, and let hot parts cool. Use only the descaler the maker recommends.

Best bean-to-cup coffee machines →

Which brand should you choose

Compare models at the same tier rather than brand against brand. Our De'Longhi models compared guide explains each De'Longhi family, and our automatic milk guide covers both brands' milk systems.

• Choose Philips LatteGo if quick milk cleaning and a quieter grinder matter most.
• Choose De'Longhi LatteCrema if you want denser, hotter foam and more drink options.
• At entry level without milk, both are close: choose on size and controls.

Frequently asked questions

Is De'Longhi or Philips more reliable? Both are widely used and both depend on regular cleaning and descaling for a long life. Follow the manual's maintenance schedule whichever you buy.

Does LatteGo work with plant milk? Philips says LatteGo froths plant-based alternatives. Results vary by brand, and barista versions usually foam best.

Can I put the LatteCrema carafe in the fridge? Yes, De'Longhi designs it to be stored in the fridge with milk in it. Check the manual for which parts are dishwasher safe.

Which is quieter? Philips markets its SilentBrew models as quieter. De'Longhi grinders are typically a little louder, though both are brief.