# De'Longhi vs Philips bean-to-cup machines Source: https://beanandcrema.co.uk/blog/delonghi-vs-philips-bean-to-cup Published: 2026-10-12 Publisher: Bean and Crema **In short:** Philips machines are the easier to keep clean: the LatteGo milk system has two parts and no tubes, and the ceramic grinder is quiet and hard-wearing. De'Longhi machines tend to offer more drink and grind settings, steel conical burrs and the LatteCrema carafe, which some prefer for hotter, denser foam. At matching tiers both make good coffee, so choose on milk system and cleaning. De'Longhi and Philips sell more bean-to-cup machines in the UK than most brands, and their ranges line up closely at each level. Philips has the 2200, 3300, 5400 and 5500 Series; De'Longhi has the Magnifica S, Magnifica Start, Magnifica Evo and Plus, and further up the Dinamica, Rivelia and Eletta. Both grind beans, tamp and brew inside the machine with a removable brew unit. The real differences are in the milk system, the grinder and the controls, so this comparison focuses there, using listing facts. ## 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. | Model | Milk system | Grinder | Drinks | Water tank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Philips 3300 LatteGo | LatteGo, 2 parts, no tubes | Ceramic, 12 steps | 6 hot and iced | 1.8 litres | | Philips 5500 LatteGo | LatteGo, 2 parts, no tubes | Ceramic | 20 hot and iced | 1.8 litres | | De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next | LatteCrema Hot carafe | Integrated grinder | 13 one-touch | 1.9 litres | | De'Longhi Magnifica Plus | LatteCrema Hot carafe | Integrated grinder | 18 one-touch | 1.8 litres | Philips LatteGo vs De'Longhi LatteCrema, from listing facts ## 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](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/blog/milk-frother-vs-steam-wand) 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](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/blog/conical-vs-flat-burr-grinder). ## 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](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/blog/how-to-descale-delonghi-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](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machine) ## Which brand should you choose Compare models at the same tier rather than brand against brand. Our [De'Longhi models compared guide](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/delonghi-bean-to-cup-models-compared) explains each De'Longhi family, and our [automatic milk guide](https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/best-bean-to-cup-with-automatic-milk) 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. ## Buying guides on this topic - https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/best-bean-to-cup-coffee-machine - https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/best-bean-to-cup-with-automatic-milk - https://beanandcrema.co.uk/best/delonghi-bean-to-cup-models-compared ## Sources - [De'Longhi UK](https://www.delonghi.com/en-gb) - [Philips UK](https://www.philips.co.uk/)