Product · De'Longhi
De'Longhi Magnifica Start: LatteCrema Hot, 4 drinks
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The De'Longhi Magnifica Start (ECAM220.61.GB) is an entry point to automatic milk drinks for people who want a short, clear menu. What distinguishes it is the use of LatteCrema Hot, a milk system usually found on more expensive De'Longhi models, on a machine with just four one-touch recipes and a soft-touch control panel.
- Grinder
- Not stated
- Milk
- LatteCrema Hot
- Drinks
- 4 one-touch
- Water tank
- Not stated
In its favour
- LatteCrema Hot makes fine milk foam with automatic milk cleaning, according to De'Longhi.
- The brewing unit is removable and several parts are dishwasher-safe.
- Aroma and intensity can be adjusted to taste.
Good to know
- Only four recipes are listed: espresso, coffee, latte macchiato and hot water.
- The listing gives a height of 50.3 cm, which may clash with low wall cupboards.
Our take
Four recipes and personal tweaks
The four one-touch options are espresso, coffee, latte macchiato and hot water. You can adjust aroma and intensity to taste. Cappuccino is mentioned as something the milk system can produce, but it is not listed as one of the four buttons, so check the manual if that is your daily drink.
This is a deliberately simple machine: no colour display, no app and no user profiles are mentioned.
LatteCrema Hot milk
De'Longhi describes LatteCrema Hot as making fine, creamy foam at the ideal temperature, with automatic milk cleaning. Parts are listed as dishwasher safe, which helps keep milk components hygienic.
A carafe-based system like this works best when you make milk drinks back to back, then return the carafe to the fridge, rather than leaving milk sitting in the machine all day.
What the listing does not say
This version of the listing is sparse. It does not state the number of grinder settings, the bean container size or the water tank capacity. Buyers who care about those details should check De'Longhi's own documentation.
It does state a removable brewing unit, automatic rinse and cleaning programmes, 1450 watt power and a weight of 11.6 kg. The dimensions are given as 41 cm deep, 30 cm wide and 50.3 cm high, which is tall for a bean-to-cup machine, so check the clearance under wall units.
The model number differs slightly from the ECAM220.60.B Magnifica Start also sold on Amazon, so compare listings carefully if you see both on sale.
Against the Philips 3300 LatteGo and Magnifica S
The Philips 3300 LatteGo has a tube-free jug, a 12 step grinder and six drinks including iced coffee. The De'Longhi Magnifica S drops automatic milk for a manual frother but has a 13 setting grinder and two cups at once. The Magnifica Start makes most sense for someone who wants the De'Longhi milk system in the simplest form.
Verdict
Buy the Magnifica Start if you want automatic milk drinks, a few buttons and dishwasher-safe parts. If you want iced coffee and a stated grinder range, the Philips 3300 LatteGo is better, and if you are happy frothing milk by hand, the De'Longhi Magnifica S gives more grind control.
Compared with alternatives in: Best bean-to-cup coffee machines under £400
Amazon listing title: De'Longhi Magnifica Start - Automatic Coffee Machine 4 Drinks Black