De'Longhi - Magnifica Start Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine with Milk Frother for Hot & Iced Lattes, Coffee, & More ECAM22022B - Black

ITs a great, space efficient option for a Full auto Machine! There are finally more options for compact Fully auto machines, and this is at the top of the list. I am still adjusting to the right grind etc, MAke sure to use Quick start to turn on machine for first time. I somehow misread the bigger manual and started with the step that installed the Water Filter, thinking that was the initial requirement to get the water tank installed, etc. The manual Could be a little more clear whether the water filter step is even necessary.

This coffee machine is substantially smaller than our last Gaggia, and about half the price. It is quieter, coffee taste better, easy to use. Actually an improvement. There’s not too many options, but everything we need. Ability to just turn switch for hot water and not deal with a cycle is great. Cleaning is also very convenient. 0 complaints.

We were debating whether it was worth the money to upgrade our cheap old espresso maker. The answer is yes. We like how you can just fill it with beans and it does all the grinding. It makes a pretty strong cup but you can turn it down if you need to.

Excellent coffee machine for espresso. Good quality

I have to say I am very impressed with this espresso machine. It brews the best espresso I have tried in a home compared to the other coffee machine I've used. I also have the DeLonghi true brew but this Magnifica Start makes way better espresso using the same coffee beans. The machine is not hard to use and is very straightforward, although you’ll end up reading the manual to learn all the functions and how to enter its settings, since it doesn’t have a display. It is taking me a bit to get used to the steamer. I used to use an automatic milk frother but it didn't heat up the milk the way the steamer does. I like my coffee very hot. With this machine you can use coffee beans or pre-ground coffee. I really like how they incorporated the pre-ground dispenser together with the bean dispenser. The opening has a lid and is wider, making it easy to fit the entire scoop and minimized spills. That was an issue I had with my previous DeLonghi machine. The control panel is touch sensitive and simple. You can choose from three brewing options: expresso, coffee or americano. There’s also the option of coffee intensity, pre-ground, discailer button, settings, power and the double button. Another great thing about this machine is that you can adjust the mill grinder. That makes a big difference. Also the coffee spouts can be lower to prevent drops spills. I like my coffee strong so I mostly use the espresso option. It comes black with a beautiful even spread foam on top. I tried the regular coffee option as well and it is very good too. However, I'm more the expresso type drinker. I made a white chocolate mocha and honestly it tasted better than Starbucks. There are a few drawbacks, from my personal perspective, that I'd like to point out. This machine requires a bit more maintenance, not in the intensive sense like descaling, but you will need to empty the water drip tray frequently. Despite its large size, the machine automatically flushes during startup and shutdown, which fills the tray fairly quickly. Additionally, the steam spout needs to be cleaned after each use. While the grind container is quite large and can hold a lot, I’ve found that leaving ground coffee in it for several days can lead to mold. Another downside is that the machine can’t be programmed and lacks a clock display, which is something I really missed. Overall the DeLonghi Magnifica Start has been the best home brewing machine I've used so far. It's very easy to operate and takes up minimal space on the countertop. While it does require more frequent cleaning, its versatility allowing you to make everything from espresso to regular coffee using either coffee beans or pre-ground coffee, makes it an all in one solution. The included steam spout eliminates the need for a separate automatic milk frother. Despite a few drawbacks, what ultimately matters is a good taste of coffee, and this machine is a winner for me. Please be advised this model does not include the water filter to soften the water. In the box you get the espresso machine, expresso beans bag, scoop, descaling solution, and manuals.