The DeLonghi Magnifica Start Is Basically a Coffee Shop at Home

If you’re tired of long lines and overpriced lattes, the DeLonghi Magnifica Start might be the coffee upgrade you didn’t know you needed. This sleek machine brings fresh-ground espresso and café-style drinks straight into your kitchen. And it does it without taking up half your counter or requiring barista skills.

The DeLonghi Magnifica Start is part of a newer line of automatic coffee makers designed for people who want quality coffee without the guesswork. From grinding beans to frothing milk, it handles everything at the push of a button.

Here’s what makes this DeLonghi espresso machine one of the best home espresso setups in 2025.

This bean to cup machine checks a lot of boxes. You don’t need separate gadgets to grind, tamp, or steam. It does it all in one compact unit.

The built-in grinder keeps coffee fresh and rich by grinding just before each brew. You can use whole beans or pre-ground coffee. The 15-bar pressure gives that authentic espresso flavor with a thick layer of crema on top.

The control panel is simple. No crazy learning curve. You’ll get the hang of it within minutes.

It’s also compact. At 240 x 440 x 350 mm and only 8.8 kg, it fits most kitchen counters without hogging space.

You can adjust strength, temperature, and drink size. Whether you want a bold espresso or something lighter, you’re in control.

There are two versions of the Magnifica Start series: the ECAM220.31.SB and the ECAM220.80.SB. Both make excellent coffee, but each comes with its own set of perks.

ECAM220.31.SB: For Classic Coffee Lovers

This model keeps things simple with a manual steam wand. You get to texture your milk the way you like. Frothy for cappuccinos or smooth for flat whites—it’s your call. It’s great for those who like more control.

It also has three grinder settings, a 1.8-liter water tank, and preset drink options including Espresso, Coffee, Long, and Doppio+. You’ll get full flavor with every cup.

The price as of June 2025 is $729.00. It’s perfect for those who want hands-on milk frothing and enjoy the process.

ECAM220.80.SB: For Convenience Seekers

If you want great coffee without any fuss, this model’s for you. It comes with DeLonghi’s LatteCrema Hot Technology, which froths milk automatically. One button, and your cappuccino is done.

You also get 13 grinder settings for more precision, perfect for dialing in different beans. It includes a self-cleaning milk system, so you don’t have to deal with milk residue every day.

And here’s the kicker—it’s currently priced at $679.00, down from $799.95. You get more features for less money.

The DeLonghi Magnifica Start makes mornings better. Whether you’re a solo sipper or making drinks for the family, this machine keeps up. It’s one of the best home espresso options if you want café-style drinks without leaving the house.

From a quick shot to a tall latte, the machine adjusts to your cup size. The spout moves up and down so you can use espresso cups or travel mugs with no mess.

It’s also fast. Heating takes around 30 seconds, and drink prep takes under 90 seconds depending on the drink.

Cleaning isn’t a chore with this one. Both models come with removable brewing units you can rinse under the tap. The ECAM220.80.SB even cleans the milk system automatically after each use.

There are alerts for descaling and other basic tasks. You won’t have to guess when it needs attention.

The machine also supports water filters to help reduce buildup and improve taste. Just swap the filter regularly, and your coffee stays clean and smooth.

People love the flavor and ease of use. Many highlight how consistent the drinks are, even after weeks of daily use. The automatic milk frother gets a lot of praise, especially from people who used to avoid making lattes at home.

Some say the grinder is a little loud, but not louder than other machines in the same range. Others like the feel of the buttons and the simple layout.

• ECAM220.31.SB: $729.00 (manual steam wand, great for control)
• ECAM220.80.SB: $679.00 (automatic milk frother, 13 grind settings)

The value is clear when you break it down. If you drink two cups a day, you’ll likely recover the cost within a year—especially if you’re used to buying coffee from shops.

Compared to similar machines in the same price range, the Magnifica Start holds up well. The grinder quality, espresso output, and milk systems outperform many competitors.

Some machines in this range come with larger water tanks or color displays, but few match the overall convenience and build quality.

• You like traditional espresso
• You want to steam milk yourself
• You want a hands-on experience
• You don’t mind a little cleanup

• You want one-touch lattes and cappuccinos
• You prefer an automatic milk frother
• You want more grind settings for different beans
• You want fast cleanup

Both models are solid picks. The ECAM220.31.SB offers more control for those who enjoy crafting every detail. The ECAM220.80.SB is perfect for anyone who wants great coffee without effort.

Right now, the ECAM220.80.SB gives you more features for a lower price. If convenience matters most, it’s the smarter buy.

You can find both models on Amazon. Either way, the DeLonghi Magnifica Start turns your kitchen into a reliable coffee bar. Once you’ve had espresso this good at home, it’s tough to go back to the coffee shop.