DeLonghi Magnifica S vs DeLonghi Magnifica Start: Which Should You Buy? (2026)

Q: Is the Magnifica S better than the Magnifica Start?

It depends on your priorities. The DeLonghi Magnifica S excels for users who want legendary durability and manual control, while the DeLonghi Magnifica Start is the better choice if you prioritize modern essentials without the digital clutter.

Q: How do the grinders compare?

The Magnifica S uses a Steel Conical, whereas the Magnifica Start features a Steel Conical. While both are high-quality internal systems, they are sealed components. To prevent clogging and avoid expensive repairs, we strongly recommend using non-oily, medium-roast beans in both machines.

Buy the Magnifica S if you:

Want legendary durability and manual control.
Enjoy the ritual of manually texturing your own milk.
Want a machine that is easy to repair and maintain.

Buy the Magnifica Start if you:

Want modern essentials without the digital clutter.
Want true super-automatic convenience on a budget.
Prioritize the superior micro-foam of the LatteCrema system.

Which is better: DeLonghi Magnifica S or DeLonghi Magnifica Start?

"Choose the Magnifica Start if you want one-touch cappuccinos. Pick the Magnifica S if you prefer manually texturing your milk."

Specs Comparison: DeLonghi Magnifica S vs DeLonghi Magnifica Start

Feature	Magnifica S	Magnifica Start
Why Buy This?	legendary durability and manual control	modern essentials without the digital clutter
Interface	Dial & Buttons	Touch Icons
Milk System	Manual Wand	Auto Carafe
Drink Variety	4 Drinks	4 Drinks
User Profiles	0	0
Grinder	Steel Conical	Steel Conical
Water Tank	60.0 oz	60.0 oz
Bean Hopper	8.8 oz	8.8 oz
Brew Group	Removable	Removable
Dimensions	9.4x17x13.8	9.4x17.3x13.8
Connectivity	No	No
Special Feature	Durability	Modern Entry Level
Both machines feature removable brew groups. To prevent mechanical failure, you must manually extract and rinse them weekly, and routinely re-lubricate the internal O-rings.
Maintenance & Longevity
Burr Type	Stainless Steel Conical Burr (DeLonghi)	Stainless Steel Conical Burr (DeLonghi)
Oil Sensitivity Score (1-5)	4/5	4/5
Annual Maintenance (Est)	$125	$190
Descale Interval	3 Months	3 Months

Critical Maintenance Warning

Don't Ruin Your New Investment

Regardless of which machine you choose, both rely on internal grinders that are sensitive to oily beans. To keep your DeLonghi Magnifica S and DeLonghi Magnifica Start out of the repair shop, stick to these non-oily selections.

A Vancouver roaster since 1990, and a consistent Amazon pick for organic espresso. This balanced blend delivers chocolate and toasted caramel — clean, approachable, and easy on your grinder.

Bean Around The World Organic Espresso

Certified organic espresso blend from a Vancouver roaster. Balanced with notes of chocolate and toasted caramel.

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Light, bright, and grinder-friendly. A bone-dry surface means it flows through the burrs without issue. Tropical notes of berries, brown sugar, and nougat — a good pick if you prefer your espresso without bitterness.

Kicking Horse Hola

A light roast with a bone-dry surface. Fairtrade and Organic with tropical notes of berries, brown sugar, and nougat.

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Organic, Fairtrade, and roasted right in BC. The medium-dark roast develops real depth — toffee and baker's chocolate. A note of honesty: this one shows mild surface oils, so it's better suited to DeLonghi and Philips machines than Jura. Clean your hopper monthly.

Ethical Bean Lush

100% Arabica, Fairtrade and Organic. Medium-dark roast with notes of toffee and baker's chocolate. Roasted in BC.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Magnifica S better than the Magnifica Start? ▼

It depends on your priorities. The DeLonghi Magnifica S excels for users who want legendary durability and manual control, while the DeLonghi Magnifica Start is the better choice if you prioritize modern essentials without the digital clutter.

How do the grinders compare? ▼

The Magnifica S uses a Steel Conical, whereas the Magnifica Start features a Steel Conical. While both are high-quality internal systems, they are sealed components. To prevent clogging and avoid expensive repairs, we strongly recommend using non-oily, medium-roast beans in both machines.

Which machine is easier to clean? ▼

Both the DeLonghi Magnifica S and DeLonghi Magnifica Start feature removable brew groups. To prevent mechanical failure and ensure longevity, you must manually extract and rinse the brew group under warm water weekly, and routinely re-lubricate the internal O-rings.

Which machine costs more to maintain? ▼

The DeLonghi Magnifica Start is generally more expensive to maintain over time. We project an estimated annual maintenance cost of $190 for the DeLonghi Magnifica Start versus $125 for the DeLonghi Magnifica S, assuming average daily usage and strictly following the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule.

Which machine handles oily coffee beans better? ▼

Neither machine handles oily beans well. Both the DeLonghi Magnifica S and DeLonghi Magnifica Start have highly sensitive grinders. Using dark, oily roasts in either of these machines will quickly lead to clogged hoppers, seized brew groups, and expensive repairs. Stick to dry, medium roasts.

Dino Caputo — 25-Year IT Consultant & Espresso Tech Analyst

Applying 25 years of rigorous IT diagnostic methodology to super-automatic espresso machines, mapping structural points of failure, grinder longevity, and the pervasive risks of using oily beans in sealed systems.

Disclosure: As an independent analyst, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases to fund continued teardowns and independent research.