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De'Longhi Magnifica Start Review: Quick, Simple Coffee

The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is an affordable bean‑to‑cup machine that comes in several variants across the UK, Australia and the US. The review unit, model ECAM220.61.W, is sold in Australia for AU$799 and in the UK for £399.99, while a US version adds a cappuccino preset and retails for $749.95. The machine offers four one‑touch functions - espresso, coffee, latte macchiato and hot water - making it a simple option for small households. Espresso shots are extracted quickly, in about 30 seconds, with a creamy crema, and a slightly coarser grind improves taste. The automatic LatteCrema system delivers a generous, oat‑milk foam that rivals a manual wand, and the clearly marked milk carafe simplifies use. Cleaning is aided by dishwasher‑safe parts and a compact footprint that fits narrow counters. The control panel is minimalist but less intuitive than the KitchenAid KF2, which has clearly labelled buttons, so users may need a brief learning period. Overall, the Magnifica Start offers a good price‑to‑performance ratio for one‑ or two‑person kitchens, though those seeking more drink options might look to the higher‑end Magnifica Evo Next or the Ninja Luxe Café.

· TechRadar

The essential points

  1. 01Four one‑touch presets (espresso, coffee, latte macchiato, hot water) on the ECAM220.61.W model.
  2. 02Espresso shots brewed in 30 seconds with rich crema; coarser grind improves flavor.
  3. 03Automatic LatteCrema system produces oat‑milk foam comparable to manual wand, with clear milk carafe.
  4. 04Compact 13.78" height, 9.45" width, 17.32" depth fits narrow countertops; dishwasher‑safe parts ease cleaning.
The full brief

The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is an affordable bean‑to‑cup machine that comes in several variants across the UK, Australia and the US. The review unit, model ECAM220. 61. W, is sold in Australia for AU$799 and in the UK for £399.

99, while a US version adds a cappuccino preset and retails for $749. 95. The machine offers four one‑touch functions - espresso, coffee, latte macchiato and hot water - making it a simple option for small households. Espresso shots are extracted quickly, in about 30 seconds, with a creamy crema, and a slightly coarser grind improves taste.

The automatic LatteCrema system delivers a generous, oat‑milk foam that rivals a manual wand, and the clearly marked milk carafe simplifies use. Cleaning is aided by dishwasher‑safe parts and a compact footprint that fits narrow counters. The control panel is minimalist but less intuitive than the KitchenAid KF2, which has clearly labelled buttons, so users may need a brief learning period. Overall, the Magnifica Start offers a good price‑to‑performance ratio for one‑ or two‑person kitchens, though those seeking more drink options might look to the higher‑end Magnifica Evo Next or the Ninja Luxe Café.