DeLonghi ESAM 3300 Magnifica Review - Magnificent Or Not?
The DeLonghi Magnifica is a brewing system that is capable of creating coffee-shop-level espresso at home and regularly ranks as one of the best residential automatic espresso machines under $1000.
Whether you crave a delicious cappuccino or simply a great espresso shot, the Magnifica delivers.
So, is it the right automatic espresso machine for you? And how does it compare to similar models?
DeLonghi ESAM 3300 Magnifica Review – My Ratings & Top Features
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Key Features
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Things I Like
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Things I Don’t Like
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Why Should You Buy The DeLonghi Magnifica?
After using this machine for more than a month, I would rate it a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars. In terms of features, the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3000 has it all.
It essentially allows you to craft espresso and milk-based drinks like a professional barista, all thanks to these standout features:
- Advanced Cappuccino Maker - It is easier than ever to create authentic Italian drinks with the patented cappuccino system frother
- Direct-to-Brew System - grinds beans instantly before brewing and allows for various coffee-strength settings
- Simple Manual Controls - Easy-to-use controls are ideal for coffee lovers with no espresso-making experience
- Extreme Customization - Allows users to design handcrafted custom drinks with the option to program individual preferences
- Impressive Warranty - Longest warranty in the industry with 2 years of coverage, plus an additional year after product registration[1]
Who Should Buy The DeLonghi Magnifica?
The DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 is ideal for those who want a super-automatic espresso machine that does everything for you.
From grinding the beans to frothing milk for latte drinks, you’ll barely have to lift a finger to brew good espresso coffee.
This is the perfect coffee machine for beginner coffee lovers.
Even if you’ve never owned an espresso machine, this one is easy to operate, and best of all, it won’t break the bank.
Why I Decided To Review The DeLonghi ESAM 3300 Magnifica
Even though the DeLonghi ESAM 3300 Magnifica is no longer manufactured by the company, it still remains one of the best-selling super-automatic espresso machines on the market.
Naturally, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I ordered my Magnifica on Amazon and immediately started putting it to the test.
Here’s a bit more information on how I chose to test the ESAM 3300 espresso machine:
Testing Conditions
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Days Tested |
30 |
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Cups Brewed Per Day |
2 |
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Level Of Experience Needed |
Beginner |
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Reviewer Background |
I’m a home brewing enthusiast who’s always on the lookout for quality espresso machines to brew coffee-shop-quality espresso drinks at home. |
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Environment Tested |
My home kitchen |
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Money Saved Per Year |
I have saved more than $1000 per year since I started brewing espresso with the Magnifica. |
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Favorite Drink To Brew |
Cappuccino & Latte |
What’s It Like To Live With The DeLonghi Magnifica Espresso Machine
What’s In The Box?
I ordered my Magnifica coffee machine through Amazon, and it arrived two days later in a neat-and-tidy box.
The packaging is solid - almost as solid as the machine itself!
In addition to the coffee machine, here’s what you can expect to find in the box:
- DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 User Manual
- Getting Started Guide
- Instructional DVD
- Water Hardness Test Strips
- DeLonghi EcoDecalk Descaler
The Grinder
The Magnifica’s conical burr grinder, made of stainless steel, offers 14 adjustable settings for freshly ground coffee.
While some prefer ceramic grinders for their long-term sharpness, I prefer stainless steel for its durability.
To grind, simply add beans to the hopper, and the airtight grounds container keeps them fresh.
If noise is an issue, you can bypass the grinder and use pre-ground coffee instead.
The grinder is a bit loud, so using pre-ground coffee might be better for early mornings.
Pulling My First Espresso Shot
The dual Thermoblock boiler heats in just 10 seconds, with no wait time between brewing and steaming.
The espresso is fantastic, and while it doesn't offer the creative control of a manual machine, you can easily adjust strength and volume with a dial to suit your preferences.
My First Time Frothing Milk
I was pleasantly surprised by the manual steam wand on this super-automatic machine.
As someone who enjoys controlling milk frothing, I found it easy to use, even though the plastic sheath over the steel wand makes it look cheaper.
The Panarello wand creates silky froth by drawing air in, and you can remove the plastic for a more traditional steam experience.
It took me just 30 seconds to get the hang of it, and it worked well with whole milk, as well as skim, oat, and almond.
The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a milk jug, so you'll need to use your own container.
Control & Ease Of Use
Out of all the super-automatic machines I’ve used, the Magnifica has been the easiest.
The control panel is simple and intuitive, with clear buttons and dials.
Once you set your preferences, the Direct-to-Brew system remembers them for consistent strength and size every time.
There are two main dials: one for adjusting shot volume (0.5 to 6 ounces) and the other for brew strength, controlling the amount of ground coffee.
You’ll also find buttons for single and double shots, and you can stop brewing mid-shot by pressing the button again.
Since the buttons are picture-labeled, I suggest a quick look at the manual to learn the controls.
Look, Feel & Size Of The Machine
Aesthetically, the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 isn’t for everyone.
It has an all-plastic exterior, which doesn’t look as appealing as the sleek stainless steel exterior of Breville machines.
The upside is that the machine is as durable as they come. The plastic exterior components surround a body made entirely from stainless steel.
With proper care, I fully expect to use this machine for at least 5 years.
The super-automatic espresso machine itself has a fairly small footprint. It measures 11" deep by 15.3" wide by 14.4" high and weighs just over 23 pounds.
Considering it’s so compact, I was surprised by its capacity; the water tank holds 2 liters and a bean hopper capacity of 8.8 ounces.
What Drinks Can It Make?
With its double-brew group heads, it can even brew two cups at once.
The volume and coffee quantity dials allow you to brew anything from a strong ristretto to a long black or Americano.
The steam wand adds versatility, making it easy to craft cappuccinos, lattes, and frothy drinks - even with non-dairy milk.
For decaf in the afternoon, I just use the grinder bypass feature to add pre-ground decaf coffee.
Cleaning & Descaling
I won’t go as far as saying that cleaning my DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3000 is enjoyable, but it’s certainly easy.
Thanks to the plastic components, there’s not much to keeping the exterior in tip-top shape; I just give it a quick wipe-down after each brew.
DeLonghi clearly put a lot of thought into designing an easy-to-maintain machine.
Everything from the water tank to the drip tray to the lukewarm cup warmer tray is removable.
It’s even possible to remove the brew chamber, which just needs a quick rinse once a week.
I love that this machine features an automatic rinse cycle.
Just hit the rinse button, and the machine will flush itself with water to remove grounds and milk residue, keeping it running smoothly until more intense maintenance is needed.
The used coffee cups are stored behind the removable drip tray. After taking the drip tray out, just remove the coffee puck drawer and empty it.
The drawer can hold up to 14 pucks, so I only need to empty it about once a week.
An Important Note About Water Filtration
My biggest complaint about this espresso machine is its lack of water filtration. Most machines these days have a built-in filtration system, but not the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300.
If you’re using tap water, this could be a serious problem, especially if your home has hard water. Hard water can leave calcium deposits that clog the hoses, and it can even impact the brewing temperature and alter the flavor of your espresso coffee.
Luckily, DeLonghi provides customers with a water hardness test strip to test their water before it’s dispensed through the brew group head. The machine will record the water hardness level and automatically dispense the descaling solution according to the water quality.
While I prefer my machine to have a filtration system, it’s not a huge deal in the long run. I recommend using a Brita pitcher to fill the water tank, or else you’ll have to descale the machine more often.
My Favorite Parts About The DeLonghi 3300 Magnifica
After a lot of thought, I can honestly say that the fast heating capability is a big reason why I love the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300.
Ease of maintenance is another noteworthy feature.
Plus, the company included a 2-year warranty if anything ever goes wrong.
I also love just how simple it is to froth, foam, and steam milk with this super-automatic espresso machine.
It’s built with a traditional milk frother that allows me to manually froth milk to the perfect consistency, even for latte art.
Almost all of the settings are customizable, and it’s easy to adjust these settings based on your coffee preferences.
After selecting your settings, the DeLonghi Magnifica automatically brews based on your ideal temperature, richness, and density.
The last feature I want to mention is the professional-grade conical burr grinder.
It grinds coffee beans using 14 adjustable grind settings, but you can also use pre-ground coffee in your DeLonghi brew unit.
My Least Favorite Parts
Unfortunately, this specific model is no longer made by the DeLonghi company.
I’m not exactly sure why DeLonghi decided to discontinue the 3300, especially considering it's a fan favorite.
All this means is that you can't buy the machine directly from DeLonghi. You'll have to purchase it from a different retailer, like Amazon or Walmart.
Don't worry, though. Your warranty policy will still be valid as long as you register your coffee maker.
My only other complaint is that this machine doesn’t have a built-in water filtration system.
Even most semi-automatic espresso machines have a filter, so it’s a bit odd that this one doesn’t.
I recommend only adding filtered water to the water tank, or else you’ll have to descale more often.
DeLonghi Magnifica Vs Similar Coffee Machines
DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 Vs Magnifica S
The Magnifica S is another solid machine by DeLonghi that’s easy to use, even for beginners.[2]
Aside from the price tag, the only real difference is that it comes with a manual steam wand instead of an automatic milk frother.
The ‘S’ stands for ‘Smart,’ and everything about the S coffee maker is indeed intelligent.
It makes creamy lattes and bold espresso at the touch of a button, and it even has a coffee memory function to save your favorite drink recipes.
All in all, the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 is the more budget-friendly choice.
But if you’re willing to pay more for an automatic milk frother, go for the Magnifica S instead.
DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 Vs Philips 3200 LatteGo
Just like the ESAM 3300, the Philips 3200 LatteGo is another fully automatic espresso machine that does everything for you.[3]
It specializes in 5 coffee drinks - espresso, regular coffee, cappuccino, iced coffee, and latte macchiato.
I’ve personally used both machines, and I’m much more impressed with the Magnifica’s espresso quality.
Although the Philips is great for lattes and capps, the coffee it produces tastes as if it was made by a drip coffee maker.
Related Article - Phillips 3200 Lattego Review
DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 Vs Breville Barista Express
Out of all the semi-automatic machines under $ 1,000, the Breville Barista Express is one of the best.
It's stylish, easy to use, durable, and creates espresso that most people have only enjoyed in coffee shops.
If you’re looking for the ease that comes with super-automatic espresso machines, the Magnifica is the better choice for you.
Still, if you want a more traditional espresso machine, you can’t go wrong with the Barista Express.[4]
Related Article - Breville Barista Express Review
FAQs
Where is the DeLonghi Magnifica made?
DeLonghi coffee machines are made in both Italy and China. The company has two manufacturing facilities in Italy, one near Bologna and one near Treviso. The premium models, including Magnifica machines, are engineered in these facilities.
How long does a DeLonghi Magnifica last?
The average lifespan of the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 is 5 to 7 years. However, you could own your Magnifica for an entire decade with proper care, cleaning, and maintenance.
How long does it take to brew espresso with the DeLonghi Magnifica?
The DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 can brew a shot of espresso in as little as 20 seconds. According to the brand, “a serving should take around 20-25 seconds from beginning to end of delivery to balance the coffee flavours.” [5]
Can you make regular coffee with the Delonghi Magnifica?
Yes, you can make regular coffee with the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300. In addition to regular coffee, this super-automatic machine can make lattes, cappuccinos, coffee over ice, espresso, and even plain hot water.
Does the DeLonghi ESAM3300 have a water filter?
Unfortunately, the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 does not have a water filter. Since it doesn’t have water filtration, it’s recommended that you use filtered water when brewing coffee. Failing to do so can negatively impact the coffee quality.
Is The DeLonghi Magnifica Worth Your Money?
The DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 is certainly worth the money, especially if you are looking for a fully automatic espresso machine that’s easy to use.
It's rare to find a super-automatic espresso machine for less than $ 1,000, so I highly recommend taking advantage of this one while it's still available.
It has a lot going for it, especially in terms of coffee quality, ease of use, and simple maintenance.
If you're more interested in a hands-on, interactive coffee experience, I recommend the Barista Express or Barista Pro instead.
Both of these machines are made by Breville, allowing users to dial in on their barista skills.
| Check Latest Price |
DeLonghi Magnifica
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Resources:
- https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/customer-service/warranty
- https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/magnifica-s-smart-cappuccino-maker-ecam23270s/p/ECAM23270S
- https://www.usa.philips.com/c-e/ho/coffee/espresso/philips-automatic-espresso-machine?origin=7_700000002310876_71700000100980696_58700008071775138_43700073397150523&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl8anBhCFARIsAKbbpyTqmscTik4j8HJQXp16y4cxWsFPgRJPMCXCMU6EUZ_HavWqHn_JqRkaAnKWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
- https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
- https://www.delonghi.com/en-gb/faqs/How-do-I-make-an-espresso/a/33696
Parker Russell is a coffee professional and the founder of Black Ink Coffee. As an expert in the field of coffee roasting, cupping (professional Q-Grader) and brewing, Parker has established Black Ink as brand that fuels the grind of dreamers.