Ease of use
Of course, to successfully contain the price of its Magnifica Start, Delonghi had to cut costs. While many of the manufacturer’s coffee machines have a facade and many metal elements, here plastic reigns supreme, even if the paint tries to deceive. Surprisingly, the grid that covers the drip tray is also made of plastic… so we have seen more flash. Without being the most design model of our comparison, the Magnifica Start is quite discreet and should not swear on the worktop. Finally, and this is not nothing, the set gives a good first impression and seems to be able to distribute many coffees for many years.
The distribution nozzles can be adjusted in height.
As often with Delonghi, the water tank is located on the right of the machine and is easily extracted from its housing to replace it with just as much ease. And fortunately, because the volume of the tank does not exceed 1.8 l – it must therefore be replenished very regularly. For its part, the bean container is located on the top of the Magnifica Start and it can contain 250 g of coffee. As often, it is inside that the manufacturer has placed the grinding fineness adjustment knob. Delonghi has not forgotten decaf drinkers and, just in front of the bean container, a small hatch closes the hole for already ground coffee.
The grinding fineness adjustment wheel and the hole for ground coffee.
All black coated, the control panel occupies a large part of the facade. It hosts a set of sensitive keys, which are also very responsive. Good point: everything is simple enough to understand to quickly get a coffee without having to consult the instructions. What’s more, the names of the different kinds of drink offered are written in full under the icons. However, it will be necessary to think about adjusting the intensity of the drink, the use of already ground coffee as well as the distribution of one or two cups (for espressos only) before choosing your basic recipe. Indeed, it is enough to touch the icons of the upper part so that the dark nectar flows from the distribution nozzles after a few seconds of preparation. This may surprise the first few times, but you get the hang of it very quickly.
The control panel is very clear.
On the other hand, it will be a little more complicated to configure the small details of the Magnifica Start, such as the presence (or not) of the sound signals, the degree of hardness of the water or, more annoying, the temperature of the drink. Indeed, the absence of a screen and dedicated keys requires many manipulations that are not very instinctive. For example, to change the temperature of the drinks, you have to press the Option button (the one adorned with a gear) for a few seconds, then touch the button on the far left (Steam). Once it’s done, we choose the right level using the intensity adjustment button and, finally, we can validate it thanks, this time again, to the Steam button. In a nutshell, it is better not to lose your user manual! Luckily, the functionalities concerned are not ones that we modify every day, but it would have been easier to have direct access, at least for the temperature of the coffee and for the quantity delivered. However, the latter remains adjustable: you have to press the button for the chosen drink for a long time, once then briefly a second time, to validate the choice.
The distribution of hot water and steam is controlled using this dial.
Another good point: despite its entry-level status, the Magnifica Start has a nozzle capable of dispensing hot water, but above all steam by pressing the Steam button, placed on the far left of the control panel. , before playing with the single wheel of the device. With a little practice, it is therefore possible to make milk drinks and, for the most gifted, to try their hand at the oh so difficult discipline of latte art. Once again, a real carafe would have made it easier to use, but the Magnifica Start does not compete in this category. The only regret therefore at this level, Delonghi does not provide a milk jug…
Ease of maintenance
This is the case with many “full auto” coffee machines before it, but the Magnifica Start FEB22.31.SB rinses the dispensing nozzles when it is switched on.
The main maintenance operations to be planned are indicated by flashing diodes on the control panel, and the machine will be able, for example, to warn the user that it is time to empty the coffee grounds container. This is also the case for refilling the water tank and the bean container as well as for descaling. Please note that the operation is not automated and, without a screen, you will have to consult the manual to know which phase to undertake when, in particular, the diode indicating the second intensity level is flashing.
This is where the percolation group hides.
Unlike some other manufacturers, Delonghi leaves the user free to access the brewing unit. You have to remove the water tank and open the lid to reach it and clean the inside of the appliance. Therefore, residual coffee powder can be removed from it, which would surely mold in a humid and hot environment.
The brew unit outside of its housing.
The drip tray is a bit imposing. It will therefore be necessary to be a little careful when emptying it to avoid stains, but it is not insurmountable. It can go in the dishwasher, but the coffee grounds container or the water tank cannot.
Points forts
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Well finished product.
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Ability to access the extraction group.
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Quick to get the coffee flowing.
Weak points
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Lots of plastic.
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Small water tank.
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Complicated manipulations for certain settings.
Conclusion
How does grading work?
Undeniably, the Delonghi Magnifica Start is not beyond reproach. All plastic, it sometimes lacks simplicity in the adjustment of certain basic functions. However, it fulfills its mission with seriousness and does not suffer from any crippling defect. This automatic coffee maker with grinder will certainly not revolutionize the market, but it is likely to impose itself there thanks to a perfectly calibrated price-performance ratio.