De'Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic Espresso Machine
By De'Longhi · Espresso Machines · Kitchen & Cooking · More from De'Longhi
- 15 bar pump pressure
- 1250 wattage
- 120 volts
- 60.87 oz water capacity
- 13 grind settings
Price not listed
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Summary
A compact automatic espresso machine for small homes and apartments, with 15-bar pressure and a 1.8-liter water tank. Check your kitchen counter space before you buy: it requires 24 × 43 × 35 cm of clearance and weighs 19.82 pounds.
Strengths
- Automatic operation with one-touch brewing for espresso, coffee and Americano
- Integrated manual milk frother for cappuccinos and lattes
- Compact footprint fits under standard cabinets
- Removable, dishwasher-safe brew group
Weaknesses
- Limited to 1.8-liter water tank requires frequent refills
- Heavy at 19.82 pounds
- Manual frothing takes two steps and has a learning curve
- No bean hopper seal; plastic parts feel cheap to some owners
Verified specifications
| Pressure | 15 bars |
|---|---|
| Water tank | 60.87 oz (1.8 liters) |
| Grinder | built-in conical burr with 13 settings |
| Power | 1250 watts, 120 V |
| Weight | 19.82 pounds |
| Dimensions | 24 × 43 × 35 cm |
| Bean hopper | 8.82 oz |
| Ground coffee container | 14 oz |
| Maximum cup height | 5.46 in |
| Controls | touch panel with 3 strength steps, 3 temperature steps |
| Brew group | removable with pre-brewing |
| Warranty | Full manufacturer warranty (length unclear) |
Full research notes and sources
Performance and ease of use
The machine heats up in about 30 seconds and brews a standard double shot. Owners report consistent extraction pressure and good crema when using freshly ground beans. The integrated frother produces micro-foam for lattes and cappuccinos, but performance degrades if you try to make more than two drinks in quick succession.
Maintenance and cleaning
Descaling is required when the red descale light appears on the display. Frequency depends on water hardness. The milk container needs to be cleaned after each use to prevent clogs. The drip tray holds about 14 ounces of liquid and must be emptied regularly. The machine has an automatic shut-off after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Running costs
Replacement water filters cost about $15–$20 per year depending on usage. Descaling tablets run about $5–$10 per year. If you use the milk frother daily, a replacement gasket costs about $8–$12. No proprietary coffee pods are required.
Is it worth it?
At $699.99 it offers automatic brewing and milk frothing in a compact package, making it reasonable for small households. The machine is designed mainly for black coffee, not milk drinks, and the noisy grinder is a reported complaint.
Which model this is
This page covers the De’Longhi Magnifica S Start Automatic Espresso Machine, model ECAM22022B. It is a model with a thermoblock system, 15-bar pressure, and manual milk frother.
Sources
Manufacturer:
- De’Longhi Magnifica S Start ECAM22022B product page
- De’Longhi US FAQ: How do I descale my Magnifica Start?
Independent reviews:
