If you have been searching for a super-automatic home espresso machine that basically does all the work for you, including grinding whole coffee beans internally as part of the brewing process, without the need for a separate grinder, then the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica would be a definite one for you to keep in mind.
This machine also provides a wide variety of choices in the types of espresso beverages you can make, including not only espresso, but also cappuccinos, lattes, “regular” coffee, and more.
Even you are brand-new to making espresso, this high-end super-automatic espresso maker successfully takes you through the brewing process from beginning to end.
Other top features of this machine include very easy-to-use panel controls, a cup warmer, and a removable drip tray for easy clean-up.
What We Like
- Super-auto…does the work for you, including grinding whole coffee beans as part of the brewing process.
- Able to use ground coffee if desired.
- Makes a variety of coffee and espresso beverages including espresso, cappuccino, latte, Americanos, and normal coffee.
- Easy-to-use front panel controls.
- Removable drip tray…easy clean-up.
- Removable boiler…also makes for easy clean-up.
- Water tank is easy to access from the front of the machine.
- No need to manually grind whole beans or tamp coffee grounds.
- Brews fantastic tasting espresso.
- Very attractive countertop appliance.
- Cup warmer warms the cups for extra heat retention.
- 8 different grind settings from coarse to very fine.
What We Don’t Like
- More costly than many other machines.
- Oily dark-roast beans don’t work well…a medium roast blend is recommended.
- Maximum cup height of only 4.5 inches.
- Plastic exterior rather than stainless steel.
- Somewhat noisy bean grinder.
- Not the lightest weight espresso maker at 27 pounds.
FEATURES
Super-Automatic
This machine is in the Super-Automatic class of home espresso machines.
Programmability
Programmable features include a start time setting, a 3-hour automatic shut-off feature, rinsing and decalcification programming, water hardness programming, and the choice of brewing one or two cups at a time.
Ease of use
This super-automatic home espresso machine is reported as being very easy to use.
Because the dual boiler is removable, there are no hard-to-reach areas, and cleaning of the machine is much easier than many other machines.
Variability of Beverages That Can Be Made
This one makes lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, regular coffee, and more.
Cup Height Clearance Information
This machine allows for cup height clearance of 4.5 inches. If it is a tall travel mug you plan on using for the road, you would need to transfer the brewed espresso/coffee beverage from a smaller cup to your travel mug.
Coffee Information
This machine uses either coffee beans or ground coffee. It does not have the capability to use pods or capsules. Note that dark, oily whole beans are not recommended with this machine, as they will cause build-up of oil on the burr grinder. A medium roast, which is less oily, is instead recommended. If you prefer dark-roast beans for your coffee, this would not be a good choice for you.
Grinding Capacity
This super-automatic home espresso maker has a built-in stainless-steel conical burr grinder with 13 different grind settings, allowing for very fine or very coarse, depending on preference.
The burr grinder in this machine has been noted by customers who have purchased and used this machine to be very quiet in comparison to many other machines.
Bean Hopper
The bean hopper for this espresso machine holds 8.8 ounces of whole coffee beans (approximately one-half pound).
Frothing Capability
The built-in milk frother that comes with this machine mixes steam with milk for a luscious and rich crema with every cup made.
Also provides the added ability to make latte art, if this is something you like to do or want to learn.
Brew Time
Because this machine has a dual boiler, not much time is spent waiting for the water to reheat between beverages.
Brewing Capacity
Brews up one or two cups at a time.
Cup Warmer Information
This machine does have a cup warmer, for those times when you need to make more than two at a time. It is located on top of the machine.
Available Machine Colors
This machine is available in silver only. The housing (exterior) of the machine is plastic that resembles stainless steel, although the conical burr grinder and the dual filter are constructed of stainless steel.
Water Heating System Info.
This espresso maker features a stainless-steel dual boiler system that is removable, for much easier cleaning than some of its counterparts, where harmful chemicals must be used for a thorough cleaning.
Boiler Information
The dual boiler system is stainless steel. It is also removable, for easier clean-up.
Noise Level
This machine falls into the “medium” level of the amount of noise generated during the grinding process. It is somewhat noisier than some, and less noisy than some.
Bar-Pump Pressure
This espresso maker has 15 bars of pump pressure.
Water Tank Size and Accessibility
The water reservoir on this machine holds 60 ounces of water…one of the larger water tanks available with non-plumbed-in espresso machines.
The water tank is easily accessed from the front of the machine.
Machine Dimensions
Outside dimensions are 17 inches x 13 inches x 18 inches.
Warranty Info.
This machine comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Our Conclusions…the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica
All in all, the DeLonghi Magnifica is a great machine to consider if you are wanting to get your hands on a super-automatic machine that basically does it all for you, including grinding whole espresso beans as part of the brewing process.
If you prefer espresso beans that are dark roasted over less oily medium roasted beans, do keep in mind that you will be performing more clean-up of the internal burr grinder due to build-up of espresso bean oil on the grinding mechanism.
If it is a variety of different espresso beverages you are wanting to make, the DeLonghi ESAM3300 would be a great choice, as it has the capability of making not only straight espressos, but also beverages including cappuccinos, Americanos, lattes, “normal” coffee, and the other popular espresso drinks available at your local espresso shop.
Although this machine is not the most compact counter top machine available, it also is not the largest one, and is considered to be in the medium range as far as size is concerned.