Investing in a quality coffee machine doesn’t have to strain your budget. In fact, a simple cafetière can serve your coffee needs effectively. However, if you’re looking for a convenient yet affordable option, the fully automatic bean-to-cup De’Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.60 is worth considering.
This machine excels at making espresso, black coffee, and cappuccino, and it can dispense hot water as needed. Simply fill the bean hopper with quality coffee beans, add water, and prepare the milk carafe if desired. With a cup placed on the drip tray, all it takes is a press of the appropriate button, and within moments, your coffee is ready to enjoy.
During my assessment of the Magnifica Start ECAM220.60, I utilized its various drink settings over several weeks in my home. I evaluated the ease of setup, operation, and maintenance throughout this period.
Having tested over 30 coffee machines for Filter, I have developed a keen understanding of what constitutes a good cup of coffee and how this particular model compares in a saturated market.
The Magnifica Start stands out as one of De’Longhi’s more budget-friendly fully automatic options. It boasts user-friendly features and a well-thought-out design, often available on sale for around £300. While some high-end features like touchscreens or LCD displays are absent, many users will likely appreciate the straightforward controls.
Before making a purchase, potential buyers should note that the Magnifica Start is available in several variations—four listed on De’Longhi’s website, along with additional retailer-specific models. The more economical versions replace the milk carafe with a manual steam wand for frothing milk. These variants share the same grinder and brew group, ensuring a satisfying espresso or black coffee experience. However, manual milk steaming requires some practice, which could enhance your coffee-making skills. If you prefer this hands-on approach, look for models with lower part codes, like ECAM220.22, which tend to be priced lower.
For those who favor fully automated bean-to-cup machines, it is advised to choose a Magnifica Start model with a ‘6’ in its part code, such as the ECAM220.60 I evaluated. This will allow you to create frothy beverages with just a button press.
Specifications include a compact size of 24 x 44 x 35 cm, a 1.8-liter removable water tank, and a replaceable water filter. Accessories provided include a water hardness test strip, measuring scoop, milk carafe, descaler, and water filter. The machine heats up in approximately 40 seconds and features a grinder with 13 settings. Noise levels are rated at 75dB for grinding, 55dB for brewing, and 60dB for steaming, with a total weight of 8.8 kg and a warranty of two years.
Despite having access to more expensive coffee machines, the Magnifica Start has remained a staple in my kitchen for several months. Its ability to produce good coffee at the press of a button, combined with its user-friendly interface, makes it a favored choice. The front panel features easily accessible buttons, allowing for straightforward selection of drinks and adjustments to coffee strength. The touch-sensitive buttons are reliable, eliminating concerns about accidental presses.
The drink selection, while limited, covers the essentials: espresso, long black coffee, cappuccino, and hot water. I found the default drink sizes to be on the smaller side—45ml for espresso, 150ml for cappuccino, and 200ml for black coffee. Fortunately, each drink can be customized for larger servings. For cappuccinos, you can independently adjust the amounts of both coffee and milk, tailoring the drink to your preference, whether you prefer a flat white or a latte. Simply hold down the appropriate drink button for a few seconds, then tap it once you’ve achieved the desired proportions.
The milk carafe, while smaller than those found in more expensive models, easily attaches and detaches, enabling one-touch cappuccino preparation. It performs well in creating a creamy foam, though it may not match the texture of the top-tier bean-to-cup machines.
However, there is no option to adjust froth levels; for hot, unfrothed milk, you’ll need to either heat it separately or consider upgrading to one of De’Longhi’s more versatile machines, such as the Rivelia, starting at £599.
For those who prefer black coffee or tea, the quick-release button on the side of the carafe allows you to insert the water spout for hot water dispensing. This makes it easy to enhance a black coffee or create an Americano from an espresso. You can even make tea without needing to boil water in a kettle, although it’s worth noting that the water is hot but not boiling.
The overall design is practical. The bean hopper, accessible from the top, accommodates up to 250g of coffee beans. A central dial offers 13 grind settings, suitable for most types of beans. Additionally, a flap conceals the ground coffee chute, enabling you to add pre-ground coffee if you run out of beans.
The water tank, with a capacity of 1.8 liters, is situated on the right side and features a transparent design to monitor water levels easily. A water filter is included, which typically lasts about two months with regular use.
