De'Longhi Magnifica Start Review — Entry-Level Automatic Machine

De'Longhi launched the Magnifica Start (ECAM22020B) in November 2023 as a modernized entry point into the world of super-automatic coffee machines. The headline change from its predecessor, the Magnifica S, is the adoption of a touch panel interface — a shift that makes the machine considerably more approachable for first-time buyers. This review covers everything you need to know before buying.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Menu options	3 (Espresso, Specialty, Café Japonaise)
Bean hopper	250g
Water tank	1.8L
Dimensions	W23.8 × D43.0 × H34.8 cm
Weight	~9kg
Milk frothing	Manual steam wand
Grind adjustment	7 levels
Colors	Black (ECAM22020B) / White (ECAM22020W)

The physical specs are similar to the Magnifica S — the major upgrades are in the interface and the addition of a new Specialty menu.

What's New vs. the Magnifica S

1. Touch panel operation

The most visible change. Instead of the Magnifica S's rotary dial and buttons, the Start uses a touch-sensitive icon panel. Tap the icon for your desired drink and the machine begins brewing. There are no settings to navigate through — it's genuinely intuitive from day one.

2. The new Specialty menu

The Start replaces the "Regular Coffee" button found on some Magnifica S variants with a Specialty mode. This extracts a longer shot — roughly 60–80mL — at slightly lower pressure, designed to highlight the delicate floral and fruity notes in lighter-roasted specialty beans.

If you enjoy single-origin specialty coffee, this is a meaningful addition that the Magnifica S doesn't offer.

3. Updated design language

The Start has a more modern, streamlined aesthetic compared to the Magnifica S's more traditional look. It fits better into contemporary kitchen environments and comes in a clean white option as well.

Taste: All Three Modes Tested

Espresso

A traditional short shot — approximately 30mL of concentrated espresso. The crema forms reliably, and the flavor is clean and well-balanced. This mode performs well with medium to dark roasts.

Specialty

The longer extraction (60–80mL) at moderate pressure draws out brightness and aromatics from lighter beans. If you've been curious about specialty coffee and prefer a less intense, more nuanced cup, this mode is worth exploring.

Café Japonaise

De'Longhi's Japan-exclusive mode that adjusts the water-to-coffee ratio for a more approachable, drip-coffee-like result. This will likely be the most-used mode for users accustomed to Japanese-style coffee.

Usability: Touch Panel in Daily Use

The touch panel is responsive and requires no force — a light tap registers immediately. The icons are clear and self-explanatory. From power-on to a completed cup takes about 45–50 seconds total (including the approximately 40-second warm-up).

Strength and volume preferences can be saved to memory, so the machine replicates your preferred settings automatically each session.

One minor note: settings are stored globally rather than per menu. Switching between Espresso and Specialty with different preferred strengths requires a manual adjustment each time.

Steam Wand for Milk-Based Drinks

The Magnifica Start includes a manual steam wand for frothing milk. The technique is the same as the Magnifica S: submerge the tip in cold milk, open the steam valve, and maintain the wand angle until you reach the desired foam texture.

It produces workable cappuccino foam once you've practiced a few times. Don't expect the precision or ease of the automated LatteCrema system found in the Magnifica Evo — this is a manual process that rewards practice.

Maintenance

Daily upkeep mirrors the Magnifica S:

• Empty the used grounds container (holds ~14 doses) when prompted
• Empty and rinse the drip tray after each session
• Weekly brush cleaning of the grinder area
• Periodic descaling based on your water hardness

The machine uses indicator lights to prompt all maintenance tasks. Parts are removable and rinsable, keeping the process straightforward.

Magnifica Start vs. Magnifica S

Feature	Magnifica S	Magnifica Start
Interface	Dial + buttons	Touch panel
Menu options	Espresso / Regular / Café Japonaise	Espresso / Specialty / Café Japonaise
Design	Traditional	Modern
Price	~¥43,800	~¥49,800

Choose the Start if: you value intuitive touch controls, the Specialty mode appeals to your interest in lighter-roast coffee, or modern design matters to you.

Choose the Magnifica S if: you want to spend less and are comfortable with traditional dial controls.

Final Verdict

The Magnifica Start is a well-executed update to De'Longhi's entry super-automatic line. The touch panel dramatically improves day-to-day usability, and the addition of Specialty mode gives it an edge for specialty coffee enthusiasts that the Magnifica S lacks.

For first-time super-automatic buyers, the Magnifica Start is one of the most welcoming machines on the market. If the ¥5,000–10,000 premium over the Magnifica S is within budget, the upgraded experience is worth it.