# De'Longhi Magnifica Start Review — Entry-Level Automatic Machine > A detailed review of the De'Longhi Magnifica Start (ECAM22020B). We cover the touch panel interface, taste performance, maintenance, and how it compares to the Magnifica S. **Canonical URL**: https://coffee-guide.jp/en/gear/delonghi-magnifica-start-review **Category**: Coffee Gear & Equipment **Published**: 2026-05-11 **Updated**: 2026-04-18 **Author**: Coffee Guide Editorial **Tags**: delonghi, magnifica, automatic, review, beginner > ※ This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases via Amazon Associates and A8.net partner programs. Evaluations are based on publicly available information or editorial analysis. --- *This article contains affiliate links.* 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. - Magnifica Start specifications and key features - Touch panel usability in daily use - Taste quality across all three brewing modes - Side-by-side comparison with the Magnifica S ## Specifications ![DeLonghi Magnifica Start espresso machine review](https://coffee-guide.jp/images/articles/gear/delonghi-magnifica-start-review-section-1.webp) > **De** / 価格: ¥49,800 / 評価: 4.3 / 特徴: Touch panel interface / 3 brewing menus / Café Japonaise function → [Amazonで商品を見る](https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0CM5LSZYF?tag=ps0036fr-22 ) ※アフィリエイトリンク | 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. Use medium-to-light roast single-origin beans with Specialty mode. For Café Japonaise, standard commercial blends or medium-to-dark roasts produce the most familiar and satisfying results. ## 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. **Pros** - Touch panel is genuinely intuitive from day one - Specialty mode opens up lighter roast exploration - Modern design suits contemporary kitchens **Cons** - ¥5,000–10,000 more expensive than the Magnifica S - Manual milk frothing unchanged from previous generation - Fewer menus than Magnifica Evo ## 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. ## Related Articles - [De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Review — The Evolved Automatic Machine](https://coffee-guide.jp/gear/delonghi-magnifica-evo-review) - [De'Longhi Magnifica S Review — Full Automatic Coffee Machine Tested](https://coffee-guide.jp/gear/delonghi-magnifica-s-review) - [Fully Automatic vs Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine: Which One Is Right for You?](https://coffee-guide.jp/gear/all-automatic-vs-semi-auto-espresso-machine) - [Complete Coffee Maker Guide for Beginners: How to Choose the Right One](https://coffee-guide.jp/gear/beginner-recommended-coffee-maker-complete-guide-how-to-choo) - [De'Longhi Dedica Espresso Machine Review — EC885J vs EC680 Compared](https://coffee-guide.jp/gear/delonghi-dedica-espresso-machine-review) --- *This is the markdown version for AI crawlers. 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