De'LonghiMagnifica S, Automatic Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, ECAM22.110.B, Black

My Morning Ritual Just Got an Upgrade,A De'Longhi Magnifica SAs a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, I've tried my fair share of brewing methods, but nothing has quite transformed my daily routine like the De'Longhi Magnifica S. This isn't just a coffee machine; it's a gateway to barista-quality drinks in the comfort of my own kitchen.Right out of the box, the Magnifica S impresses with its sleek, compact design, it fits perfectly on my countertop without taking up too much space, which is a huge bonus. However, the real magic begins once you power it on, the setup was surprisingly straightforward, and I was brewing my first espresso in minutes.The **integrated bean grinder is a game-changer, freshly ground beans make all the difference, and the Magnifica S grinds them on demand, ensuring every cup is bursting with aroma and flavor. You can even adjust the grind fineness to suit your preference, from a coarse grind for a lighter brew to a super fine one for a rich, crema-topped espresso.What I love most is the simplicity of operation, with just a few button presses, I can get a perfect espresso, a long coffee, or hot water for tea. The manual milk frother is also incredibly easy to use, allowing me to create creamy lattes and frothy cappuccinos with minimal effort. It steams milk beautifully, giving you that silky texture you usually only find in a coffee shop.Cleaning is surprisingly hassle-free too, with the automatic descaling program that keeps maintenance simple. For anyone looking to elevate their home coffee experience without the fuss and complexity of a professional machine, the De'Longhi Magnifica S is an absolute winner. It's reliable, easy to use, and consistently delivers fantastic coffee. It's truly made my mornings (afternoons and evenings!) a whole lot brighter. If you're on the fence, jump off – you won't regret it

I am basing this review on a comparison with my previous machine, the Magnifica ESAM 4200.SOther reviewers have said this machine is noisy but it is so much quieter than its predecessor. The start up sounds are quieter, the grinding is quieter and the dispensing is quieter. The steamer still 'screams' occsaionally, but only occasionally rather than most times.It is much simpler, with coffee volumes pre-set, so you know you always get the same amount, instead of turning a dial.The steamer heats up a little quicker but a great improvement is that you can switch from steamer back to coffee instantly without having to wait several minutes. This means you can make each coffee individually rather than having to make all the espressos before steaming the milk if there are several people having coffee.The grounds tray is a better configuration and there is virtually no spillage compared to the ESAM 4200.S. I used to have to sweep grounds out of the base of the old machine - not any more.There was criticism, in other reviews, of the clarity of the instructions. I found them quite understandable when standing in front of the machine and following the set up instructions in sequence. For example, the steamer light flashing is explained and turning the steamer on and off resolves it. The 'little red plug' mentioned in one review as being absent from the instructions is, in fact, included and is the condenser outlet for the steamer. The manual just doesn't say that it is red!!Remembering to empty the drip tray and grounds container at the same time is no hardship as I did that anyway and I especially like the fact that the drip tray is black - the old, grey, one got stained very easily and had difficult to clean nooks & crannies in it. This one is much easier to clean.I also like the option for different standby periods before it automatically switches off. Very useful to be able to change it if you want it to stay on longer for any reason.Yes, the descaling light does seem to come on quite frequently, but I live in a hard water area and use the machine several times a day so am happy with that. The interval can be reset for different water hardness or, as previous reviewers/comments have said, you can just run plain water through it alternate times!!TL:DR:It is more compact than the ESAM 4200.S, quieter and makes a better, more consistent cup of coffee. Cleaning it is no more complicated and it comes with clear instructions (if you follow them properly).It is a great improvement on the previous model and I am very happy with it!