2026 coffee gear

A smart, beginner-friendly machine that makes café drinks at home.

You love cappuccinos, but the café line is long, and pods get pricey. That’s where a reliable bean-to-cup machine saves the day. The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother solves the daily coffee juggle with one-touch drinks, a built-in grinder, and hands-free milk frothing that’s easy to clean. I tested similar models, compared features, and pushed each machine through busy mornings. In this guide, I break down the must-know details, share practical pros and cons, and help you decide if this is the right fit—or if a close alternative suits you better.

De’Longhi Magnifica Evo with Auto Milk Frother

The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother is a user-friendly bean-to-cup system. It grinds fresh beans, pulls a balanced shot, and froths milk with almost no effort. I like the clear touch icons and the quick rinse cycles. The footprint is compact enough for most counters but still holds a good amount of water and beans.

Milk fans will love the automatic frother. It makes warm, silky foam for lattes and tighter foam for cappuccinos. The grind settings help you tune flavor without deep barista skills. Daily cleaning is simple thanks to auto-rinse and a removable brew unit that you can wash under the tap.

Pros:

• Auto milk frother delivers consistent foam with little effort
• Built-in grinder for fresh, aromatic espresso every time
• One-touch drink buttons for espresso, coffee, and milk drinks
• Easy maintenance with auto-clean and removable parts
• Compact body with intuitive, beginner-friendly controls
• Over Ice option produces a smooth, less bitter iced coffee

Cons:

• Auto frother carafe takes up fridge space
• Plastic exterior can show fingerprints
• No app connectivity for remote control

My Recommendation

If you want café drinks with push-button ease, this is it. The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother is ideal for latte and cappuccino lovers who value speed, foam quality, and easy clean-up. It also suits families who share different drink preferences, thanks to simple controls and a grinder that adapts to many beans. Value is strong for the feature set and low upkeep.

Best for	Why
Latte and cappuccino lovers	Auto frother makes creamy, consistent milk foam
Busy households	One-touch drinks and fast auto-clean save time
New espresso users	Clear icons, forgiving grinder, stable shot quality

Magnifica Evo with Manual Frother (ECAM29043SB)

This version of the Magnifica Evo keeps the same grinder and brewing core but swaps in a manual steam wand. You still get easy buttons for espresso and coffee drinks. The wand lets you control foam texture more closely. It is great if you want to learn a bit of latte art or prefer a drier cappuccino foam.

Daily cleaning stays simple with auto-rinse and a removable brew unit. The wand requires a quick purge before and after milk. I like that the machine is forgiving with different beans. If you enjoy being hands-on with milk, this model offers better control and may save money over auto-frother systems.

Pros:

• Manual wand gives precise foam control
• Same reliable grinder and brew unit as the auto model
• One-touch coffee and espresso options
• Lower cost than auto-frother versions
• Compact design with easy maintenance

Cons:

• Steaming milk takes practice
• More cleanup at the wand
• No automatic milk recipes

My Recommendation

Pick this if you want control over milk and enjoy learning. It is a smart step between basic coffee makers and full barista gear. If you prefer pure convenience, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother will suit you better. This manual wand model fits hobbyists on a budget who still want grind-to-cup quality.

Best for	Why
Hands-on users	Manual wand shapes foam to your taste
Budget-focused buyers	Lower price without losing core espresso quality
Small kitchens	Compact size and simple upkeep

Magnifica Evo Next Fully Automatic

The Magnifica Evo Next packs a fully automatic brewer with hot and cold options. It offers a range of drinks, from espresso to latte, and can brew over ice without diluting flavor. The interface feels modern and clear. The included frother and grinder work together to produce café-style results with very little setup.

I like the flexible programming, which lets you tailor drink volume and strength. The machine is ideal for mixed households where one person wants tea or cold drinks and another loves espresso. It stays easy to clean with rinse cycles and removable pieces. If you want “do-it-all” convenience, this model hits the mark.

Pros:

• Hot and cold drink options for full flexibility
• Programmable strength and volume
• Integrated grinder for fresh flavor
• Automatic milk frothing for creamy drinks
• Clear, modern interface

Cons:

• Larger footprint than entry models
• Complexity may be overkill for simple needs
• Cold drink performance depends on ice size

My Recommendation

Go for the Evo Next if you want hot and cold drinks from one machine. It serves busy homes and small offices well. If your top goal is easy milk drinks, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother remains a strong, simpler choice. The Evo Next is best when variety and programmability matter most.

Best for	Why
Variety seekers	Hot and cold recipes in one unit
Families and small teams	Custom profiles and easy buttons
Iced drink fans	Over-ice brewing designed for less bitterness

Magnifica Evo with Auto Frother (Renewed)

This renewed Magnifica Evo gives you the same auto-frother ease at a lower price. It typically includes inspection, cleaning, and testing for performance. You get seven popular recipes on tap. The grinder and brew core match the standard Evo, so espresso and milk drinks are on point.

Renewed units are smart buys if you want value and can accept minor cosmetic wear. I like that the auto-clean features remain, which helps long-term upkeep. If budget is tight but you crave one-touch lattes, this is a solid path. It keeps the features that matter most day to day.

Pros:

• Lower cost with similar performance
• Auto milk frother for simple latte and cappuccino
• Seven easy one-touch recipes
• Built-in grinder preserves freshness
• Auto-clean reduces maintenance time

Cons:

• May have light cosmetic signs of use
• Warranty terms can differ from new units
• Stock availability can vary

My Recommendation

Choose the renewed unit if you want a deal and trust inspected gear. It is ideal for students, first apartments, or guest houses. If you prefer brand-new gear and full retail support, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother is the safer bet. Value hunters, though, will be very happy here.

Best for	Why
Budget buyers	Lower price for nearly the same features
First-time espresso users	Simple auto frothing and one-touch drinks
Secondary kitchens	Reliable daily coffee with modest cost

Magnifica Start with Manual Frother

The Magnifica Start line focuses on simplicity and value. You get three core one-touch drinks and a burr grinder, with a manual frother for milk. The controls are basic yet friendly. It produces solid espresso and straightforward milk drinks once you get the hang of steaming.

This is a great step up from pods while staying affordable. It has fewer custom options than the Evo, but daily use is fast and clean. If you do not need many recipes and prefer a lower buy-in, this model works well. It is a strong entry point into bean-to-cup coffee.

Pros:

• Affordable path to fresh-ground espresso
• Simple controls with three one-touch drinks
• Manual frother allows foam control
• Compact and easy to maintain
• Good value for first-time buyers

Cons:

• Fewer drink presets than Evo models
• Manual frothing adds a learning curve
• Limited customization for power users

My Recommendation

Pick the Magnifica Start if you want low-cost bean-to-cup coffee. It is perfect for small spaces and simple routines. If you crave one-touch milk drinks, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother is worth the upgrade. Start is best for beginners who enjoy a bit of hands-on milk work.

Best for	Why
Entry-level users	Simple controls and lower cost
Small apartments	Compact size, easy upkeep
Budget latte drinkers	Manual frother saves money

Philips 5500 LatteGo Fully Automatic

The Philips 5500 with LatteGo is a feature-rich rival. It offers many hot and iced presets and a milk system that snaps apart for fast cleaning. The grinder is quiet for early mornings. The interface guides you through choices with clear icons and quick-start design.

LatteGo is easy to rinse, which I love for daily use. Flavor is clean, and milk texture is smooth, though slightly different than De’Longhi’s style. If you want lots of presets and ultra-easy milk carafe cleaning, this machine is strong. For deeper espresso tuning, De’Longhi’s grinder feel may edge ahead.

Pros:

• 20 presets for hot and iced drinks
• LatteGo milk system cleans in seconds
• Quiet grinding with steady results
• Clear, friendly interface
• Good balance of speed and flavor

Cons:

• Milk texture differs from traditional microfoam
• More plastic parts than premium lines
• Many presets can feel overwhelming

My Recommendation

Choose Philips 5500 if you want many presets and a quick-clean milk carafe. It suits families who need variety with minimal fuss. If you love classic espresso mouthfeel and milk texture, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother is a safe bet. Both are convenient, but the Evo wins on simple, rich daily coffee for most users.

Best for	Why
Preset lovers	20 drinks at one touch
Fast cleanup	LatteGo system rinses quickly
Quiet kitchens	Lower grinder noise

Magnifica Start with Auto Milk Frother

This Magnifica Start adds an auto milk frother to the entry line. You get five one-touch drinks, fresh grinding, and easy cleaning. It balances budget pricing with the convenience of automatic milk. For daily lattes and cappuccinos without effort, it delivers.

I like the faster morning flow here. Push a button, and the machine handles espresso and milk with little mess. It lacks deeper customization, yet the core drinks are very good. If you want auto milk at a lower price point, this is a smart pick.

Pros:

• Auto milk frothing at an accessible price
• Five simple one-touch recipes
• Fresh-ground coffee improves flavor and aroma
• Easy cleaning and compact design
• Great daily convenience for milk drinks

Cons:

• Fewer settings than higher-end Evo models
• No advanced programming
• Plastic build feels basic

My Recommendation

Choose this if you want automatic milk for less. It is ideal for small households that drink lattes each day. If you want a more refined interface and extras, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother makes sense. For many homes, though, this Start model nails the essentials.

Best for	Why
Daily latte fans	Auto frother makes it simple
Value seekers	Lower cost with key features
Compact kitchens	Small footprint, easy upkeep

De’Longhi Classic Pump Espresso Machine

The De’Longhi Classic is a manual pump espresso machine. It pairs a 15-bar pump with a steam wand for milk. You grind or use ESE pods and control the shot yourself. This is for those who want to learn barista basics without a big budget.

Manual gear gives you craft and control. It also takes time and practice. If you want easy one-touch drinks, a super-automatic like the Evo will be better. But if you enjoy the process, this Classic can produce tasty espresso with the right grind and technique.

Pros:

• Low price for real espresso
• Hands-on control of shot and milk
• Works with fresh grounds or ESE pods
• Compact and kitchen-friendly
• Good training ground for barista skills

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• No grinder included
• More cleanup and time per drink

My Recommendation

Pick this if you love the craft of espresso. It is perfect for tinkerers who enjoy dialing in a shot. If you want fast, consistent lattes, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother will save time and effort. The Classic is about ritual; the Evo is about convenience.

Best for	Why
Hobby baristas	Full control of brewing and steaming
Small budgets	Affordable entry to real espresso
Pod users	ESE pod support for quick shots

De’Longhi Rivelia Automatic Espresso Machine

Rivelia is a compact, premium automatic with a neat bean-switch system. You can swap bean hoppers fast to test different roasts. It has a refined grinder, stable temperature control, and a milk system for hot and iced drinks. The interface and design feel sleek and modern.

In use, the Rivelia stands out for flexibility and flavor clarity. The bean-switch approach is perfect for coffee geeks who like to compare. The milk texture is smooth and steady. If you want convenience plus a focus on beans, this machine is a joy.

Pros:

• Bean-switch system for easy roast swapping
• Compact yet premium feel
• Consistent milk frothing for hot and iced
• Strong grinder and stable brewing
• Attractive, modern design

Cons:

• Higher price than entry models
• Smaller water tank due to compact size
• Extra hoppers may be sold separately

My Recommendation

Pick Rivelia if you love trying different beans and want a stylish setup. It suits small kitchens and design fans who also want flavor control. If you prefer a straightforward, budget-friendly auto frother, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother is perfect. Rivelia is for explorers; Evo is for everyday ease.

Best for	Why
Bean enthusiasts	Swap hoppers to compare roasts fast
Style-focused buyers	Sleek, compact design with premium feel
Iced and hot drink fans	Consistent frothing across temperatures

La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine

La Specialista Touch blends semi-automatic control with helpful automation. It includes a built-in grinder, assisted tamping, temperature control, and milk options. It also supports cold brew and iced recipes at speed. You get more involvement than a super-automatic, but far less fuss than a full manual rig.

I enjoy the balance of craft and convenience here. The assisted features cut errors, and the grinder is solid. If you want to develop skills while keeping mornings smooth, it is a great fit. For true “push a button and go,” a Magnifica Evo is simpler.

Pros:

• Built-in grinder with assisted tamping
• Good temperature stability
• Milk options for hot and iced recipes
• Touch controls with helpful prompts
• Elegant design feels premium

Cons:

• More steps than a fully automatic
• Learning curve for best results
• Larger counter footprint

My Recommendation

Choose La Specialista Touch if you want to grow barista skills with support. It is ideal for users who enjoy the process but still want speed. If you prefer full automation, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother will be easier. La Specialista suits makers; Evo suits sippers.

Best for	Why
Skill-building users	Assisted tamping and controls help you learn
Design lovers	Premium look and feel
Cold brew fans	Fast cold and iced recipes

FAQs Of De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother

Does it work with oily or dark roast beans?

Yes, but wipe the hopper and adjust the grinder if needed. Very oily beans can clump, so clean regularly for steady feed.

How hard is cleaning the auto milk frother?

It is simple. Run the quick clean after milk use, then rinse parts. Do a deeper clean weekly for best hygiene and foam.

Can I make iced coffee without it tasting weak?

Yes. Use the Over Ice option for a stronger brew over ice. It keeps flavor balanced and less bitter.

Is the grinder loud?

It is moderate and brief. Many users find it fine for mornings. Grinding fresh is worth the small noise trade-off.

Can I adjust shot strength and size?

Yes. You can change coffee strength and volume. Tweak grind size too for flavor and flow control.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want fast, creamy lattes with little effort, choose the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine with Auto Milk Frother. It balances flavor, ease, and cleanup very well.

Want more control? Consider the manual-frother Evo or La Specialista. Need variety and presets? Look at Evo Next or Philips 5500. For most homes, the Magnifica Evo with Auto Milk Frother is the sweet spot.