De'Longhi ECAM22110SB Magnifica XS Automatic Espresso and Cappuccino Machine - Manual Cappuccino System, Dual Heating, Stainless Steel, 13.8"

Product Overview

The Magnifica XS measures 16.93 inches deep, 9.37 inches wide, and 13.39 inches tall, weighing about 19.8 pounds. Its exterior combines plastic with a stainless steel front panel, giving a modern look that matches most kitchen appliances. The machine uses whole beans from its 8.8-ounce hopper or pre-ground coffee via a separate chute. The 60-ounce water tank is removable and easy to refill. The manual frother steams milk for cappuccinos and lattes, with a swivel nozzle that works with dairy and plant-based milks. An integrated hot water function allows Americano preparation. Maintenance is simplified by a removable brew unit that self-adjusts for single or double shots. The machine automatically rinses when turned on and off, and alerts you to descaling needs. While the design is largely plastic, the build feels solid for its class. The control panel uses simple buttons for coffee length, strength, and steam, with a clear LCD showing selected settings. The water hardness test and carbon filter are included. One notable drawback: the machine does not smart home integration, but it is practical for daily use.

Build & Materials

The Magnifica XS is built around a plastic chassis with a brushed stainless steel front panel. This keeps weight manageable at 19.8 pounds while offering a clean, modern aesthetic. The bean hopper, water tank, and drip tray are all plastic but feel sturdy. The machine’s 60-ounce water reservoir is mounted on the front right, making it easy to access without pulling the unit forward. The brew unit is enclosed behind a door on the left side; it is fully removable for cleaning and self-adjusts to accommodate single or double shots.

The manual frother is a simple plastic wand with a rubber tip, attached to the steam spout. It swivels and can be positioned over the drip tray. The control panel uses tactile buttons and an LCD screen that displays selected settings. Overall, the design prioritizes practicality over luxury. The footprint is smaller than many super-automatics, but you still need about 17 inches of depth for the machine and space for the water tank to slide out. The included measuring spoon and cleaning brush are basic but sufficient.

Shot Quality

When using fresh beans, the Magnifica XS produces espresso with a thick, persistent crema and smooth, non-bitter flavor—based on multiple positive reviews. The burr grinder at finer settings yields consistent grounds, and the 15-bar pump extracts properly. Many users report that the machine delivers cafe-quality results daily. However, several reviewers note that the coffee could be hotter; warming the cup beforehand is a common workaround. The machine is also noticeably noisy during grinding and brewing, which some find acceptable given the fresh grind.

Frothing performance is a point of contention. The majority of reviews praise the manual frother for creating rich, creamy foam on cow and plant milks. But a vocal minority—including one 1-star reviewer—failed to achieve any froth, describing the wand as useless. De'Longhi customer service attempted to resolve the issue without success. This suggests inconsistency across units. For those who get a properly functioning machine, the steam wand provides good control and can heat milk to 150°F or higher. Overall, the machine excels at espresso-based drinks if the frother works, but you should verify that unit is defect-free.