De’Longhi Magnifica Start vs. Magnifica Evo – Are we looking at the same coffee machine?

The Italian coffee machine brand De’Longhi has introduced several modifications to the most recently launched models. Therefore, if you are a coffee lover, it is always interesting to stay up to date on all the news, to check if any of the new models fit what you are looking for. In this article, we compare the most recent versions of the De’Longhi Magnifica Start and De’Longhi Magnifica Evo coffee machines .

One of the differences that we first see is the design. The De’Longhi Magnifica Start has a more square shape and has the touch screen on the front, taking up a large space. On the other hand, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo looks like a more elongated coffee maker, although this is, rather, an optical illusion. In this case, the screen is at the top, and that makes it appear more elongated.

Both coffee makers include an automatic frother and a jug to pour milk into to make cappuccinos, and they also have the same power, pressure, tank capacity and the same grinding and intensity levels. As you can see, there are many similarities that these two coffee machines share, although it must be said that, in the most recent model of the Evo, De’Longhi has equated it more to the Start than the previous Evos.

That said, we are going to analyze in detail all the differences between the two De’Longhi Magnifica coffee machines so that you can choose the most suitable one. Let’s go there!

De’Longhi Magnifica Start vs Evo – Comparison Table

In the following table, we summarize the main characteristics of the two coffee machines in the De’Longhi Magnifica series, so you can choose the one that best suits what you are looking for:

The design, one of the main differences

In the comparison at hand, we already told you that one of the most important differences between the two coffee makers is their design. Both have almost the same dimensions, and yet their appearance is very different. However, before continuing, let us tell you that each model is available in various colors. In this case, we have tested the black Start coffee maker and the gray Evo. A trick: the letters that appear on the finish of the model indicate the color.

The De’Longhi Magnifica Start has the touch screen located on the front, in a fairly large space. On the other hand, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo has the screen on the top of the coffee maker. We admit that we have a dilemma in this regard. On the one hand, we like the aesthetics of the screen on the front better; but, on the other hand, it is more comfortable at the top, because it is at the natural level of the eyes.

Apart from this difference, we see that the two coffee makers have a double coffee outlet. That is, we can make two different coffees at the same time, as long as they are not lattes or long coffees, but espressos. On the other hand, both models have a cup warming tray, and can support cups up to 14 centimeters high.

Same power and pressure

Two of the parameters that we also usually look at when deciding which super-automatic coffee maker to buy are power and pressure. In this case, both the Magnifica Start and the Magnifica Evo are tied, and have 1450 watts of power and 15 bars of pressure. In fact, all coffee machines in the De’Longhi Magnifica range share these two parameters.

Coffee beans or ground

Another of the similarities that we find between our two protagonists is that we can use coffee beans or already ground, since they have a compartment for each type. The coffee bean container has a capacity of 250 grams, while the water tank has a capacity of 1.8 liters. Additionally, both have the same grounds container capacity, so there are no big differences in this regard.

Regarding coffee beans, we tell you that both De’Longhi have a conical stainless steel grinder in which you can choose between 13 grinding levels.

Automatic milk frothing in both coffee makers

One of the most common questions among many users is whether super-automatic coffee makers have a manual milk frother or an automatic frother. In this sense, you should know that this year’s Magnifica Start is the first to have an automatic frother, the same one that the Magnifica Evo has. So if you have a Start from previous years, you will likely find this a difference. However, in the latest version, we see in both coffee machines the LatteCrema Hot system, a frother with an integrated milk jug that directly pours the milk foam into the cup.

How many drinks can each coffee maker make?

Super-automatic coffee makers like the two we’re reviewing typically have several different beverage options. In this case, both can prepare up to 4 drinks with each of the icons: espresso coffee, long coffee, cappuccino or infusion (hot water). Even so, we have to be honest and say that the Magnifica Evo of previous years had more drink options among its buttons, but in 2023 they have been reduced to the same ones as the Start. Therefore, if you want another type of coffee, you will have to prepare it manually. Of course, the price of the most recent De’Longhi Magnifica Evo is also lower.

So, are we looking at the same coffee maker?

After having analyzed the most important differences and similarities between the De’Longhi Magnifica Start and Evo, it really seems that we are looking at the same model with a different design. It is clear that De’Longhi wanted, with the new Evo, to lower its most sophisticated coffee machine and make it more economical. Among other things, he has removed some of the drinks that he could prepare with a single button, as well as the option to memorize a personalized drink. The result is a coffee maker that belongs to the brand’s most premium range, but at a more affordable price.

That is why we are not surprised to see that the De’Longhi Magnifica Start and Evo have a very similar price. Keep in mind that the Start is one of the mid-range coffee makers, although the model we have analyzed is the first in the range with an automatic frother. That is to say, while De’Longhi evolves the Start range, it simplifies the Evo range, and that is why these two coffee machines share so many similarities.

That said, this is one of those comparisons in which the aesthetic aspect plays a more important role, since, in terms of performance, they are quite equal. In any case, don’t forget that they are two De’Longhi, and that is always synonymous with quality and excellence.