DeLonghi Magnifica Evo vs Magnifica Start: Which Is Better? (November 2026)
Choose the Magnifica Evo for more one-touch drink choices, or the Magnifica Start for a simpler set of presets. Both have a built-in grinder and manual milk frother, so your choice mainly depends on which drinks you want at the touch of a button.
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Choose the Magnifica Evo for more one-touch drinks, or the Magnifica Start if three core presets cover your routine. In this DeLonghi Magnifica Evo vs Magnifica Start comparison, both machines share 13 grind settings and a manual milk frother, so the drink menu is the main difference.
The Evo adds Iced Coffee and Long to Espresso, Coffee, and Americano. The Start keeps its one-touch selection to those 3 familiar drinks.
Both let you grind beans at home and froth milk by hand. The right choice depends on whether the Evo's extra presets will make your regular coffee routine easier.
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo vs Magnifica Start: which has more drink choices?
The Magnifica Evo has the broader one-touch menu, with 5 listed drinks compared with 3 on the Start. Choose it if Iced Coffee or Long is a drink you expect to make often.
The Evo's listed one-touch drinks are Espresso, Coffee, Americano, Iced Coffee, and Long. The Start's are Espresso, Coffee, and Americano, with the option to adjust drink intensity.
Those menus are a useful starting point, but think about what you'll actually use. If your daily order is an espresso or Americano, the Start's shorter menu may be all you need.
If you like switching between more drink styles, the Evo gives you more presets to choose from.
Is the Magnifica Evo worth choosing for Long or Iced Coffee?
Choose the Evo if either extra preset fits a drink you make regularly. A button is useful when it replaces a step you would otherwise repeat, but the additional options matter less if you mainly drink espresso.
Both models have a built-in conical burr grinder and 13 grind settings. The Evo's larger menu does not mean it has more grind settings than the Start.
For a wider look at De'Longhi's automatic machines, see our guide to the best De'Longhi automatic espresso machines. It can help you compare other models if neither menu matches what you want.
How do their milk systems compare?
Both machines use a manual milk frother, so neither automates milk preparation in this comparison. You can use milk or a milk alternative, but you'll need to froth it yourself.
That makes the milk workflow similar on the Evo and Start. Consider the extra step if you make several lattes or cappuccinos each day.
If you mostly drink espresso or coffee without milk, a manual frother may matter less.
The De'Longhi milk carafe is a separate accessory for holding and pouring milk, with a stated capacity of up to 500 ml. Check compatibility with your exact machine model before choosing one, and don't assume it turns a manual frother into an automatic milk system.
For another comparison focused on the Evo line, read DeLonghi Magnifica Evo vs Magnifica Plus. That comparison can help if you want to look at a different machine before deciding.
Do the grinder and cleaning features differ?
Both models have 13 grind settings and removable, dishwasher-safe parts. The information here points to the drink menu and manual milk frothing as the more useful differences to weigh.
A conical burr grinder is built into each machine. With 13 settings on both, you can adjust the grind across your bean varieties without choosing the Evo just to get more grind options.
Both machines also have removable parts that are dishwasher-safe. That can make cleanup more convenient, but follow the instructions for the exact model when cleaning and maintaining the machine.
The available features don't mean one will be easier to clean than the other.
If you've picked the Evo, our guide on how to use a DeLonghi Magnifica Evo can help you get familiar with its controls and routine.
Which machine should you choose for your routine?
Choose the Start for Espresso, Coffee, and Americano; choose the Evo if you'll use Iced Coffee or Long as one-touch options. Since both share 13 grind settings and manual frothing, pay for the menu that suits your habits.
The Magnifica Start suits a beginner who wants a simple set of presets and the ability to make milk foam by hand. Its 3 listed drinks cover several common coffee routines without adding options you might rarely use.
The Magnifica Evo suits someone who wants more preset choices from the same machine family. Its Iced Coffee and Long buttons set it apart in this comparison, while espresso, coffee, Americano, grinding, and manual frothing are shared ground.
Don't choose based on the word “automatic” alone. Both machines automate the brewing process, but both use a manual frother for milk drinks.
If automatic milk preparation is a priority, compare the specific milk system on another model before making a decision.
What should you check before buying?
Confirm the exact model and the drink controls it includes before ordering. Product names can cover different versions, so match the model number and milk system to the features you expect.
The Evo compared here is model ECAM29043SB, and the Start is ECAM22022B. Use those model numbers when checking instructions, accessories, or replacement parts for a specific machine.
Also consider where you'll use the machine and how often you'll make milk drinks.
DeLonghi Magnifica Evo vs Magnifica Start: final choice
Pick the Magnifica Start if its 3 presets cover your usual drinks; pick the Magnifica Evo if you want Iced Coffee and Long as extra one-touch choices. Both have 13 grind settings and a manual milk frother, so there's no need to choose the Evo for those shared features.
If you're still comparing machines in the range, explore the Magnifica Evo vs Evo Next comparison to see how another model differs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the Magnifica Evo and Start?
The main difference is the preset drink menu. The Evo offers Espresso, Coffee, Americano, Iced Coffee, and Long, while the Start offers Espresso, Coffee, and Americano.
Both have 13 grind settings and a manual milk frother, so you can still prepare milk drinks with either.
Does the Magnifica Evo have an automatic milk system?
The Magnifica Evo compared here has a manual milk frother, not an automatic milk system. You froth milk or a milk alternative yourself.
If you want a model with a different milk setup, check the exact version before buying, since Magnifica models can differ.
Can the Magnifica Start make lattes and cappuccinos?
Yes. The Magnifica Start has a manual frother for preparing foam with milk or milk alternatives, which you can use for drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.
The machine's one-touch presets are Espresso, Coffee, and Americano; milk drinks need the additional frothing step.
Do the Magnifica Evo and Start have the same grinder settings?
Both machines have 13 grind settings and a built-in conical burr grinder. That gives you a range of grind adjustments with either model.
The Evo's larger preset drink menu, rather than a higher number of grinder settings, is its clearest difference from the Start.
Which Magnifica should a beginner choose?
Choose the Start if its three presets cover the drinks you make and you want a short menu to learn. Choose the Evo if you want Iced Coffee or Long as additional one-touch options.
Both still require you to froth milk manually for milk-based drinks.
