DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine Review

by Editorial Staff | Updated on October 26th, 2022

Looking for a new machine to give you your coffee fix in the comfort of your home? Well, you made it to the right place!

Table Of Contents

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DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica

We are here and geared to tell you about our beloved De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM3300. So hop in and stay tuned if you want to know more. In this article, we’ll tackle this coffee maker’s features, advantages, and even disadvantages to help you decide.

Specifications

Dimensions: 11 x 15.3 x 14.4 in
Weight: 23.1 lbs
Heating System: Thermoblock with double-boiler
Adjustable Spout: from 2.75 in to 4.25 in
Front-loading system: water tank, removable drip tray, & coffee grounds container are all accessible from the front
Pump: 15 bars of pressure, but struggles to push water through with very finely ground beans
Dials: adjustable volume (from 0.5 to 6oz) and the brew strength (the amount of coffee grounds used)
Milk Frother: manual
Cleaning: easy to clean and descale

Features

Dual capability

Whether you have freshly ground beans just before brewing or some ready-made pre-ground beans, this coffee maker can brew those for you.

Customizable

You can choose the coffee strength of your preference and select the size of the cup you want.

Fast Cappuccino System

This coffee machine allows you to brew one cup to another without pausing. Plus, this feature keeps the temperature consistent; thus, there is no waiting time!

Memory

The machine can remember the settings when you whipped up your favorite drink. This is especially useful when the whole family has different preferences, as it saves you time from adjusting the settings again and again.

Self-adjusting

Whether you want an espresso shot or two, the machine will automatically brew the coffee ideal to your choice at your preferred strength.

Adjustable milk frother

You can easily get a hold of a cappuccino foam or some steamed milk for your lattes with the milk frother that comes with the machine.

Cup warmer

The machine comes with a cup warmer, so you won’t have another day of having some relatively cold cup of coffee just because your cup is cold. Use this cup warmer to keep your coffee at your desired temperature for longer.

The De’Longhi Magnifica has an automatic one-year warranty, but should you want to extend your warranty, you can easily choose a three- and four-year option.

How De’Longhi Magnifica works

This coffee maker comes with a straightforward control panel and programmable setting options of five strength choices and four cup size preferences. Figure out your setting of choice and have the machine remember it.

You may also use the milk frother by simply placing your milk in a jug, inserting the frother, and that’s it! The unit is also easy to clean!

Pros

Easy to use
Brews both pre-ground or regular beans
Easy to use a milk frother
Adjustable cup tray to prevent mess
Adjustable spigot to accommodate different size containers
Compact
A front-loading water tank is simple to use.
The twin boiler offers quick heating

Cons

Easily scratched dip tray
Time-consuming descaling process
The rinse light sometimes stays on even descaling is over
There is no way to add a water filter.
The built-in burr grinder is really noisy.
The espresso machine cannot brew and steam at the same time.

Tips to maximize the De’Longhi Magnifica

Refer to and observe the instructions from the manual all the time.
Clean the machine regularly.
Descale the machine regularly.
Medium roast, or less oily coffee beans, are ideal.
Utilize great quality coffee.
Utilize non-ground coffee for best results.

Don’t purchase the DeLonghi Magnifica If…

You desire an espresso machine equipped with a ceramic burr grinder

Consider the Gaggia Brera if you prefer ceramic burrs (often used in professional settings) over steel burrs. It is slightly less expensive than the Magnifica and has similar functionality but fewer customization choices.

You want to steam milk as quickly as possible.

Although all coffee machines under $1,000 have the same problem with milk-steaming duration and efficiency, the strength of steam produced by the DeLonghi Magnifica cannot be compared to high-end coffee makers. The DeLonghi Magnifica is a home-based espresso machine that is rarely used commercially. However, for the time being, the steam pressure is only a small issue.

You like a dark roast or Italian roast coffee.

Because it is a super-automatic machine with everything programmed and automated. Brewing dark roast coffee can result in oil build-ups that clog the brewing filter, resulting in excessive extraction time and bitter coffee.

Instead, we recommend brewing coffee with a light-medium to black-brown roast coffee or increasing the water-coffee ratio for a richer coffee flavor. However, if you still love dark roast coffee, clean the system daily to prevent oil and coffee buildup.

You only drink espresso or americano.

The Jura Ena Micro 1 is a simple, compact espresso machine that produces great results. You can change the brew strength and produce a ristretto or an americano, but that’s about it. We liked how easy and quick it was to prepare espresso in this Jura super-automatic in our review.

You want complete control over your espresso.

The Breville Oracle allows you to channel your inner barista by giving you precise control over your shot. And if you’re feeling lazy, you can pull a shot using your pre-programmed parameters by pressing a button. The Oracle is pricey, but we found it to be well worth the money when we reviewed it.

Alternatives

While we mentioned the Jura espresso machine, the Gaggia Brera is also one of our best choices if you prefer an espresso machine with a ceramic burr grinder over a steel burr grinder. It has comparable capabilities to the Magnifica but is somewhat less expensive. It also offers fewer customization settings that you can change.

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Bottomline

Now that you’re armed with this review, it’s up to you whether De’Longhi Magnifica is right for you. The choice is yours. Happy drinking!

Downloadable User Guide

Having a reference on hand is essential, so save the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 user manual to your smartphone. It’s especially useful because this model doesn’t have a display to help you navigate the settings. I’m typically one to skip the manual, but in this situation, it’s almost mandatory.

How to clean a DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300

A super-automatic espresso machine must be cleaned regularly, preferably daily. After that, it simply improves the beverage’s quality and overall hygiene.

Cleaning up the brew group

Take advantage of the detachable brew group in this coffee machine! Rinse and thoroughly dry the brew group under running water. It should not be washed in the dishwasher!

Keeping the steam wand clean

Milk residue will still be inside and outside the steam lance after utilizing the nozzle. So, as I usually suggest, wipe it down with a moist towel that is only intended for cleaning the steam lance. You should also temporarily turn on the nozzle and blow some steam. But be careful because the steam wand will be hot.

Descaling and water filters

First and foremost, there are no water filters. The ESAM 3300 was just not designed for it by DeLonghi. As a result, you must descale the machine more frequently than on devices with a built-in filter. Take note of the water hardness setting as well. There’s no need to consult a calendar, though, because the machine will notify you when it needs to be descaling.

If you wish to descale less frequently, you can use a Brita water filter or buy water with low hardness. All of this is to suggest that the frequency with which you must descale is determined by the type of water you use.

Water reservoirs and containers for collection

I’ll say it: please clean the water reservoir and the coffee grounds and discard the container completely and regularly. It’s also a good idea to empty the water reservoir regularly. You should avoid putting either container in the dishwasher since the plastic will be damaged, and the life of these components will be shortened.

Programs for cleaning

Cleaning and descaling programs should never be skipped; it is always best to avoid frequency when cleaning. For step-by-step instructions, download the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 manual.

How to descale a DeLonghi ESAM3300

Descaling a coffee maker is a crucial process that must be done over time, and the ESAM3300 requires less time to clean and descaling.

1. Enable the descaling mode

A descaling light will appear, indicating that the machine needs to be cleaned. When you see this, activate the descaling mode.

2. Descaling fluid should be poured in

Ensure there is no water within the machine before pouring the descaling fluid. Half-fill it with descaling fluid and the other half with water.

3. Descale the system by activating the Descale Button

Press the descaling button now. It’s right there on the control panel. Turn it on for 5 seconds and check if the light is turned on.

Then, turn the steam dial to position 1. The machine will go through a comprehensive descaling procedure.

4. Allow 30 minutes

The automated descaling procedure takes the machine about 30 minutes to complete. You can continue with other tasks because this process does not require your supervision.

5. Drain the Water

Remove the tank and drain the water into the sink. Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water.

Ascertain that it is clean and that no descaling residue remains within.

6. Once more, press the steam button

The next step is to refill the tank with fresh water and reset the steam dial to 1. Then, for a complete cleaning, the machine will rinse itself.

When it’s finished, turn off the machine. Your ESAM3300 has been descaled and is ready for usage.

FAQs

Why are there lights flashing?

Flashing lights indicate that the machine is not yet ready to begin operation. Most of the time, the machine hasn’t warmed up sufficiently.

However, if you’ve just frothed milk, it will take a little longer for the buttons to stop flashing because it must re-heat to the required temperature to extract espresso. This is because the milk frother’s LEDs flash red at first, then glow red permanently, indicating that it is ready for frothing.

What happens if the grinder gets clogged?

I’d start by setting the grinder to the coarsest setting possible. This will usually clear the blockage. However, if you discover that you must manually remove trapped beans, first turn off the machine at both the front and back. Then disconnect it before proceeding.

What should you do if water is leaking?

This is most commonly seen with older super-automatic coffee machines. It’s virtually always due to a faulty seal, which is readily replaced.

Another possibility is that the seal is damp or soiled with coffee residue. First, try cleaning the seals. If it does not work, replace the seals right away.

What should you do if no Coffee is produced?

As previously said, the pump cannot keep up with the quality of the coffee grinder. You may recall that I had to change the grind settings to “Level 3” for the same reason. So, check to see how finely you’ve set the grind quality.

This can also happen if the pump hasn’t had enough time to generate internal pressure. Give the machine more time and see if it resolves your problem. I’d advise you to get a cup of espresso while you wait, but that’s why you’re at the machine first!

Is it necessary to grease the machine?

The DeLonghi Magnifica 3300 super-automatic espresso machine is already quite loud. However, if you lubricate it, you can lessen the volume slightly. Just be careful not to get too carried away!

What should you do if you can’t turn the machine on?

Many things can go wrong when we don’t have our morning coffee. So, first, make sure you have the machine plugged in. Then, it occurs! If that’s what it was, then that’s our little secret.

Following that, keep in mind that the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 features two on/off buttons. If the one in the front isn’t working, turn on the one in the back.

If these two solutions don’t work, borrow a shot of espresso from a neighbor or dash down to the nearby café. I’d probably try both before calling support for a repair, but for the time being, contacting DeLonghi is your only alternative.

How long will a DeLonghi coffee maker last?

Coffee brewing is a filthy process. However, cleaning and maintenance are essential if you want your coffee machine to last. It uses its cleaning and maintenance technique for super-automatic coffee machines.

Most DeLonghi coffee machines have a lifespan of 2-3 years. Each machine employs descaling, rinsing, and cleaning mechanisms to ensure that your coffee machine is clean and well-maintained every time you brew or create espresso drinks.

Is DeLonghi Magnifica capable of producing regular coffee?

Yes. You may customize your coffee’s strength and shot volume. The ESAM 3300 uses the Direct-to-Brew mechanism to grind coffee grounds while brewing. If you want a shot of decaf coffee, however, you must use the pre-ground bypass.

With the ESAM 3300 Magnifica from De Longhi, you can prepare specialty or decaf coffee and ordinary coffee.

Does the DeLonghi Magnifica Tamp function automatically?

Yes. The equipment grinds and brews like a drip coffee maker, but when in “espresso mode,” it tamps automatically. The complete portion of coffee (whole bean) is sent from the top, ground, compacted, and emptied from the bottom with the pressing of a button. This is how the machine maintains the espresso’s consistent volume, strength, and flavor.

Is there an automatic milk frother and heater on the Magnifica ESAM 3300?

No. The Panello wand combines steam and milk to produce a thick, creamy froth that complements any textured coffee drink. It employs the ThermoBlock system to ensure that heat is dispersed evenly in the brew and steam.

The milk must still be manually steamed. Milk is often stored in a separate reservoir on automatic cappuccino machines. This contraption is merely a reservoir for steam and a coffee maker.

Is it safe to use DeLonghi Magnifica with dark roasts or oily beans?

Yes. To avoid clogging, use a blend of dry and oily dark roast instead of the entire bag of oily dark roast in the coffee grounds container. Again, listening to the built-in grinder’s sound will help you evaluate if the coffee grounds are sticking together. Similarly, don’t overfill the bar hopper with greasy beans.

What is the largest cup that will fit in the DeLonghi Magnifica Coffee Dispenser?

The coffee machine includes an adjustable coffee dispensing nozzle that accommodates any cup size. The largest cup size that can be used is 4.25 inches.

If you wish to consume coffee in a shot glass or a latte in a mug, you may fit it under the machine’s spout. However, unless the travel mug is the same size as the small KeepCup, it will not install onto the machine.

Is there a temperature control on the machine?

The machine does not have a temperature control option, although it can maintain a constant temperature.

Is it equipped with an auto-shutdown feature?

Yes, it has an auto shut-off feature.

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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.