The DeLonghi Magnifica Super Automatic is a great example of an inexpensive, but nicely designed, and nicely constructed espresso and cappuccino maker.

The Magnifica includes a lot of convenience features built into this handsome looking machine which will enhance any kitchen.

The Magnifica super automatic features DeLonghi's patented beans-to-brew system, which grinds your coffee beans immediately prior to brewing your drink, resulting in the freshest, best tasting espresso possible.

I would consider the DeLonghi Magnifica super automatic espresso machine to be the greatest in it's class for price and performance. It produces an excellent espresso, and is also super-easy to clean and maintain, something that other manufacturers models are not. For example, it is very easy to pull out the whole brew group assembly in order to rinse it off. Doing so on a regular basis will ensure flawless operation for many years.

If you want to keep your machine at it is optimum operating condition there are two issues to keep in mind: Do upkeep on the machine on a routine, weekly basis, and don't use oily espresso beans in the machine.

If you can, use distilled water or spring water instead of tap water. Your coffee will taste better if you do.

Only use 100% Arabica beans, which have a tendency to be non-oily. When you use oily beans it will clog frequently sometimes leading to rancid flavors. Your machine won't last as long should you consistently use oily beans.

Remove and rinse the brew group assembly once per week. Just snap it out and run it beneath hot h2o.

De-calcify the machine when it signals you to do it. It's not tough to complete, but when you put it off it becomes tougher to do.

No Machine is Perfect

The bean grinder is a little noisier than some machines. Thankfully it only requires a couple of seconds to grind the beans.

It doesn't come on automatically at a pre-set time, like in the morning. You will not need to wait long, however, because it heats up to brew-temperature in only a couple of minutes.

The cup warmer does not work all that fantastic. I usually just put some hot faucet water in my cup for a minute or so before brewing a shot.

Not everybody likes their espresso created the same way, but here would be the configurations that I think make a pretty darn good espresso:

Ground espresso amount dial at ten o'clock

Espresso strength control set at 3 o'clock

Use the single cup dispense

Bean grind setting at five.

Using the Magnifica Super Automatic you are able to make espresso beverages just as yummy as they make them at Starbucks -- at a fraction of what you pay you will get a delicious espresso that has a thick, golden crema, is the perfect temperature, and has a complex, robust flavor.