Our Verdict
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Wins

Its PID temperature control and integrated grinder with 15 settings ensure precise brewing and customizable drinks. Opt for Magnifica Start for a simpler 3-recipe, 15-bar system.
Bottom Line: De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is the better choice. Its PID temperature control and integrated grinder with 15 settings ensure precise brewing and customizable drinks.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Pump Pressure
40% lessAdvantages
Where each product wins
De'Longhi
- Pump Pressure: 40% higher (9.0 vs 15.0)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy De'Longhi if...
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch
The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is ideal for the aspiring home barista who prioritizes precision, customization, and drink variety. If you love experimenting with different coffee types, including cold brew in under 5 minutes, and value consistent temperature control (PID), this machine is for you. Its 10 preset recipes and 15 grind settings cater to those who want a premium, hands-on experience without sacrificing convenience, and are willing to invest a bit more for superior control and features.
Buy De'Longhi if...
De'Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic
The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is perfect for individuals seeking simplicity, efficiency, and good value in an automatic espresso machine. If you want essential espresso-based drinks with minimal fuss, appreciate easy-to-clean, removable parts, and prefer a more budget-friendly option, this machine is a great fit. Its 3 one-touch recipes and 13 grind settings are suitable for daily coffee drinkers who value convenience over extensive customization and are comfortable with a manual milk frother.
Spec Comparison
6 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $700 | $600 |
| Rating | 4.3(113) | 4.0(50.0k) |
| Boiler Type | thermoblock | thermoblock |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 9 | 15 |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | EC9455M | — |
| Grinder Included | Yes | Yes |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | — |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
De'Longhi La Specialista
- Integrated conical burr grinder with 15 settings
- Makes cold brew in under 5 minutes
- PID maintains consistent brew temperature
- 10 preset drink recipes & extensive customization
- Manual steps required for espresso preparation
- Integrated grinder lacks separate cleaning access
- On-screen guidance may slow experienced users
De'Longhi Magnifica Start
- Creates 3 common coffee recipes.
- 13 grind settings for bean varieties.
- Conical burr grinder delivers consistent dose.
- Manual wand froths milk and alternatives.
- Manual frother requires user skill.
- No automatic milk frothing function.
- Limited to 3 one-touch drink options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which machine is better for espresso purists?
The La Specialista Touch, with its PID temperature control and 9-bar pump, is better for espresso purists. It ensures optimal extraction consistency, crucial for nuanced espresso flavors and detailed control over the brewing process.
What's the main difference in brewing versatility?
The La Specialista Touch offers 10 preset drink recipes, including cold brew, and extensive customization options. The Magnifica Start provides 3 one-touch recipes for common coffee drinks, focusing on simplicity and ease of use for daily routines.
Is the $100 price difference worth it?
Yes, for the advanced features of the La Specialista Touch, the price difference is worthwhile. You gain PID, cold brew functionality, superior customization, and more drink presets, offering greater control and variety for coffee enthusiasts.
How do the grinders compare between the two models?
Both machines include integrated conical burr grinders. The La Specialista Touch features 15 grind settings, while the Magnifica Start offers 13. Both deliver a consistent dose, but the former provides slightly more fine-tuning capability for different beans.
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