Crew Comparison: DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart vs Saeco Intelia Deluxe Cappuccino

Written by Felicia
Espresso Guru
Published on Oct 20, 2016
Felicia is an espresso machine and coffee expert with a passion for helping coffee lovers to make the best-quality shots at home.
Crew Comparison: DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart vs Saeco Intelia Deluxe Cappuccino

How Does It Compare?

They grind, they brew and they make cappuccinos at the touch of a button. We’re talking about one-touch superautomatic espresso machine! We compared the The DeLonghi ECAM 23260SB Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart is equipped with a simple interface and one-touch technology.[/caption] The Deluxe Cappuccino aced coffee 101 with a specialty coffee menu and two dedicated espresso buttons that we can program. The simplified menu is a refreshing sight to swiftly guide you to your morning cup. The Deluxe Cappuccino also brews one-touch drinks but the carafe creates one foam, what we're used to in most carafe systems. Don’t just take our word for it, check out these two machines for yourself! [caption id="attachment_13851" align="alignnone" width="1080"] The Intelia Cappuccino features a one-touch milk frothing carafe.[/caption]

Shot

The Saeco Intelia Deluxe Cappuccino replaced the previous model with an updated coffee menu, including specialty drinks! At this price point, the additional drinks add creativity to otherwise classic options. Our personal favorite from the specialty menu is the baby cappuccino—an espresso shot with a dollop of foamy milk. That’s what perfect mornings are made of. And for mornings that need multiple cups of coffee, you’ll appreciate the quick recovery that ensures your machine is warmed up in time—hallelujah! [caption id="attachment_13849" align="alignnone" width="1080"] The Deluxe Cappuccino features an intuitive menu with a digital display.[/caption] For easy, relaxed mornings, the DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart know how to get the job done. The simple interface and classic drink options promise consistency in each cup. While we love simplicity, an expanded drink menu and more customization wouldn’t hurt! That said, we can adjust the brew temperature, coffee dosage and grind setting for a personal touch. If you need more of a pick-me-up, the 2x button increased the grounds per shot. [caption id="attachment_13743" align="alignnone" width="1080"] The Smart features an intuitive and user-friendly interface for sleepy mornings.[/caption]

Steam

The LatteCrema system has to be one of the better auto-frothing carafes we’ve seen! Featured on DeLonghi’s high-end lineup, we were stoked to hear it was included on the lower-tiered DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart. Where in lacks in programmability, it makes up with customization! Three milk foam options froth between a silky microfoam and thick cappuccino foam. When you’re done with the milk, flip the dial to clean for a spic and span carafe ready to store in the fridge. [caption id="attachment_13746" align="alignnone" width="1080"] The Smart's LatteCrema system has three milk foam options to create creamy lattes or fluffy cappuccinos.[/caption] While the Saeco Intelia Deluxe Cappuccino’s carafe isn’t as advanced as its competitor, we control the milk volume. Better yet, there is a dedicated milk froth button that is manually turned on and off for piping hot milk on demand—hot chocolate, anyone? The Deluxe Cappuccino also has a ‘carafe quick clean’ button to rinse out residue for safe storage. That said, we can’t get over how well the Smart’s LatteCrema system whips up frothed milk.

Style

Outfitted with a brushed stainless steel casing, the Saeco Intelia Deluxe Cappuccino complements modern kitchen appliances. The front accessible reservoir and dump box optimize your counter space. Similarly styled to the Deluxe Cappuccino, the DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart’s compact and front access design save valuable counter space. The polished black casing contrasts against the silver detailing giving it a clean, contemporary finish. When it comes down to looks, your personal style is all that matters. That said, the Deluxe Cappuccino interface offers functionality and drink options than its competitor. Considering both machines are in the similar price range, we appreciate the little things! The Deluxe Cappuccino also features dedicated espresso buttons that brew at the touch of a button. The Smart’s only drinks are available in the select drink menu. [caption id="attachment_13850" align="alignnone" width="1080"] The Deluxe Cappuccino impresses us with a specialty drink menu.[/caption]

Conclusion

Both one-touch superautomatic machines fall into the same price range and category. The DeLonghi Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart features DeLonghi’s impressive LatteCrema system. That said, if you want more drink options and programmability, the Saeco Intelia Deluxe Cappuccino fits the bill. What do you think? Share your favorite machine in the comments below.

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