De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus vs De'Longhi Magnifica Start
Quick take: The De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus costs $50 less; the De'Longhi Magnifica Start has a built-in grinder; the De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus heats up faster (40 seconds).
| Spec | De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus | De'Longhi Magnifica Start |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $450 | $500 |
| Rating | 4★ (380) | 4★ (420) |
| Type | Semi-Automatic | Super-Automatic |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | No | Yes |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Water capacity | 54 oz | 60 oz |
| Warm-up time | 40 seconds | 45 seconds |
| Steam wand | Auto (LatteArt) + Manual | Manual |
| Basket type | Pressurized & Non-Pressurized 51mm | — |
| Best for | Milk Drinks | Entry-Level Buyers |
| Dimensions | 8.2 x 13.6 x 12.9 in | 9.25 x 17 x 14 in |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs | 19.8 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
Pros & cons
De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus
- ✓Auto LatteArt wand textures milk hands-free with three foam levels, or switch to manual
- ✓Ships with real non-pressurized baskets and a proper tamper - rare at this size
- ✓Active Temperature Control offers three brew temps for dialing in different roasts
- ✓54 oz tank and included milk jug handle multiple lattes without refills
- ✗At $450 it overlaps the Breville Bambino Plus, which steams faster and rates higher
- ✗Owner rating sits at 4.0 with reports of auto-frother inconsistency over time
- ✗Still a 51mm portafilter, so accessory choices trail the 54/58mm ecosystems
- ✗Wider than the classic Dedica, giving up some of the slim-footprint appeal
De'Longhi Magnifica Start
- ✓Cheapest way into a new De'Longhi super-auto
- ✓Dead-simple backlit soft-touch controls
- ✓Dishwasher-safe removable parts
- ✓Compact footprint fits small kitchens
- ✗Only 3 drink presets, no milk recipes
- ✗Manual steam wand takes practice
- ✗No user profiles or display
- ✗Mixed owner reviews on long-term reliability