De'Longhi Magnifica Start vs De'Longhi La Specialista Opera
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Quick take: The De'Longhi Magnifica Start costs $33 less; the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera heats up faster (20 seconds).
| Spec | De'Longhi Magnifica Start | De'Longhi La Specialista Opera |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $600 | $633 |
| Rating | 4★ (420) | 4.1★ (366) |
| Type | Super-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | Yes | Yes |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 19 bar |
| Water capacity | 60 oz | 67.6 oz |
| Warm-up time | 45 seconds | 20 seconds |
| Steam wand | Manual | Manual |
| Basket type | — | Pressurized & Unpressurized |
| Best for | Entry-Level Buyers | Enthusiasts |
| Dimensions | 9.25 x 17 x 14 in | 15.0 x 14.6 x 17.5 in |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs | 28.1 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Pros & cons
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
De'Longhi La Specialista Opera
- ✓Smart tamping lever gives mess-free, consistent 20kg tamps
- ✓Dual heating cuts the wait between espresso and steaming
- ✓Large 67.6 oz tank suits multi-drink households
- ✓Ships with both pressurized and single-wall baskets
- ✗Rated 4.1 - some owners report quality-control hiccups
- ✗Bulkier and heavier than the Arte Evo it sits above
- ✗Tamping inside the station hides puck prep from view
- ✗No touchscreen guidance despite the premium over Arte Evo