By testing out all the settings on your De’Longhi Magnifica, you’ll be able to tell which button is which: volume, brew time, how strong, etc.
There is essentially four buttons on the machine: Long, Coffee, 2x Espresso and just plain ol’ Espresso. In both size and taste, each button does something different. They are all so different that there is a profile for everyone, depending on what they want.
Comparing Coffee And Long Settings
Let’s begin at the beginning with the usual Espresso button. One portion of coffee grounds and a single grind cycle are use to create a small but strong shot. As it is poured quickly into the cup, the crema layer are rich and thick, making it perfect for those who need a quick pick me up in the mornings. It is pure intensity without any excess liquid.
Then you go with the 2x Espresso. In this case, you double the amount of coffee grounds but keep the same amount of liquid as if you were making just one shot. So now the coffee are definitely more concentrated, which results in a bolder and richer taste. It’s like getting double the kick for each sip because there’s simply more density to your brew.
It is like the single espresso, but stronger.
For something else entirely, you flip over to the Coffee button. Here it brew at what I would consider a medium pace. Somewhere in-between drip-style and espresso brewing. It’s consistent and balanced throughout the extraction.
While the resulting cup of joe is stronger than the Long option, it’s not quite as strong as a actual shot of espresso. Instead, you land on a comfortable middle ground with decent volume and no excessive bitterness.
For those times when you’re not in a rush and just want to savor the cup, the Coffee setting might be your preference.
This provides a substantial volume of espresso-like strength to you. More liquid, but most of the flavor intensity remain intact. It is a full-bodied beverage as opposed to a concentrated dose.
The other drink you create with the Long button is totally unique. It is slowly brewed just like a drip machine. It is less concentrated and more mild. The flavor are much lighter. It is almost like drinking an American coffee. It is less foamy on top. There is less crema produced here.
The difference between the Coffee and Long settings are obvious if you want to compare them side by side. Because it’s a shorter brew, the Coffee will produce approximately 90 to 120 ml of coffee whereas the longer option (Long) run from 180 to 240 ml.
The Coffee option takes less time to brew. If you like your coffee stronger, the Coffee button is bolder. For smooth and milder coffee, try out the Long coffee.
This shows how much it differs from all the other cups. From left to right, the first is a Dark Concentrated Shot (Espresso pitcher). Medium Body (Coffee cup) Strong + Deep (2x Espresso). The next is Voluminous Light (Long mug). And finally, there is Espresso with Hot Water. It shows the machine’s range.
A final comparison table summarizes everything. It’s an espresso machine. It produces about 30-40 ml of volume. It is fast and efficient at brewing. It is strong with good crema, and the flavor are bold and rich.
Double the amount of grounds for the 2x Espresso. There’s coffee as well which has balanced extraction and medium volume. Then long, which has mild taste but large volume. Each button do its own thing.
You understand these buttons better now, so you can choose more effectively.
Now that you know what those buttons do, it’s easier for you to make a smart decision about which one to push. The difference between strength and volume is clear rather than a guessing game.
Depending on brew speed, crema levels changes. Intense flavor transforms into something milder. You’re aware which button to push. And life is good. You like drinking coffee again.