The DeLonghi Magnifica has several different ways to make a good cup of coffee. There are three primary ways that is easy to understand and clearly shown by the machine itself (you don’t have to dig around to find them).
First, use the strength dial. This will determine base taste of whatever button you press next. To do this, simply turn the dial to set how intense you want the brew to be.
Mastering Your Brewing Techniques
Choose the Coffee option if you prefer your coffee richer with more of a kick. It’s brewed quicker then the Long option and gives you a stronger, richer taste. The taste will be bold and distinct.
For something lighter, select the Long button which will create a beverage that is more diluted than espresso or standard coffee.
The texture is smoother and resembles American-style coffee closely because it is less concentrated. It is not for all tastes but it is good for when you want a slower start to the day.
The third way is manual combination. Pull a shot using the Espresso button, pour some hot water into your cup, and boom, there’s a bigger, milder coffee for you. It’s essentially a DIY Americano where you’re still getting all that espresso goodnessness, just not as strong.
Using the steam wand for hot water is straightforward.
Once the shot of espresso is done brewing, you engage the hot water function. It produce a nice blend with clean flavor distinction. This process gives you more control over your dilution ratio, and you do it yourself because the machine won’t automatically create the perfect mix.
Now you’ve pressed each button dozens of times. You know that there’s a time and place for each of them. Use the Coffee button when you want fast and strong. Use the Long button when you want long but gentle. Use the Espresso plus hot water combo when you want something well-balanced. It’s all in what you like.
The best part is adjusting the strength dial. Tweak it till its right for you. Go higher when you want to. Go lower when you don’t. It keeps it fun and interesting. Either way you fill up your mug fast.