The buttons for long and coffee do look a bit alike on your De’Longhi Magnifica, but they does different things. Know how? The difference is significant. Try them both to get a taste of which is right for you.
The difference is significant.
Choosing the Right Setting
That makes a big difference.
For example, you would choose the Coffee setting if you’re brewing a medium drink that comes through relatively quickly. The size will generaly be around 90-120 ml. It is roughly three to four ounces of coffee. A common cup of joe in the mornings can fall into this range.
It’s also going to brew faster then the Long setting but for a shorter time than a espresso shot.
That allows it time to get it out right and doesn’t rush the machine.
Here we’re dealing with a medium-extraction speed. It is somewhere between the slower drip method of an Americano style brew and the quick punch of a shot of espresso. We end up with something that’s less strong than espresso and yet not as weak as Long.
So you get rich, bold flavors in the cup. And some more crema on top. This makes it a satisfying and substantial drink. Not quite as in-your-face as an espresso, but it tastes like it have some character.
You may like the balance of strength and volume.
Maybe you prefer the combination of volume and strength.
Then you press the Long button for the contrast. A longer extraction method is used here. Instead of pulling the water quickly like with espresso, it takes its sweet time extracting the water from the grounds. Think more like a drip style coffee machine.
You end up with a light, mild cup. It tastes gentle and smooth. The coffee setting is not bold. If you’re looking for something a little easier on your stomach, this is perfect for you.
The crema stands out to me. With the Long setting, there’s much less crema than with the other options (the Espresso and Coffee button). It’s more smooth and light.
In some ways, it’ll remind you of what it feels like to drink American coffee from a mug. There’s less concentration to it, so you’re able to get away with downing more before feeling weighed-down. If that’s something you enjoy, maybe you’ll love how clean it finishes. It’s very approachable as a cup of casual coffee.
The Coffee setting is a concentrated brew that’s strong and brewed at a medium speed. The Long setting is a mild brew made slowly, with a smooth profile and less crema.
One button is for one thing; the other is for another. If you’re looking to drink something rich and bold, push the Coffee button. If it’s a gentler, drip-style experience you’re after, push Long. No wrong answer here: just two different drinks.
Now you know which button suits your mood best. When you want some energy, use the Coffee button. If you’re chilling on an evening then the Long button is good.
Knowing how it all works allows you to make better choices. Changing between them could of been simpler. Press the relevant button and wait. The machine do the rest. You don’t have to mess around with complicated settings. Each time the result is consistent. And that is what matters most to you. Consistent coffee; that’s a good thing.