De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21 vs Philips 2200 Series EP2220

Side-by-side comparison of two espresso machines

Specification	De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21	Philips 2200 Series EP2220
Brand	De'Longhi	Philips
Price (MSRP)	$450	$450
Category	Super-Auto	Super-Auto
Boiler Type	Thermoblock	Thermoblock
Boiler Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Boiler Capacity	N/A	N/A
Pump Type	Gear	Gear
PID Control	No	No
Pre-Infusion	Yes	Yes
Pressure Profiling	No	No
Flow Control	No	No
Group Head	Internal Brew Unit	Internal Brew Unit
Portafilter	N/A	N/A
Steam Wand	Panarello	Panarello
Water Source	Reservoir	Reservoir
Reservoir	1800 ml	1800 ml
Cup Warmer	No	No
Dimensions	238 x 430 x 351 mm	246 x 433 x 336 mm
Weight	9.0 kg (19.8 lbs)	7.5 kg (16.5 lbs)
Power	1450W	1500W
Made In	Italy	Netherlands

Expert Analysis

The De'Longhi Magnifica Start ($450) and Philips 2200 EP2220 ($450) are the most affordable super-automatics worth buying. At identical prices, they compete directly. The Magnifica Start at 9.0 kg has a Panarello steam wand for manual milk frothing. The Philips 2200 at 7.5 kg also uses a Panarello. Both use thermoblock heating, gear pumps, and pre-infusion. The Magnifica Start has a removable brew group — the single most important maintenance feature on super-autos, allowing thorough cleaning that prevents mold and coffee oil buildup. The Philips 2200 also has a removable brew group. The Magnifica Start offers more grind adjustments (13 levels) versus the Philips's fewer steps. The Philips is lighter and more compact. Both produce similar quality espresso — adequate but not remarkable. Both handle medium to dark roasts better than light roasts. Verdict: These are nearly interchangeable at the same price. The Magnifica Start has a slight edge in grind adjustment and De'Longhi's wider service network. Choose based on aesthetics and local availability.

Size & Weight: The De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21 is the heavier machine at 9.0 kg compared to 7.5 kg for the Philips 2200 Series EP2220. Consider your available counter space and whether you need to move the machine frequently.

Our Verdict

Choosing between the De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21 and the Philips 2200 Series EP2220 depends on your priorities. Both are capable machines that can produce excellent espresso in the right hands.

Pros & Cons

De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21

Pros:

Pre-infusion capability
Reliable in its price segment

Cons:

Typical learning curve for its category

Philips 2200 Series EP2220

Pros:

Pre-infusion capability
Reliable in its price segment

Cons:

Typical learning curve for its category

De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21 Details Philips 2200 Series EP2220 Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more affordable, the De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21 or the Philips 2200 Series EP2220?

The Philips 2200 Series EP2220 is priced at $450, which is N/A less than the De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21 at $450. However, price alone shouldn't determine your choice — consider the features each machine offers for the money.

Do both the De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21 and Philips 2200 Series EP2220 use the same boiler type?

Yes, both machines use a Thermoblock system. This means the workflow experience is similar between them — the differences come down to build quality, features, and other specifications.

Should I buy the De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21 or the Philips 2200 Series EP2220?

Choose the De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21 if you value affordability. Choose the Philips 2200 Series EP2220 if you prioritize affordability. Both are capable espresso machines — the best choice depends on your specific workflow needs, budget, and counter space.

Is the De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21 or Philips 2200 Series EP2220 better for beginners?

For beginners, the De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM220.21 at $450 is generally the safer choice — it's less financial risk while you learn. Remember that a good grinder matters at least as much as the machine, so budget accordingly.