De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start vs De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing between the De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start and the De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M? Both are bean-to-cup machines that grind fresh for every cup, but they differ on milk system, controls and footprint. Here is how they compare, dimension by dimension, from our full reviews of each.
Specifications Compared
| Feature | De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start | De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M |
|---|---|---|
| Milk system | None | Manual frother |
| Grind settings | 13 | Not specified |
| Water tank | 1.8 L | 1.1 L |
| Display | Buttons | Touchscreen |
| Width | 23.6 cm | 15 cm |
| Noise level | Medium | Low |
Design and Build Quality
De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start
A sleek, grey-and-black silhouette houses the ECAM220.22.GB’s compact yet solid construction, measuring 44 × 24 × 35 cm and weighing 6.5 kg.
The machine’s matte finish blends into modern kitchens, while the sturdy chassis hides a 1450 W boiler and integrated grinder, brewer, and milk system.
De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M
Sleek metal framing gives the Dedica Duo a sturdy, compact presence that fits neatly on a kitchen counter. Its 15 cm wide metal exterior creates a sleek silhouette that blends modern design aesthetics with practical space-saving. The housing, barista tamper, and baskets are all metal, reinforcing metal durability while maintaining a uniform look.
Coffee Quality and Brew Performance
De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start
The sturdy chassis houses a 1450 W heater that drives the ECAM220.22.GB’s bean-to-cup system, delivering consistently hot espresso shots. Its built-in grinder crushes whole beans just before extraction, and adjustable settings let users fine-tune coarseness for optimal flavour extraction. The machine produces a steady crema and balanced acidity, keeping espresso and lungo profiles repeatable across multiple servings. While the automatic milk frothing offers convenience, the coffee-only performance stays on point, avoiding any unrelated angle that could distract from the core espresso quality. Overall, the Magnifica Start delivers solid, everyday coffee with dependable brew performance.
De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M
The sturdy metal frame sets the stage for a brew that lives up to its barista-grade claims. With 15 bars of pressure, the Dedica Duo extracts espresso that showcases a rich crema texture and consistent temperature stability, even when pulling two shots simultaneously. Its 1.2-litre reservoir maintains heat long enough for back-to-back extractions without noticeable cooling, so each cup retains the intended flavour profile.
Milk Frothing Performance
De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start
How well does the Magnifica Start froth milk? The built-in manual steam wand delivers a silky microfoam that suits lattes and cappuccinos, and users can tweak milk texture by adjusting steam control. By turning the knob, they shift from a flat-white consistency to airy foam, giving enough flexibility for most preferences. Whole milk yields richer, creamier foam, while skim milk can still achieve a light head if warmed properly.
De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M
Can the Dedica Duo’s My LatteArt wand really deliver café-level microfoam in a kitchen-sized footprint? It does, thanks to a 15-bar pump that pushes steam through milk at the right pressure for silky milk texture and reliable foam consistency. Users control steam flow and temperature manually, so they can fine-tune the microfoam for latte art or a velvety cappuccino head.
Ease of Use and Daily Operation
De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start
Ever wondered how quickly you can get a fresh espresso without fuss? You’ll love the single-touch panel that launches grinding, tamping and brewing in seconds, while the 1450 W motor heats water fast enough for a morning espresso shot.
The compact 44 × 24 × 35 cm footprint fits snugly on any countertop, so you never have to hunt for space.
De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M
Even with its impressive microfoam, the Dedica Duo stays user-friendly day in and day. You’ll appreciate the straightforward manual controls: a single lever for tamping, a clear dial for grind size, and a separate switch for the steam wand. The compact 15 cm width fits snugly on a crowded countertop, while the 1.2-litre water tank refills quickly and supplies enough steam for multiple drinks. Dual-group brewing lets you pull two espressos at once, cutting down morning wait times. The machine’s 1450 W heater reaches brewing temperature in seconds, so you won’t waste time watching a gauge.
Cleaning and Maintenance
De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start
Wondering how to keep your De’Longhi Magnifica Start humming smoothly? Follow simple maintenance reminders and descaler routines to protect performance. Each week, empty the drip tray and coffee grounds container, then rinse them with warm water. Wipe the exterior and dimples with a damp cloth - no abrasive cleaners, or you’ll damage the sleek grey/black finish. Backflush with the recommended cleaning tablets if you use the pre-ground or single-serve option; this clears coffee oil residues. Clean the brew unit and water reservoir regularly, and consult the manual for interval guidelines. When scaling builds up, run a descaler routine using Delonghi’s descaler, following the exact steps to avoid mineral deposits in internal components. Consistent care keeps your machine brewing perfectly.
De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M
Ever notice how a quick wipe after each brew keeps the Dedica Duo looking pristine? You should power off the machine, then use a soft, damp cloth to clean the metal exterior and clear the drip tray of any residue. Avoid abrasive cleaners - just gentle wipes keep the finish flawless. After every shot, purge the group head and steam wand to flush out milk and prevent seizing.
Noise Level
De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start
Curious about the Magnifica Start’s sound profile? The De’Longhi ECAM220.22.GB delivers moderate noise levels on account of its 1450 W motor and pump, which hum during brewing and grinding. Its compact 44 × 24 × 35 cm frame packs the thermoblock heating system and grinder tightly, so motor vibrations travel through the chassis, creating a noticeable but not overwhelming hum. Although the machine isn’t silent, the noise stays within a tolerable range for most kitchens, especially when compared with louder commercial-grade units. The sound level is consistent, reflecting the balance between performance and the device’s small footprint.
De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M
How loud does the Dedica Duo get when pulling a shot or frothing milk? Users hear a steady mechanical hum typical of compact pump machines. The metal housing and 1450 W heater don’t add extra hush; the pump and steam wand dominate the soundscape. During extraction, the noise level sits in the moderate background range, comparable to other small-pump espresso units in a UK kitchen.
Our Test Scores
| De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start | De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Brew quality | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Milk quality | 2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Build quality | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start if: Looking for a compact, all-in-one coffee solution that fits a kitchen counter? If you’re a busy professional who values convenience yet still wants barista-style espresso, this De’Longhi bean-to-cup fits your routine.
Choose the De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M if: Looking for a compact espresso rig that lets you craft café-style drinks at home? You’re a home barista who loves hands-on control, wants latte art, and needs a machine that fits a tight countertop.
Still deciding? Read our full De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start review or our De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M review, or check current prices on Amazon: De'Longhi Delonghi ECAM220.22.GB Magnifica Start | De'Longhi Dedica Duo EC890.M.

