Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500 Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Type:Bean-to-Cup Coffee MachineWater Container Capacity:1.800 LPump Pressure:15 barBuilt-in Coffee Grinder:yesAutomatic Milk Frother:yes

De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500 Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 7 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

7.7

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

95%

7.8

Technical score

5%

6.5

Review score ( 6 · 1)

Review score 5% · 6.5 · based on 7 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▲Better than 80% of coffee-machines
7.8

Technical score

Technical score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

7.6

Performance

25%

6.8

Coffee Preparation

25%

9.6

Features

15%

6.9

Design

▲Better than 81% of coffee-machines
6.5

Review score

Review score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (7)
6 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
✓ explicit
1
≈ estimated
1
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 99% of coffee-machines
  • delonghi-magnifica-esam-3500
delonghi-magnifica-esam-3500

Best prices

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of coffee machine De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500

Technical score
Technical score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

35%

7.6

Performance

25%

6.8

Coffee Preparation

25%

9.6

Features

15%

6.9

Design

7.8
Review score
Review score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (7)
6 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
✓ explicit
1
≈ estimated
1
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
6.5
Popularity
Popularity
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500 has a popularity of 7.6 points, which is higher than 48.3% of coffee machines.
7.6
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

7.7

Overall score

40%

8.8

Price

8.1
Power
1,350 W
Power
1,350 W
This coffee machine provides 1,350 W of heating power, which is lower than the power of 55.3% of coffee machines and equal to that of 6.8% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
1.8 L
Water Container Capacity
1.8 L
This coffee machine holds up to 1.8 L in its water tank, which is larger than 71.1% of coffee machines and equal to that of 13.6% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
15 bar
Pump Pressure
15 bar
This coffee machine delivers 15 bar of pump pressure, which is higher than the pump pressure of 9% of coffee machines and equal to that of 61% of coffee machines.
The listed pump pressure is not necessarily the same as extraction pressure.
Heating Time
45 s
Heating Time
45 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 45 s, which is slower than 65.1% of coffee machines and equal to that of 16.4% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
Dual Thermoblock
Show more
What reviewers say
Type
Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
yes
Works with Beans
yes
This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans. 62.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
no
Works with ESE Pods
no
This coffee machine does not accept ESE pods. 24.3% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
yes
Water Level Indicator
yes
This coffee machine has a water level indicator. 39.8% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
yes
Water Filter
yes
This coffee machine has a water filter. 64.3% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
yes
Descaling Program
yes
This coffee machine has a descaling programme. 33.5% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
yes
Cleaning Alert
yes
This coffee machine alerts you when cleaning is needed. 40.3% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
yes
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
yes
This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically. 78.6% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
What reviewers say
Built-in Installation
no
Color
Silver
Vintage Look
no
Vintage Look
no
This coffee machine does not have vintage styling. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Plastic
Drip Tray Material
Plastic
Show more
What reviewers say

De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500 vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • Cleans the milk circuit automatically
    Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
    yes
    This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically, while the average coffee machine does not. 21.6% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
    Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
  • Automatic milk frothing
    Automatic Milk Frother
    yes
    This coffee machine has an automatic milk frother, while the average coffee machine does not. 27.6% of coffee machines have an automatic milk frother.
    An automatic milk frother prepares milk foam with less manual steaming.
  • Dedicated milk container
    Milk Container
    yes
    This coffee machine has a dedicated milk container, while the average coffee machine does not. 20.6% of coffee machines have a milk container.
    A milk container supports storing and dispensing milk for milk-based drinks.
  • Has a built-in coffee grinder
    Built-in Coffee Grinder
    yes
    This coffee machine has a built-in coffee grinder, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have one.
    An integrated grinder can grind beans immediately before brewing.
  • Accepts whole coffee beans
    Works with Beans
    yes
    This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
    Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • Dedicated cappuccino programme
    Cappuccino Program
    yes
    This coffee machine has a cappuccino programme, while the average coffee machine does not. 27.8% of coffee machines have a cappuccino programme.
    A dedicated cappuccino program automates the preparation of that drink.
  • Has a display
    Display
    yes
    This coffee machine has a display, while the average coffee machine does not. 32.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A display provides visual machine status or settings information.
  • 11.5% better value for money
    De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500 has better value for money than the average coffee machine (8.06 vs 7.2).
    8.06 vs 7.22
  • Has a built-in coffee grinder
    Built-in Coffee Grinder
    yes
    This coffee machine has a built-in coffee grinder, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have one.
    An integrated grinder can grind beans immediately before brewing.
  • 1 more boilers
    Number of Boilers
    2
    This coffee machine offers more independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (2 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    2 vs 1
  • 5 more grind settings
    Number of Grinding Settings
    13
    This coffee machine provides finer control over grind size than the average coffee machine (13 vs 8).
    More grind settings allow finer adjustment of the coffee grind.
    13 vs 8
  • 0.4 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    1.800 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (1.8 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    1.800 L vs 1.400 L
  • Automatic milk frothing
    Automatic Milk Frother
    yes
    This coffee machine has an automatic milk frother, while the average coffee machine does not. 27.6% of coffee machines have an automatic milk frother.
    An automatic milk frother prepares milk foam with less manual steaming.
  • Dedicated milk container
    Milk Container
    yes
    This coffee machine has a dedicated milk container, while the average coffee machine does not. 20.6% of coffee machines have a milk container.
    A milk container supports storing and dispensing milk for milk-based drinks.
  • Accepts whole coffee beans
    Works with Beans
    yes
    This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
    Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
  • Dedicated cappuccino programme
    Cappuccino Program
    yes
    This coffee machine has a cappuccino programme, while the average coffee machine does not. 27.8% of coffee machines have a cappuccino programme.
    A dedicated cappuccino program automates the preparation of that drink.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Automatic coffee tamping
    Automatic Tamper
    yes
    This coffee machine has an automatic tamper, while the average coffee machine does not. 8.2% of coffee machines have an automatic tamper.
    Automatic tamping can reduce manual preparation steps and improve consistency.
  • Cleans the milk circuit automatically
    Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
    yes
    This coffee machine cleans its milk circuit automatically, while the average coffee machine does not. 21.6% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
    Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • 14 min quicker shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    1 min
    This coffee machine powers down sooner to conserve energy than the average coffee machine (1 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    1 min vs 15 min
  • Has a tray full indicator
    Drip Tray Full Indicator
    yes
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 43.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A full drip-tray indicator signals when the tray needs emptying.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 41.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A cup warmer helps preheat cups before brewing.
  • Has a display
    Display
    yes
    This coffee machine has a display, while the average coffee machine does not. 32.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A display provides visual machine status or settings information.
  • 15 cm longer power cord
    Cable Length
    115 cm
    This coffee machine provides longer electrical reach than the average coffee machine (115 cm vs 100 cm).
    A longer cable can make outlet placement more flexible.
    115 cm vs 100 cm
  • 60 g smaller bean hopper
    Bean Container Capacity
    200.000 g
    This coffee machine holds fewer coffee beans in its hopper than the average coffee machine (200 g vs 260 g).
    A larger bean container means less frequent refilling when making several coffees.
    200.000 g vs 260.000 g
  • 24 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    108.00 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (108 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    108.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • Non-transparent water reservoir
    Transparent Reservoir
    no
    This coffee machine does not have a transparent water reservoir, while the average coffee machine does. 91.4% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A transparent reservoir lets the user see the water level through the tank.
  • 2.33x heavier body
    Weight
    10.500 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (10.5 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    10.500 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 5 s sec slower heat-up
    Heating Time
    45 s
    This coffee machine takes longer to heat up than the average coffee machine (45 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    45 s vs 40 s
  • 61 mm wider body
    Width
    285.00 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (285 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    285.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 50 W lower power
    Power
    1,350 W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (1350 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,350 W vs 1,400 W
  • 35 mm taller body
    Height
    360.00 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (360 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    360.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 62.5% more expensive
    De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500 is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£260 vs £160).
    £260 vs £160
  • 60 g smaller bean hopper
    Bean Container Capacity
    200.000 g
    This coffee machine holds fewer coffee beans in its hopper than the average coffee machine (200 g vs 260 g).
    A larger bean container means less frequent refilling when making several coffees.
    200.000 g vs 260.000 g
  • 5 s sec slower heat-up
    Heating Time
    45 s
    This coffee machine takes longer to heat up than the average coffee machine (45 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    45 s vs 40 s
  • 50 W lower power
    Power
    1,350 W
    This coffee machine offers lower heating power than the average coffee machine (1350 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    1,350 W vs 1,400 W
  • 24 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    108.00 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (108 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    108.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • Non-transparent water reservoir
    Transparent Reservoir
    no
    This coffee machine does not have a transparent water reservoir, while the average coffee machine does. 91.4% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A transparent reservoir lets the user see the water level through the tank.
  • 2.33x heavier body
    Weight
    10.500 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (10.5 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    10.500 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 61 mm wider body
    Width
    285.00 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (285 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    285.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 35 mm taller body
    Height
    360.00 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (360 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    360.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 45 mm deeper profile
    Depth
    375.00 mm
    This coffee machine requires more counter depth than the average coffee machine (375 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    375.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 73.8% bulkier volume
    Volume
    38,475 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up more overall space than the average coffee machine (38475 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    38,475 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

4.0
coffeeness
≈ estimated
22/09/2016
Hands-on review · espresso, milk foam and cleaning tests
Verdict
De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500 is not recommended: espresso is acceptable, but milk foam is weak and the model feels dated.
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 6 · 1

The espresso and clear controls win praise, but reviewers dislike the low cup clearance, the two-cup function and, mostly, the milk frothing.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Third-party reviews

What we like about De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500

  • Easy to use with a simple one-touch button interface
  • Highly reliable mechanical components and durable over years of use
  • Convenient automatic milk carafe with a self-cleaning steam function
  • Dual boilers allow quick switching between brewing and milk steaming
  • Programmable options to customize coffee strength, volume, and startup times
  • Removable brewing unit simplifies the routine rinsing process
  • Features a built-in cup warmer and front-accessible water tank

What we don't like about De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500

  • The integrated bean grinder operates quite loudly
  • Spout height is limited, making it difficult to fit tall glasses
  • Initial beverage or milk foam temperature can sometimes be lukewarm
  • Decalcifying and detailed internal coffee ground cleaning can be cumbersome
  • The machine has a large footprint and requires significant counter space
  • Milk frothing consistency drops if the parts are not thoroughly cleaned

Verdict

The De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500 is a fully automatic espresso machine featuring a 1.8-liter removable water tank, a 200-gram bean hopper, a built-in 13-setting conical burr grinder, and a dual Thermoblock boiler system that allows for seamless brewing and steaming. Main advantages include its patented one-touch automatic cappuccino system with a detachable milk carafe, a digital programmable display with customizable aroma settings, an auto-start clock, and a fully removable brewing unit for easy maintenance. However, some minor drawbacks are its noisy grinding operation, a restrictive 12 cm maximum cup clearance height, and the meticulous daily upkeep required to clean the internal milk system components and tubing.

Compare De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500 with other coffee machines

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3500 and other coffee machines

No results found