Received in good condition with no damages - sturdy original packaging (unit kept in place inside by strofoam inserts) then bubblewrapped and clingwrapped. Only thing I needed to assemble really is to attach the water container which was still separate. Overall build is fairly compact yet solid. Light enough to be easily pushed on a marble counter top but heavy enough to remain stable once in place. Filled with water, added the water filter (which I bought separately), topped the hopper with whole coffee beans and I had my own cup. Taste I say is fair to good. Came with 2 free bags of 500g coffee beans and 1 100ml descaler.

..upgraded from Nespresso Vertuo.....highly satisfied.

ok, so i had the old school Nespresso. It did the job, but after 4yrs became tired. The stronger capsules couldn't be used as the water pressure was a problem. Serviced it, worked for a few weeks, and same problem. Recommendation was as it was old replace it. Fair enough. Purchased the Vertuo and initially was a good investment. Then, could not find the same 'flavour' capsules as the old one. In the end.....Vertuo pushed out. After much research, this Delonghi had the best reviews. So purchased, and apart from the grinder sound, am not disappointed. Yes it is larger than most, but when it does the bean to cup, milky drinks, etc, etc. All in all...a sound investment.

A truly fantastic machine, very user friendly!

I really wanted to use this in my normal morning espresso routine for a while before completing my final review. I got this delivered to my house and the packaging really kept it safe from damage. You will find the machine itself which is fully assembled already. It also has a scoop for measuring preground coffee. A brush for cleaning out smaller pieces of the machine when needed. It also comes with a detailed manual as well as a dvd for learning all about how to use it for the first time. The first time we used it afternoon watching the dvd it really took no time at all to figure it out. Just add your espresso beans of choice and this amazing machine will do the rest of the work at the push of a button. It used to take about 20 minutes to grind the beans manually ... MoreI really wanted to use this in my normal morning espresso routine for a while before completing my final review. I got this delivered to my house and the packaging really kept it safe from damage. You will find the machine itself which is fully assembled already. It also has a scoop for measuring preground coffee. A brush for cleaning out smaller pieces of the machine when needed. It also comes with a detailed manual as well as a dvd for learning all about how to use it for the first time. The first time we used it afternoon watching the dvd it really took no time at all to figure it out. Just add your espresso beans of choice and this amazing machine will do the rest of the work at the push of a button. It used to take about 20 minutes to grind the beans manually each day, this machine has the grinding built in. Also no more hassle tamping and putting in ground beans. It is all automatic with the same taste and less mess than a manual espresso machine. The default settings seem to work perfectly for my needs but it also can have different settings depending on your taste. It’s perfect for making two drinks at once which is a huge time saver as well. The milk steamer is also easy to use and makes a great latte. This machine is definitely a big investment but I love that the company states in their paperwork if you have an issue with it you can call anytime for personal help. Overall I’ve been very very happy with this machine. It also has a sleek look and even though it is fairly large it is not much larger in width then you’re average coffee machine. It also self cleans after every use to make sure old espresso doesn’t build up inside. The best part is that I get twenty more minutes of sleep in the morning because making an amazing custom drink takes under a minute with this versus 20 with my older manual machine!!!

DeLonghi Magnifica S - the name says it all!

The DeLonghi Magnifica S I purchased at David Jones was the second of the same model, as this was a gift to a person in another household. I spent considerable time on mine which is now about 2.5 years old to dial it in and to select the right supplies and create the suitable consumables to make it work reliably and most of all - repeatably, to deliver Cafe quality espresso for me.I researched Barista competitions for their water recipes and created mine similar to Rao’s water which due to its composition prevents any scaling to occur over time.Then I adjusted the grinder using a set of Kruve Filter sieves to identify which setting is most suitable for feat espresso. I found the Magnifica S provides quite a good quality and distribution of coffee grounds with its ... MoreThe DeLonghi Magnifica S I purchased at David Jones was the second of the same model, as this was a gift to a person in another household. I spent considerable time on mine which is now about 2.5 years old to dial it in and to select the right supplies and create the suitable consumables to make it work reliably and most of all - repeatably, to deliver Cafe quality espresso for me.I researched Barista competitions for their water recipes and created mine similar to Rao’s water which due to its composition prevents any scaling to occur over time.Then I adjusted the grinder using a set of Kruve Filter sieves to identify which setting is most suitable for feat espresso. I found the Magnifica S provides quite a good quality and distribution of coffee grounds with its built in grinder. And although I own a Kickstarter supported Goat Story coffee grinder I do not need to use it to make excellent espresso at minimal effort.I keep my coffee beans in another great DeLonghi device, the vacuum flask that keeps it from releasing the aroma in waste before it is time for it to be consumed and it prolongs the time a larger bag of my preferred Lavazza Barista Intenzo lives up to expectations!The second unit to set up was a breeze, since I just copied my settings. It has been in frequent use ever since!

Easy to use, no fuss, fresh ground coffee- LOVE IT

I LOVE this machine. Very slim lined sleek design and fits in well in my small kitchen. First time coffee machine owner. So easy to set up and use. Finally a decent coffee that is freshly ground and not that weak diluted instant muck :) Every time I walk past the coffee machine the aroma of fresh ground coffee beans hits me. How can I resist a fresh cup :) There is an option in the top where you can use either coffee beans or instant coffee - the instant coffee container is extremely small and takes only 1 coffee scoop and I will probably never use that now that I have used coffee beans. Also it is worth noting that the dial on the front can be turned to allow stronger coffee - I turn mine to strongest (right). I use Grinders Crema brand from Woolworths and buy it ... MoreI LOVE this machine. Very slim lined sleek design and fits in well in my small kitchen. First time coffee machine owner. So easy to set up and use. Finally a decent coffee that is freshly ground and not that weak diluted instant muck :) Every time I walk past the coffee machine the aroma of fresh ground coffee beans hits me. How can I resist a fresh cup :) There is an option in the top where you can use either coffee beans or instant coffee - the instant coffee container is extremely small and takes only 1 coffee scoop and I will probably never use that now that I have used coffee beans. Also it is worth noting that the dial on the front can be turned to allow stronger coffee - I turn mine to strongest (right). I use Grinders Crema brand from Woolworths and buy it on sale for $25. It has a strong creamy taste which I enjoy immensely. I am not normally a coffee fan and do not go out to buy coffee at all.

Great machine - packs a punch for a med-sized automatic espresso machine

After reading the manual 3x, I eventually figured out how it all works. Takes a few coffees to realise how it all works. Two of the outstanding features for me are: 1. Self cleaning - before AND after dispensing an espresso! 2. The fact that it will accommodate for both already ground coffee, as well as beans (obviously the better option). Handy when you have ground coffee in your kitchen store and it needs using up! For the price that it is, and considering there are other machines out there that are bigger, have more knobs and instruments on the front, that cost a great deal more, this machine is very good IMHO. Having a lot of the manual work taken out by being automatic whilst still producing a very good quality crema espresso, is a huge plus +++. I would ... MoreAfter reading the manual 3x, I eventually figured out how it all works. Takes a few coffees to realise how it all works. Two of the outstanding features for me are: 1. Self cleaning - before AND after dispensing an espresso! 2. The fact that it will accommodate for both already ground coffee, as well as beans (obviously the better option). Handy when you have ground coffee in your kitchen store and it needs using up! For the price that it is, and considering there are other machines out there that are bigger, have more knobs and instruments on the front, that cost a great deal more, this machine is very good IMHO. Having a lot of the manual work taken out by being automatic whilst still producing a very good quality crema espresso, is a huge plus +++. I would recommend this machine to anyone doesnt want to spend an arm and a leg on an oversized, overrated coffee unit, but still commands a decent coffee - bean to cup - the way to go!

Just like having a coffee shop in my kitchen!

I was quite overwhelmed with this machine at first because it offers so much and figuring out the steps for each can be tricky. But once it is done a few times, it is really simple and is a pretty amazing machine! Like a traditional coffee maker, you first fill the water reservoir, turn on, fill with coffee place container under milk frother, turn knob to prime... and are already ready to make a delicious cafe style drink! Options include coffee, cappuccino, espresso, hot water. My favorite feature is that whole beans of pure ground beans can be used- an amazing feature I have never seen before! The control panel can be overwhelming at first, but upon second look, very easy to read. This is where you punch in options such as desired strength of coffee, length size ... MoreI was quite overwhelmed with this machine at first because it offers so much and figuring out the steps for each can be tricky. But once it is done a few times, it is really simple and is a pretty amazing machine! Like a traditional coffee maker, you first fill the water reservoir, turn on, fill with coffee place container under milk frother, turn knob to prime... and are already ready to make a delicious cafe style drink! Options include coffee, cappuccino, espresso, hot water. My favorite feature is that whole beans of pure ground beans can be used- an amazing feature I have never seen before! The control panel can be overwhelming at first, but upon second look, very easy to read. This is where you punch in options such as desired strength of coffee, length size and 1-2 cups. This machine even tests your water hardness and comes with a built in water filter, ensuring you make the best tasting coffee drink possible. A packet of descaler is also including to clean the tank and provide a safe, clean and effective machine for many years to come. I am beyond impressed with what all this machine can do, all the options available and the durability, design and look of this! (It is gorgeous on my countertop!) The possibilities are almost endless with the drinks that can be made- espresso, cappuccino, cafe latte, coffee mocha, Italian macchiato, espresso lingo, americano, caramel macchiato and so much more!

The only positive thing I can say about this machine is that it makes delicious coffee.

I waited a long time to buy this machine. Unfortunately, I consider it to be my worst purchase ever and I am very dissatisfied with the machine overall. I wanted to send it back, but I accidentally ran out of time (by 1 day).(Only) PROs:+ Coffee tastes good+ Can only be used with coffee beans without too much trouble (see below for problems with ground coffee)+ Its top is flat and can be used to store other things (cups, bread, pack of cigarettes, chocolate, etc.)CONs:- It is huge. I have a relatively large kitchen, but for my needs (3-4 cups of coffee a day) this is just a monster that takes up too much space. I probably wouldn't care if it didn't have the problems listed below:- Every time the machine is switched on or off, it 'auto-cleans' itself. This ... MoreI waited a long time to buy this machine. Unfortunately, I consider it to be my worst purchase ever and I am very dissatisfied with the machine overall. I wanted to send it back, but I accidentally ran out of time (by 1 day).(Only) PROs:+ Coffee tastes good+ Can only be used with coffee beans without too much trouble (see below for problems with ground coffee)+ Its top is flat and can be used to store other things (cups, bread, pack of cigarettes, chocolate, etc.)CONs:- It is huge. I have a relatively large kitchen, but for my needs (3-4 cups of coffee a day) this is just a monster that takes up too much space. I probably wouldn't care if it didn't have the problems listed below:- Every time the machine is switched on or off, it 'auto-cleans' itself. This uses about 3 dl of water each time, in addition to the coffee it makes. Although the water tank is relatively large, about 2/3 of the water is used for cleaning, so the tank should be refilled almost every 1-2 days, even if the daily consumption is only 3-4 coffees.- The used coffee container fills up very quickly and needs to be emptied after 5-6 coffees (again, almost daily).- The ground coffee option is almost completely useless and very inconvenient. I was expecting a machine that I could fill with ground coffee and then refill regularly. In reality, you can only use a maximum of one (1!) spoonful of ground coffee, otherwise the machine jams.- If you accidentally fill the ground coffee container while the machine is switched off, some of the fresh ground coffee will fall directly into the used coffee container and some will fall behind the container, inside the machine(!).The machine will then start with a warning that you should empty the used coffee tray, even if you did so only 1 coffee ago. You must then add a new spoonful of ground coffee.

Worth the price!

After using a pod machine for the past 3 years, we decided it was time for an upgrade and boy oh boy is this an upgrade! It's easy to set up and use, and after not much trial and error we're getting consistently delicious coffees. We don't use the milk steamer function very often but it's also nice and easy to use. It runs a pre- and post-coffee cleaning cycle meaning we shouldn't have to descale it as often to keep getting great coffees. It even tells you when something needs your attention e.g. low water, full coffee ginds, etc. It's compact enough for a normal sized kitchen and looks really sleek. The smell of fresh ground, fresh made coffee wafts through our house every morning now!