De'Longhi Magnifica Start Bean-to-Cup vs Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

De'Longhi Magnifica Start Bean-to-Cup

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (8,600 owners)

2-step brewing, manual steam wand, 1.8L, Arabica selector, 13-step grinder. De'Longhi's starter bean-to-cup.

Full Review

Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine

9.0/10 Excellent

4.7★ (28,400 owners)

19 bar, 25-second heat, 0.7L tank, retro design, 1.3kg. The classic compact Nespresso Original.

Full Review

At a Glance

	De'Longhi Magnifica Start Bean-to-Cup	Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.0/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (8,600)	4.7★ (28,400)
Verdict	Great	Excellent
Tank	1.8L	0.7L

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. De'Longhi Magnifica Start Bean-to-Cup: 2-step brewing, manual steam wand, 1.8L, Arabica selector, 13-step grinder. De'Longhi's starter bean-to-cup. Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine: 19 bar, 25-second heat, 0.7L tank, retro design, 1.3kg. The classic compact Nespresso Original. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

De'Longhi Magnifica Start Bean-to-Cup

Under £300 — most affordable De'Longhi bean-to-cup reviewed with genuine espresso extraction
2-step brewing process makes setup intuitive for first-time bean-to-cup users
Arabica bean selector adjusts extraction profile for the most popular bean type
13-step grinder adjustment covers espresso through long coffee brewing preferences
De'Longhi's 35-year espresso heritage at the starter bean-to-cup tier

Manual steam wand requires practice — not one-touch like Magnifica Evo
Less automatic than Magnifica Evo — manual steaming suits some, frustrates others
1.8L tank frequent refilling for 4+ cup per day households

Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine

19-bar extraction pressure for genuine espresso quality from Original Nespresso pods
25-second heat-up is near-instant for morning espresso routine
1.3kg — the lightest Nespresso machine reviewed — ideal for small kitchens
Retro metal finish design in multiple colours is aesthetically distinctive
28,400 Amazon reviews at 4.7★ — one of the most loved small kitchen appliances

0.7L tank requires refilling every 7-8 espressos
Original Nespresso pods only — not Vertuo compatible
No milk frothing — black espresso and lungo only

FAQ

Which is better, De'Longhi Magnifica Start or Nespresso Pixie Original?

Is the De'Longhi Magnifica Start worth the extra cost?

The Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the De'Longhi Magnifica Start best suited to?

2-step brewing, manual steam wand, 1.8L, Arabica selector, 13-step grinder. De'Longhi's starter bean-to-cup.

Who is the Nespresso Pixie Original best suited to?

19 bar, 25-second heat, 0.7L tank, retro design, 1.3kg. The classic compact Nespresso Original.

What are the main downsides of each?

De'Longhi Magnifica Start Bean-to-Cup: Manual steam wand requires practice — not one-touch like Magnifica Evo; Less automatic than Magnifica Evo — manual steaming suits some, frustrates others. Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine: 0.7L tank requires refilling every 7-8 espressos; Original Nespresso pods only — not Vertuo compatible.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — De'Longhi Magnifica Start Bean-to-Cup sits at 4.5★ from 8,600 verified Amazon owners, and Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine at 4.7★ from 28,400.

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