If you really want to learn everything about the Delonghi Maginifica 3500 Digital Auto Espresso/Cappuccino Machine, then you should keep reading. Real coffee connoisseurs know that life is far too short to drink badly made cappuccino, and brilliantly brewed cappuccino is made with a perfect machine.

It's important to consider all the fine characteristics of an executive level espresso machine such as the Delonghi Magnifica 3500, but there are five important things to think about when considering espresso machines. After reading this article, you'll know without a doubt that the Delonghi Magnifica is the only espresso maker to grace your kitchen counters.

1. Versatility

Are you needing an espresso maker that gives you the ability to not only brew an award winning espresso but also quickly whip up different tasty drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, hot cocoas, and tea?

An essential factor of any higher end espresso machine is an automatic frother which give you the ability to magically transform milk into a light, well steamed foam. A hot water dispenser is needed to rapidly make hot tea and chocolate.

Delonghi espresso makers are constructed with a double aluminum boiler so you'll never be stuck waiting for espresso, then steam. You'll get the impeccable crema and have the frothed milk waiting for the perfect cup. The hot water spout can quickly dispence whatever you need for easily brewed tea.

2. Automatic, hands free operation

How hands on do you really want to be with your coffee making experience?

For anyone that truly values superior espresso drinks, working with an espresso maker that involves many steps to make a drink can be vexing to say the least.

Every facet of brewing needs to be completed correctly in order to get the drink to come out right. Fortunately, higher end espresso makers have evolved to a point where you nearly have your own robotic barista in your kitchen. The Delolnghi's digital controls enables you to input your personal tastes once and get the same quality drip every single time. The digital display will keep you posted as to the brewing, cleaning, and frothing process.

3. The daily grind - it starts with the beans

What kind of grinder is the machine fitted with?

Different machines come with different grinders - or worse, none at all. The choice to choose how fine or course your coffee gets ground is important to your personal tastes. If you're looking for a rich and creamy espresso you'll want a finer ground whereas a rough grind will usually come out faster, not as strong, and with a weak crema; the dark, reddish foam on the top of your espresso. With a flexible setting cone grinder, the Delonghi ensures the ideal grind every time.

4. The brew process - how smart is your machine?

Will the coffee grounds be pre-moistened by the machine?

Unfortunately, most espresso machines leave out the all too important process of pre-moistening the grounds before brewing. Pre-moistened grounds will ensure that the flavor of the beans is not lost during the extraction. It also helps ensure that you're not left dealing with dust from coffee grounds.

5. How well does your machine handle pre-gound beans?

Does is come with the choice of working with already ground beans?

Higher end coffee machines ordinarily come with grinders, but then you're forced to always use the grinder to make your drink. At some point we've all had to use ground beans, and if your machine only uses whole beans, you're out of luck.

Fortunately, the Delonghi Magnifica 3500 gives you the choice of using the coffee you have on and - ground or unground, and that can be a life saver when life hands you ground coffee beans.

A good espresso machine can make good coffee, but a truly well designed machine can make consummate espressos, cappuccinos and lattes. Having a machine like the Delonghi Magnifica that is versitile, automated, can grind and brew beans perfectly can mean the difference between a "cup o' joe" and a truly perfected espresso.