The componentry that is responsible for espresso, is the same in the majority of the DeLonghi range, so as you're going up in value there is a point that you're starting to invest mainly in features.
For me, depending on the current deal price, click the button to the top right to check, this is usually just at the point where it's probably worth spending the extra few quid on, vs a Magnifica machine for example, but not going overboard into the realms of paying hundreds extra simply for features.
Features and Benefits
- 2L front accessed water tank
- 0.5L one touch milk carafe
- 6 one touch coffees
- 19 grind settings
- memory function
- Max cup height: 14cm
- Grinder bypass chute
The Eletta is a solid bean to cup machine from Delonghi for anyone who's willing to pay a bit more for nicer build quality and more features (compared to the more entry level options from DeLonghi).
Where the internal components are concerned, the important stuff such as the grinder and the brewing unit, you'll find these to be the same right the way through the range.
So if you're focused purely on cup quality, there's really no reason to stray out of the entry level (Magnifica range), however if you're looking for a good balance of value for money, build quality and features, I think the Eletta is one of the best in this regard, where DeLonghi bean to cup coffee machines are concerned.