Does the Magnifica Plus grind beans itself?

Yes. It has an integrated conical burr grinder with adjustable settings, so you load whole beans and it grinds for each shot.

Can it make two cups at once?

Yes. It has two brewing spouts and can brew two cups simultaneously, which suits couples or small offices.

Does it make cappuccino and latte?

Yes. The integrated milk frother steams and froths milk for cappuccino, latte and similar drinks, though it is not a one-touch automatic carafe system.

How does it compare with the Magnifica S?

The Plus adds a color display, app control and a more capable milk frother. The Magnifica S is simpler and more compact but relies on manual dials.

What do I need to maintain?

Empty and rinse the drip tray, refill the 0.5 gal tank, clean the milk frother after use and run the automatic cleaning cycle. A lime indicator tells you when descaling is due.

Is it worth it over a manual espresso machine?

If you want fresh-ground espresso and milk drinks with minimal effort, the automation is the draw. If you enjoy hands-on brewing and want a smaller footprint, a manual machine may suit you better.