What is Long Coffee on DeLonghi coffee machines

Many owners of automatic coffee machines DeLonghi notice a button on the control panel or display menu that says Long or Long Coffee. Often this function remains unexplored, since users are accustomed to preparing a standard espresso or Americano by simply adding water by hand. However, understanding what Delonghi long coffee is opens up access to a completely different flavor profile that cannot be reproduced by simply diluting the finished drink.

The essence lies in the extraction technology. Unlike classic espresso, where water passes through a coffee tablet under high pressure in 20-30 seconds, the mode Long involves increased pouring time and a larger volume of water while maintaining or changing the degree of grinding. This allows you to extract more aromatic substances from the grain, but requires the right approach so as not to end up with a bitter and watery liquid. In this article we will analyze in detail the technical aspects, settings and secrets of making the perfect long coffee.

Preparation technology and differences from espresso

The fundamental difference between espresso and long coffee is the hydrodynamics of the process and the amount of time the water contacts the ground beans. A standard espresso is prepared with a volume of about 25-40 ml, and the task of the barista (or machine) is to stop the spill exactly at the moment when the most valuable essential oils have entered the cup, but heavy, bitter tannins have not yet had time to seep through. Mode Long Coffee by car DeLonghi the program increases this cycle by passing 120 to 200 ml of water through the tablet.

It is important to understand that increasing the volume of water changes the chemical composition of the drink. If you simply make espresso and add boiling water (to create an Americano), you will mix the already extracted substances with water. Long coffee is a single process where water gradually washes out new flavor fractions. Extraction in this case, it passes more deeply, which makes the drink less dense in body, but more saturated in aromatic range, if the right grain is selected.

⚠️ Warning: Using the Long setting on a very dark roast (Italian Roast) is almost guaranteed to result in strong bitterness and a burnt aftertaste, as the simmer will draw out all the negative notes from the burnt grain.

Cars DeLonghi, such as series Magnifica, Dinamica or Primadonna, implement this process in different ways. In some models, this is simply an increased volume of flow during a standard grind; in others, it is a special program that can slightly adjust the temperature or pressure to optimize the taste of a large volume.

How the extraction system works in DeLonghi machines

Automatic coffee machines of the Italian brand are equipped with powerful pumps that create a pressure of 9-15 bar. When the function is activated Long, the algorithm of the machine is changing. If for espresso the coffee grinder can work in a standard rhythm, then for long coffee it is often necessary to adjust the parameters to avoid “channeling” - a situation when water makes a hole in the tablet and passes through it without releasing the taste.

The key element here is the brewing unit. In models DeLonghi It is removable, allowing the coffee to “breathe” between preparations. If you select a long coffee, the machine may increase the pre-infusion time. This is a critical stage when the grain is saturated with moisture before the main pressure. The extended pre-wetting time in the Long mode brings out acidity and fruity notes that would otherwise remain hidden in a quick espresso.

Temperature also plays a role. Larger volumes of the drink often require a slightly higher water temperature to compensate for the heat transfer into the larger cup and preserve the flavor until the last sip. The user can adjust this parameter in the menu by selecting the heating level.

Technical nuance of the pump operation

In Long mode, the pump can operate pulsed, making micro-pauses to better saturate the coffee tablet with water, which improves the uniformity of extraction.

Setting parameters: grinding, temperature and volume

To get a quality drink, it’s not enough to just press a button. It is necessary to correctly set three pillars: grinding degree, temperature and volume. On the control panel DeLonghi these parameters are often adjusted through button combinations or menus Menu → Coffee Settings.

The grind level is the most important lever of influence. For the Long mode, it is recommended to use a coarser grind than for espresso. If the grind is left fine, the water will flow through the tablet too slowly, resulting in over-extraction and bitterness. Adjustment is carried out using a lever inside the grain hopper (only when the machine is turned off!) or through an electronic menu in advanced models.

• 🌡️ Temperature: For long coffee, it is optimal to set the value to medium or high (2-3 snowflakes/suns) so that the drink does not cool down too quickly in a large cup.
• ⚙️ Volume: On the menu Long Coffee You can program the exact number of milliliters, from 120 to 250 ml, depending on preference.
• 🌰 Strength (Aroma): Regulates the amount of grain to be ground. For large volumes of water, it is better to increase the dose of coffee to maintain the richness of the taste.

Don't forget about water quality. Using filtered water or bottled water with mineralization up to 200 mg/l will extend the life of the heating element (boiler or thermoblock) and improve the taste of the drink. Hard water quickly forms scale, which reduces heating efficiency and distorts the extraction temperature profile.

Bean selection: which coffee is suitable for Long

Not every grain behaves equally well in long-term pouring conditions. As already mentioned, dark Italian roast, ideal for classic espresso with thick foam, can produce excessive bitterness in the Long mode. Medium Roast or even Medium-Light beans work best for this method.

Arabica in its pure form or with a small addition of robusta (up to 20%) will perform well. Arabica has a complex acid profile, which, when properly prepared, long coffee reveals floral and fruity tones. Robusta will add body and that same foam, but too much of it will make the drink too sharp.

Grain type	Roasting	Recommendation for Long	Expected taste
100% Arabica	Average	Perfect	Balance, fruity notes, soft acidity
Blend (80/20)	Medium-dark	Okay	Dense body, chocolate, nuts
100% Robusta	Any	Not recommended	Excessive bitterness, harshness, earthiness
Italian blend	Dark	With caution	Dark chocolate, burnt notes (risk)

When purchasing beans, pay attention to the roasting date. Fresh beans (2 weeks to 3 months after roasting) will provide the best cream and flavor. Old, stale grain in the Long mode will give a flat, cardboard taste, as the large area of ​​​​contact with water will quickly reveal the absence of oils.

Step-by-step instructions: how to make the perfect Long Coffee

Let's look at the algorithm of actions to get the best result on a coffee machine DeLonghi. Make sure your machine is warmed up and has gone through a rinse cycle before you begin.

1. Pour fresh cold water into the tank and make sure it is installed correctly.
2. Check the grind level. If you have previously only brewed espresso, you may need to make the grind a little coarser (turn the dial in the hopper clockwise 1 notch while the machine is running).
3. Turn on the machine and wait until it warms up.
4. Set the desired strength (number of beans) and temperature.
5. Click the button Long or select the appropriate symbol on the display.

The machine will begin the process. You will hear the sound of the coffee grinder, then the sound of the pump. After a while, coffee will start flowing into the cup. It is important not to interrupt the process and allow the machine to complete the cycle automatically so that the system can perform a final rinse of the tract.

After cooking, immediately rinse the drip tray and the cappuccino maker (if milk was used) so that the residue does not dry out and make cleaning difficult next time. Regular hygiene is the key to stable taste.

Comparison of Long Coffee with Americano and Filter Coffee

Confusion often arises: how does long coffee differ from Americano or coffee brewed in a drip coffee maker? Let's figure it out. Americano - this is espresso diluted with hot water after extraction. The Americano tastes like espresso, just less concentrated. Acidity and bitterness are retained in the same proportions as in the base.

Filter coffee prepared by passing hot water through a layer of coffee by gravity (gravity method). There is practically no pressure there. The taste is very clean, light, but often lacks a dense body and that same “oilyness” that a pressure of 9 bar in a coffee machine gives.

Long Coffee on DeLonghi - this is the golden mean. It is pressurized like espresso, so it retains the body and oils in the cup, but due to the increased volume of water and extraction time, its flavor profile is closer to filter coffee, while remaining richer. This is a complete brewing method, not just a dilution.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to imitate Long Coffee by pressing the espresso button several times in a row. The first portion will be normal, but the second and third will consist mainly of digested water with bitterness, since the coffee in the tablet has already given up all the taste.

Frequent errors and troubleshooting

Even with an automatic machine you can get bad results. Let's look at typical problems. If the coffee flows too quickly and the stream is intermittent, the grind is too coarse or the bean is too old. If the coffee barely drips or flows in a black stream, the grind is too fine or the grain is compressed.

The lack of foam (crema) in long coffee is more normal than for espresso, since a large volume of water destroys the structure of the foam. However, if there is no foam at all and the color of the drink is pale, the grain may be stale (old) or the temperature is too low.

Sometimes users complain that the machine spits out hot water at the end of the cycle. This is a standard procedure for cleaning the brewing unit. To avoid splashing into a cup of coffee, it is recommended to remove the cup immediately after the main pour of coffee has finished, until the characteristic rinsing sound is heard.

Can I use the Long mode to make tea?

Technically, the machine will supply hot water, but this is not recommended. Kettles can become clogged with limescale more quickly, and the water temperature in coffee machines is often higher than optimal for green or white tea, which will ruin the taste. It is better to use a separate kettle.

Why is Long coffee sour?

Acidity may indicate underextraction. Try making the grind finer, increasing the strength (grain dose), or increasing the water temperature. Also, a sour taste is characteristic of light-roasted Arabica, which is the norm for this variety.

How often should I clean my machine when using Long Coffee actively?

When brewing larger volumes of coffee, more water and solids pass through the machine. It is recommended to carry out decalcification strictly according to the machine's timer, and to rinse the brewing unit under water at least once a week, even if the machine says that cleaning is not required.

Does cup size affect the taste of Long Coffee?

Yes, indirectly. A narrow, tall cup (latte mug) retains temperature and aroma better than a wide bowl. In addition, the shape of the cup affects the perception of taste: from a narrow cup, the aroma hits the nose more strongly, enhancing the taste sensations.

Is it possible to add milk directly during the preparation of Long?

In automatic machines with cappuccino makers, milk is added separately. In the Long mode, coffee is first prepared into a cup, and only then (or in parallel, if there is a LatteCrema system) milk is supplied. You cannot pour milk into a stream of coffee.