Modern automatic coffee machine turns the routine process of preparing a drink into pleasure, but to get an ideal result you need to know the nuances of operation. Many equipment owners DeLonghi They are faced with the fact that the first coffee turns out to be too sour or watery, although the machine is working properly. The secret lies in the correct initial setup and understanding of the operating principles of the grinding mechanism.
Before pressing the start button, it is important to carry out preparation, which will take no more than ten minutes. This ensures that factory lubricant will not fall into the cup, and the system will be ready to work under high pressure. Ignoring the rinsing step can result in an unpleasant plastic taste in the first shots of espresso.
Owners often underestimate the importance of water quality when using tap liquid, which quickly leads to scale formation. Using filtered or bottled water of low mineralization extends the service life of the heating element by 2-3 times. Let's take a step-by-step look at how to set up the device and brew coffee that even gourmets will appreciate.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn on the device if there is no water in the tank or it is installed incorrectly. Dry running of the pump can lead to its immediate failure.
Initial setup and startup of the device
After unpacking and installing the coffee machine on a flat surface, you must fill water tank. Use only cold water, as hot water can damage the internal liquid level sensors. In some models of the series Magnifica or Dinamica installation of a special softener filter is required, which is pre-soaked in water.
Next comes the grind adjustment step, which is critical for extraction. The regulator is usually located inside the bean compartment and has a scale from 1 to 7. The factory setting is often in the middle, but for dark roasting it is better to choose values 5-7, and for light roasting - 1-3. Changing a parameter Only possible when the coffee grinder is running, otherwise the millstones may be damaged.
The final stage of preparation is to start the rinse cycle. The machine itself will offer to do this or will perform the procedure automatically the first time you turn it on. Several portions of liquid will pass through the hot water dispenser and coffee spout, cleaning the hydraulic system.
Check the connections for tightness after the first run. If a puddle appears under the device, make sure that the drip tray and pulp container are inserted until they click into place. Pallet presence sensors They work by contact method, and the slightest distortion blocks the operation of the mechanism.
Adjusting the degree of grinding and strength of the drink
The quality of espresso directly depends on how correctly the size of the coffee fraction is selected. If the coffee flows too quickly and the drink turns out pale, the grind is too coarse. In this case, you need to turn the knob towards decreasing the number, but this must be done one division at a time at a time.
The opposite situation occurs when the coffee drips drop by drop or does not flow at all. This indicates an excessively fine grind, which creates excessive resistance in the brewing unit. Adjusting the number upward will solve the problem, however, the effect will only be noticeable from the second or third cup, since previously ground coffee remains in the mechanism.
- ☕ For light roasts (Arabica 100%) use a fine grind (1-3) for better extraction of oils.
- 🌰 For dark roasts or blends with Robusta, choose a medium or coarse grind (4-7).
- 🔄 Change the settings gradually, assessing the result after preparing 2-3 cups.
The strength of the drink is regulated by the amount of grain ground, not by pressure. By turning the dispenser handle, you change the volume of the portion of dry matter entering the mold. The more coffee, the richer the taste, but it is important not to overdo it so as not to overload brewing unit.
If your coffee flows too quickly even at the lowest grind setting, your coffee beans may be too dry or have long since lost moisture. Try adding 10-20% fresher beans.
Making espresso and long coffee
The process of brewing classic espresso in machines DeLonghi automated, but requires control over the quality of grains. Make sure there is enough raw material in the hopper and the level is not too low to prevent air from getting into the millstones. Air pockets can cause uneven grinding.
To prepare a drink, select the appropriate button on the control panel. The machine will independently grind, compact the tablet and pour water under a pressure of 9-15 bar. If you prefer Lungo (long coffee), use the button with more water, but remember that the extraction time will increase, which may lead to bitterness.
The water temperature can also be adjusted in most models. Through the menu or a combination of buttons, you can set one of three heating levels. For coffee with milk, a medium temperature is often recommended so as not to interrupt the taste of the milk, and for pure espresso - the maximum temperature.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use the drink volume buttons to manually stop the process too often. This throws off the pump's calibration, and next time the machine may pour less or more than necessary.
☑️ Perfect espresso
Whipping milk froth for cappuccino
Making a cappuccino or latte is an art that requires an understanding of how the cappuccino maker works. In cars DeLonghi two types of devices are used: an automatic jug (LatteCrema) or a manual pannarello. In the case of automatic module It is important to monitor the cleanliness of the tubes and the temperature of the milk.
The milk must be chilled (about 5°C) and have a fat content of at least 3.2%. Only such a product is capable of forming a stable, elastic foam. If the milk is warm or low-fat, the foam will be airy and will quickly settle, turning into bubbles.
- 🥛 Use only fresh pasteurized milk stored in the refrigerator.
- 🧼 Rinse the milk supply system with hot water immediately after each use.
- ❄️ Do not leave milk in the container at room temperature for longer than 15 minutes.
For a manual cappuccino maker, the technique is slightly different: you need to lower the tube into the milk and open the steam, adjusting the depth of the spout. The appearance of a characteristic hissing sound indicates the capture of air and the formation of foam. After the volume is saturated with milk, the steam is turned off and the milk is heated to the desired temperature.
Why doesn't the milk froth?
If the milk does not froth, check to see if the hole in the panarello tip is clogged. Often coagulated protein freezes there. Remove the nozzle and clean the hole with a thin needle or brush. It may also be due to low steam pressure due to scale in the boiler.
Maintenance and cleaning of the brewing unit
The most important element of a coffee machine is the brew group. It is he who is responsible for the formation of the tablet and the spilling of water. Unlike some competitors, DeLonghi This unit is removable, allowing for deep cleaning. This must be done regularly, depending on the intensity of use.
To remove the unit, you need to open the service door, press the red latches on the sides and pull the module towards you. It should be washed only with warm water without using detergents. Chemicals may damage food-grade lubricants and rubber seals and may leave a flavor in the coffee.
| Frequency | Action | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Rinse when turned on | Removing coffee residue |
| Once a week | Cleaning the brewing unit with water | Hygiene and oil removal |
| Once a month | Cleaning the brew group with a brush | Removing old particles |
| On signal | Decalcification (removal of scale) | Heater protection |
After washing, the unit must be completely dry before reinstalling. When wet, it can cause mold to develop inside the housing. Also, do not forget to lubricate the side guides of the brewing unit with food-grade silicone every six months if you notice difficult movement.
Regularly washing the brewing unit under running water is the main secret to the long life of your coffee machine and the absence of foreign tastes.
Decalcification and Troubleshooting
Scale is the main enemy of any equipment that comes into contact with water. Cars DeLonghi equipped with an intelligent system that itself calculates water hardness and signals the need for a decalcification procedure. Ignoring this requirement will lead to a decrease in steam power and overheating of the system.
The process uses a special liquid descaling agent. Fill it into a tank with water in the proportion specified in the instructions and start the cleaning program. The machine will alternately pump the solution into the system and pause to allow the acid to dissolve the deposits. The whole process takes about 30-40 minutes.
If the machine makes an unusual noise or does not turn on, check the basic settings. Often the problem lies in an improperly closed bean compartment door or an overfilled drip tray. Security system blocks startup when any structural elements are open.
- 🔇 Noisy operation: check whether a bone or stone has fallen into the coffee grinder.
- 💧Water Leakage: Make sure the drip tray is firmly inserted and the drainage hole is not clogged.
- 🚫 Power-on failure: check the network connection and the integrity of the power cable.
⚠️ Attention: Never use vinegar or citric acid for decalcification. They can damage the rubber seals and plastic tubes inside the machine and leave a lingering odor.
What to do if the "General Alarm" indicator lights up?
If multiple lights are flashing at the same time, this is an error code. Try unplugging the machine completely for 15 minutes. If the error persists, record the blinking sequence and contact your service center. This often indicates a faulty flow sensor or a problem with the pump.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the coffee turn out cold even though the temperature is set to maximum?
Most likely, the cups were cold. Coffee has a small volume and quickly transfers heat to the walls of the container. Always rinse cups with hot water or use the cup warming function on the lid of the machine if your model has one.
How often should you change your water filter?
The standard service life of a filter softener is 2 months or 50 liters of brewed coffee (whichever comes first). The machine itself will remind you of the need for replacement, but if you use very hard water, the period may be reduced.
Can I use ground coffee in an automatic machine?
Yes, in most models DeLonghi There is a special compartment for ground coffee (indicated by a spoon). However, it is not recommended to use it constantly, since it is impossible to regulate the grinding, and the remains of old coffee can sour in the supply channel.
Why does the machine turn itself off after a while?
This is an energy saving program at work. In the settings, you can change the time it goes into sleep mode or disable auto-shutdown, but manufacturers do not recommend doing this all the time in order to save the life of the heating elements.