Coffee machines DeLonghi are famous for their reliability and ease of use, especially models with a system E.S.E. and a removable brewing unit. However, even the most advanced equipment requires regular maintenance in order to delight the owner with perfect espresso for many years. One of the key but often overlooked aspects of maintenance is the proper lubrication of moving mechanical parts.
Owners often wonder whether internal mechanisms need to be lubricated at all if the manufacturer does not indicate this in the daily instructions. The answer is clear: yes, brewing unit lubrication critical to prevent wear on plastic gears and rubber seals. The absence of a lubricating layer leads to “metal on plastic” or “plastic on plastic” friction, which causes creaking, jamming and premature failure of the device.
In this article we will analyze the maintenance process in detail, select the right materials and eliminate common mistakes. You will learn which components require attention first and how often this procedure needs to be carried out for different models, such as Magnifica, Ecam or Dinamica.
Why is it necessary to lubricate the brewing unit?
The brew group is the heart of any automatic coffee machine. This is where the coffee tablet is formed and water is poured under high pressure. The constant movement of the pistons and turning mechanisms creates friction, which over time wears down the factory lubricant. If this layer is not replenished, active wear of parts begins.
Food grade lubricant performs several functions: it reduces the coefficient of friction, protects rubber seals from drying out and cracking, and also creates a barrier to moisture, preventing corrosion of metal elements. This is especially true for models with ceramic millstones, where the load on the brewing unit drive may be higher due to the grinding characteristics.
⚠️ Warning: Using unsuitable oils such as WD-40, machine oil or petroleum jelly may damage the rubber seals and release toxic substances into the drink. Use only certified products!
Regular maintenance helps to avoid the appearance of extraneous noise during operation. If your DeLonghi started to hum, squeak, or the brewing process began to take longer, most likely the mechanism requires cleaning and applying a new layer of lubricant.
Choosing the right lubricant
The first and most important step is choosing the right product. The market offers many options, but only special ones are suitable for coffee machines food grade lubricants silicone based. They are inert, odorless, do not affect the taste of coffee and are safe when in contact with food at high temperatures.
The most popular and recommended solution by the manufacturer is DeLonghi EcoDecalk (for descaling) and specialized lubricants, often sold under the brand Grease Food Grade or original tubes DeLonghi. Lubricants have also proven themselves well Liqui Moly Silikon-Fett (food version) and Molykote 111.
- 🧪 Silicone base: Guarantees heat resistance up to 200°C and above, which is important for components in contact with boiling water.
- 🛡️ Inertia: The material should not react with coffee, water or the plastic of the housing.
- 💧 Moisture resistance: The lubricant should not be washed off with water after the first spill, providing long-term protection.
Don't try to save money by using edible vegetable oil. It quickly oxidizes, turns into a sticky mass, clogs mechanisms and becomes an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria. This will lead to the need for expensive repairs and replacement of the entire brewing unit.
Buy lubricant in small tubes (20-50 grams). One package is enough for 2-3 years of regular use, and larger volumes will simply dry out or lose their properties until the end of use.
Preparing for Service: Tools and Safety
Before you begin disassembly, you need to prepare your work area and tools. You don't need complex professional tools, but order and cleanliness are a must. Unplug the coffee machine and let it cool completely.
For work you will need: a soft brush (often included with the machine), a lint-free cloth, warm water and, of course, the lubricant itself. Some models, for example, series Magnifica S, allow you to remove the brewing unit by simply pressing a button, while Primadonna may require access via the service menu or removal of the side panel.
☑️ Preparation for lubrication
It is important to provide good lighting. Small parts such as springs and gears are easier to see in bright light. If you have a model with a hidden infuser (for example, some versions Autentica), read the manual, as access may require removing the top cover or side wall.
Removing and cleaning the brewing unit
The extraction process depends on the specific model DeLonghi. In most cases, you need to open the service door, press the latches and pull the unit towards you. Do this smoothly, without jerking, so as not to damage the plastic guides.
After removal, the block must be thoroughly rinsed with warm water. Do not use detergents as any residue may spoil the taste of the coffee. The main task is to remove coffee oils and residues that interfere with the application of new lubricant. Pay special attention to the side guides and the central piston.
After washing, be sure to dry all parts. Water should not remain on the mechanisms before applying lubricant, otherwise an emulsion will form that will quickly lose its properties. Use paper towels or compressed air to remove moisture from hard-to-reach areas.
| Model DeLonghi | Access type | Lubrication frequency | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnifica (ECAM 22.x) | Front, no tools | Once every 6 months | Low |
| Dinamica | Front, hidden block | Once a year | Average |
| Primadonna | Panel removal required | Once a year | High |
| Autentica | Side/Rear | Once every 6-8 months | Average |
Technology for applying lubricant to moving parts
It is not the entire block that needs to be lubricated, but only certain friction points. Pay special attention to the side slides on which the brewing unit rides inside the machine body. Also, piston rods and joints of plastic gears must be lubricated.
Apply lubricant in a thin layer. Excess material will be squeezed out when the mechanism operates and may mix with the coffee, which is undesirable. Use a cotton swab or small spatula to spot apply to hard-to-reach areas.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to apply lubricant to the rubber seals of the brewing cylinder itself (where the tablet is formed) and to the mesh filter. Lubrication is only needed for mechanical guides and gears!
After applying the lubricant, you must manually rotate the gears several times and move the pistons (if the design allows) to distribute the material evenly. This will provide instant protection the first time you use it.
What to do if grease gets on the rubber seal?
If you accidentally apply food-grade silicone grease to the seal, nothing bad will happen, since it is inert. However, for a better seal, it is better to wipe the seal with a damp cloth, leaving the lubricant only on the rubbing plastic and metal surfaces.
System assembly and testing
After processing all components, carefully place the brewing unit back into the coffee machine. It should snap into place with a characteristic click. Do not use excessive force; if the block does not fit, check that the orientation is correct.
Close the service door and plug in the machine. On first launch DeLonghi usually carries out a rinsing procedure. Observe the process: engine operation should be quiet and smooth, without squeaks or jerks.
Discard the first 2-3 servings of hot water or prepare a test coffee (which can be poured out) to ensure there are no off-flavors. This will also help remove any excess lubricant that may have entered the system.
A properly lubricated brewing unit operates quietly. If the creaking persists after the procedure, the drive gear may have worn out and requires replacement of the part, rather than just lubrication.
Maintenance frequency and common errors
The optimal frequency of lubrication depends on the intensity of use of the coffee machine. For an office where 50 cups are prepared per day, the procedure should be performed every 3 months. For home use, once every 6-12 months is enough.
One of the main mistakes is ignoring cleaning before lubrication. Applying new grease over old grease contaminated with coffee oils creates an abrasive paste that accelerates wear on parts. Always remove the old layer completely.
- ❌ Error: Using graphite lubricant. It is black, stains everything and can be toxic if it gets into a drink.
- ❌ Error: Lubrication of electrical contacts. This will cause a short circuit and damage the electronics.
- ❌ Error: Forgetfulness. If you lubricated your car, write the date on a calendar or on a sticker under the bottom so you don't forget about the next service.
Regular care DeLonghi is an investment in the longevity of the device. A simple lubrication procedure takes 15-20 minutes, but can extend the life of the coffee machine by several years, maintaining the quality of your favorite drink.
Is it possible to use grease or lithol?
No, you can't. These lubricants are not food grade and have a specific smell and taste that will transfer into the coffee. They can also break down some types of plastic and rubber used in coffee machines.
How can you tell if the lubricant has dried out?
The main symptom is the appearance of dry friction, squeaking or humming when the brewing mechanism operates. The block may also move jerkily or get stuck in extreme positions.
Do I need to lubricate the coffee grinder burrs?
No, coffee grinder burrs (especially ceramic ones) cannot be lubricated. The coffee oil produced during grinding itself acts as a natural lubricant. Adding foreign substances will ruin the taste of the coffee and clog the grinders.