Coffee is not just a morning ritual, but a complex chemical process, the result of which directly depends on the quality of the equipment and the correctness of its operation. Owners of automatic coffee machines De'Longhi Often underestimate the importance of initial setup, relying on factory settings that may not match personal preferences or the hardness of local water. That is why you understand the principles of your device. Magnifica or Primadonna It is the key to getting the perfect cup every day.
Before proceeding directly to cooking, you need to make sure that the device is ready for operation. Modern models of the Italian brand are equipped with intelligent warning systems, ignoring which can lead to the breakdown of expensive nodes or deterioration of the taste of the drink. In this article, we will discuss in detail the entire cooking cycle, from grain preparation to the final cleaning of the system.
The quality of the water is crucial, as it accounts for more than 90% of the volume of finished espresso. The use of distilled water is strictly prohibited, as hardness sensors may not work properly, and the absence of minerals will make the taste flat. The optimal solution is to use bottled water for drinking or high-quality filtration, which will prolong the life of the heating element. thermal-block.
Initial preparation and start of the device
The first switching on of a new coffee machine or starting after a long downtime requires a number of mandatory procedures. Manufacturers De'Longhi developed an automatic washing system that is activated when the steam regulator is turned or the power is turned on. Do not rush to brew coffee, let the system complete the cycle of self-diagnosis and filling the hydraulic circuit.
It is important to install a water softener filter correctly if it comes with your model. Before installation, it must be soaked in a container with cold water, turning upside down to get air bubbles. This is critically important, as the presence of air in the system can lead to the pump running idle, and the pressure in the system does not rise to operating values.
⚠️ Warning: Never turn on a coffee machine without water in the tank. The pump operation on dry can lead to its overheating and failure, which is not a warranty case.
After filling the tank and installing the filter (if used), press the on button and wait until the indicators stop flashing. At this time, warming up is happening. thermal-block before working temperature. For display models Dynamic Display The screen will display a message about readiness, and in models with mechanical indicators, a green LED will light up.
☑️ Ready for first launch
Customization of the degree of grinding and the amount of grain
The degree of grinding is the parameter that most strongly affects the taste of espresso and the speed of its passage through the espresso. cook-block. In coffee machines De'Longhi The grinding regulator is usually located inside the grain silo or on its side wall. It can be adjusted only during the operation of the grinder, that is, directly at the moment when the machine emits a characteristic grinding noise.
If coffee leaks out too quickly and has a light, watery color with no foam cremaSo the grind is too big. In this case, you need to turn the regulator towards the numbers with a lower value (or clockwise, depending on the model). The changes will only come into effect after the second cup is prepared, as part of the previously ground coffee remains in the millstones.
In the opposite situation, when the trickle of coffee drips very slowly or is interrupted, and a compressed "puck" with a large amount of moisture is formed in the waste tray, the grinding is too small. Adjusting to the faction increase (big numbers) will correct the situation. It is also worth checking the freshness of the grain: old, overdried grains can give an excessive amount of dust clogging the brewing mechanism.
Use only grains intended for espresso machines. Grains in sugar glaze or with the addition of flavors can stick together and damage the grinder.
Technology of preparation of espresso and Lungo
Classic espresso is cooked at 9 bar pressure and coffee machines De'Longhi This parameter is automatically supported. To prepare one cup, press the corresponding button with the image of one cup. If you want to cook a double serving, press the two cup button – the machine will automatically increase the water supply time and the amount of grain to be grinded.
Function Lungo It involves making long coffee with a large volume of water. It’s important to understand the difference: if you just hold the espresso button down longer, you’ll get an overextracted, bitter drink. For the right Lungo, use a special button or adjust the portion size in the menu so that the machine uses the optimal time of contact of water with coffee.
The brewing temperature is also adjustable in most models. If your coffee seems sour, try increasing the temperature in the menu settings. Settings → Coffee Temperature. If the drink is bitter and has a burning flavor, the temperature should be reduced. The perfect balance allows you to reveal the nuances of taste of a particular variety of grain.
Dairy drinks preparation: cappuccino and latte
For lovers of drinks based on milk coffee machines De'Longhi offer different solutions: from hand-held cappuccinator Manual pre-automatic LatteCrema. In models with a hand-held capuchinator, you need to lower the tube into a container with milk and open the steam tap. The steam jet will suck the milk in and mix it with air, creating a dense foam.
Automatic systems such as LatteCrema SystemThey can make cappuccinos, macchiato lattes and white flutes at the touch of a button. The system whips the milk to the desired consistency and serves it in a cup, and then serves hot coffee. After cooking, the system automatically washes the milk circuit with a steam stream, which ensures the hygienic process.
The quality of milk foam directly depends on the fat content and temperature of the milk. It is best to use chilled whole milk (3.2% or higher) stored in the refrigerator. Less fatty milk or long-term storage milk may not produce the stable, dense foam that is needed for a proper cappuccino.
| Type of drink | Ratio (Coffee/Milk/Foam) | Portion size (approximately) | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| espresso | 100% coffee | 30-40 ml | Tight cream on the surface |
| cappuccino | 1/3 coffee, 1/3 milk, 1/3 foam | 150-180 ml | Thick, persistent milk foam |
| Latte Machiato | Layer of milk, layer of coffee, layer of foam | 200-250 ml | Serve in a high glass in layers |
| Lungo | 100% coffee (increased volume) | 80-100 ml | Less saturated, milder taste |
Use of ground coffee and kettle
Not all coffee machines are not allowed to use ground coffee. In the grain bunker for most models De'Longhi There is a special compartment or funnel, designated by the symbol of the spoon. When selecting this function, the machine skips the grinding step and uses a pre-prepared portion. This is convenient for making decafenized coffee or if you want to brew a drink from a specific variety.
It is important to observe the dosage: use only one scoop of ground coffee without a slide. Excess coffee can block the brewing block, and the machine will give an error. Also, you should not use coffee too finely ground (as for Turks), as it can wake up in the pallet or create excessive pressure.
Can I use coffee all the time?
Constant use of ground coffee is not recommended, as you deprive the machine of the function of freshness of grinding. In addition, in the bay for ground coffee can remain old particles that will oxidize and spoil the taste of new portions. Use this function occasionally.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the function of "Hot Water" or "Teapot". It allows you to serve boiling water from a separate nose or through the same, but without passing through the coffee tablet. This is useful for making tea, instant drinks or just for getting boiling water. In some models, this function is activated by pressing the steam button for a long time or through a separate menu.
Adjusting the height of the coffee spout
One of the useful features of coffee machines De'Longhi It is a height-adjustable coffee spout. This allows you to use cups of different volumes: from small espresso glasses to high plated glasses. Adjustment is carried out by simply moving the nose up or down to the click.
Properly setting the height of the nose is critical to maintaining the temperature of the drink and the quality of the foam. The nose should be as close as possible to the surface of the cup (at a distance of 1-2 cm). If the nose is raised too high, the stream of coffee will splash, cool down in flight, and foam. crema It will break down when it hits the bottom of the cup.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to move your nose while serving coffee or steam. The mechanism can jam, and hot liquid can get on the hands. Adjust the height only when the car is at rest.
Service and decalcination
Regular cleaning of scale is the key to the long life of your coffee machine. Hardness of water leads to the formation of calcium deposits inside thermal-block and tubes, which reduces the efficiency of heating and can lead to breakage. The machine itself will inform about the need for the procedure, the indicator with the image of scale will light up or a corresponding message will appear on the display.
For decalcination, only special liquids recommended by the manufacturer should be used. Vinegar or citric acid can damage rubber seals and plastic parts of the internal system. The process takes about 30-40 minutes and involves several cycles of washing the system with solution and clean water.
In addition to decalcination, do not forget to wash the brewing block weekly. It is removed from the machine (after switching off and cooling) and washed under a stream of warm water without the use of detergents. Clean brewing block ensures the absence of foreign smells and oily taste in coffee.
Timely decalcination and washing of the brewing unit prolong the service life of the coffee machine by 2-3 times and guarantee a stable taste of coffee without bitterness and impurities.
What if the machine says "Fill the tank" when there is water?
Most likely, the system formed an air traffic jam or contaminated the water level sensor. Try to remove and re-insert the tank by slightly tapping on it. If this doesn’t work, run a hot water or steam cycle to drive out the air. Also check if the magnets on the float are stuck inside the tank.
Why does coffee leak out too quickly and without foam?
The main reason is too large grinding of grain. It is necessary to twist the regulator in the bunker in the direction of reduction (number 1 or arrow to the left) during the operation of the grinder. The second possible reason is old, overdried grains that are poorly ground and do not create the necessary resistance to water.
Can I use tap water without a filter?
You can use tap water, but only if you have previously installed a filter softener (cartridge) in the tank. If there is no filter, hard water will quickly create scale inside the machine, leading to frequent decalcination and eventual breakage of the heater. In regions with very hard water, bottled water is best used.
How often should the filter softener be changed?
Resource of a standard softener filter De'Longhi It is designed to last about 50 liters of water or 2 months of use, whichever comes first. On the filter itself there is a wheel with a date that must be rotated for a month of installation. The machine itself will remind you of the need to replace when the filter resource is exhausted.