To brew rich espresso in a coffee maker DeLonghi, you need to start by preparing the filter holder and choosing the correct heating mode. Modern models such as the series Magnifica or Dinamica, require pre-heating of the cups and the brewing unit itself to stabilize the water temperature. Ignoring this step results in hot water giving off heat to the cold walls of the device, and at the end you get a sour drink instead of aromatic coffee.
The preparation process directly depends on how well the coffee is compacted and what grind size is installed in the burr mill. If the beans are ground too coarsely, the water will pass through the tablet too quickly without having time to extract the flavors. In the opposite situation, when the grind is too fine, the pressure in the system will increase and the coffee maker may stop dispensing the drink or dispense it in a weak stream.
Before the first start-up, be sure to flush the system with clean water to remove industrial dust from the internal tubes.
Make sure the water tank is filled with fresh filtered water, as hard liquid will quickly form scale on the heating element.
Preparing the device and selecting ingredients
The quality of the final drink depends 80% on the condition of the coffee beans and their freshness, so use medium roast beans with a packaging date no older than 3-4 months.
When pouring beans into the hopper, make sure they are dry, as wet seeds can get stuck in the millstones and cause damage to the grinding mechanism.
For models with a manual dispenser, it is important to observe the proportions: usually one measuring spoon corresponds to one serving of espresso.
- 🌱 Use only fresh Arabica coffee beans or mixtures with Robusta to obtain thick foam.
- 💧 Fill the water tank only with cold drinking water at room temperature.
- 🧹 Regularly clean the bean hopper of coffee oils, which can turn rancid over time.
It's important to note that automatic coffee machines are sensitive to foreign matter, so do not add sugar, syrups or ground coffee to the hopper unless a special bypass channel is provided.
Some models DeLonghi equipped with a pre-wetting function, which is activated automatically before the main spill.
Setting the grinding degree and dosage
Grinding adjustment is carried out by a special wheel located inside the grain hopper, which can only be rotated while the mill engine is running.
Turning the dial towards number 1 will give you the finest grind, suitable for strong, rich espresso with thick crema.
Turning towards the number 7 will increase the fraction size, which will make the drink lighter and waterier, but will speed up the preparation process.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn the grind control when the coffee grinder is turned off to avoid breaking the burrs.
The dosage of dry coffee affects the strength and volume of the serving, and it is adjusted either automatically or manually, depending on the model.
In the settings menu, you can set the amount of water for each button, saving your ideal cooking recipe.
Remember that fine grind requires more time to pour, so do not interrupt the cooking process ahead of time.
Espresso brewing process
Immediately before pressing the brew button, adjust the drip tray to the desired height so that the coffee stream does not splash to the sides.
Press the drink selection button and the machine will begin the grinding process, after which high-pressure water will flow through the compressed tablet.
While the unit is running, do not open the service door as this may release pressure and stop the cycle.
- ☕ Warm up the cup by rinsing it with hot water or placing it on the top panel.
- ⏱ Watch the pouring time: classic espresso takes 20-30 seconds to prepare.
- 👀 Observe the color of the jet: it should be dark brown with a golden hue.
If the coffee flows too quickly and the color is light, you need to reduce the grinding level by one notch.
If the coffee drips drop by drop or does not flow at all, you will need to increase the fraction size or clean the brewing unit.
Modern systems DeLonghi They control the pressure themselves, but the user must monitor the condition of the raw materials used.
☑️ Checklist before launch
Making cappuccino and milk drinks
To create milk foam in models with a manual cappuccino maker, you need to lower the steam generator tube into a container with cold milk.
Switch the operating mode to steam and open the valve, immersing the tip of the tube just below the surface of the milk to saturate with air.
When the volume of foam has doubled, lower the tube deeper to heat the milk to a temperature of 60-65 degrees Celsius.
Automatic systems such as LatteCrema, will froth the milk to the desired consistency when you select the appropriate program.
After using the steam wand, be sure to blow through it with a short burst of steam to remove any remaining milk from the steam wand.
Wipe the cappuccino maker with a damp cloth immediately after preparation, as dried milk is difficult to remove and spoils the taste of the next drink.
| Parameter | Espresso | Lungo | Cappuccino |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water volume | 30-40 ml | 100-120 ml | 150 ml + milk |
| Cooking time | 25 sec | 45 sec | 60 sec |
| Pressure | 9 bar | 9 bar | 9 bar |
| Temperature | 92-94°C | 92-94°C | 65°C (milk) |
Adjusting temperature and strength
Many users do not know that the water temperature can be changed in the settings menu, which is especially true for different types of grain.
Light roasts require higher temperatures for full extraction, while dark roasts can become bitter if overheated.
The strength of the drink is regulated by the amount of coffee ground, and not by the time of pouring water through the tablet.
If the coffee seems too watery to you, increase the dose of dry matter in the device menu settings.
For models with display, the function is available Menu -> Coffee Strength, where you can select a level from 1 to 5.
Experiment with the settings gradually, changing one setting at a time, to understand the impact of each on the taste.
⚠️ Warning: Setting the maximum temperature may cause burns if the cup is handled carelessly immediately after preparation.
Caring for the coffee maker after use
Daily maintenance includes rinsing the brewing unit under running water without using detergents.
Remove the unit carefully, after waiting for the signal to complete the cycle and turning off the machine from the network.
Wipe the inside of the infuser compartment with a dry cloth to remove crumbs and dust.
- 🚿 Rinse the brewing unit with warm water once a week during active use.
- 🧽 Clean the cappuccino maker from milk fat with a special brush.
- 🗑 Pour liquid out of the used coffee tray when the indicator lights up.
Regular decalcification extends the life of the heating element and preserves the taste of the drink.
Use only special products DeLonghi EcoDecalk or similar solutions based on lactic acid.
Follow the instructions on the display screen when starting the descaling program to ensure all steps are completed correctly.
Common problems and their solutions
If the machine makes a lot of noise when running, check to see if a stone is caught in the millstones or if the water tank has run out.
The lack of crema on espresso often indicates stale beans or too coarse grinding, which requires adjustment.
Water leaks under the machine can be caused by an overfilled tray or incorrect installation of the brewing unit.
If the message to lubricate the brewing unit appears, contact the service center, as food grade lubricant is required.
Sometimes simply restarting the device by turning it off and on again after 10 seconds helps.
If the problem persists, check user manual to decipher the error codes displayed on the display.
Why does coffee come out pale and without foam?
Most likely, the beans are old or overcooked, or the grind is too coarse for the variety. Try turning the grind setting down one notch and using a fresher pack of coffee.
How often should you change your water filter?
Filter cartridge Carafe or AquaFilter must be replaced every 2 months or after 50 liters of water have passed through, whichever comes first.
Can I use ground coffee in an automatic coffee machine?
Yes, if the model is equipped with a bypass channel. Pour ground coffee only into the special compartment before brewing, without mixing it with the beans in the hopper.