Modern automatic coffee machines of the brand Delonghi turn the complex process of preparing a drink into a simple and quick action. However, many owners do not know what is hidden in the settings menu, which allows them to unleash the true potential of the device. The correct sequence of actions and understanding of the operating principles of the equipment are the key to a cup that will delight you every morning.
In this article we will look in detail at how to adjust the grinding, change the strength and temperature, and also how to properly use the cappuccino maker to create milk froth. You will learn why sometimes the drink turns out sour or bitter, and how to correct the situation without calling a specialist. Deep understanding of functionality automatic systems will allow you to avoid common mistakes.
Before you press the start button, you need to make sure that all preparatory steps have been completed correctly. Up to 50% of the success of the operation depends on the quality of water and the freshness of the grains. Let's look at a step-by-step algorithm of actions that will help you become a real barista in your kitchen.
Primary preparation of equipment and ingredients
The first start-up or preparation after a long period of inactivity requires special attention to the water supply system. It is necessary to fill the tank with fresh cold water, preferably filtered, to avoid scale formation on the heating elements. Hard water can destroy an expensive boiler in a matter of months, so this aspect cannot be ignored.
Coffee beans should be of high quality and fresh, preferably medium roast, since grains that are too dark can clog the millstones, and light ones can prevent the necessary extraction. Pour the grains into the hopper, first making sure that there are no foreign objects or moisture residues inside. For series models Magnifica or Dinamica It is important not to overfill the hopper beyond the MAX mark.
⚠️ Attention: Never use ground coffee in the bean compartment, this will damage the burr group and require expensive repairs.
Plug in the device and wait for the hydraulic system flush cycle to complete. The machine itself will tell you when it is ready for use, usually accompanied by a sound signal or the readiness indicator lighting up. Now you can start fine-tuning the parameters of the future drink.
Setting the degree of grinding and strength of the drink
The key parameter influencing the taste is the degree of grinding of the beans, which can be adjusted directly while the coffee machine is operating. By turning the knob in the bean hopper, you change the distance between the millstones: a smaller value produces a finer grind, and a larger value produces a coarser grind.
If you like a rich and dense drink, you should choose a finer grind and increase the dosage of dry matter. On the control panel, this is usually done by pressing a button with a picture of beans or turning a special strength regulator. Flavor intensity directly depends on the amount of ground coffee entering the filter.
For models with a display, settings can be made through the menu, where digital values are available. Experiment with the settings in small steps to find the perfect balance for your bean variety. A grind that is too coarse will make the coffee watery, while a grind that is too fine will make it bitter and difficult to pump.
Write down successful combinations of grind and strength settings for different types of coffee so you don’t waste time searching for the perfect one every time.
Adjusting temperature and portion volume
Brewing temperature is the second most important factor determining the organoleptic properties of the drink. Most models Delonghi This option is hidden in the settings menu or can be adjusted using a button combination. The optimal temperature for revealing the aroma of Arabica is about 90-93 degrees, but some varieties require hotter or, conversely, more gentle conditions.
The serving volume is also customizable: you can program the “Espresso” or “Coffee” button to dispense exactly the amount of liquid that you like. To do this, press and hold the corresponding button until the required amount of drink is in the cup, after which the machine will remember this volume. Programmable buttons significantly speeds up the preparation process in the morning.
If your coffee seems too hot or, conversely, is cooling quickly, check the temperature of the cups. Cold ceramics instantly take heat away from the drink, which is why many models have a cup warming function on the top panel. Use this option to keep your drink at the ideal temperature.
☑️Customize your perfect cup
Technology for preparing cappuccino and latte
The preparation of dairy drinks requires the use of a cappuccino maker, which can be automatic (system LatteCrema) or manual (panarello). In automatic systems, it is enough to pour milk into a special jug, place it in place and select the appropriate recipe on the display. The machine itself will whip up the foam of the required density and mix it with espresso in the correct proportions.
If you have a model with a manual cappuccino maker, the process requires more participation. Place the pannarello wand into the milk container and open the steam tap or press the steam button. The milk will begin to rise through the tube and become saturated with air, turning into thick foam. The main thing here is not to overheat the milk, otherwise it will lose its sweetness and acquire a boiling taste.
After frothing the milk, you need to prepare the espresso and carefully pour it into the milk base. For a latte, the proportion of milk is higher and the foam is less dense than for a cappuccino. By adjusting the position of the steam dispenser, you can change the texture of the foam from airy and light to dense and glossy.
| Drink type | Base | Milk | Foam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 30 ml | No | No |
| Cappuccino | 30-40 ml | 100 ml | Thick |
| Latte | 30 ml | 150 ml | Thin |
| Latte Macchiato | 30 ml | 150 ml | Puff |
⚠️ Attention: Use only cold milk (preferably 3.2-4% fat), as warm milk will not give high-quality stable foam.
Using ground coffee instead of beans
Sometimes a situation arises when you need to make coffee from an already ground product or decaf, without mixing it with the main beans in the hopper. For this purpose in coffee machines Delonghi a special workaround is provided, often indicated by a spoon. Place one scoop of ground coffee into the appropriate hole, usually located next to the bean hopper.
After loading the powder, you must select the “Ground coffee” preparation mode through the menu or a special button. The machine will skip the grinding step and go straight to pressing and brewing. It is important to add coffee just before starting the cycle to prevent it from spilling into the waste compartment.
It is not recommended to use this mode all the time, as it does not allow you to adjust the grind level, which means you lose flexibility in adjusting the taste. This is more of an emergency or situational option for diversifying the range of drinks. Make sure the grind is espresso standard, otherwise the water will pass through the tablet too quickly or too slowly.
What to do if the coffee flows in a stream?
If the drink flows too quickly and does not have a creamy foam, the grind is too coarse. It is necessary to turn the knob towards lower values (usually number 1) while the coffee grinder is running.
Caring for the machine after cooking
After each coffee brewing cycle, the machine automatically performs rinsing of the circuit, draining some water into the drip tray. However, this is not enough to maintain perfect hygiene. Empty the grounds tray regularly and rinse it with warm water to prevent mold and odors.
The milk frother requires special attention: immediately after frothing the milk, blow the system with steam so that the remaining milk protein does not dry out inside the tubes. The removable parts of the cappuccino maker (if your model has them) must be washed under running water after each use. System hygiene directly affects the taste of future portions.
Once a week it is recommended to carry out a deeper cleaning of the brewing unit. Remove it from the case (if the design allows), wash it with warm water without detergents and let it dry at room temperature. Do not use brushes with hard bristles to avoid damaging the Teflon coating.
Regular washing of the brewing unit and cappuccino maker extends the life of the coffee machine and guarantees the pure taste of coffee without foreign impurities.
Common errors and ways to resolve them
One of the most common problems is coffee that tastes sour, which is often a sign that the grind is too coarse or the brew temperature is too low. If the drink is bitter, try making the grind coarser or lowering the temperature. Understanding cause-and-effect relationships helps you quickly adjust the recipe.
Sometimes the machine may report a "General Alarm" error or flash the indicator light. This is often because the waste container was removed and put back in too quickly for the machine to register the emptying. In this case, you need to turn off the device, wait 10 seconds and turn it on again, after first cleaning all available containers.
Do not forget to carry out decalcification in a timely manner using special liquids. Hard water leads to the formation of scale, which reduces heat transfer and can cause the thermoblock to overheat. Follow the instructions on the display and your Delonghi will last for many years.
Why does coffee not flow, but drip?
Most likely, the grind is set too fine, and it is difficult for water to pass through the compressed tablet. Try increasing the grinding degree (turn the dial towards larger numbers) while the coffee grinder is running. The cause may also be a clogged mesh in the brewing unit, which needs to be washed.
Can I use flavored grains?
It is not recommended to use beans with artificial flavors (oily coating), as they will stick to the millstones and spoil the taste of the next drink. If you decide, get ready to clean your coffee grinder more frequently and thoroughly with professional cleaning products.
How often should you change your water filter?
The standard life of a water softener filter is about 50 liters or 2 months of use, whichever comes first. After replacing the filter, be sure to follow the activation procedure described in the instructions for your model.