Compact carob coffee maker DeLonghi Dedica EC 685 It became a real hit in the home appliances market due to its narrow case with a width of only 15 cm, which allows you to place it even in the smallest kitchen. However, despite the external simplicity, this device requires competent initial setup and regular maintenance to prepare a really high-quality espresso. Many owners are faced with the fact that the drink is watery or too hot, unaware that the problem lies in improper grinding or the lack of pre-washing of the system.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail all stages of work with DeLonghi EC 685From the first cup to the complex decalcination. You will learn how to adapt the machine to your taste preferences, adjusting the volume of water and temperature, and understand why it is important to use only freshly ground coffee or properly selected tablets. Ignoring the basic rules of operation can lead to a quick failure of the pump or heating element, so a careful study of the functionality will be the key to the long service of your device.
It is worth noting that EC 685 equipped with a thermal unit, which provides quick access to the operating mode, but has its own features in service. Unlike boiler systems, water quality and regular scale removal are critical here. We will look at not only standard, but also hidden features that will help to unlock the potential of your coffee maker to the maximum.
Initial preparation and start of the device
Before you turn on DeLonghi Dedica In the network, it is necessary to conduct a number of preparatory activities that are often missed by beginners. The factory lubricant and dust inside the hydraulic system must be completely removed so as not to spoil the taste of the first drink and not damage the internal components. Pour fresh cold water to the MAX mark into the water tank, making sure the softener filter (if installed) is fully submerged.
Turn on the power button and wait until the indicators stop flashing, signaling readiness. Now is the time to pour water through the system without coffee. To do this, install a holding (horn) without a filter or with a filter-basket installed, but without filling the coffee, and start the hot water supply. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times to clean the thermal unit and tubes from industrial contaminants.
☑️ First DeLonghi Dedica launch
It is important to check the operation of the cappuccinator immediately after switching on. Lower the tube into a container of water and transfer the lever to the steam supply position. If the device is working, you will hear a characteristic gurgle and see active water movement. This confirms that the pump is working correctly and there are no air traffic jams in the system.
Grinding setting and filter selection
The quality of espresso is 90% dependent on grinding, and DeLonghi EC 685 This is no exception. The machine is equipped with a pump pressure of 15 bar, which is a high figure, so the coffee should be ground fairly finely, but not in dust. If you use a built-in coffee grinder or a separate millstone model, aim for the consistency of fine sea salt. Too much grinding will cause the water to pass through the pill too quickly and you will get a sour, underextracted drink.
Included with a coffee maker are usually filter baskets for 1 and 2 cups, as well as a filter for pods (tablets). Choosing the right filter is critical. For ground coffee, use perforated baskets, and for poultry - a special insert without a bottom or with one large hole, which often comes with a complete set. Using ground coffee in the filter for pods will lead to clogging and leaks.
⚠️ Please note: Never put coffee in the filter. DeLonghi too much. A light pressing with a temper or bottom of the stack is enough. Excessive pressure will create a plug through which water cannot pass under high pressure, which will trigger the safety valve.
Grinding compliance tables
For French press: Large, rough grinding.| For drip coffee maker: Medium grinding like sand.| For espresso (DeLonghi): Small, slightly larger than flour, sticks to the fingers.| For Turks: Dust, powder (not suitable for EC 685).
The volume of filling also plays a role. In the filter on one cup it is recommended to pour 7-9 grams of coffee, and on two - 12-14 grams. If you pour coffee with a slide and heavily tramp, the water will go along the edges, bypassing the tablets, which will lead to uneven extraction. The ideal pill after the strait should be dry and dense, without liquid gruel.
Adjustment of temperature and portion volume
One of the key features EC 685 It is possible to program the volume of water for each button. Factory settings may not match your preferences, especially if you like lungo or ristretto. To change the volume, press and hold the desired button (one cup or two cups). The indicator will start flashing, signaling the start of the recording.
Release the button when the desired amount of drink is in the cup. The coffee maker will remember this time and in the future will stop the water supply automatically. This allows you to get a stable result each time without having to stand next to the device. For espresso, the optimal volume is 25-30 ml per serving, and for Lungo - about 60 ml.
| Parameter | Standard value | Recommended value | Effect on taste |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature (Low) | ~85°C | For a light roast. | It retains acidity, less bitterness |
| Temperature (Medium) | ~90°C | Universal regime | Balance of acid and sweets |
| Temperature (High) | ~95°C | For dark roasting. | Full extraction, possible bitterness |
| Volume of espresso | 40ml | 25-30 ml | A smaller volume gives a more saturated taste |
Temperature adjustment is carried out through the settings menu, which can be accessed by a combination of buttons (usually this is the simultaneous clamping of the steam and hot water buttons, or through prolonged retention, depending on the revision of the board). Temperature regime directly affects the extraction: for light roasting of grains, a higher temperature is needed to "pull out" the taste, and for dark - a lower one to avoid excessive bitterness.
Preparing cappuccino and working with a cappuccinator
hand-drawn capuchinator Pannarello on DeLonghi Dedica It allows you to create a lush milk foam, but requires a certain skill. The secret lies in the temperature and fat content of milk. Use only cold milk (preferably 3.2% fat or special protein milk for barista) poured into a cold pitcher or jug.
Before whipping, be sure to release the condensate from the tube, briefly turning on the steam. Then lower the nose of the capcinater to the boundary of milk and air. Turn on the steam and slowly lower the pitcher to capture air (a characteristic whistling is heard). When the volume increases by 1.5-2 times, immerse the nose deeper to twist the milk with a whirlwind and break the large bubbles.
Use only cold milk from the refrigerator – warm milk will not give the desired texture of the foam and may curl up on contact with steam.
After cooking the milk foam immediately wipe the capuchinator with a wet cloth and purify the steam. This will prevent the milk from drying inside the nozzle, which will later fall off in pieces in your coffee. Removable nozzle Pannarello You can disassemble for a more thorough washing under the tap, removing fatty plaque.
Decalcination and care of the system
Regular decalcification is the only condition for a long life. DeLonghi EC 685. Hard water quickly forms scale inside a narrow thermoblock, which reduces heat transfer and can lead to overheating or rupture of the tubes. The machine itself signals the need for the procedure by flashing the warning indicator. Don't ignore that signal.
For the procedure, use only special liquids for decalcination of coffee machines. Citric acid or vinegar can damage rubber seals and plastic parts of the internal system. Dissolve the product in water according to the instructions on the bottle, pour into the tank and start the cleaning process, following the display or indicators.
⚠️ Warning: Never use dishwashers or aggressive household chemicals to clean your coffee maker. Residues of these substances are toxic when ingested and can cause serious poisoning.
The decalcination process takes about 30-40 minutes and involves alternating the supply of solution and clean water. It is important not to interrupt this process. If the machine shuts down in the middle of the cycle, you will have to start all over again, as the acid residue inside can damage the metal.
Decalcination should be done every 2-3 months depending on the hardness of the water, even if the machine signals it less often.
Solving problems and malfunctions
During operation, users DeLonghi Dedica You may encounter a number of typical situations. For example, if the coffee maker is buzzing, but the water does not go, most likely, an air traffic jam has formed or the nose of the capuchinator has clogged. Try to clean the nose with a needle or start the cycle of steam supply with a tube lowered into the water.
If coffee flows too fast and looks pale, the problem is almost always grinding. Make it smaller. If the trickle is intermittent or coffee drips, the grind is too small or you have too hard tamped the tablet. It is also worth checking whether the holes in the filter basket are filled with coffee oils - they can be cleaned with a brush or soaked in a special solution.
Sometimes users complain that coffeemaker water properly. This may be due to an energy saving mode (automatic shutdown after 9 minutes) or the need to calibrate the thermostat. In rare cases, a replacement of a TEN is required, but most often the problem is solved by correct temperature setting or decalcination.
Why does water come from the cappuccinator instead of steam?
This is normal in the first seconds of inclusion, as the tube remains condensate. If the water is constantly flowing, it is possible that an air traffic jam has formed in the system. Try switching the steam and water supply lever several times to drive out the air. Check the water level in the tank as well.
Can I use ground coffee in tablets?
No, you can't. The tablets (pods) are already compressed by the manufacturer. If you try to use ground coffee in pill mode or vice versa, without a proper replacement of the filter insert, you will either get slurry or create excess pressure, dangerous for the pump.
How often should the filter softener be changed?
The filter softener (cartridge) in the water tank is recommended to be changed every 2 months or after 50 liters of spilled water. This will extend the life of the thermoblock and improve the taste of coffee. Before installation, the new filter must be activated by immersing in water for 5 minutes.
What to do if all the indicators are on fire?
If all the indicators flash at the same time, it is a signal of a serious error or the need for urgent decalcination. Try to turn off the coffee maker from the socket for 15-20 minutes to restart the system. If the problem persists, contact the service center, as the pressure or temperature sensor may have failed.