Carob coffee maker DeLonghi EC 685 BK starts the coffee brewing process immediately after turning on the heating mode, demonstrating a stable pressure of 9 bar in just 40 seconds thanks to the Thermoblock. This model, painted in a deep black gloss, is designed for users who value compactness, since its width is only 15 centimeters, which allows the device to be installed even on a narrow shelf or in the corner of a tabletop. Inside the body is a powerful pump mechanism that ensures the correct extraction of espresso, and the Flow Stop system allows you to automatically stop the flow of water after reaching a predetermined cup volume.
Owners of this model often note the ergonomics of the horn, which is made of stainless steel and has a comfortable handle with an anti-slip coating. The design of the filter holder makes it easy to compact coffee, and a special fastening system guarantees reliable fixation during spills of water under high pressure. It is important to consider that standard filters have a double bottom to create artificial pressure, which helps to obtain dense foam even with medium-ground coffee, which is usually sold in supermarkets.
The device is controlled through three backlit mechanical buttons located on the top panel, which makes operation intuitive even without studying the instructions. Thermoblock made of stainless steel, it quickly reaches operating temperature and maintains it stable throughout the entire preparation cycle, preventing changes that could negatively affect the taste of the drink. The built-in cappuccino maker with an adjustable nozzle allows you to froth milk to a thick froth or simply heat it for a latte, although the ideal result requires some skill and the use of cold, high-fat milk.
Design features and housing design
Appearance DeLonghi EC 685 made in a strict minimalist style, where the black glossy finish is combined with chrome elements, such as the tray frame and the rim around the horn. The body is made of durable plastic and metal, which ensures sufficient stability on the surface, despite its compact dimensions. The top panel has a slightly angled geometry, which improves visibility of the LED indicators and makes it easier to access control buttons.
- 📏 The ultra-thin 15 cm wide body fits perfectly into kitchen sets of standard depth.
- 🎨 Glossy black surface (Black) is easy to wipe clean, but requires regular care to remove fingerprints.
- 🏗️ The metal horn and tray add weight to the design and a premium tactile feel.
- 🔌 Cord winder and filter holder storage on the back help keep your workspace tidy.
The drip tray is equipped with a liquid level indicator, which signals when the container needs to be emptied. The tray grid is made of chromed metal and can be removed to accommodate tall cups or latte glasses, which expands the functionality of the device. Cup Warmers System on the top panel allows you to warm up cups with the heat of the operating device, although the effectiveness of this process depends on the duration of operation of the coffee maker.
⚠️ Attention: The glossy black surface of the case is prone to micro-scratches when using abrasive cleaners, so it is recommended to use only a soft, damp cloth for cleaning.
The back of the device is equipped with a removable 1 liter water tank, which has a transparent scale to monitor the liquid level. The design of the tank allows it to be removed both from the top and from the side, which is convenient when placing the coffee maker under wall cabinets. Inside the tank there is a water softener filter, which helps reduce the formation of scale in the thermoblock and extend the life of the heating element.
Specifications and performance
The heart of the model EC 685.M (metal housing) or versions BK (coated plastic body) is a pump system that creates a working pressure of 9 bar. This is the optimal indicator for espresso extraction, allowing you to reveal the aromatic oils of the coffee beans. The stainless steel thermoblock heats water using the flow method, which eliminates the need to wait for a large volume of liquid to boil, as in boiler systems.
| Parameter | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pump pressure | 9 bar | Optimal for espresso |
| Power | 1350 W | Fast heating Thermoblock |
| Tank volume | 1.0 l | Removable, with filter |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 15x33x30.5 cm | Compact format |
The performance of the device allows you to prepare up to 4-6 cups of espresso in a row without a significant drop in temperature, however, it is recommended to take a short break between servings to stabilize the operation of the thermoblock. Automatic shutdown triggers after 9 minutes of inactivity, which meets modern energy efficiency and safety requirements. The overheating protection system prevents damage to internal components in case of prolonged operation or blockage of water flow.
The model's cappuccino maker is equipped with a panarello with three holes, which promotes active saturation of milk with air. The steam supply is adjusted by turning the ring on the handle, allowing you to switch between steam mode and hot water mode. To prepare hot water for Americano or tea, you must use the special nozzle included in the kit, or remove the top part of the panarello.
Use only cold milk (temperature 4-6°C) to obtain the best micro-foam. Warm milk will not give the desired volume and texture.
Setting the grind and working with the horn
For the correct operation of the coffee maker DeLonghi Dedica It is critical to use the correct grind of coffee that matches the type of filter you are using. Standard filter baskets have a double bottom with a calibrated hole, which allows you to use industrially ground coffee, which is often found on sale. However, for better, richer flavored espresso, it is recommended to switch to freshly ground coffee and single hole filters.
- ☕ Double filter is designed to prepare two servings of espresso or one large cup of Americano.
- ☕ Single filter is used to brew one standard portion of a drink.
- ☕ Chall filter (E.S.E.) allows you to use ready-made compressed coffee tablets in a paper shell.
- ☕ An adapter for chawls is not required, since the design of the horn allows for their direct installation.
When using freshly ground coffee, it is necessary to select the degree of grinding so that the pouring time is 20-25 seconds to obtain 30-40 ml of drink. If the coffee flows too quickly and the foam is pale, the grind is too coarse; If the stream drips or is interrupted, the grain is ground too finely. Tamping The coffee flow should be uniform, without distortions, so that the water passes through the entire area of the tablet equally.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use too fine grinding ("to dust") with standard filters, as this can lead to excessive pressure build-up and stripping of threads or damage to seals.
After each preparation of coffee, the horn must be immediately cleared of the used tablet and rinsed with water. Residues of coffee oils on the walls of the filter basket quickly oxidize and impart bitterness to subsequent portions of the drink. Regular backwashing (without coffee) helps clear the mesh of small particles that clog the holes.
☑️ Daily horn care
Drink preparation process and cappuccino machine
Preparing espress on EC 685 BK It begins with warming up the cup and the horn itself, for which you can pass an idle stream of hot water through the system. After installing the filled filter and turning on the corresponding button, the machine starts dispensing water, and the user controls the volume of the drink visually, stopping the process by pressing the button again (mode Manual). The Flow Stop function allows you to program the volume for the espresso and lungo buttons, automating the preparation process.
Frothing milk requires first releasing condensation from the steam wand before dry steam appears. The panarello nozzle should be immersed in milk to a depth of 1-1.5 cm and the pitcher slightly tilted to create a vortex movement of the liquid. Spinning the milk aerates it and breaks up any large bubbles, creating the smooth, glossy texture needed for latte art, although mastering this skill on an automatic milk frother takes time.
To prepare Americano or tea, you can use the hot water mode by first removing the top cap from the panarello. The water temperature in this mode is high enough to brew tea or dilute strong espresso. It is important not to leave the steam wand in the milk after turning off the steam, as this may cause milk to be sucked into the mechanism as it cools.
The secret of perfect foam
Dip the tip of the cappuccino maker just below the surface of the milk to create large bubbles, then dive deeper to swirl and crush the bubbles into microfoam. Movements should be smooth, without sudden jerks.
Maintenance, descaling and descaling
Regular decalcification is a mandatory procedure for DeLonghi EC 685, the frequency of which depends on the hardness of the water used. The machine is equipped with a descaling indicator, which lights up after a certain number of cooking cycles or when the time has elapsed. Ignoring this signal leads to the overgrowing of the thermoblock channels with lime, a decrease in pressure and overheating of the device.
The decalcification process takes about 30 minutes and requires the use of a special liquid product or citric acid in the proportion specified by the manufacturer. The solution is poured into the tank, after which the cleaning mode starts, during which the liquid is alternately supplied through the spill group and the steam tube. Procedure includes several stages of pouring and pauses necessary to dissolve deposits inside the heating element.
- 💧 Use only filtered or bottled water for making coffee to reduce the rate of scale formation.
- 💧 Do not use vinegar for decalcification, as it can damage the rubber seals and plastic parts of the internal line.
- 💧 After completing the descaling cycle, be sure to rinse the system with clean water 2-3 times to remove any remaining acid.
- 💧 Change the water softener filter in the tank regularly according to the instructions (every 2 months or 60 liters).
If the scale indicator flashes and the machine does not enter cooking mode, you may need to repeat the descaling procedure or reset the counter. Sometimes the problem may be an air lock in the system, which can be removed by pumping water through the steam wand with the steam tap open.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to interrupt the decalcification process or turn off the device from the network while the program is running, as this may lead to damage to the electronics or the pump.
Timely decalcification extends the life of the thermoblock by 2-3 times and maintains stable pump pressure throughout its entire service life.
Frequent malfunctions and methods for eliminating them
During operation, users may encounter a situation where the coffee maker DeLonghi EC 685 It hums, but the water does not flow or flows in a weak stream. Most often, this indicates that the filter is clogged with calcium deposits or the coffee grind is too fine. In the first case, decalcification is required, in the second, replacing the coffee tablet and adjusting the grinding degree to a coarser one.
If water or a mixture of steam and water comes out of the steam wand instead of steam, this may indicate the need for a descaling procedure or that the device has not had time to switch to steam mode. The thermoblock requires time to transition from the brewing temperature (about 90°C) to the vaporization temperature (over 100°C). It could also be due to low water level in the tank when the pump is taking in air.
Water leaks from under the horn or at the bottom of the device are often associated with wear of the rubber group seal or improper installation of the horn. It is necessary to check the cleanliness of the sealing ring and replace it if necessary. If water drips from the cappuccino maker spout during coffee preparation mode, this is normal for this design, since the condensate is drained through a common system.
Comparison with analogues and final summary
Compared to competitors such as Breville Bambino or Sage Barista Express, model DeLonghi EC 685 benefits from its exceptional compactness and affordable price. It doesn't offer a built-in grinder or digital display, but it does provide the basic functionality for making quality espresso in a minimal amount of space. Plastic body version BK less prone to chipping than painted metal, but looks a little less premium.
The main advantages of the model are fast heating, compactness, the ability to use chawls and the presence of all the necessary functions to start in the world of coffee. The disadvantages include the noisy operation of the pump, the need to select the correct grind for standard filters, and the plastic cappuccino maker, which requires careful handling. For a small family or office where every centimeter of space is important, this is one of the best solutions on the market.
In conclusion, DeLonghi Dedica EC 685 BK is a balanced product that, with proper care and adjustment, can delight the owner with delicious coffee for many years. It is ideal for those who want to switch from capsule systems or instant coffee to real espresso without taking up the entire kitchen with bulky equipment.
Comparison of EC 685 and EC 685.M
The M version has an all-metal body, which makes it heavier and more stable, as well as better heat retention. Version BK (plastic) is lighter and cheaper, but in terms of functionality and brewing quality they are identical.
How often should DeLonghi EC 685 be descaled?
The frequency depends on the water hardness. When using filtered water - once every 2-3 months. For hard tap water - once a month or according to the indicator signal.
Can I use store bought ground coffee in this coffee maker?
Yes, standard double-bottom filters are specifically designed for using standard factory-ground coffee, which is sold in vacuum packaging.
Why does my coffee maker leak from the cappuccino maker spout when brewing coffee?
This is a design feature: condensate and excess water from the steam channel are drained through the panarello spout. Place the container or wipe with a napkin.
What is the maximum cup capacity for a tray?
The height of the cup together with the horn should not exceed 12 cm with the drip tray installed. If you remove the grill, you can place a glass up to 15 cm high.