Choosing the perfect coffee for an automatic coffee machine is not just a matter of personal preference, but a complex technical task that requires an understanding of the mechanics of the extraction process. Owners of machinery DeLonghi Often faced with the dilemma: buy expensive specialized grain or limit budget options from the supermarket. In fact, the quality of the drink depends on the compatibility of the physical properties of the grain with the grinding settings and pump pressure of your model.
Incorrectly selected raw materials can lead not only to an untasteful drink, but also to serious breakages of the brewing unit. Automation. DeLonghi sensitive to oilseed and hardness of grain, so ignoring the recommendations of the manufacturer is fraught with clogging millstones or water leakage. In this article, we will discuss which varieties will ensure stable operation of the device and rich taste in the cup.
There is a common misconception that any coffee machine will grind and boil everything that is put in it. This is a dangerous mistake that can shorten the life of expensive equipment. Understanding that, Which coffee is better? It is for your model that you can avoid expensive repairs and enjoy the perfect espresso every morning.
DeLonghi Technical Requirements for Coffee Beans
Automatic coffee machines DeLonghisuch as the series Magnifica, Ecam or DinamicaThey are equipped with conical or flat type coffee grinders. These mechanisms are designed to work with a grain of medium hardness. Too soft or overcooked grain releases an excess amount of oils, which, oxidized, turn into a sticky substance that clogs the millstone.
It is important to consider that the degree of roasting directly affects the density of grain. Dark Roast makes coffee more porous and brittle, which makes it easier to grind, but increases the risk of particles sticking together in the millstones. Light Roast, on the other hand, requires a more powerful engine and precise calibration of the gap between the millstones to produce the desired size fraction.
⚠️ Note: The use of grains coated with sugar syrup or flavorings (for example, "hazelnut", "caramel") is strictly prohibited by the instructions. The sticky layer instantly disables the feeding mechanism and the coffee grinder, and such a case is not recognized as warranty.
The best choice for most models is grain. Arabica with the addition of 10-20% Robusta or pure Arabica of medium roasting. This combination provides sufficient pressure at the strait and the formation of a dense cream. Robusta in the mixture gives the drink the necessary strength and improves foaming, which is critical for automatic capuchinators.
Buy coffee in small packages (250-500 g) with a degassing valve. This ensures that the grain does not have time to exhale while you use it, and the packaging does not inflate from gases.
The degree of roasting: the effect on taste and mechanism
The degree of roasting is a parameter that determines not only the taste profile, but also the behavior of the coffee inside the machine. For owners. DeLonghi It is important to find a balance between the saturation of taste and the safety of the equipment. Consider the main types of roasting and their effect on extraction.
Medium Roast is considered the “gold standard” for automatic coffee machines. The grain retains enough oils for the aroma, but does not release excess when milled. This allows the millstones to work in normal mode without overheating and sticking. The taste of this coffee is usually balanced, with notes of fruit, nuts or chocolate, depending on the region of growth.
- 🌰 Light roasting: grain is hard, requires fine grinding, taste sour, high risk of underextraction in the machine.
- 🍫 Medium roasting: the perfect balance for DeLonghi, stable grinding, rich cream, lack of sodium.
- 🌑 Dark roasting: the grain is fragile and oily, gives a bitter taste, a high risk of clogging the millstones with resins.
Using a grain that is too dark may require a more frequent cleaning procedure for the brewing unit. The oils contained in this coffee quickly oxidize and create a plaque that is difficult to remove by conventional washing. If you prefer this taste, be prepared to devote more time to the maintenance of the car.
Why does fresh coffee hiss?
Freshly roasted coffee releases carbon dioxide (CO2) for several weeks after roasting. When in contact with hot water in the coffee machine, this gas is actively released, creating a hissing effect and helping to form a dense foam of the cream.
Arabica or Robusta: what to choose for a machine
The choice between 100% Arabica and Robusta blends is often controversial among coffee drinkers. From a botanical point of view, Arabica is considered more noble, but for automatic coffee machines. DeLonghi Pure Robusta or mixtures with its high content can be a real test.
Robusta contains almost twice as much caffeine and chlorogenic acids, making it more resistant to pests, but also gives the grain a specific bitterness and earthy notes. However, from the technical side, Robusta gives a denser and more stable foam (cream) due to its high solid content. This is especially important for making cappuccinos and lattes.
| Characteristics | Arabica (100%) | Mixture (80/20 or 70/30) | Robusta (100%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taste. | Acid, fruity, complex | Balanced, bittersweet | Sharp, earthy, very bitter. |
| Cream | Light, falling fast. | Dense, nutty-colored. | Very dense, dark. |
| The load on the coffee grinder | Medium | Low/Mediocre | High (solid grain) |
| Recommendation by DeLonghi | Yes. | Optimally. | Not recommended |
For daily use, the best suitable mixtures, where Arabica is the main proportion, and Robusta added for the body density of the drink. Pure Robusta It can be too tough for some models of coffee grinders and give an unnecessarily bitter taste, which is not liked by everyone.
Rules of storage and freshness of grain
Coffee freshness is a critical parameter that is often ignored. Coffee begins to lose its aromatic properties immediately after roasting, but the peak taste comes in 2-3 weeks and lasts up to 2-3 months. Buying expired grains or improper storage negates all the capabilities of your coffee machine.
Store coffee in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight, moisture and foreign smells. Many people make the mistake of putting coffee in the fridge or freezer. Sharp temperature changes when removing the package lead to condensation of moisture on the grains, which instantly spoils them and can damage the grinder when grinding.
The optimal storage temperature is room, in a dark cabinet. If you buy large packages, it makes sense to pour some of the grain into a small jar for daily use, and keep the main stock tightly closed. This minimizes the amount of oxygen that comes in contact with the main amount of coffee every time you open the can.
⚠️ Never store coffee in transparent cans in the light. Ultraviolet destroys essential oils, making the drink flat and tasteless, even if the expiration date on the package has not yet expired.
Pay attention to the date of roasting, not just the expiration date. Coffee, which has been in the store for a year, formally can be suitable for consumption, but a delicious espresso from it will not work. For DeLonghi It is important to use grains that have passed the period of degassing (usually 5-7 days after roasting), but have not yet begun to exhale.
Set up grinding for the selected grain
Even the best coffee won’t open if the grinder is set up incorrectly. In coffee machines DeLonghi adjustment of the degree of grinding is carried out by a special wheel or lever inside the grain bunker. You can change the settings only during the operation of the grinder, that is, at the time when the machine grinds the grain.
If the grinding is too large, the stream of coffee will pour quickly, the drink will turn out to be watery and sour, and the cream will be pale. If the grinding is too shallow, the machine will buzz as it tries to push water through the compressed tablet, and the coffee will drip drop by drop or not go at all. In this case, the drink will be burned and bitter.
The calibration process requires patience. Make 2-3 test straits after each change in the position of the regulator, as the coffee of the previous grind remains in the millstone. Only after a few cycles will you see the real result of the setup.
☑️ Checklist for grinding settings
The perfect extraction looks like a thick, viscous stream of dark brown color that gradually lightens towards the end of cooking. The time of the strait of one serving of espresso (30-40 ml) should be about 20-30 seconds. If the time is different, a correction is required.
Top Popular Varieties and Brands for DeLonghi
There are many brands on the market, and choose the best coffee for a coffee machine. DeLonghi It's not easy among them. However, there are time-tested options that have proven to be stable and safe for automated systems.
In the mass market segment, Italian brands have proven themselves well, such as: Lavazza (series) Crema e Gusto or Qualità Rossaand Kimbo. They offer blends specially created for espresso machines, with an optimal balance of Arabica and Robusta. Their grain usually has an average degree of roasting and does not contain an excess of oils.
If you prefer a more premium segment, look for local roasters or specialized lines. Paulig, Jardin or Egoiste. It is important to choose the series labeled as "for espresso" or "for automatic coffee machines". Avoid light roasting monos (Ethiopia, Kenya) at the beginning of machine use, as they require very fine tuning.
- ☕ Lavazza Qualità Rossa: classic mixture with Robusta, gives a dense foam, available everywhere.
- 🇮🇹 Kimbo Aroma Intenso: rich taste, medium roasting, popular among owners DeLonghi.
- 🌿 Jardin Espresso Cuba: budget option with a good profile for dairy drinks.
By experimenting with different varieties, you can find the profile that you and your family like. Don’t be afraid to change suppliers, but do so smoothly, allowing the machine to adapt to the new grain.
The main secret of delicious coffee in DeLonghi is not only expensive grain, but also regular cleaning of the brewing block and the use of water of the correct hardness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground coffee in a DeLonghi coffee machine?
Yes, most models. DeLonghi have a special compartment for ground coffee (usually marked with a spoon). However, it is rare to use it, as it is impossible to adjust the degree of grinding, and the remnants of old coffee can be mixed with new. For permanent use, it is better to fill the grain in the main bunker.
How often should I clean the coffee grinder?
It is recommended to clean the millstones from oil plaque and grain residues every 1-2 months, depending on the intensity of use. For this purpose, there are special cleaning tablets or rice (although manufacturers often do not recommend rice, it is better to use special products). Also regularly wipe the bunker with a dry cloth.
Why does coffee flow too fast?
The grinding is probably too big. It is necessary to turn the regulator in the bunker in the direction of reducing the fraction size (usually in the direction of the number 1 or clockwise, depending on the model). Do this in small steps while working the coffee grinder.
Does the coffee machine suffer from the use of flavored coffee?
Yes, it could cause serious damage. Flavors are often an oily substance that gets stuck in millstones and feed channels. Remove this plaque is almost impossible without disassembling the car, so it is better to avoid such grains.
Which water is better for a coffee machine?
It is ideal to use filtered water or bottled water of medium hardness. Distilled water cannot be used, as the hardness sensors may not work properly. Too hard water will lead to rapid scale formation in the boiler.