Adjusting the degree of grinding of beans in a coffee machine DeLonghi Magnifica S This is done exclusively while the coffee grinder is running, so as not to damage the mechanism. If you turn the control when the ground coffee motor is not running, the auger may jam, requiring costly repairs. Rotate the adjustment knob located inside the bean hopper slowly, making no more than one full turn at a time, to evaluate the result after preparing several servings of the drink.
DeLonghi Magnifica S is equipped with an intelligent system that remembers the last set parameters, but settings can be reset if there is a power outage or a software failure. Correct calibration of all components - from pump pressure to boiler temperature - directly affects extraction and the formation of dense foam crema. Ignoring basic setting rules often results in coffee flowing too quickly or, conversely, dripping.The first step to a quality drink is to set the correct particle size of the ground coffee, since this determines the time it takes for the water to flow through the tablet. Turning the knob clockwise reduces the gap between the burrs, making the grind finer, which increases the time the water contacts the coffee and increases the strength of the drink. If the stream of coffee flows too quickly and the drink turns out watery, you need to make the grind finer by turning the dial towards number 1.
The opposite situation occurs when the coffee flows very slowly or drips, and the indicators on the display flash to indicate overload. In this case, it is necessary to increase the fraction size by turning the regulator counterclockwise towards the number 7 to reduce the resistance to water flow. Remember that the changes only take effect from the second or third cup prepared, so don't rush to turn the knob right away.
- 🌀 Turn the grinding dial only when the coffee grinder motor is running.
- ⏳ Evaluate the result of the adjustment no earlier than after 3 prepared servings.
- 🔢 Number 1 corresponds to the finest grind, and 7 to the coarsest.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to turn the grinding regulator with force if you feel resistance. This may cause the plastic burr drive gears to break.
Adjustment of strength and serving volume
The amount of ground coffee and the volume of water supplied are controlled via the control panel using the corresponding buttons and indicators. Model DeLonghi Magnifica S allows you to set four levels of strength, which changes the dosage of coffee for one cup, affecting the richness of the taste. To set the desired parameter, press the button with the cup and beans symbol until the required number of indicators light up.
Programming the cup volume is done in the preparation mode: press and hold the “1 cup” or “2 cups” button until the indicator starts flashing, then release the button when the required amount of drink is in the cup. The machine will automatically save this volume for subsequent preparations, ensuring consistent results every time. If you need to temporarily change the volume, simply press the stop button manually when the cup is filled to the desired level.
It is important to understand that strength and volume are different parameters, and their combination produces the final flavor profile. Increasing the volume of water without changing the dosage of coffee will result in a weaker drink, while decreasing the volume of water at the same dosage will make the coffee more concentrated. Experiment with these settings to find the perfect balance for your taste.
- ☕ One lit strength indicator corresponds to one measuring spoon of coffee.
- 💧 The maximum volume of one serving that can be programmed is 120 ml.
- 🔄 Volume settings are reset when the machine is completely disconnected from the network for a long time.
⚠️ Attention: Using pre-ground coffee (Flavor function) allows only one measuring spoon, otherwise the brewing unit may jam.
Setting water temperature and hardness
Brewing temperature is a critical parameter for developing the flavor profile of different coffees. B DeLonghi Magnifica S There are three temperature levels available, which can be adjusted when the machine is off by holding the steam button and turning on the power. The optimal temperature for most Arabica beans is medium, while light roasts or Robustas may require high heat.
Water hardness directly affects the frequency of the decalcification procedure and the durability of the heating elements. Before use, you must set the hardness level using the test strip included in the kit or your local water supplier. Setting this setting incorrectly will cause the machine to require descaling too often or too infrequently.
Water hardness table
Level 1: 0-7 dH (very soft water)|Level 2: 8-14 dH (medium hard)|Level 3: 15-21 dH (hard water)|Level 4: >21 dH (very hard water)
To change the temperature, you must perform the following sequence of actions: turn off the machine, press and hold the steam button, then press the power button without releasing the steam button. The lights will flash in a specific order to indicate the current temperature level. Pressing the espresso button switches between levels, and the steam button confirms your selection.
| Parameter | Level 1 | Level 2 (Standard) | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Low | Average | High |
| Water hardness | Soft (0-7 dH) | Medium (8-14 dH) | Hard (>14 dH) |
| Frequency of decalcification | Rarely | Average | Often |
Calibrating the brewing unit
Brewing unit in DeLonghi Magnifica S is a removable element that requires regular removal and rinsing under running water. However, in addition to hygiene, it is important to ensure that the unit is installed correctly, as its position affects the brewing pressure. If the unit is installed crookedly or not fully installed, the machine will not be able to create the required 9 bar pressure and the coffee will be under-extracted.
When removing the unit, make sure the machine is switched off and the cappuccino maker is turned to the water or steam position to release pressure. After washing and drying, the unit is inserted back until a characteristic click is heard, after which it is necessary to close the service door. If the door is difficult to close, do not use force - check that the unit is seated correctly and that there are no foreign objects.
It is recommended to periodically lubricate the moving parts of the brewing unit with food-grade silicone lubricant to prevent squeaking and jamming of the mechanism. This is especially true if you notice that the unit has become difficult to move or is making strange noises during operation. Lubrication extends the life of the plastic guides and ensures smooth running.
- 🚿 Rinse the brewing unit with warm water without using detergents.
- 🧼 Once a month, lubricate the side guides of the block with silicone grease.
- 🔒 Always turn off the machine before removing the brewing unit.
☑️ Checklist for maintenance of the brewing unit
Adjusting the cappuccino maker and steam
Cappuccino maker in model Magnifica S is semi-automatic, which means that you need to manually control the steam and air supply to froth the milk. To obtain a thick and elastic foam, it is important to use cold milk with a fat content of 3% or higher, and also to position the cappuccino maker correctly in the container. The amount of steam is adjusted by turning the handle on the front panel of the machine.
Before frothing milk, you need to warm up the system by letting the steam run dry for a few seconds to remove condensation. After this, lower the cappuccino maker tube into the milk and open the steam supply, gradually lowering the container to saturate the milk with air. When the volume has approximately doubled, lower the tube deeper to swirl the milk and break up any large bubbles.
After using the cappuccino maker, be sure to blow it with steam and wipe it with a damp cloth to prevent milk residues from drying inside the tube. Dried milk can clog the holes and reduce the quality of the foam next time, as well as create an unpleasant odor. Regular steam wand hygiene is the key to consistent quality of milk drinks.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the cappuccino maker in the container with milk after turning off the machine. This may cause milk to be sucked into the machine when it cools down.
Use a metal pitcher with a pointed spout for better control of the texture of the milk froth.
Programming automatic flushing
Automatic rinsing is a function that is activated when you turn the coffee machine on and off to clean the hydraulic system. B DeLonghi Magnifica S this process cannot be completely disabled, since it is necessary to maintain hygiene, but its parameters can be adjusted through the service menu in some modifications. The main task of the user is to monitor the water level in the tank and the availability of free space in the drip tray.
If the machine has been idle for more than an hour, when turned on, it will automatically perform a short rinse cycle, dumping water into the tray. This is a normal phenomenon and indicates that the system is working properly. It is not recommended to interrupt this process as it ensures that any remaining coffee is removed from the brewing unit and pipes.
If automatic flushing does not start or does not work correctly, the water level sensors may be dirty or the waste tray may be full. Check that the magnets on the water tank float are clean and that the drip pan is installed correctly. Sometimes it is necessary to perform a decalcification cycle to restore normal water circulation.
- 💧 Always add fresh water before turning on the machine for proper rinsing.
- 🗑️ Only empty the drip tray when the machine is on to reset the counter.
- 🔄 Do not turn off the machine immediately after making coffee, let it complete the cycle.
Regular automatic rinsing prevents the build-up of coffee oils, which can turn rancid over time and ruin the taste of the drink.
Diagnostics and error reset
Coffee machine DeLonghi Magnifica S equipped with a self-diagnosis system, which signals problems by flashing certain indicators or their simultaneous lighting. Understanding error codes allows you to quickly resolve the problem without contacting a service center. Most often, problems are associated with low pressure, clogged or expiring filter life.
If all lights are flashing at the same time, this may indicate the need for descaling or a serious electronic error. In the first case, starting a descaling program will help, in the second, you may need to reboot the system by disconnecting from the network for 15-20 minutes. If the problem persists, it is worth checking the contacts and integrity of the wires inside the machine.
To clear most temporary errors, simply turn off the machine, wait 30 seconds, and turn it on again. If the error persists, check that all removable parts are installed correctly: water tank, drip tray, brewing unit and pulp container. A loose fit of any of the elements can block the operation of the sensors.
What should I do if the machine says “General alarm”?
The general alarm symbol (exclamation mark) usually indicates that the brewing unit cannot return to its original position. Remove the block, wash it, lubricate it with silicone and reinstall it. Also check that the waste container is not overfilled.
How to reset cup counter?
Resetting the cup counter does not affect the operation of the machine, but may be required when selling or for statistical purposes. To do this, you need to enter the service menu (holding the buttons while turning it on) and find the corresponding item, but an ordinary user does not need to do this.
Why doesn't the machine turn on after setup?
If after changing the settings the machine stops responding, you may have changed the voltage setting or reset the board settings. Try performing a Hard Reset by turning off the power for 30 minutes. If it doesn’t help, you need a diagnosis from a specialist.
Can I use distilled water?
It is not recommended to use distilled water, as it does not contain the minerals necessary for the correct operation of hardness sensors. This can lead to incorrect readings and failures in the decalcification program. It is better to use bottled water of medium mineralization.