Owners of automatic coffee machines Delonghi Often faced with a situation when your favorite machine begins to make unusual sounds or dispenses coffee worse than usual. Many people immediately blame scale or damage to electronics, forgetting about the simplest mechanics. Regular maintenance, including lubrication of moving parts, can extend the life of your device by years. Ignoring this step leads to accelerated wear of the plastic gears and jamming of the brewing unit.
The question of what exactly needs to be used to treat rubbing parts is especially acute, since contact with food imposes severe restrictions. Conventional technical greases or lithium greases are absolutely not suitable for use in food technology. In this article we will look at what formulations are allowed, how often to use them and why this is critical for your coffee machines.
Lubrication of components is not just a recommendation from service centers, but a necessity dictated by the physics of the mechanism. The dry friction of plastic against plastic or metal creates microparticles that can end up in the brewed drink. Moreover, the lack of sliding increases the load on the motor, which leads to its overheating and failure. Proper care guarantees quiet operation and consistent espresso quality.
Why is lubrication necessary in automatic coffee machines?
The main function of lubricant in the mechanism Delonghi is to reduce the coefficient of friction between moving elements. The brewing unit performs hundreds of compression and release cycles every day. Without a protective film, the plastic guides begin to creak and then wear out. This leads to backlash, which causes the coffee tablet to form incorrectly and result in a watery drink.
The second important aspect is tightness. Rubber seals and cuffs in the brew group also require maintenance. Specialized food grade lubricant prevents rubber from drying out, maintaining its elasticity. If the rubber loses its properties, water under high pressure will begin to flow into the housing, which can cause a short circuit or corrosion of internal components.
⚠️ Attention: Using non-food lubricants (litol, grease, graphite lubricant) will make the coffee machine hazardous to health. When heated, such compositions can release toxic substances that will inevitably end up in the cup.
In addition, the correct composition protects metal parts from oxidation. The water used to brew coffee contains minerals that, when combined with oxygen, can cause corrosion of springs and shafts. Lubricant creates a barrier that prevents direct contact of the metal with an aggressive environment. This is especially true for models with metal brewing blocks.
Types of approved lubricants for the food industry
When choosing a material for maintenance Delonghi You must focus exclusively on products labeled “Food Grade” or “H1”. This means that the substance is safe if accidentally ingested in minimal quantities. The basis of such compositions is most often synthetic oil or silicone thickened with edible soap.
The most popular and effective option is silicone grease. It is inert, odorless, does not change the taste of coffee and retains its properties over a wide temperature range. Silicone works well with rubber seals without destroying their structure, unlike petroleum products, which can cause rubber to swell or crack.
There are also PTFE (Teflon) based lubricants. They have excellent sliding properties and are often used in professional equipment. However, for home use automatic coffee machines Silicone options remain the gold standard due to their affordability and versatility.
- 🧴 Silicone grease is an ideal choice for rubber seals and plastic guides.
- 🛢️ Edible Vaseline oil - acceptable for short-term processing, but dries faster.
- ❌ Technical lithol is strictly prohibited due to toxicity and odor.
- ❌ Vegetable oil is prohibited, as over time it burns and forms a sticky coating.
It is important to pay attention to the operating temperature of the lubricant. During the brewing process, the temperature in the group can reach 90-95 degrees Celsius. Cheap compounds may leak or evaporate, leaving parts dry. High quality Delonghi coffee machine lubricant must maintain viscosity at high temperatures.
Which components of the Delonghi coffee machine require lubrication?
Not all parts of the device require treatment. The main attention should be paid to the brew unit. This is where the coffee tablet is formed. The side guides along which the piston moves experience the greatest friction. They must be cleaned of old coffee and covered with a thin layer of new composition.
The rubber seals on the piston of the brewing unit are also lubricated. This ring provides a pressure of 9 bar when water passes through the coffee. If it is dry, the pressure drops and the seal itself wears out faster. Some models Delonghi The gears of the brewing unit drive are also lubricated, but special care is required here so as not to block the air supply to the mechanism.
⚠️ Attention: Never apply lubricant to electrical contacts, water level sensors or heating elements (thermal blocks). This may cause electronic malfunction or fire.
The water supply system deserves special attention. In some models, the O-rings (solenoids) are lubricated if the design involves their frequent movement. However, in most home models Delonghi It is enough to maintain only the removable brewing unit. The brew group in fixed models requires professional disassembly to lubricate the internal valves.
Step-by-step instructions for lubricating the brewing unit
Maintenance procedure for the brewing unit Delonghi It is quite simple and does not require special tools, except for napkins and the lubricant itself. Before starting work, be sure to unplug the coffee machine and let it cool down. Remove the brewing unit by pressing the red button or pulling the handle, depending on the model.
Rinse the unit thoroughly under warm water without using detergents. Remove all remaining coffee oils and bean particles. Pay special attention to the mesh and piston. After washing, allow the parts to dry completely. Applying lubricant to wet surfaces is not recommended, as water will create a barrier between the metal/plastic and the lubricant.
☑️ Service checklist
Apply a small amount of silicone grease to the side guides and rubber piston seal. There is no need to cover the parts with a thick layer - a thin, barely noticeable film is enough. Excess lubricant will be squeezed out during operation of the mechanism and may get into the coffee, which is undesirable, although safe when using food formulations.
After processing, reassemble the unit and place it back into the coffee machine. Turn on the machine and run the rinse cycle or prepare one test coffee without beans (just hot water). This is necessary in order to distribute the lubricant over the surface and remove any excess that could get into the brewing zone.
Maintenance schedule and frequency
The frequency of lubrication depends on the intensity of use of the coffee machine. If you prepare 2-3 cups a day, then it is enough to carry out prophylaxis once every 3-4 months. For office conditions, where the device works constantly, the interval is reduced to one month. Regularity is more important than the amount of material used.
A change in the sound of operation can be a signal for the need for maintenance. If you hear a creaking, grinding or strained hum from the motor when brewing, it means that friction has increased. It is also worth paying attention to the speed of tablet formation: if the process has become noticeably slower, the mechanism may be jammed.
| Node type | Lubrication frequency (home) | Lubrication frequency (office) | Lubricant type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewing unit (guides) | Once every 3 months | Once a month | Silicone food grade |
| Piston seal | Once every 3 months | Once a month | Silicone food grade |
| Cappuccino maker spout | As needed | Weekly | Food grade silicone |
| Drive gears | Once a year | Once every 6 months | Specialized |
Remember that lubrication is not a substitute for decalcification. Descaling and lubrication of mechanical parts are two parallel processes that must go hand in hand. Ignoring one of them reduces the effectiveness of the other. For example, scale can block the movement of the piston, and no lubricant will help until the salts are removed.
Common mistakes when servicing a coffee machine
One of the most common mistakes is using too much lubricant. Owners often think: “you can’t spoil porridge with oil,” but this doesn’t work in mechanics. Excess lubricant collects coffee dust, turning into an abrasive paste that accelerates wear of parts instead of preventing it.
Another mistake is using household sprays like WD-40. Many consider them to be a universal remedy, but classic WD-40 is an oil-based solvent, not a lubricant. It may temporarily eliminate squeaking, but will then evaporate and leave the parts completely dry, and may also damage some types of plastic. Delonghi.
The myth about vegetable oil
Some users try to lubricate mechanisms with regular sunflower oil. This is a fatal mistake. Vegetable oils tend to oxidize in air, turning into a hard, sticky substance (drying oil). After a month of such “lubrication,” your brewing unit will simply jam, and it will be almost impossible to clean it without complete disassembly and the use of aggressive chemicals.
It is also worth mentioning the error of ignoring instructions. In the user manual Delonghi Often specific lubrication points are specified for each model. Trying to lubricate everything that moves "just in case" can result in lubricant getting into places where it shouldn't be, such as the optical water level sensor.
⚠️ Attention: If after lubricating the coffee machine starts to work worse or a strange taste appears, stop using it immediately. Rinse the brewing unit with hot water and run 2-3 water cycles without coffee.
Where to buy high-quality lubricant and how to distinguish a fake
It is best to purchase lubricants in specialized household appliance stores or from authorized dealers Delonghi. There are many brands on the market that produce compatible products, such as FoodSafe, Chemlube or original kits from the coffee machine manufacturer. The price of a 50-100 ml tube is quite affordable and will last for several years.
When purchasing, pay attention to the packaging. The tube must have a food grade label (for example, NSF H1). If the packaging simply says "Silicone Grease" without indicating food safety, this product cannot be used in a coffee machine. Also check the expiration date, as the properties of the lubricant may deteriorate over time.
Buy lubricant in small tubes (30-50 grams). You will most likely not use a large volume until the end of the expiration date, and the leftovers may dry out or lose their properties by the next service.
Beware of too cheap offers on marketplaces. Counterfeits may contain technical impurities that are not visible to the eye, but are dangerous when heated. Original food-grade lubricant is usually clear or whitish, does not have a strong odor and is easily washed off with warm water and soap (although it is intended to stay for a long time).
Can Vaseline be used instead of special lubricant?
Technical Vaseline cannot be used. Medical or cosmetic Vaseline (Petrolatum) is theoretically safe, but it has a low melting point and may leak at brewing temperatures. In addition, it does not have the same anti-friction properties as specialized silicone compounds. It's better not to take risks and buy the right product.
How often should I lubricate my Delonghi coffee machine?
The optimal frequency is once every 3-4 months for home use or after each decalcification. If you notice a creaking or stiff movement of the brewing unit, lubrication should be carried out immediately, regardless of the timing.
What to do if grease gets into your coffee?
If food grade silicone grease was used, a single contact with a microscopic amount is not dangerous. However, it is better to pour out such coffee. Then run a system flush cycle to remove any residue. If the lubricant was technical, the machine must be thoroughly disassembled and washed.
Does the non-removable brewing unit need to be lubricated?
Fixed blocks (in the Magnifica S series and analogues) are lubricated less often, since access to them is limited. This is usually done once a year or when signs of wear appear (creaking, brewing errors). This requires partial disassembly of the case, so it is better to entrust this to a service center if you do not have experience.
Is the lubricant suitable for coffee machines of other brands?
Yes, if it is food grade silicone grease. The operating principle of brewing units Delonghi, Saeco, Gaggia and Philips similar The main requirement is safety in contact with food and heat resistance. The brand of the lubricant manufacturer is not important, its characteristics are important.
Regularly lubricating the brewing unit with food-grade silicone grease is the easiest and cheapest way to prevent machine breakdowns and maintain the quality of your coffee for many years.