It is an exciting experience and a lengthy process in itself to upgrade to a new espresso machine. You now need to figure out how to use your new machine, which presents another challenge. With a variety of De’Longhi models to choose from, instructions differ slightly between different types.

For the best cup of coffee, use the De’Longhi espresso machine model’s specific instructions in this article.

Let’s start!

3 Types of Delonghi Coffee Machines

Before going into specifics on how to use a Delonghi espresso machine, it is important to discuss the various models the company makes.

Automatic Espresso Machine

The fact that you need to provide very little input is what makes automatic espresso machines so well-liked. Simply place a cup underneath the spout, press a few buttons, and watch as coffee pours in.

Furthermore, these espresso machine types typically offer a lot of customization. Of course, their asking price reflects that. They are more expensive the more customization they provide.

Your coffee should be of consistently high quality because an automatic machine handles the majority of the work. Because of this, automatic espresso makers are perfect for beginners. In actuality, for anyone who doesn’t want to devote much time to hone their barista skills.

Manual Espresso Machine

Using a manual espresso maker, such as De’Longhi Stilosa EC260.BK, ECP3420, you need to put those barista skills to work. You must carry out all of these actions by yourself, from coffee brewing and steaming to grinding and tamping.

A manual espresso machine does have a small learning curve for producing top-notch espresso. You can use a manual machine to its full potential once you get the hang of it, though.

You can adjust the drink to turn out exactly how you like it if you have complete control over the brewing process. For this reason, seasoned baristas favor using a manual espresso maker.

All-in-One Coffee Machine

Delonghi makes machines that can make both espresso and drip coffee for people who find it difficult to pick a favorite.

These coffee makers typically have two heating elements. By doing this, you can brew drip coffee and espresso simultaneously.

All-in-one models have a manual espresso-making side. That implies that you must measure your grounds, tamp them, and start and stop the brewing process.

Read more: 10 Best Budget Espresso Machine For Beginners [2022] – Cheap Home Tech

Delonghi Automatic Espresso Machine: How to Use

With a variety of features and price points, Delonghi provides a large selection of automatic espresso makers. But regardless of the model, they all operate on a similar premise.

Brewing

With an automatic espresso maker, the majority of your work entails pressing a few control panel buttons. Here’s a rough explanation of what to do:

1. Choose the size and quantity of coffee beans to be ground if your machine has an integrated grinder. You can use this option in addition to some models’ bypass doses for pre-ground coffee.
2. After the coffee has been ground, select your brew settings. Although different models have different options, the majority of them let you adjust the brew strength, temperature, and cup size.
3. It’s time to press the button and start the espresso maker after you’ve set up your brewing.

Frothing

Time to froth some milk if you have cappuccino hankering.

The majority of Delonghi models that are automatic include an automatic milk frother. There is not much input needed from you with this feature. Basically, all you have to do is set the milk frothing settings and place a cup beneath the frother.

Again, the precise number of settings available varies between models. The amount, consistency, and temperature of the milk are generally yours to choose from, though.

A manual steam wand is included with some models, including the popular Magnifica. For this kind of wand to foam properly, it typically takes some additional practice.

Cleaning

With automatic espresso makers, cleaning is typically a breeze. If your espresso maker is an automatic frother, it undoubtedly has a flushing setting that is activated automatically after steaming milk.

In addition, your machine has a descaling program that you ought to launch whenever a specific light on the panel flashes.

You must add a descaling solution and set a container underneath the spout to collect water in order to accomplish that. In order to prevent spilling, the container needs to hold at least 50 ounces.

The only remaining step is to start the descaling program and wait for it to complete. Following this, you’ll need to rinse and refill the water tank, which should take about 30 minutes.

NOTE
If you want to prevent the Delonghi from breaking down, descale it frequently!

Delonghi Manual Espresso Machine: How to Use

You have a lot of work to do with manual machines.

Brewing

As implied by the machine type’s name, everything must be done by hand. Regardless of the model you own, here’s what you need to do:

1. Before placing the grounds in the filter, level them with a coffee scoop. Utilizing your fingers, make sure to remove any extra material from the rim. Coffee grounds may become stuck inside the appliance if you don’t do that.
2. Use a finger to gradually level the coffee grounds inside the filter. After that, take a tamper and press down on it gradually but steadily. Don’t press too hard or the water may not be able to pass through the grounds.
3. Put the filter holder in its proper location after the grounds have been tamped and are ready. To do this, turn the handle in a clockwise direction until it locks. When that happens, your espresso maker’s handle ought to be upfront.
4. The device you’re using will either have a knob or a button that initiates the brewing process.

Frothing

99% of the time, manual machines come with a manual steam wand. And there is a small learning curve for using this kind of steam wand.

With a manual wand, you must add the air to the milk yourself; automatic frothers do this automatically. You must do that by dipping the wand’s tip just below the surface at an angle. This results in the formation of bubbles and a vortex.

While steaming, you can create a more creamy microfoam by swiping the milk jug up and down to break up bigger bubbles.

I now realize that doing something is entirely different from reading about it. So don’t get discouraged if your first attempt at manual frothing doesn’t turn out perfectly. After a few tries, you’ll get the hang of it.

Cleaning

The majority of manual machines are straightforward, though cleaning them can take some time.

You must manually rinse each removable component under the sink. They shouldn’t be placed inside a dishwasher because the detergent it uses might be too harsh.

The process of decollement for manual and automatic espresso machines is very similar.

The descaling solution needs to be manually added to the water tank, and a container needs to be put under the spout.

Run a descaling program, and then rinse and re-fill the water tank.

Delonghi All-in-One Coffee Machine: How to Use

All-in-one appliances function very similarly to manual espresso machines. Obviously with a drip coffee maker as well.

Brewing

Utilizing an all-in-one device is fairly easy. If you want to make drip coffee, here’s what you need to do:

1. Add coffee grounds to the filter using a measuring spoon. Fill the tank with water, being careful not to fill it past the MAX line.
2. Shut the door to the filter holder.
3. Turn on the machine after making sure the carafe is in the proper location.

That’s basically it. Simple, right?

Although using the espresso side isn’t all that much more difficult, certain steps get easier with practice. Here’s how to make espresso:

1. Fill the water reservoir.
2. Use a tamper to level the ground coffee after adding it to the portafilter.
3. The portafilter should be inserted and secured in the designated location.
4. Start the brewing program, then watch as the espresso pours into your cup.

Frothing

With this kind of machine, a steam wand is included with two settings.

One is used to create frothy bubbles similar to those in a cappuccino. The other produces supple microfoam like that on a latte.

Other than holding the jug and choosing between the two frothing options, not much is required of you.

Cleaning

The amount of maintenance required is essentially the same as for manual espresso machines. You should routinely hand wash the removable parts, which must be done.

Similar circumstances apply to the descaling cycle. It’s time to add the solution to the water tank and start the cycle once a descaling alert appears on the screen.

Descaling-Delonghi

Regular descales will help you enjoy your Delonghi coffee maker for longer. The heating element won’t get damaged by limescale if you do this. To clean your Delonghi Magnifica, Dinamica, or another model, adhere to the steps listed below.

Step 1: Descaling Agent

Before turning on your Delonghi coffee maker, drain the water reservoir. In the reservoir, add one liter of water after adding 100 milliliters of descaling agent. The reservoir should then be reinserted. The water from the steam nozzle should be collected in a container. Make sure that this container can hold at least 1.5 liters of water in order to prevent spills.]

Step 2: Descaling Program of Your Delonghi Coffee Machine

Press the descaling button, which has an arrow and drops next to it, for five seconds to start the descaling program. Next, fully release the steam handle to allow the hot water to discharge. About 30 minutes pass during the descaling program.

Step 3: Switching on the Flushing Program

Refill the water reservoir once more, but this time with only water. Put the descaling agent container back where you got it after emptying it. Restart the coffee maker after turning on the flushing program. Up until the water, reservoir is completely empty, water will flow through the Delonghi with breaks. Your coffee maker will be cleaned once the steam button has been deactivated after cleaning.

Tips

• Coffee should be kept fresh by being kept in a dry, airtight container.
• Aim for once a month to clean and disinfect the water tank.
• After each use, rinse the coffee filters under running water that is clean.
• Make coffee the first time you use the machine without using actual grounds to allow the hot water to clean the appliance.

Warnings

• Avoid getting burned by touching any hot surfaces while the machine is running.
• Never submerge the cord or any machine components in water.
• A hot appliance, such as a stovetop burner or heated oven, should not be placed close to the machine.

Conclusion

Delonghi espresso machines appear to be fairly simple to operate, regardless of the type.

The majority of the work is done for you by automatic machines. Choosing your preferred settings is about all that is required, from grinding to frothing.

Espresso makers that are manual or all-in-one require more involvement from you during the brewing process.