How to properly adjust the coffee grind in a Delonghi coffee machine

This is a general reference article in which I will talk about the standard drinks in Delonghi coffee machines and some of the features of setting them up. Most likely, I will provide a link here in response to all questions like “what is the maximum volume of coffee DeLonghi can dispense” or “how much milk can be poured into an ECAM cappuccino” or “how many grams of coffee are used at maximum strength” or “how to make a latte to Delonghi." The recipes are given using the example of a specific brand model, one of the most common at the time of writing - Delonghi ECAM 350.55 (here is her review). On different coffee machines of the company, the set of programs in memory is different, but you need to understand that:

1. If the name of the drink matches down to the letter, then there is a 95% chance that this is the recipe. No, not 100%, there are differences. A typical example: Flat White for ECAM 350.55 is different from Flat White for, for example, ECAM 550.55. In addition, on other series - ESAM, ETAM - the programming principle, and, accordingly, the settings range, are somewhat different. But even within the ECAM platform there are differences that spill over into the dashboard implementation. Technically, the machines are almost the same, but the buttons and knobs on the “face” are different, and the software for them is different.
2. In general, all these recipes, like those of 95% of other coffee machines, should be considered more like “memory cells” for saving your own settings. After all, nothing prevents the program called “ristretto” from maintaining the dispensing volume at 40 ml, and then the output will be espresso. And it doesn’t matter that the program is called “ristretto”, you thus programmed this button to dispense espresso. But there are restrictions, and they are usually purely marketing, artificial; after all, completely arbitrary things cannot be programmed. Example: you cannot set the lungo to 100 ml on “espresso” on the ECAM 350.55, simply because the programmatic upper limit on this button is set to 80 ml. But an 80 ml lungo can be used to call “espresso”.
3. In a review of each specific model, I almost always described all the recipes available to it. So this article is a guideline for the brand as a whole. And an addition to the reviews in the aspect so as not to rewrite the same thing in each, such as: “espresso - from 30 to 80 ml, from 7 to 12 grams of coffee, standard pre-wetting, 1 second.”

Built-in coffee programs of De'Longhi coffee machines and volume forks

Black coffee recipes:

• Espresso – 40 ml from the factory, standard pre-wetting, 1 second (not adjustable on any Delongi), drink volume can be programmed from 30 to 80 ml.
• 2 espressos – double the volume of a single one, increased strength (up to 14 grams, read about this below).
• Coffee – 180 ml without pre-wetting, can be adjusted from 100 to 240 ml
• Lungo (or espresso lungo) – 120 ml, standard pre-wetting, 1 second, you can save from 80 to 180 ml.
• 2 lungos – double the volume of a single one, increased strength. Please note that this program allows you to dispense the maximum volume of black coffee in one grind and pour; according to personal measurements, when programming 180 ml for a single lungo, the double machine pours up to 350 ml.
• Ristretto – 30 ml from the factory, standard pre-wetting, 1 second, 20-40 ml fork
• 2 ristretto – double the volume of a single one, increased strength.
• LONG (special mode, imitation filtered coffee/Americano) – prepared in two grinds and two pours, each pour throughout with intermittent pump operation for 1-1 seconds. That is, the machine pours coffee for one second, and rests for one second. The dispensing time has been approximately doubled compared to the Coffee program. From the factory, the total volume is 160 ml, that is, two spills of 80 ml each. Programmable fork 115 - 250 ml. As for me, real Americano (diluted with hot water) or filtered coffee is inferior.
• Doppio+ (special strong coffee mode) – 120 ml from the factory, special, long and intermittent pre-wetting mode, forced maximum strength, the machine uses approximately 14 grams of ground coffee, limits 80-180 ml.

Maximum DeLonghi. I dried and weighed the spent coffee tablet using the Doppio+ recipe, which uses a maximum of coffee per serving. We'll write off 1 gram as a loss - the tablet still falls apart a little.

Dairy programs:

The coffee component in milk-coffee drinks is made on the basis of the espresso mode (top machines have a special mode based on Doppio+) with a standard volume adjustment fork for this mode of 30 - 80 ml. The dairy component always depends on the milk, because it can be whipped in completely different ways. One milk will give 200 ml of the final volume during the same operating time, the other 300 ml. All the numbers below are my own measurements on conditionally “ideal” milk with the “maximum foaming” switch position.

Yes, even in those recipes where it is assumed that you need to set the foaming level lower. This is specifically so that you can at least somehow compare them.

In any case, on all milk-coffee programs you can program the supply of maximum frothed milk up to 700 ml! As far as I know, this is a record for the volume of milk dispensed at one time among all home coffee machines. The real trump card of Delonghi coffee machines, if such volumes are relevant to someone.

• Cappuccino – from the factory 140 ml milk + 60 ml espresso.
• Latte macchiato – 160 ml + 40 ml
• Latte – 350 ml + 40 ml
• Flat White – 300 ml + 60 ml. A very strange recipe that has nothing in common with the classic one.
• Cappuccino+ (on top models) – 15 seconds of milk with maximum foam, topped with 100 ml of doppio+ (espresso of the highest possible strength). Fork – milk from 5 to 90 sec, coffee from 80 to 180 ml.
• Cappuccino mix (on top models) - in fact, this is the “correct” cappuccino, when the machine first prepares coffee and then adds frothed milk to it. 65 ml coffee, top with 17 seconds of milk with maximum foam. Forks are standard for milk. Video sketch.
• Espresso macchiato (on top models) – 5 seconds of milk with max. foam, top with 30 ml espresso.
• Hot milk with the “maximum foaming” switch position – 350 ml from the factory, max 700 ml.
• Hot milk when the switch on the jug is in the “no foaming” position – 200 ml, max 400 ml.
• Water – 280 ml, max 420 ml.

A little about the general or what affects the quality of extraction

The extraction process refers to the ability of dry coffee raw materials to release beneficial substances when treated with hot water. Extraction can have different levels depending on the conditions under which it is carried out.

Conditions are set by adjusting time, temperature and water volume.

But preliminary preparation is also important, which consists of cleaning the milk pump and the container for coffee extract and water.

Temperature settings

Temperature adjustment on DeLongy brand devices is carried out in 2 or 5 temperature ranges.

• 92-94 gr. Celsius;
• 87-90-92-95-96 Celsius.

This is the optimal temperature for high-quality extraction before boiling, since boiling leads to the destruction of the coffee extract.

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If the coffee is not very hot

Temperatures below 90 degrees will not allow complete extraction, which means the coffee will be very weak. In order to ensure that the temperature is always in the desired range, it is necessary to use an option called “rinsing”. This will allow you to bring the coffee machine from a cold state into operating mode before directly preparing coffee.

Extraction time/grinding settings

If the grind is coarse, it will take longer to extract. The taste directly depends on this. If large grains are extracted for a long time, it will be bitter, and if there is insufficient extraction, it will be sour.

Each type of grinding has its own time:

• Coarse grind: 5-7 minutes;
• Medium: 3-5 minutes;
• Thin: 1-2 minutes.

Service

I would also like to note that the brewing mechanism should be washed under running water once a week, this will significantly extend its service life.

The Delonghi ECAM250.31.SB coffee machine has a convenient drip tray that catches drips. To prevent mold from forming, it (like the grounds container) must be washed frequently and any coffee residues removed.

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This removes the tray for cleaning. While doing this cleaning, I also remove and thicken, throw away and wash this compartment. In general, after 10-15 uses the indicator lights up indicating that the container is full and you can remove the pulp. But I clean every evening.

Some people say that the Delonghi Magnifica S smart coffee machine is loud, but I didn’t notice much noise. It makes noise like all coffee machines that grind and brew coffee, it doesn’t bother me.

A special feature of preparing the drink is that the Magnifica S coffee machine thinks for 30 seconds before making coffee, then drains the water (pre-cleaning itself), and then brews the coffee. This happens before the first cup and after a short break. If you cook one cup at a time, then no.

Also, the Magnifica S smart coffee machine has a function for frothing milk with hot steam for making latte or cappuccino, but I don’t use it.

I consider the quality of the coffee to be the main criterion for evaluating this Magnifica S smart coffee machine. It's excellent, it turns out delicious. Dense, rich taste, especially if you select the function with pre-wetting and forced maximum strength (Doppio), the resulting coffee is not inferior to the drink in coffee shops. By the way, after buying this coffee machine I can’t drink coffee in cafes and pit stops because it doesn’t taste good.

The Magnifica S smart ECAM250.31.SB model is quite budget-friendly and unprofessional, but the taste of coffee is not inferior to expensive models.

With proper care, it should last a long time, so it is important to use filters, descaling liquids and cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer and rinse it thoroughly every day. By the way, do not put sweet coffee with aromatic additives in it, because it can stick to the knives and break the coffee machine.

Working with a Delonghi coffee grinder

Working with a Delongey system coffee grinder. To begin with, install it in a convenient place and connect it to the “network”.

Related material: How many seconds to grind coffee for a carob coffee maker

The volume of water and coffee directly affects the taste of the finished drink. It is very important to maintain balance and proportion in the ratio. Up to one gram.

For example, for one serving of espresso you will need from 30 to 60 ml of water, for a double one from 60 to 120 . Coffee extract for one serving will require no more than 6 g, for a double serving – 12 g.

The “Bypass” system allows you to supply the required amount for the finished drink for any volume of water, and pour the remainder back into the container.

Auxiliary settings

All auxiliary options are located in the main taskbar menu. They relate to the calibration of the device and are set by increasing or decreasing using the buttons ( +/-).

An important addition is the pressure with which the compressed coffee extract is compressed. Different compression times affect extraction and flavor.

Sequence of dosages

In Delonghi coffee machines, the milk supply sequence is adjustable.

The sequence is set by the buttons on the panel - C, M and S, which mean “coffee”, “milk” and “milk foam”.

250 latte . you will need 370 ml of milk (pasteurized) , 7–9 g of coffee and 25–30 ml of water . Sequence – M, S, S.

Delonghi dosage setting

Dosage is the basis for making high-quality and tasty coffee.

The following nuances need to be taken into account:

• Calibration before adding coffee. The device is calibrated to a specific diameter of coffee granules. If the calibration is incorrect, granules may spill into the cup;
• the amount of water in Delonghi coffee machines varies from 5 to 500 ml with a calibration of 5 ml;
• volume of milk foam (for a certain type of drink such as smoothie, latte, etc.);
• Cold milk. Is there a need for it and quantity?

Settings for mixing beans from coffee grinders

The DeLongy brand of coffee machines has two coffee grinders installed. You need to select the “mixing beans” option in the menu and select:

• 50 to 50 . (using two coffee grinders)
• Coffee grinder 1 or 2 .

Pre-wet settings

Briefly wetting the coffee extract with water before preparing the drink affects the quality of the dry extract delivering all the beneficial substances to the future drink.

To prepare, you need to go to the additional options menu and select “pre-wetting”.

Setting the number of servings in Delonghi

This option is also included in the list of adjustments for preparation and depends on the volume of ingredients for the drink. For Delonghi, the number of servings can be calculated from the possible volume of the finished drink from 5 to 500 ml. For one serving of espresso you will need from 30 to 60 ml.

Milk pump run time settings

A milk pump is necessary to supply milk or milk mixture in the form of foam under pressure into a drink. The operating time is selected in the menu in the range from 3 to 100 seconds. For a latte, for example, you need a time of 90 seconds.

Milk quantity and temperature settings

Milk temperature is divided into the following ranges:

• cold;
• warm 35-40 degrees;
• moderate - 60-63 degrees;
• hot – 65-70 degrees.

When adjusting the temperature, the quantity is automatically adjusted.

Adjusting the air in the cappuccino maker

Air is necessary for the formation of milk foam. But it is not air from the atmosphere that is used, but steam from boiling water. To regulate the flow and pressure, there is a control valve under the coffee machine panel cover. Each division of the valve slightly opens (closes) the diffuser.

Adjustment of proportions of foam, coffee, milk

To prepare lattes and cappuccinos, the required proportions are already programmed into the coffee machine. But it is possible to make adjustments yourself. The foam height is set in the menu. For latte – 8-12 mm, for cappuccino 5-7 mm.

How to make coffee

The instructions for the Delonghi coffee maker with cappuccino maker will teach you how to brew coffee. The process is simple:

1. Choose a flavor. The initial setting is standard strength, you can manually select another: ultra-light, light, normal, strong, ultra-strong.
2. Determine volume. The options available are espresso, medium, large or extra large.
3. Pour the grains into the container.
4. Fill the reservoir with water and install it in place.
5. Place the cup on a special tray.
6. Press the start button on the display. It allows you to either stop cooking or continue cooking.

When the cup is full, the drink will be completely ready.

How to install the adapter correctly

To install the adapter, the machine is disconnected from the network. According to the instructions for the Delonghi Cappuccino coffee machine, you need to do the following:

1. Wait until the water in the boiler cools down.
2. Turn counterclockwise to remove the protective cap from the nozzle of the Panarello nozzle.
3. Remove the nozzle.
4. Put on the adapter.
5. Place the cappuccino maker on the steam and hot water supply pipe.
6. Tighten the nut tightly.

If the adapter is installed incorrectly, problems and malfunctions of the device may occur.

Instructions for making cappuccino

The instructions for the Delonghi coffee machine with cappuccino maker describe how to make cappuccino:

1. Fresh chilled milk is poured into a special tank - no higher than the maximum level.
2. A large cup is placed under the feed tube.
3. The regulator is installed between the CAPPUCCINO and CAFFELATTE positions.
4. The CAPPUCCINO button is pressed. As cooking progresses, the indicator readings change.
5. The cup is filled with frothed milk. For fluffy foam, the regulator is turned towards CAPPUCCINO, the volume of foam is reduced when directed towards CAFFELATTE.
6. The cup is filled with coffee.

If you need to interrupt cooking, use the CAPPUCCINO button.

Activating cup heating – brewing the right espresso

To activate heating, you need to select “preheating” in the menu. In this case, you can set static heating when the cup is stationary, or you can choose with rotation (for premium).

Water hardness settings are key to decalcification

To avoid contamination of the heating element of the coffee machine with calcium deposits, it is necessary to first determine the “water hardness”. Litmus paper is used for this. It comes with DeLongy coffee machines and is located inside. The option settings have three positions – “hard water”, “medium”, “soft”.

Coffee strength settings

The strength is also set separately. Slider or buttons. The higher the reading, the stronger the drink.

Economical energy consumption

Thanks to the presence of a special function, it is possible to consume much less electricity. The DeLonghi EC 5 coffee maker, the instruction manual for which is included in the kit, informs about a number of features of the operation of this mode. You need to press the cursor button until the function name appears on the screen. After turning on the economy mode, it will take effect exactly 1 minute. It is worth considering the fact that if the energy saving function is turned on, the preparation of any drinks begins only after a few seconds have passed after pressing a particular button.

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Use an intuitive control panel

The question of how to use a coffee machine usually arises among two categories of users:

• for those who have just purchased the device and are accustomed to using it without looking at the instructions;
• these may be users who do not have access to the supplied operating instructions.

For both, we can recommend the following:

• If you use a serviced Delonghi machine, you need to add coffee, install the capsule and add water. This can be done without instructions by looking at the buttons and opening containers;
• if necessary, you can study the rules of use in more detail to extend the service life, since violation of the conditions leads to premature damage to functional elements.

Delonghi Nespresso capsule coffee machine

To make a couple cups of coffee, you can simply follow three steps without worrying too much about getting it right:

• add coffee to the receiver; when using the capsule version, the capsule is installed;
• add water;
• select an option on the control panel.

We invite you to watch the video and evaluate user reviews of a similar Delonghi Magnifica coffee machine:

Using a coffee machine - in a nutshell

For those who don’t want to waste time watching, we’ll describe this process briefly. Let us immediately note that this model is equipped only with a mechanical cappuccino maker. If you love a good cappuccino, we recommend purchasing the automatic model Delonghi ECAM35X 55. The capsule version is available under the name Nespresso.

General principles for using Magnifica:

• note the cup holder on top. It is designed to maintain the temperature of the coffee;
• Next to the stand on the top there is a compartment for ground coffee; you need to add the required amount to it using a measuring spoon;
• On the left side there is a cover for the coffee bean compartment with a grinding regulator (it can only be adjusted during operation). Users note that this preparation option is less troublesome and produces tastier coffee;
• on the control panel you can set what kind of coffee you want to make, single or double;
• The water barrel is located on the right side of the Magnifica coffee machine;
• Using the regulator, you can set the strength of the drink and the volume of the coffee portion used to prepare the drink;
• the panel has a special button for heating the steam that froths the milk for the cappuccino maker;
• The panel also contains service buttons for washing the machine.

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Magnifica S has a larger compartment for coffee beans (250 g), allows you to add up to 2 liters of water, and also prepare two cups of coffee at the same time, adjusting the strength. This is an improved version that takes into account the wishes of consumers.

Magnifica S is equipped with an improved grinder with high-strength burrs and allows you to choose up to 13 grinding levels. There are a number of automatic service functions that make it easier to maintain the machine.

Esam 04.110 allows you to automatically prepare a range of coffee drinks, espresso, cappuccino, latte, ristretto, lungo, but manually. This is a more affordable model for those consumers who want to save money. Esam 04.110 allows you to prepare high-quality espresso thanks to Tubeless, which picks up freshly ground coffee.

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You can see how to use the Delonghi Nespresso capsule coffee machine in the video tutorial. This is a more expensive version, we recommend that you try this type of preparation on portable machines Dolce Gusto, Caffe Corso.

You can see in practice how to properly use the Delonghi cappuccino maker in the video.

Functions, principle of operation

The main focus of the Italians from Delong in the issue of coffee machines is the production of carob-type models. The company itself explains this tendency as the desire to “brew real coffee.”

Main slogan. Following this call, De Longhi development engineers strive to equip their machines with “the latest technology”, introducing more and more new functions to the coffee maker:

• adjustments: degree of grinding, portions of added water, coffee strength, etc.;
• manual cappuccino maker or its automatic version;
• the possibility of not only mechanical, but also touch control, etc.

Models of coffee makers with prices from 25 thousand rubles and above almost completely have a built-in coffee grinder, which differs in two components:

• different number of grinding stages;
• volume of the grain tank.

A distinctive feature of modern models of coffee makers is the ability to install them directly in the kitchen cabinet. The built-in machine saves working kitchen space and is not noticeable if the color scheme does not match or for a number of other reasons. Of the wide range of machines produced under the Delong brand, unfortunately, there are no built-in options.

Your own barista

At the end of the test, we decided to personally evaluate the coffee machine by preparing several drinks from the preset list. The result did not disappoint: even without fine-tuning, the coffee tasted great. The espresso pleased with its light nutty foam and rich aroma, while the latte macchiato had a delicate taste with a pronounced milky contrast.

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With the advent of new technologies, feeling like an Italian barista has become easier than ever. De'Longhi PrimaDonna SOUL ECAM610.75.MB is an advanced coffee machine that is easy to operate. Just a couple of clicks on your smartphone screen is enough to brew aromatic espresso or cappuccino with a head of dense milk foam. The device will remember the preferences of each family member and prepare your favorite drink even in a thermal mug.

Especially for 4PDA readers using the promotional code 4Pda5 you can get a 5% discount. The promotional code will be valid from March 5 to April 5.

Features and Disadvantages

The Delonghi family of coffee machines is famous for its maximum level of automation, which increases in direct accordance with the price. Among De Longhi machines there are both capsule-type espresso samples and models that work with ground coffee (of which the majority are on the market). Delong machines are not designed to work with pods (ground coffee pressed into tablets). The carob (espresso) version of coffee machines is a distinctive feature of the Italian brand, which the company specializes in.

Automatic versions of coffee makers are “famous” for their noise, which is logical if they have a grinding function. In addition, an automatic coffee maker with a self-cleaning function will most likely unpleasantly surprise the owner with the uncontrolled start of the cleaning operation before the first use, as well as during subsequent ones.

There are also frequent complaints about quick deterioration and scratches on the chrome cup stand.