Last Updated on October 12, 2022 by Timothy Byron Smith
Do you want a great cup of coffee in the comfort of your own home? The Delonghi coffee maker is a tried and true favorite to grant your wish! But what good is an espresso machine if you don’t know how to use it? No worries. You can easily learn how to use a De’Longhi espresso machine in 5 simple steps.
Delonghi espresso machines are available in a variety of styles and models. Now, their functioning mechanisms may vary, but the essentials remain the same. We do urge you to read the manual attentively for instructions. However, we will go through the basics with you!
We are here to rescue you from the hassle of operating espresso machines. From now on, operating a Delonghi espresso machine will be a lot easier!
5 Simple Steps to Know How to Use De’Longhi Espresso Machine
Be it a latte or a hot cup of mouth-watering macchiato. Your favorite coffee is literally just five steps away! Using a DeLonghi espresso machine is not very difficult at all. But before you begin the process, remember to be safe and exercise caution with the machine.
Delonghi, just like any other automatic espresso machine, takes control of everything and requires minimum human interference.
Step 1: Fill up that water tank!
Begin by lifting the machine’s lid and removing the water reservoir. Don’t worry about breaking something. The tank is detachable and may be readily removed by pulling it upwards. You can also fill it without removing it first.
However, this is a messy process that will necessitate the use of a jug or a funnel.
Next, clean or distilled tap water can be used to fill the tank. Remember to not go beyond the marking that indicates maximum level. Finally, carefully place the reservoir back in its place. Press it gently so the valve at the base opens up. And voila! You are through with step 1.
Step 2: Power Up the Machine 15 minutes Before Using it
What good is a coffee if not steaming hot? (Unless of course you are going for a cold coffee). To brew a hot cup, you will have to preheat your De’Longhi espresso maker. There are only a few things to do:
- Make sure the tank is tightly closed and ready to function.
- Power up the machine. You do that by turning the switch to the right.
- Now, wait patiently for the light to go green. Greenlight means the coil is hot enough for you to prepare your drink. This will take around 15 minutes.
- Want a bonus tip? By placing your espresso cups on top of the machine, you can warm them up! Just make sure the cup is demitasse-type.
Step 3: It’s Portafilter Time!
You are unable to make your espresso without using coffee for which you will be needing a Portafilter. Here is how you use the portafilter to add the ground coffee or espresso pod:
- Choose a cup size: single or double shot. Or a bigger size if you like
- Detach the handle of the portafilter and fix your cup at its end
- Fill the cup attached to the portafilter up to the brim with your ground coffee
- Any excess grounds should be brushed off
- Lastly, you can use the tamper (in-built) to tamp the ground coffee. Make sure you press the coffee in an upward direction firmly but gently. This step is key to the right flavor.
You can even amper your ground coffee using a hand-held tamper. Remember this sort of manual labor requires extra effort on your part as it is required in semi-automatic espresso machines. Finally, use the flip arm to fix your cup securely.
Step 4: Attach the Portafilter with the Machine
The portafilter goes back into the machine. So, rotate the handle of the portafilter till it is properly inserted inside the machine and locked in place. You will know it’s secured when the handle is positioned directly in front of the espresso machine.
Step 5: Place the cup on the tray and watch the heavenly liquid pour into it!
And your wait is finally over! All that is left is for you to twist the switch to the right so your espresso starts brewing. Once the espresso machine is done mixing the pressured water with your coffee it will pour you a steaming cup right out of the spout!
You may now drink up or serve as much as you like!
Making Cappuccino using Delonghi Espresso Machine
Are you someone who likes the milk in their coffee drink? Is a good flavourful cup of cappuccino the very thing that makes your day? With a De’Longhi espresso maker, you’re in luck!
DeLonghi espresso machines comprise two thermostats in their boilers. This means one of those containers is specifically used for brewing froth milk for your cappuccino! Follow these steps to treat yourself to a cappuccino that will dazzle your mouth!
- Make yourself an espresso shot following the instructions mentioned above.
- Next, fill your pitcher with an adequate amount of milk.
- Place the pitcher under the machine’s steamer arm. You need to make sure that the steamer’s nozzle is partly dipping into the milk.
- Twist the knob to activate the steamer so the frothing may begin. Turn it off when you’ve reached your desired temperature.
- Remove the pitcher from the machine and tap it a couple of times on the counter. This ensures that there are no bubbles.
- Finally, add your prepared espresso shot to a large cup and mix it up with the frothed milk. In fact, jazz it up a little and do some coffee art with it!
Besides this, the De’Longhi espresso machine is reliably good for brewing any coffee or espresso you want to try, including blonde espresso, lungo, macchiato, latte, etc.
How To Clean a Delonghi Espresso Machine?
When it comes to keeping your espresso machine clean it’s not just for the sake of hygiene. Your coffee flavor depends on it too! You do not want to be drinking coffee that smells bad or has an unpleasant aftertaste.
Yes, it can be a chore. But it is absolutely critical that you frequently clean your De’Longhi coffee maker. Use these tips to make sure the cleaning spree goes well.
- The portafilter is an extremely important part of the machine. Remove it, clean it off its residues, and rinse it well. Both before and after usage.
- Clean the drip tray frequently of any spills and mess. You don’t want your coffee machine emitting a bad smell.
- You can use a mild detergent with some water and a soft rag for it.
- The steamer (especially its external surfaces) must be cleaned every time it’s being used for frothing.
Pro Tip: When cleaning the steamer, switch the steamer arm on and let it run for a second or two. This will help clean any soapy or other material stuck inside.
Safety First! Measures to Take to Keep Safe
Coffee should never be at the expense of hazardous accidents. When you’re enjoying a cup of that delicious drink, it should be relaxing. Not a result of disasters.
Therefore, the following precautions are crucial to ensure the coffee-making process goes smoothly.
1. Placement:
Position your De Longhi espresso machine on a stable, spacious, and flat surface. Avoid any edges or unstable parts of the countertop to prevent accidents from toppling.
2. Dryness:
Make certain that the space where you place your espresso machine is dry. No wet surfaces are allowed here. Water in the wrong place can be a very damaging agent for yourself and the machine.
3. User:
Anyone operating the machine should be medically fit and mentally alert. No children should be operating it.
4. Machine Components:
Make sure all the components of the machine are in the right place and firmly fixed. Anything loose, broken, or outplace can cause damage. Also, ensure that no wires are chipped or torn!
5. Watch your hands:
Make sure you don’t use the machine with wet hands. Furthermore, limit your hand movements to the controls only (knobs and buttons). Wearing kitchen gloves is also recommended to protect yourself from the machine’s hot parts.
The Best Coffee Beans for Your De’longhi Machine
If you really wish to make the most of your DeLonghi coffee maker, you need the right kind of beans which depends mainly on whether you want beans for coffee or espresso. That is because beans are the essence of your coffee. So, here are some of the best beans you can use that will complement the efforts of your De Longhi espresso machine splendidly.
1. Lavazza Coffee Beans
The Lavazza coffee beans are the doorway to the most delicious coffee you will make in a DeLonghi coffee maker. There is no joking about it.
The Lavazza are medium roasted beans that are extremely aromatic and packed with rich flavors. So it’s a feast for the nose, the eyes, AND the mouth! You can buy them as whole or ground beans as per your preference.
These beans are extremely compatible with the De’Longhi espresso machine. You will have made the right choice investing in them.
Pros:
Available in both whole and ground form
Extremely aromatic
Rich in flavor
Cons:
Not suited for people who do not like medium roast
2. Eight O’Clock Beans
This is one fancy coffee you will drink. Made from some of the finest Arabica beans, the Eight O’Clock offers a grand combination of strong and refined flavors. The best part? You will even taste some caramel and some chocolate in there!
If you crave a strong cup of coffee every morning then your de Longhi espresso machine needs these beans. They are fresh, saturated with exotic flavors, and make a great strong coffee that will hit you just right!
The only catch is, you will have to ground them yourself! But, on the plus side, that will offer you a darker roast.
Pros:
Make strong coffee
Offer fresh flavors
A subtle taste of chocolate and caramel
Fine grounding produces a darker roast
Cons:
Beans require grounding
3. Koffee Kult Beans
Are you looking for quality coffee beans that offer endless brewing possibilities? Well, your search ends right here. Koffee Kult beans will perfectly suit your Delonghi machine and produce nothing but utter deliciousness.
These beans are obtained whole so you will have to ground them. But the bold taste, which is surprisingly not bitter, is totally worth it! These dark-roasted and rich coffee beans will make you a fancy and unforgettable batch of coffee. This particular blend of coffee beans is nothing less than perfection.
It will be a strong yet super-smooth coffee experience! It’s a coffee that your De Longhi coffee maker will remember always.
Pros:
Strong yet smooth taste
Organic and full-bodied beans
Not bitter
Cons:
This taste may not suit everyone
Beans require grounding
FAQs
- Lavazza
- Primadonna
- Eight O’Clock
Conclusion
The De Longhi espresso machine can be your perfect partner for making espresso at home. Using a new espresso machine can be daunting. But, as you can see, it is not difficult to use the De’Longhi espresso machine at all! By following the right instructions you can easily operate the DeLonghi coffee maker.
Just remember to be safe and make sure you make the most of your espresso machine. This means brewing a lot of lattes, cappuccinos, and other drinks.
Now, that you have learned how to use a De’Longhi espresso machine, it’s time to treat yourself! Make your way off the screen and towards the espresso machine!