DeLonghi is one of the most popular manufacturers in the kitchen appliances industry. And when it comes to espresso machines, they are an indisputable leader. The company takes pride in a variety of coffee maker models. And with the best DeLonghi espresso maker, you can enjoy fresh and tasty coffee drinks.
These machines go beyond making ordinary coffee to deliver pleasant cappuccino, espresso, and latte drinks. Besides, a variety of models provide you with the option to use pods in the place of ground coffee beans.
Acquiring an appropriate model is a way of cutting back the overdependence on ready-made coffee drinks in coffee shops. Thus, isn’t owning a Delonghi coffee maker an incredible way of saving time and money?
Undoubtedly, it is. But only if you know how to use this precious kitchen masterpiece.
We save you the nightmare of fumbling with your drinks. This article will provide you with a step-by-step process of using DeLonghi espresso machines to make various coffee drinks.
Let’s go!
Safety Precautions
DeLonghi espresso machines are incredibly easy to use. But before you begin using any of the models, your safety comes first. Therefore, the following safety measures will prove essential before, during, and after your coffee-making process;
- Position your device on a flat, spacious countertop away from the edge of the countertop.
- Ensure that the surface is entirely dry as water may lead to accidents or damage the system.
- Do not allow persons who are not medically fit around the cooking area. Children, too, should be kept away.
- Ensure that the device has all parts and none of the components are broken.
- Do not touch the appliance with wet hands when plugged in, and restrict your controls to knobs and handles to avoid touching hot areas.
How to Make Espresso Coffee Using DeLonghi Machines
The following process will help you get the best espresso out of any DeLonghi coffee maker.
Fill the water reservoir
- You will need to lift the lid and remove the water reservoir. It comes out easily when you pull it upwards minus the cover.
- Fill the reservoir with distilled water or clean tap water but do not exceed the MAX level indication.
- Place the container back on the machine, and press gently to open the valve at the bottom of the tank.
- You can also fill the water without removing the reservoir from the unit. All you have to do is pour water into the little tank using a jug. Again, don’t exceed the indicated limit.
Preheat the machine
Once you have enough water in the reservoir, you will need to preheat the coffee unit to get a steaming coffee. The following simple steps should help you get the process right:
- Close the reservoir with the lid and wipe any spills around the device.
- Switch on the appliance by turning the knob to the right.
- Warm the espresso cups at the top of the machine. You can warm as many demitasse-type cups depending on the warming space at the top of the device.
- Wait for the green flick light, which indicates that the coils are ready to deliver the right espresso temperature. This should take about 15 minutes.
Grind your coffee beans
As the system heats up, you can grind fresh coffee beans that you intend to use. Interestingly, DeLonghi espresso machines use any type of coffee. You can choose according to your choice and preference and grind the beans fine, superfine, or anywhere in between.
Add ground coffee or espresso pod to the portafilter
You can’t make espresso without coffee, can you? But when and how do you add your ground coffee?
- Remove the portafilter handle.
- Choose the right size of the cup and insert it at the end of the handle. You can choose between a single shot, a double shot, or a bigger one.
- Add your espresso pod or ground coffee in the little cup at the end of the portafilter. Fill the cup to the brim.
- Brush off any excess coffee grounds.
- Use the inbuilt tamper to tamp your pod or ground coffee by pressing the coffee upwards firmly.
- You can also tamper your coffee manually by using a hand-held tamper.
- Secure the cup using the flip arm after you are through tamping the coffee.
Make your shot of espresso
Return the portafilter into its rightful place in the machine and turn it to fit securely.
Put an espresso cup on the tray directly underneath the sprout.
Turn the knob to the right to begin brewing. That should deliver you your single shot or double shot espresso into the cup.
The machine mixes the water with the ground beans under pressure to deliver steaming espresso cups.
How To Make Cappuccino Using A Delonghi
Do you prefer some milk into your drink? Interestingly, DeLonghi espresso machines are designed with two thermostats in the stainless boiler.
While one thermostat is responsible for brewing espresso, the other one will reliably brew froth milk. You can achieve that through the following steps:
- Fill the pitcher with the right amount of milk.
- Position the stainless steel pitcher directly under the steamer arm and ensure that the steamer nozzle is partially submerged into the milk.
- Turn the steam control knob to initiate the frothing process by releasing steam.
- Turn off the knob once you achieve the right temperature.
- Take off your milk pitcher and tap the bottom of the pitcher gently on your countertop to help break any bubbles.
- Transfer the espresso shot you made earlier into a large latte cup and mix it with the frothed milk.
How to Clean a DeLonghi Espresso Machine
Like every other kitchen appliance, you need to ensure that your espresso maker stays clean. It is only this way that you can get the best shots out of it for several years.
A bit of a heads up, you need to clean the system frequently, even when you don’t use it to avoid bacteria buildup!
Take note of the following when cleaning your machine;
- Empty the portafilter of any residue and rinse with clean water before and after use.
- Remove the drip tray and clean off any spills after each use. You can use a soft piece of cloth, water, and mild detergent.
- Clean the outer sections of the steamer arm every time you use it for frothing milk.
- Hold an empty cup under the steamer arm and switch on the steaming process for a few seconds to ensure that it releases steam to clean off the steamer arm further. The process should deliver a little water into the empty cup. Discard the water released.
Descaling Your DeLonghi Espresso Machine
Descaling is another crucial aspect to note if you want to ensure that the device is correctly taken care of. Notably, the descaling process should happen every 2 to 3 months.
You can use the de-scaler that comes with the appliance or any recommended commercial de-scaler. Add the de-scaler into the water reservoir and run it through the system. The essence of doing this is to eliminate any traces of built-up residue.
In case you don’t have a de-scaler, you can consider using about two spoonfuls of citric acid to perform the same process.
Wrapping it up
The above steps are critical to consistently creating steamy, rich, and tasty espresso coffee drinks. Besides, they also help to ensure that your appliance stays in good shape for several years.
While it is essential to note that DeLonghi prides itself as the manufacturer of many leading coffee maker models, the above procedures apply to nearly all the market options.
We hope that you can now have fun through the enjoyable process of making healthy and tasty espresso drinks.
