How to Use a De’Longhi Espresso Machine

When it comes to semi-automatic coffee machines, there are two brand names that come to mind first. Each brand has several standouts, making it difficult for coffee enthusiasts to choose which one to opt for–Breville versus De’Longhi. 

The choice would ultimately come down to your specific brewing needs, but whichever brand you choose, you’re getting a high-quality espresso machine. 

In this article, let’s look at some step-by-step instructions on how to use a Delonghi espresso machine! 

Step 1: Safety First 

Each De’Longhi machine comes with a detailed instruction manual–read the manual carefully to understand the workings of your machine and to ensure that you operate it safely. Here are some other safety precautions that you should be aware of: 

• Place the machine away from water in a clear space to avoid any damage. 
• Make sure that the machine is not at the edge of the countertop or any place where it may fall.
• We cannot overstate the importance of cleaning your De’Longhi espresso machine to maintain its operation and functionality. Make sure you clean the machine well to avoid mold and bacteria that could not only alter the taste of your coffee, but also affect the machine’s long-term functioning. 

Step 2: Fill the Water Tank 

Every time you use the coffee machine, make sure you check the water level and fill it to the maximum level. You can do this by lifting the lid and removing the water tank, or you can use a water jug to fill the water tank while it’s still in the machine. Be careful not to fill it beyond the maximum line. 

Step 3: Preheat

Turn on the machine and turn the knob to the right. Wait for the green light to turn on, indicating that the coils are heated to the right temperature–this usually takes around 15 minutes. 

Step 4: Load the Filter With Ground Coffee 

Once you’ve learned how to grind espresso coffee for a De’Longhi machine, load the ground coffee into the filter. The amount of ground coffee you add depends on whether you are using the single shot filter or double shot filter. We suggest that you measure the amount of coffee you add to the filter using a measuring spoon. 

Step 5: Tamp the Ground Coffee 

You can use the inbuilt tamper attached to the machine or an external hand-held tamping device to level the ground coffee in the filter. Tuning the tamping pressure correctly takes practice, so experiment with different pressures and see which gives you the best results. Make sure there are no loose coffee grounds on the edges of the portafilter. 

Step 6: Make Your Espresso 

Return the loaded portafilter to its place in the machine and turn it to fit securely. Place a warm cup directly under the portafilter, and turn the knob to the far right to start brewing your coffee. 

If you have the desired amount of coffee in your cup, simply turn the knob back to the “O” mark to stop brewing. 

Step 7: Make a Cappuccino

Fill a frothing pitcher with about 3.5 ounces of milk and put it under the frothing arm. Turn the knob to the steam icon to start the frothing process. Once you’ve got the pitcher with milk in the right position, turn the frothing arm counterclockwise to begin frothing your milk. Once it is frothed to twice its initial volume, the milk is ready to go into your coffee. Make sure that once you turn the knob to the steam option, you wait for the green light to come on before you begin frothing. 

Conclusion 

De’Longhi offers a wide range of semi-automatic espresso machines with different operations and functionalities, and these instructions will give you a basic understanding of how to use a De’Longhi espresso machine. Espresso making is an artform that takes practice, so be patient as you learn to use your new espresso maker!