Support - F.A.Q. - Coffee General
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Coffee General
Coffee Makers
Household Use
Q: Are all drip coffee makers marked for “Household Use Only”?
A: Most De’Longhi drip coffee makers are for “Household Use Only”. Please refer to the product section of our web site or call our customer service number 1800 126 659 for more information on our models.
Coffee Flows Too Quickly
Q: Coffee flows too quickly. What’s wrong?
A: The coffee may be ground too coarsely.
Automatic Shutoff
Q: Do De’Longhi drip coffee makers feature automatic shut-off?
A: All De’Longhi drip coffee makers that feature a 24-hour timer have a 2-hour automatic shut-off. There are also a few select models without a 24-hour timer that also feature a 2-hour automatic shut-off.
Coffee Not Flowing
Q: Coffee is not flowing. What’s wrong?
A: First check the water reservoir to make sure there is water in it. Second, check the filter basket to make sure it is not clogged. Coffee that is too fine or compressed too firmly will clog the basket. Lastly, check the showerhead, it may need cleaning.
Temperature Of Coffee When it is Brewed
Q: What is the temperature of the coffee when it is brewed?
A: The temperature of the coffee once it is released from the machine is between 70-80 degrees celsius
What Size Paper Filter
Q: What size paper filter should be used for the 4-cup drip coffee makers?
A: A #2 coffee filter should be used for all 4-cup De’Longhi drip coffee makers.
How Long Will the Thermal Carafe Keep Coffee Hot
Q: Will the thermal carafe keep the coffee hot for a long time?
A: The carafe should keep the contents warm for approximately 2 hours.
Temperature of Thermal Carafe
Q: What temperature should the thermal carafes maintain?
A: The thermal carafes will maintain a temperature of 75degrees Celsius. The temperature will slowly start to drop as time progresses.
What Type Of Filter
Q: Do drip coffee makers use charcoal or water filters?
A: Water filters.
Coffee Urns and Percolators
Coffee Urns Outside
Q: Why can’t coffee urns be used outside?
A: Coffee urns and other units shouldn’t be used outside due to safety concerns.
Espresso Machines
What Type of Coffee
Q: What type of coffee do I need to use in my espresso machine?
A: When preparing espresso, you should always use the proper bean. Espresso beans are roasted longer than other beans and deliver a full, rich flavour and aroma. Choose an Italian or French espresso roast coffee bean. For pump-driven espresso machines, you should choose a fine coffee grind. For steam-driven espresso machines, use coarse ground coffee.
Where to Find Coffee Beans
Q: Where do I find the appropriate coffee beans?
A: Most supermarkets carry Italian, French or “espresso” beans. Gourmet food stores and coffee shops also carry a wide variety of beans
QA Heading
Q: How do I know if the coffee beans are fresh?
A: You will know espresso roast coffee beans are fresh if they have an oily surface.
Packing Coffee Grounds
Q: Should coffee grounds be packed tightly into the filter holder?
A: No. Gently compress coffee grounds using the tamper supplied with the machine.
Bitter Espresso
Why does anyone drink espresso? It’s always so bitter.
A: An authentic espresso should be a rich flavour, never bitter. Old coffee beans or coffee that has not been freshly ground may result in bitterness. For rich flavour, always use freshly ground beans or relatively fresh pre-ground coffee.
Too Much Caffeine
Q: Does espresso have too much caffeine?
A: Actually, because espresso beans are roasted longer than other coffee beans, they have a lower caffeine level. A cup of espresso has more concentrated coffee flavour and should not be confused with caffeine content.
Brown Foam on Top
Q: What’s the brown foam on top of an espresso?
A: The light brown foam that floats on top of an espresso is known, in Italian, as the “crema”. Distinguished by its caramel-colour, the “crema” is the essence of authentic espresso. The crema carries a variety of flavours that comprise the coffee bean. The presence of “crema” means the espresso is fresh and perfectly prepared. It is a natural froth produced by the pump pressure.
No Crema
Q: My espresso has little or no “crema”. What’s wrong?
A: The coffee may have been ground too coarsely or the grounds may not have been pressed with a tamper. Also check to make sure that the coffee is not old or stale.
What is a Cappuccino
Q: What is cappuccino?
A: A cup of cappuccino is actually espresso topped with hot, frothy milk garnished with chocolate, cinnamon or nutmeg.
Making a Cappuccino
Q: How do you make cappuccino?
A: Steaming milk for cappuccino requires two things: a powerful machine and a cold pitcher of low fat (2%) milk. De’Longhi espresso/cappuccino machines are designed to deliver high levels of steam at the touch of a button. Simply hold the pitcher so the swivel jet frother steam nozzle is just below the surface of the milk. Gently move the pitcher from side to side allowing the nozzle to aerate the entire surface of the milk.
How do I Create a Froth
Q: How do I make froth and what type of milk should I use?
A: Skim milk works best because it has very little fat. With the swivel jet frother you pour 1/3 cup of milk into the pitcher so the milk can aerate. The pitcher should be kept in the freezer and should be made of metal. With the IFD system you pour milk directly into the machine, but make sure there is water in the boiler first.
Rich Froth
Q: I’m having difficulties creating a nice, rich froth. What’s the problem?
A: You should use skim or low-fat milk that is cold. Check the steam nozzle and/or intake hole to see if it is clogged. Clean away any dried milk to allow steam to flow freely. Make sure that you depress the steam button firmly.
Difference Between Pump and Steam Units
Q: What is the difference between pump and steam units?
A: Steam driven machines boil water to create hot water, steam, & pressure. The steam in the boiler is used to build pressure for the extraction of flavour from the grind. In pump-driven machines, the pump creates a minimum and consistent pressure of about nine bars. The water in the pump machines do not have to boil the water to make pressure for pushing the water through the grinds.
How Many Cups
Q: How many cups does it make?
A: De’Longhi espresso/cappuccino pump machines have water tanks that hold enough water for 20 –28 espresso cups. However, the tank can be refilled at any point so the actual number of cups is limitless. But a pump machine only brews 2 cups at a time. That’s what makes espresso so tasty and unique. Our steam machines have water tanks with a capacity to brew 4 cups of espresso. After you have brewed 4 cups you must release all of the steam pressure before opening the cap and adding more water.
Cleaning of Espresso Maker
Q: How easy is it to clean an espresso maker?
A: Making espresso or cappuccino means an occasional splatter. It happens to everyone. But De’Longhi espresso/cappuccino makers wipe clean with a damp sponge.
Cold in the Pump Unit
Q: Why is my espresso cold in the pump unit?
A: It’s possible that the machine has not warmed up yet. Warm-up generally takes about 6 minutes.
Also, when you turn the pump unit on, if your ready light and OK light come on simultaneously this could indicate a problem with your thermostat. You will need to take your unit to an authorized service centre.
No Water Flow
Q: Why isn’t there water coming out of my espresso maker?
A: If it is a steam-driven machine, make sure the water level is on the light to medium setting. If it is a pump-driven machine, you may have a clogged line and the unit needs to be primed. How to prime the unit: Fill the unit with water. Turn the unit on and open the steam valve all the way. Push the brew button. Wait until a steady stream of water flows from the frothing arm and then shut off the steam knob. This will divert the water to the brew head and clear the clog. If this does not work, take the machine to an authorized service centre.
Water Leaking from Filter Holder
Q: Water is leaking excessively from the filter holder. What’s the problem?
A: The filter holder is not properly inserted into the brew head. Also, check to make sure that coffee grounds have been cleaned from the rim of the filter holder.
Changing Water
Q: Do I have to keep changing my water?
A: Pump-driven espresso machines can be refilled at any time during the brewing process, but don’t need to be refilled until they are low. Water can remain in the machine between uses. Empty it only if you intend to leave the machine unused for an extended period of time. Steam machines can only be refilled once all of the steam has been released from the unit. To release the steam, turn off the machine, replace the carafe under the filter holder and move the Vario lever (available on certain models) to light. Steam and water will begin flowing into the carafe. Once steam is no longer dispersed, you can open the steam cap and begin again.
Espresso Size
Q: What size is an espresso?
A: Espresso is 25-30mls of coffee.
Types of Coffee
Q: What are the various types of coffee?
A: Please see below -
Espresso : 25-30mls of coffee with a thick,golden crema on the surface.
Macchiato : Served short or long with a dash of milk and/or a dollop of froth
Long Black : 1/3 Espresso 2/3 Hot water
Cappuccino : 1/3 Espresso 2/3 Steamed and textured milk
Caffe` latte : Espresso with steamed milk and a 1cm head of froth.
Flat white : 1/3 Espresso 2/3 hot milk.
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