Setting Up Your De'Longhi La Specialista

We hope you're enjoying that exciting 'new machine' feeling!

Before you start making coffee, please run through this quick overview of set up courtesy of the De'Longhi team - there are a few small tricks so please watch, read and let us know if you need a hand!

 

TIPS & TRICKS

Attaching the Hopper (Bean Container):

Please - do not add beans to the machine until this is attached correctly! There are two alarm signals to look out for when you're attaching it:

The flashing bean sign = the bean container is not installed correctly, hold up!

If you're having trouble with this step, here's what you neeed to do. To ensure the container is locked in correctly the locked padlock on the front of the bean container should line up with the arrow in front of the bean container. This is quite hard to do when knew, make sure you push against the resistance until the container actually clicks in and the light stops flashing. Anytime you have to remove the bean container make sure there are no beans in container. Run them through before unlocking the container from the top of the machine. Also only place the beans you require for that coffee or two so your beans will be fresher and you won’t need to adjust the settings as often.

The solid bean light = this one just means there aren't any beans in the container.

Priming the Machine:

This is covered in the video above. Priming the machine is important at the beginning of use to make sure the water lines are full of water. Remember this action anytime you fill the water tank. Tip: if ever the water alarm does not turn off, there may be an air bubble in the line.

Setting the Dose:

Please make sure you don’t use x2 button unless you have the x2 filter basket in the handle! Tip:  the best dose setting for most coffees is to the top of the dose nodule.

Check the dose by grinding coffee and tamping then remove the filter holder and see where the coffee lines up to the nodule. If not correct, discard the ground coffee, adjust the dose dial up in “small” increments and then repeat the process. Once you have the right dose test the espresso to see how it is pouring before you adjust the grind setting.

Adjusting the Grind

You must always ensure the grinder is activated when changing the grind. This is important for the most effective change to occur, and to ensure beans do not get stuck in the burrs.

Texturing Milk

This takes a while to get good at but we know you'll get there!

Use the milk jug provided with the machine to ensure optimum milk texturing, and only fill the jug to the bottom of the spout.

The steam wand is designed to texture thick milk or heat flatter creamy mil by moving the want adjustor up or down. This wand works differently to a typical steam wand as you need to sink it deeper into the milk. Typically sinking the end of the wand about 1cm into the milk will allow the milk to texture. You don’t need to move the jug too much, just let the wand do the work.

The wand will need cleaning regularly - and that's not just on the outside with a chux! The best way to clean the wand is to twist and unlock the wand pull it off and rinse this and the rubber part of the steam wand - or, place some tap water into the steam jug and place the steam wand into the water turn on and let the water clean the wand.

If ever you find you have lost pressure or the milk is making too many bubbles, please make sure the steam wand rubber insert and the metal surround are attached correctly and locked into place.

Cleaning The Grinder Chute

We've got some detailed vidos on the Resources bog to cover cleaning processes, but a special mention to cleaning the grinder chute! The grinder chute should be cleaned daily - or at least twice a week. This will ensure there is no build up of coffee (although ground coffee looks and feels dry, it's quite oily and sticky).

The brush provided with the machine can be used to access the chute from behind the tamp, under the tamp station, and through the chute in front of the bean container. The trap door can be opened by pushing down on the left side next to the arrow.

Please don't put the Bean Container, filter holder or baskets in the dishwasher as this may affect the coffee taste. The drip tray is dishwasher safe.

THAT'S IT FOR OUR TIPS & TRICKS TO SET UP, STRAIGHT FROM THE EXPERTS AT DE'LONGHI. IF YOU HAVE ANY TROUBLE SETTING UP YOUR MACHINE, WE'RE HERE TO HELP VIA LIVE CHAT DOWN THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN. THANK YOU!