Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I’m on my second Delonghi machine and after having this model for 3 years I like it as much as I did when it was new. I like it so much that I had my first machine repaired so it’s ready to go in the event this one needs repairs (some you can confidently do yourself.) And because I’ve become so familiar with this machine I wanted to share my experiences that will help extend the life of your machine. —Number one: use bottled water. The most destructive element to the machine is the buildup of lime that isn’t easily removed, even with commercial descalers. Using a water without added minerals like spring or distilled prevents the valves from becoming crusted with lime. The water travels through a fascinating maze of tubes and devices before it reaches your cup and these must be clean. —Use a commercial descaler when the light goes on. Expelled solution that is clear will validate the quality of the water you’ve been using. —Rinse the brew unit (aka the infuser) periodically, but more importantly make sure the piston moves easily through the unit. The device isn’t maintenance free and occasionally requires lubrication. Symptoms of a poorly functioning brew unit are creaking or groaning and/or finding spilled coffee grounds inside the unit. Rectify this immediately as it causes stress on the transmission that drives it through its cycle. The piston is in two parts, an outer shell and inner plunger. To do the job properly remove the u-clip from the bottom of the infuser which will cause the inside of the piston to fall out the bottom; then push the outer shell through the top. On the outside of the piston are two high-pressure orange seals. These maintain pressure and prevent the coffee from leaking outside the unit while brewing. If you find coffee is dripping in the tray these need to be replaced. Use a food-safe grease like Petrogel and saturate the rubber seals. Reassemble the unit at which point the piston should slide smoothly through the unit. —If you regularly steam milk the rubber o-ring in the steam wand and it’s outer shell need to be periodically replaced. —If the steam wand begins leaking during the brew cycle it needs to be replaced. Order a new tap from an online appliance parts source. The major one has a video that demonstrates how to do this repair. —Using high quality beans with minimal oil causes them to easily slide through the grinder. The belt driving the grinder is replaceable if required. —Use the proper dial setting on the grinder to adjust the body of the espresso. It usually takes a couple cycles to achieve the benefit of the adjustment. If the coffee won’t expel the grind is too fine; if too watery it’s too corse. I was shocked at the engineering that goes into this machine. I recently changed the tap and took some photos that show why it’s so heavy and the lengthy path which the water travels.