This document provides instructions for the De'Longhi EC680 coffee maker, a household appliance designed to prepare coffee and heat drinks.
Function Description:
The De'Longhi EC680 is an espresso coffee maker that allows users to prepare various coffee beverages, including espresso and cappuccino. It features a control panel with dedicated buttons for one cup, two cups, and steam functions, each with an ON light. An orange descale light indicates when maintenance is required. The appliance is equipped with a boiler outlet for coffee delivery and a hot water/steam spout for frothing milk and dispensing hot water. It includes a filter holder that can accommodate different filters for single espresso, double espresso, or coffee pods. The machine also has a cup warmer shelf to keep cups warm during operation.
Usage Features:
Before first use, the appliance requires a setup process that involves filling the water tank, rinsing the internal circuits, and attaching the filter holder. The water tank can be filled either by removing it or by pouring water directly into it. The appliance performs a self-diagnosis cycle upon startup, indicated by flashing lights, and is ready for use when the lights remain steady.
The EC680 offers programmable settings, accessible through a menu, to customize the coffee temperature and water hardness. The coffee temperature can be set to low, medium, or high, affecting the final temperature of the espresso. Water hardness settings allow the appliance to adjust the frequency of descaling reminders, ensuring optimal performance based on local water conditions. The appliance also features an auto-off (stand-by) function to save energy, which can be adjusted for different time intervals (9 minutes, 30 minutes, or 3 hours).
To make espresso coffee using pre-ground coffee, users need to select the appropriate filter (one-cup or two-cup), add the recommended amount of ground coffee, and press it lightly with the supplied presser. Correct pressing is crucial for a good espresso; pressing too firmly results in slow delivery and strong coffee, while pressing too lightly leads to quick delivery and weak coffee. For hotter coffee, users can pre-heat the filter holder and cup with hot water, or adjust the coffee temperature in the settings menu.
For preparing cappuccino, the machine uses a cappuccino maker and steam connection nozzle to froth milk. Users are instructed to fill a container with cold milk, immerse the cappuccino maker, and turn the steam dial to deliver steam. The process involves moving the container to create creamy froth and then immersing the cappuccino maker deeper to heat the milk. After frothing, the cappuccino maker should be cleaned immediately.
The appliance can also dispense hot water by turning the steam dial to the hot water position. It is recommended not to deliver hot water for more than 60 seconds continuously.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and optimal performance of the EC680. The drip tray, which has a level indicator, should be emptied and cleaned regularly to prevent overflow. The coffee filters should be rinsed under running water and checked for blockages, which can be cleared with a pin. The boiler outlet needs to be rinsed after every 200 coffees by delivering water without ground coffee.
The water tank should be cleaned about once a month with a damp cloth and mild washing-up liquid. It is crucial never to immerse the coffee maker in water during cleaning, as it is an electrical appliance. Solvents or abrasive detergents should not be used for cleaning the exterior; a soft damp cloth is sufficient. The filter holder cup should also be cleaned regularly.
Descaling is a critical maintenance task, indicated by the orange descale light. The descaling process involves emptying the water tank, removing the softener filter (if present), and filling the tank with a descaler solution. The appliance then performs an automatic descaling program, followed by a rinsing cycle with fresh water. During descaling and rinsing, it is advised to close the steam dial periodically to clean the boiler outlet. Only De'Longhi descaler should be used, and the manufacturer's safety warnings for descaler products must be followed to avoid injury or damage to the appliance. Damage caused by incorrect descaling or unsuitable descaler is not covered by the guarantee.
The manual also provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues, such as no coffee delivery, coffee dripping from the filter holder edges, or the filter holder not attaching correctly. Solutions typically involve checking water levels, cleaning blocked parts, ensuring correct filter holder insertion, or adjusting coffee quantity and grind size. If the appliance reaches a high temperature, it will cool down automatically. For abnormal machine conditions or persistent issues, users are advised to disconnect the appliance and contact authorized Customer Services.