De' Longhi Frequently Asked Questions

Coffee

Coffee flows too quickly. What's wrong?

The coffee may be ground too coarsely.

Coffee is not flowing. What's wrong?

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.

Will the thermal carafe keep the coffee hot for a long time?

The carafe should keep the contents warm for approximately 2 hours.

Espresso

What type of coffee do I need to use in my espresso machine?

When preparing espresso, you should always use the proper bean. Espresso beans are roasted longer than other beans and deliver a full, rich flavor 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 do I find the appropriate coffee beans?

Most supermarkets carry Italian, French or "espresso" beans. Gourmet food stores and coffee shops also carry a wide variety of beans.

How do I know if the coffee beans are fresh?

You will know espresso roast coffee beans are fresh if they have an oily surface.

Should coffee grounds be packed tightly into the filter holder?

No. Gently compress coffee grounds using the tamper supplied with the machine. And our super automatic espresso machines automatically tamp the coffee for you.

Why does anyone drink espresso? It's always so bitter.

An authentic espresso should have a rich flavor, never bitter. Old coffee beans or coffee that has not been freshly ground may result in bitterness. For rich flavor, always use freshly ground beans or relatively fresh pre-ground coffee.

Does espresso have too much caffeine?

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 flavor and should not be confused with caffeine content.

What's the brown foam on top of an espresso?

The light brown foam that floats on top of an espresso is known, in Italian, as the "crema." Distinguished by its caramel color, the "crema" is the essence of authentic espresso. The crema carries a variety of flavors 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.

My espresso has little or no "crema." What's wrong?

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 cappuccino?

A cup of cappuccino is actually espresso topped with hot, frothy milk.

How do I make froth and what type of milk should I use?

Skim milk works best because it has very little fat. With our manual frothers you pour 1/3 cup of milk into a pitcher so the milk can aerate. The pitcher should be made of metal. With our automatic frothing systems you just simply pour milk directly into the container and slide onto the front of the machine.

I'm having difficulties creating a nice, rich froth. What's the problem?

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. With our automatic frothing systems simply push the clean button on the container.

What is the difference between pump and steam units?

Steam-driven machines boil water to create hot water, steam and pressure. The steam in the boiler is used to build pressure for the extraction of flavor 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 does not have to boil to make pressure for pushing the water through the grinds.

Water is leaking excessively from the filter holder. What's the problem?

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.

Super Automatic Espresso Machines

My espresso has little or no crema. What's wrong?

The coffee may have been ground too coarsely. Also check to make sure that the coffee is not old or stale.

I'm having difficulties creating a nice, rich froth. What's the problem?

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.

Why is the coffee coming out a drop at a time?

Turn the grinding coarseness one click clockwise. Turn a click at a time until the coffee is delivered satisfactorily.

Why is the coffee coming out so fast? And why is there no crema?

Turn the right-hand knob clockwise, making sure not to turn it too far clockwise, otherwise the coffee delivery will be too slow.

Can I remove the water tank while the machine is delivering coffee?

No. If it is removed, the machine will not operate.

Why isn't coffee coming out of the coffee spouts?

First check the water tank to make sure it is filled. Second, check that the service door on the front of the unit is fully closed. Otherwise, the machine will not operate. Also check the brewing system. It may need to be cleaned. And lastly, check the bean container to make sure there are beans present and that the container is not too full.

Why isn't the machine producing coffee when I use the ground coffee container?

Add more ground coffee and try again. If you use less than 1 measure, the automatic tamper in the brewing system cannot detect the coffee and will interrupt the brewing cycle. Note: Be sure not to exceed more than 1 measure of ground coffee.

Why is the machine taking so long to heat up?

The machine may need to be descaled. Please refer to the Descaling section of your manual.

Why is the brewing system jammed?

Check that the brewing system is properly positioned and locked into place. Also, make sure the service door located on the front of the unit is completely closed.

Dehumidifiers

For dehumidifiers with the pump feature, how high or far will they pump out the water?

Water can be pumped out approximately 10-16 feet. It is designed this way so that it can be easily used in a basement where windows are usually located near the ceiling.

Do I always need to run the dehumidifier continuously?

No. You should only put it on a continuous cycle for about 1 hour, and then turn it to maximum or minimum.

How large of a dehumidifier do I need to cover my room size?

Dehumidifiers are not measured by room size. They are measured by how much moisture they can remove from a room in a 24-hour period.

What is the difference between the 40-pint and 50-pint dehumidifiers?

They look the same. The 40-pint unit will cycle 40 pints of water every 24 hours, and the 50-pint will cycle 50 pints of water every 24 hours.

Air Conditioners

What are the window brackets?

The window brackets adjust from 21 to 43 inches and can be adjusted right to left. The bracket should be placed at the bottom of the window. This way the nozzle can easily be attached.

How long does it take to set-up a portable air conditioner?

It takes only 5-minutes and a few quick easy steps to fully set up a portable air conditioner. No permanent installation necessary and all parts are included.

Can I add an extra exhaust hose?

No. The unit is equipped with one 4-foot extension hose. If you add additional hoses the compressor will shut down from backpressure, causing warm air.

Can I place the unit down on its back (horizontal)?

No. The unit should stay upright so the oil from the compressor does not flow out. The compressor will then burn out when the unit is turned on.

Are portable air conditioners efficient and economical?

Yes. Portable air conditioners can be operated independently, so it's easier to target cool air specifically where you want it. And since the cooling source is local, loss of cool air is minimized. This type of "zone cooling" can help save energy and provide customized comfort in the home.

Can Pinguino be used in a variety of applications?

Yes. Apartments or buildings that do not allow or cannot support window-type units, conference rooms, laboratories, computer rooms, converted spaces where duct work does not exist, dark rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, sun rooms, restaurants and many other applications…Pinguino goes where you go, for convenient and efficient cooling virtually anywhere.

What's the benefit of filtration on portable air conditioners?

Airflow produced by portable air conditioners must be clean, creating a healthier living environment. Portable air conditioners are often placed in dusty areas of the home or office. Air filters are also designed to prevent damage to the machine. By maintaining the internal components of the units and keeping the airflow clean, this makes the unit more efficient and therefore consumes less energy.

Can I wash the filter that is inside the unit?

Yes. The filter is washable and reusable.

What is the warranty on Pinguinos?

The warranty is 1 year on all parts and labor. There is an additional 4-year warranty on any part of the sealed system (compressor, evaporator, condenser, factory-connected refrigerant tubing). The additional 4-year warranty covers the sealed parts only. Labor is not included.

What about condensation? Where does it go?

Condensation, a by-product of the air conditioning process, is used to enhance the cooling cycle. Any excess vapor is then discharged through the exhaust hose. This process is exclusive to De'Longhi portable air conditioners. All other portable air conditioners require a condensation collection bucket that has to be manually emptied every 6 hours.

Why is my portable air conditioner not cooling?

The unit could be taking on too much water. At the back of the unit in the bottom left corner there is a rubber tube. Open the tube and drain the water. Press the reset button and start the unit. The unit will run for about 15 minutes before the compressor kicks in. If the unit still does not cool, take it to an authorized service center.

What type of windows can be used to install a portable air conditioners?

The most common window types supported by a portable air conditioner are double hung, sliding and casement windows. The unit can also be installed semi-permanently through a professionally constructed hole in the wall.

Do portable air conditioners need to be vented?

Yes. All portable air conditioners must vent the hot air through a window.

What is R410A refrigerant and what does it do?

The eco-friendly refrigerant R410A gas contains zero ODP (ozone depletion potential) and is also denser, allowing for more compact components and units. R410A is also a more-efficient refrigerant that allows for better energy-saving technology.

How do portable air conditioners work?

Portable air conditioners cool your room by removing hot air and exhausting it out a window. Wheels allows the unit to be easily moved from one window to another.

Heaters

What is the benefit of convection cooking and how does it work?

A convection oven utilizes a fan to induce a rapid circulation of heated air to eliminate the envelope of cold air surrounding the food and to distribute the heat evenly throughout the entire oven cavity. More of the oven's interior can then be utilized for cooking, increasing the production capacity. Eliminating the cold air envelope and enhancing the convective heat transfer reduces cooking time and energy consumption.

Why does the exterior of the toaster oven get hot?

Our toaster ovens are counter top ovens. Therefore, they are not insulated and will get hot due to high temperatures inside the cavity.

Can De'Longhi toaster ovens be mounted under the cabinet?

No. De'Longhi toaster ovens are counter top units only.

How do I clean the interior of my oven?

You can clean the interior with warm, soapy water and a sponge. You can also use a mild abrasive.

How do I clean the exterior of my oven?

Only warm, soapy water should be used around the dials of the toaster oven.

What type of pans can be used in the oven?

Metal, enamel or a tempered glass that is manufacturer-approved oven-safe.

Why is my toast getting dark on the top and not on the bottom?

Check that the wire rack is in the upper position.

How do you properly load the rotisserie spit?

Set up the brackets on the corner of the drip tray. Place the rotisserie spit on the brackets. Slide the tray inside the oven. Then push the rotisserie spit slightly forward until it locks into place.

Ovens