Manuals+

DeLonghi Magnifica Start: User Manual and Operating Guide

This guide provides comprehensive instructions for operating, cleaning, and maintaining your DeLonghi Magnifica Start automatic coffee machine.

1. Introduction

Always read the safety instructions brochure before using the appliance. This manual provides essential information for safe and correct operation.

2. Description of the Appliance

2.1 Appliance Components (A)

2.2 Control Panel Components (B)

2.3 Indicator Lights (C)

2.4 Accessories (D)

2.5 Milk Carafe Components (E)

3. First Use of the Appliance

Note: Rinse all removable parts intended for contact with milk or water with hot water. Clean the milk carafe (E) as per Section 14.

Coffee traces in the grinder are from factory tests.

The machine may be noisy on first use as the water circuit fills.

  1. Plug in the appliance (Fig. 1).
  2. The water indicator light (C2) illuminates (Fig. 2). Remove the water tank (A9) (Fig. 3), fill with fresh water up to the MAX line (Fig. 4), and reinsert it.
  3. The X2 LED (B2) blinks rapidly.
  4. Place a container under the coffee spouts (A16) and hot water nozzle (D5) (Fig. 5).
  5. Press the X2 button (Fig. 6). The appliance will fill internal circuits and dispense hot water.
  6. After a few seconds, hot water will dispense from the coffee spout. The machine is ready once dispensing stops.

Note: For the first few uses, prepare 4-5 cappuccinos to achieve satisfactory results.

It is recommended to install the water filter immediately. Replace or remove the filter after two months or if the machine is unused for 3 weeks, even if the filter indicator (C1) is not lit.

Set the water hardness as soon as possible (Section 5).

4. Water Softener Filter

Using the DeLonghi water filter maintains machine performance. Consult www.delonghi.com for more information.

Filter Installation:

  1. Remove the filter (D4) from packaging. Turn the date indicator to show the next two months (Fig. 7).
  2. Rinse the filter with potable water until water flows from the side openings for over a minute (Fig. 8).
  3. Remove the water tank (A9), fill with fresh potable water. Insert the filter and immerse it for ten seconds, tilting to release air bubbles (Fig. 9).
  4. Insert the filter into its housing and push firmly (Fig. 10).
  5. Close the tank with the cover (A8) and reinsert the tank.
  6. If not already present, insert the hot water nozzle (D5).
  7. Place an empty container (min. 0.5L) under the hot water nozzle (Fig. 5).
  8. Follow instructions in Section 12 to activate the filter.
  9. The filter indicator (C1) and the B4 button LED will blink rapidly. Press the B4 button.
  10. The machine dispenses hot water and stops automatically. The filter light (C1) turns off, indicating the filter is active.

Note: If the B4 LED blinks rapidly, press the button to fill internal circuits and eliminate air bubbles.

Filter Replacement: Replace the filter when the C1 indicator lights up. Follow the installation steps again.

Filter Removal: If not using a filter, remove it and configure the machine in the parameters menu.

Note: Replace or remove the filter after two months of use or if unused for 3 weeks, regardless of the indicator light.

5. Measuring Water Hardness

Setting the water hardness reduces descaling frequency. Proceed as follows:

  1. Use the reactive strip (D1) if provided.
  2. Immerse the strip in water for one second (Fig. 12).
  3. Shake off excess water. After one minute, 1-4 red squares will appear, corresponding to water hardness levels (1=Low, 2=Medium, 3=Medium/High, 4=High).

Refer to Section 12 to program the machine with the detected hardness.

6. Powering On the Appliance

Risk of Burns! Hot water may dispense during rinsing. Avoid contact with splashes.

Press the B1 button. The B1 LED lights up, and drink LEDs blink during heating. The machine is ready when drink and intensity LEDs are solid.

7. Turning Off the Appliance

The machine performs a rinse cycle after each use. Risk of Burns!

Press the B1 button to turn off. Drink LEDs blink, the machine rinses, then enters standby.

7.1 Standby for Extended Periods

If not using the appliance for a long time (e.g., holidays): Turn off (B1), empty grounds drawer (A10) and water tank (A9), unplug the power cord (A7).

Note: Upon reactivation, refill the water tank and perform 3 rinses (Section 8.6) before dispensing.

8. Dispensing Coffee-Based Drinks

8.1 Preparing Coffee Using Beans

Attention! Do not use green, caramelized, or candied beans, as they can clog the grinder.

  1. Fill the bean hopper (A3) with beans (Fig. 14).
  2. Place a cup under the coffee spout (A16) (Fig. 15).
  3. Lower the spout close to the cup for better cream (Fig. 15).
  4. Select the desired drink.

The preparation starts, and the corresponding drink LED blinks.

8.2 Preparing 2 Cups of Coffee

  1. Place cups under the coffee spout (A16).
  2. Lower the spout close to the cups.
  3. Press the X2 button (B2). The corresponding LED lights up.
  4. Press the Espresso button (B8).
  5. Preparation starts, and the Espresso LED blinks.

8.3 Preparing Coffee Using Pre-Ground Coffee

Attention! Never add pre-ground coffee when the machine is off. Use only one level scoop (D2). Do not add more than one scoop.

Note: Pre-ground coffee allows preparing only one cup at a time.

  1. Press B5 repeatedly until the LED for pre-ground coffee (B7) lights up.
  2. Ensure the funnel (A4) is not blocked, then add a level scoop of pre-ground coffee (Fig. 16).
  3. Place a cup under the coffee spout (A16) (Fig. 15).
  4. Select the desired drink (B8).
  5. Preparation starts, and the corresponding drink LED blinks.

Attention! Doppio+ cannot be prepared with pre-ground coffee.

8.4 General Indications for Coffee Drinks

Indicator lights may illuminate during use; refer to Section 17 for their meaning.

For hotter coffee, see Section 8.7.

8.5 Modifying Coffee Strength

  1. Press the B5 button until the LEDs for the desired strength light up (B6): Light, Medium, Strong.
  2. Select the desired coffee drink.

Note: The machine will default to the last selected strength. If power is interrupted, it resets to medium.

8.6 Rinse

This function dispenses hot water to clean and heat the internal circuit.

  1. Place a container (min. 100ml) under the coffee spout (A16) (Fig. 5).
  2. Press and hold the B4 button for 5 seconds. Dispensing starts and stops automatically.

Note: For periods longer than 3 days, perform 2-3 rinses after turning the machine back on.

8.7 Tips for Hotter Coffee

8.8 Grinder Adjustment

The grinder is factory-set. Adjust only if necessary.

Note: Adjust the knob (A2) while the grinder is running.

Adjustments are noticeable after preparing at least 2 coffees.

8.9 Customizing Cup Quantity

  1. Press and hold the desired drink button. The LED blinks, indicating programming mode. Dispensing of the first ingredient begins.
  2. When the desired quantity is reached, press the drink button again. Dispensing stops, and the second ingredient's dispensing begins (if applicable).
  3. When the desired quantity is reached, press the drink button again. Dispensing stops, and the quantity is memorized.

Note: To cancel programming, press another drink button.

9. Preparing Milk-Based Drinks

Note: Ensure all milk carafe components are clean before use (Section 14).

Note: Clean the milk lid (E1) and carafe connector (E6) regularly to avoid poor frothing or large bubbles.

9.1 What Milk to Use?

Froth quality depends on milk temperature, type, brand, and nutritional content. Use chilled milk (approx. 5°C). Barista-style plant-based milks are recommended.

Milk TypeFat ContentVegetable Drinks
Whole Milk>3.5%
Semi-skimmed Milk1.5% - 1.8%
Skimmed Milk<0.5%
Soy [✓]
Almond [✓]
Oat [✓]

9.2 How Much Milk to Pour?

Use the graduated scale on the milk carafe (E7) (Fig. 17). Intermediate markings correspond to 20ml.

Note: Milk quantity may vary slightly. Insufficient milk may cause air to escape from the tube.

9.3 Filling and Attaching the Milk Carafe

  1. Detach the lid (E1) by turning it clockwise until the line aligns with the symbol (Fig. 18). Lift the lid.
  2. Fill the milk carafe (E7) with the required amount of milk (Fig. 17, 20).
  3. Ensure the milk intake tube (E4) is inserted into the housing at the bottom of the carafe lid (Fig. 21).
  4. Reattach the lid: align the line with the symbol on the carafe, turn until it clicks (Fig. 22).
  5. Lower the flap and attach the carafe to the connector by pushing it firmly (Fig. 23). A beep confirms attachment (if active).

Note: If energy-saving mode is active, dispensing may be delayed.

9.4 Selecting Coffee Strength or Using Pre-Ground Coffee

After preparing the milk carafe, you can adjust coffee strength (Section 8.5) or select pre-ground coffee (Section 8.3).

9.5 Dispensing Milk-Based Drinks

  1. Place a sufficiently large cup under the coffee spout (A16) and milk tube (E3) (Fig. 24).
  2. Select the milk-based drink from the control panel.

9.6 Cleaning the Milk Carafe After Each Use

After dispensing milk drinks, the B4 button LED blinks (Fig. 25).

  1. Leave the milk carafe attached.
  2. Place a cup under the milk spout (Fig. 26).
  3. Press the Hot water button. Hot water and steam dispense to clean the tube. Cleaning stops automatically.
  4. Press the extraction button (E5) on the lid (E1) and pull the carafe to detach it (Fig. 27).

If the carafe is empty or milk is insufficient for other recipes: Detach and clean all components as per Section 14.

If milk remains for future recipes: Detach the carafe and refrigerate it. It can be stored for a maximum of 2 days. Clean all components thoroughly afterwards.

Attention: If the carafe is left out of the refrigerator for more than 30 minutes, clean all components as per Section 14.

General Notes: Machine may need to reheat for cleaning. Do not interrupt the cleaning function.

9.7 Customizing Cup Quantity

  1. Press and hold the desired milk drink button. The LED blinks, indicating programming mode. The first ingredient dispenses.
  2. When the desired quantity is reached, press the drink button again. Dispensing stops, and the second ingredient dispenses.
  3. When the desired quantity is reached, press the drink button again. Dispensing stops, and the quantity is memorized.

Note: To cancel programming, press another drink button.

10. Hot Water Dispensing

Risk of Burns! Never leave the machine unattended during hot water dispensing.

  1. Lower the flap and insert the hot water nozzle (Fig. 28).
  2. Place a cup under the nozzle (Fig. 29).
  3. Press the Hot water button. Dispensing stops automatically or when pressed again.

Note: In energy-saving mode, there may be a short delay before dispensing.

10.1 Customizing Hot Water Quantity

  1. Press and hold the Hot water button. The LED blinks, indicating programming mode. Dispensing begins.
  2. When the desired quantity is reached, press the Hot water button again. Dispensing stops, and the quantity is memorized.

Note: To cancel programming, press another drink button.

11. Energy Saving Tips

12. Menu Parameters

Access the menu by holding the X2 button for 5 seconds. Available settings will illuminate.

To modify a setting: Press the relevant button. The available options will light up. Select the desired option.

Press the X2 button to exit the menu. The machine is ready.

Note: The menu exits automatically after 30 seconds of inactivity.

12.1 Factory Reset

With the machine in standby (off but plugged in), press and hold buttons 1, 2, and X2 for 5 seconds. All parameters and quantities will reset to factory defaults.

13. Appliance Cleaning

Attention! Do not use solvents, abrasive cleaners, or alcohol. Do not use metal objects for descaling.

ComponentFrequencyProcedure
Coffee Ground DrawerWhen indicator light illuminates.Extract drip tray, empty and clean. Empty and carefully clean the grounds drawer, removing all residues. Check and empty the condensation tray. The machine will not brew if the drawer is full. If 72 hours pass since the last brew, the machine signals to empty the drawer even if not full (ensure machine is not unplugged for the 72-hour count).
Drip Tray ComponentsEmpty when the red float indicator rises.Extract drip tray and grounds drawer. Remove drip tray support and grid. Empty and clean the drip tray and grounds drawer. Check and empty the condensation tray. Reassemble drip tray, grid, and grounds drawer. Always empty the grounds drawer when extracting the drip tray, even if it's not full.
Machine InteriorPeriodically (approx. monthly).Turn off and unplug the machine. Never immerse in water. Remove coffee deposits with a brush and sponge. Vacuum any remaining residue.
Coffee SpoutsPeriodically (approx. monthly).Clean with a sponge or cloth. Check for blockages and clear with a toothpick if necessary.

14. Complete Milk Carafe Cleaning

VERY IMPORTANT: Regular cleaning maintains optimal performance of the Lattecrema system.

Clean the milk carafe as follows:

  1. Detach the lid (E1) by turning it clockwise until the line aligns with the symbol (Fig. 18). Lift the lid (Fig. 19).
  2. Remove the intake tube (Fig. 30).
  3. Turn the milk distribution tube vertical and pull to extract it (Fig. 31).
  4. Press button E5 to extract the connector (Fig. 32).
  5. Wash components by hand or in a dishwasher (recommended). For hand washing, rinse with hot potable water (min. 40°C), ensuring water passes through all holes (Fig. 33). Soak in hot water with dish soap for at least 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
  6. Rinse the milk carafe connector (E6) (Fig. 34). Ensure no milk residue remains on the air tube (Fig. 35); clean with a toothpick if necessary.
  7. Dry all components with a clean cloth.
  8. Reinsert the connector, pushing it firmly until it clicks (Fig. 36, 37).
  9. Reassemble lid components. Close the carafe by replacing the lid, aligning the line with the symbol, and turning until it clicks (Fig. 22).

15. Cleaning the Infuser

Clean the infuser (A6) monthly.

Attention! The infuser cannot be removed while the machine is on.

  1. Press the B1 button to turn off the machine.
  2. Remove the water tank (A9).
  3. Open the infuser access flap (Fig. 38).
  4. Simultaneously press the two colored release buttons inwards (Fig. 39) and pull the infuser outwards.
  5. Immerse the infuser in water for about 5 minutes, then rinse under the tap. RINSE WITH WATER ONLY. NO DETERGENTS.
  6. Clean the infuser without detergents, as they can damage it.
  7. Use the brush to clean coffee residues from the infuser housing (visible when the flap is open).
  8. Reinsert the infuser, aligning it correctly, and press PUSH until it clicks (Fig. 40, 41). Ensure the red buttons pop out.
  9. Close the infuser flap.
  10. Reinsert the water tank.

Note: If the infuser is difficult to insert, align it correctly and press the levers.

16. Descaling

Read descaler instructions and label before use. Use only DeLonghi descaler. Improper or infrequent descaling can cause faults not covered by warranty.

Attention: Remove the water softener filter if installed before descaling. Reinsert it at the start of Phase 3.

Descale when the C4 light illuminates. The light will blink during the descaling cycle.

Note: Descaling cannot be interrupted and requires a complete rinse cycle.

Procedure:

  1. Ensure the hot water nozzle (D5) is inserted.
  2. Phase 1: Descaling Action
  3. Press and hold the B5 button for at least 5 seconds until the corresponding LED blinks rapidly. The blinking C5 light confirms descaling is in progress. The "Light Intensity" LED illuminates for Phase 1.
  4. Empty the drip tray (A14) and grounds drawer (A10) and reinsert them. Empty the water tank (A9) completely and remove the water filter (if present).
  5. Pour descaler into the water tank up to level A (approx. 100ml), then add water up to level B (Fig. 42, 43). Reinsert the tank.
  6. Place a container (min. 2L) under the coffee spouts (A16) and hot water nozzle (D5) (Fig. 44).
  7. Press the descaling button (lightly blinking) to start the program. The "Medium Intensity" LED blinks for Phase 2.
  8. The machine alternates pauses and hot water dispensing for about 15 minutes.
  9. Once Phase 1 is complete, the water shortage light (C2) illuminates.
  10. Phase 2: First Rinse
  11. Empty the container used for descaler solution. Empty, rinse the water tank with running water, fill with fresh water to MAX, and reinsert the filter if used. Reinsert the tank and place the container under the spouts.
  12. Press the descaling button (blinking rapidly) to start rinsing. The "Medium Intensity" LED blinks for Phase 2.
  13. The machine automatically rinses the coffee and hot water spouts.
  14. Once Phase 2 is complete, the water shortage light (C2) illuminates.
  15. Phase 3: Second Rinse
  16. Empty the container used for the first rinse. Empty, rinse the water tank, fill with fresh water to MAX, and reinsert the filter if used. Reinsert the tank and place the container under the spouts.
  17. Press the descaling button (blinking rapidly) to start rinsing. The "High Intensity" LED blinks for Phase 3. Rinse occurs via the spouts.
  18. Phase 4: Descaling Completion
  19. When the pre-ground coffee indicator light illuminates, descaling is complete.
  20. The grounds drawer light (C4) illuminates: empty the rinse water collection container, extract and empty the drip tray and grounds drawer. Reinsert everything.
  21. The water shortage light (C2) illuminates: refill the water tank. The machine is ready.

Note: It is normal to find water in the grounds drawer after descaling.

(*) A third rinse is needed if the water tank was not filled to MAX.

17. Indicator Lights

Explanation of indicator lights and their meanings.

Indicator/LEDDescriptionIndicator/LEDDescription
Drink LEDs blinkingMachine is heating. Wait.Infuser not inserted after cleaning. Insert infuser as per Section 15.
Drink and parameter LEDs solidMachine is ready. Select drink and options.Lack of coffee beans: fill bean hopper and press any button to acknowledge.
Filter light (C1)Solid: Replace filter. Blinking: Installing filter (Section 4).Grind is too fine: adjust grinder (Section 8.8). Coffee flows slowly or not at all.
Water light (C2)Solid: Insufficient water. Blinking: Tank not inserted (Section 9).Pre-ground coffee selected without adding coffee to the funnel (A4).
General Alarm (C3)Machine interior very dirty. Clean carefully. If issue persists, contact customer service.
Grounds Drawer light (C4)Solid: Empty drawer. Blinking: Drawer not inserted.
Descaling light (C5)Solid: Needs descaling. Blinking: Descaling in progress (Section 16).
Coffee quantity too highSelect lighter intensity or reduce pre-ground coffee quantity.Hot water needs dispensing, but nozzle is not inserted: insert hot water nozzle.
Coffee flows too slowly or dripsGrind is too fine. Use espresso coffee beans.Hydraulic circuit is empty. Dispense hot water by pressing the Hot water button.
Milk drink preparationMilk carafe connector (E6) not inserted correctly. Ensure carafe has all components inserted (Section 14).
Milk carafe extracted during dispensingReinsert the milk carafe. Machine is ready.
Insufficient milk quantityCheck milk quantity (Section 9.2).
Empty grounds drawerEmpty the grounds drawer (A10).
Grounds drawer not insertedInsert drawer correctly.
Needs descalingPerform descaling (Section 16).

18. Troubleshooting

If a problem persists after consulting this section, contact technical assistance.

ProblemCauseSolution
Appliance does not turn on.Plug is not connected.Connect the plug.
Coffee is not hot.Cups were not preheated.Preheat cups by rinsing them with hot water (use hot water function if available).
Internal circuits have cooled down (2-3 mins since last coffee).Heat internal circuits by performing a rinse (hold B4 for 5s).
Coffee temperature setting is too low.Program a higher temperature in the menu (Section 12).
Machine needs descaling.Perform descaling. Check water hardness (Section 5) and ensure machine is programmed for the correct hardness (Section 12).
Coffee is too watery or lacks cream.Coffee ground too coarsely.Adjust grind setting (Section 8.8). Effect visible after 2+ coffees.
Coffee type is not suitable.Use coffee for espresso machines.
Coffee is not fresh.Check coffee packaging; it may have lost flavor.
Coffee flows too slowly or drips.Coffee ground too finely.Adjust grind setting (Section 8.8). Effect visible after 2+ coffees.
Machine dispenses no coffee.Impurities inside the machine.Wait for the machine to be ready, then select the desired drink. If the problem persists, contact assistance.
Coffee does not come from one or both spouts.Coffee spout nozzles are clogged.Clean nozzles with a cloth. Use a toothpick if necessary to remove blockages.
Prepared coffee is too watery.Pre-ground coffee funnel is clogged.Open flap, clean funnel with a brush.
Infuser cannot be extracted.Rinse not completed.Turn off the machine (B1).
After descaling, a third rinse is needed.Water tank was not filled to MAX during rinse cycles.Repeat descaling from Phase 3: Second Rinse.
Milk has large bubbles, jets from spout, or is not very foamy.Milk is not cold enough or not partially/fully skimmed.Prefer skimmed or semi-skimmed milk at refrigerator temperature (approx. 5°C). Try a different milk brand if results are unsatisfactory.
Milk carafe lid is dirty.Disassemble and clean all components as per Section 9.6. Pay attention to the carafe connector (E6).
Using vegetable drinks.Results vary based on nutritional content. "Barista" versions are recommended.
Milk-based drinks are not activated.Milk carafe not inserted correctly.Prepare and correctly insert the milk carafe.
Many milk drinks prepared consecutively; machine needs to reheat to ideal temperature.Wait for milk-based drinks to reactivate on the control panel.
Cup tray is hot.Multiple drinks prepared consecutively.
Machine is not used and emits noises or small steam clouds.Machine is ready or recently turned off; condensation drops fall inside the hot vaporizer.This is normal operation. Empty the drip tray to limit this phenomenon.
Steam escapes from drip tray or water on surface.Drip grid was not replaced after cleaning.Replace the drip grid in the drip tray.

19. Technical Data

DeLonghi reserves the right to change technical and aesthetic characteristics without altering product function or quality.

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