De'Longhi La Specialista Opera EC9555

Adjusting the quantity of ground coffee in the filter

Different varieties of coffee bean give different results when ground; consequently, the initial adjustment of the dosage requires special care. This illustration shows how to regulate the dosage, based on the roast colour: this should be taken as a general guide, given that in practice, the final adjustment can vary according to the composition of the beans.

1. Set the dosage starting from the minimum position.
2. Looking at the roast colour of your particular beans, turn the dial slowly to find the right adjustment.

The "perfect dose"

• The coffee filters have a mark inside to identify the level for perfect dose.
• Make sure the coffee is at the right level after tamping. It might be necessary to adjust the level a few times using the dial (B1) before the ideal dosage is achieved.
• If your coffee is over or under extracted and the dose is within the perfect dose range, adjust the grinder settings finer or coarser (see "4. Making coffee"). Over extracted coffee (pouring too slowly) needs coarser grind. Under extracted coffee (pouring too fast) needs finer grind.

Tamping pre-ground coffee

For preparation with pre-ground coffee:

1. Add the pre-ground coffee into the filter.
2. Attach the portafilter to the grinder outlet.
3. With the filter-holder attached, lower the tamping lever (A21) as far as it will go.
4. Detach the portafilter.
5. Press the button for the desired number of cups (1x or 2x).

The temperature for brewing hot drinks

The temperature of the water is controlled throughout the preparation process to ensure its stability during extraction. The Specialista Prestigio offers 3 infusion temperatures* set in a range between 92 and 96 °C. Depending on the variety and roasting degree of the beans, a different temperature is recommended: Robusta beans and dark roast usually require lower temperatures. Arabica beans and lighter roast usually require higher brewing temperatures. Use the table below as reference and adjust to taste.

* This is the temperature of the water in the thermoblock. It is therefore not the temperature of the drink in the cup or the temperature of the drink at the moment of release from the outlets of the portafilter.

5.1 Frothing the milk

1. Fill the carafe (C11) with a suitable quantity of fresh milk straight from the fridge. Bear in mind the milk will double or triple in volume [Figure 24]. For a denser and more evenly distributed froth, best results will be achieved using whole cow's milk at refrigerator temperature (about 5 °C).
2. To froth the milk, bring the tip of the steam wand (A7) into contact with the surface of the liquid and turn the steam dial (A5): this causes air to mix with the milk and steam.
3. Keep the steam wand nozzle on the surface, taking care not to let in too much air and create unsuitably large bubbles.
4. Immerse the steam wand nozzle just beneath the surface of the milk: this will create a vortex in the liquid. Once the milk is heated to the desired temperature, turn off the steam and wait for the flow to stop completely before removing the milk carafe from the machine.

7.1 Access the menu

1. Press together and hold for 5 seconds [1x button].
2. Settings selected with dial (B7) [Espresso Cool indicator].

3. Press OK to save the new settings (B4).

Please note: After 30 seconds of inactivity, the machine will automatically exit the settings menu.

Restore factory settings

1. Access the menu: Press together and hold for 5 seconds [1x button].
2. Reset to default values: Hold down the [OK button] until the OK light blinks. Press OK to resume normal use.

The OK indicator (B6) blinks briefly to confirm the reset has taken place.

8. CLEANING THE MACHINE

Important!

• Do not use solvents, abrasive detergents or alcohol to clean the machine.
• Do not use metal objects to remove encrustations or coffee deposits as they could scratch metal or plastic surfaces.
• If the appliance is not used for over a week, it is advisable to perform a rinse before preparing any drinks.

Danger!

• Never immerse the machine in water when cleaning: it is an electrical appliance.

Before cleaning any external parts, ensure that the machine is switched off, unplug it from the mains socket and wait for it to cool down.

9. WATER HARDNESS

The descale indicator (B10) lights up following a predetermined period of operation that depends on a water hardness setting. The machine can also be programmed according to the actual hardness of the local water supply, in which case descaling may be required less frequently.

1. Remove the "TOTAL HARDNESS TEST" indicator strip (C6) from its pack.
2. Immerse the strip completely in a glass of water for about one second.
3. Remove the strip from the water and shake lightly.

4. Set the machine accordingly, as indicated in the section "7. Settings menu"-"Water hardness".

10. HOW TO USE SOFTBALLS

Softballs (C10) are an innovative treatment system able to prolong the life of the machine, without altering the properties of the water, while ensuring consistently creamy and aromatic coffee. To optimize the effectiveness of the treatment, leave Softballs in water overnight before use.

1. Take the Softballs sachet from the wrapper [Figure 37].
2. Rinse the sachet under running water [Figure 38].
3. Immerse the sachet in the machine's water tank (A15) [Figure 39].
4. Replace the sachet of Softballs every 3 months [Figure 40].

11. DESCALING

Important!

• Regular descaling will ensure that optimum results are obtained over time: when a prompt is generated by the machine, purchase Ecodecalk on the delonghi.com website and proceed with descaling as indicated.
• Use only descaler supplied by De'Longhi. Using unsuitable descaler and/or performing descaling incorrectly may result in faults not covered by the manufacturer's guarantee.
• Before use, read the instructions and the labelling on the descaler pack.
• Descaler can cause damage to delicate surfaces. If the product is accidentally spilt, dry immediately.

12. CLEANING THE COFFEE SPOUT (A19)

When the [orange indicator] (B11) lights up, it means that the coffee circuit needs to be cleaned. Use De'Longhi cleaning tabs (C9) to carry out the cleaning cycle. For more information, visit www.delonghi.com.

1. Insert the 1-cup filter (C2) in the holder (C1) [Figure 26].
2. Position the cleaning accessory in the filter (C8) [Figure 27] and press home.
3. Place the cleaning tab on the accessory [Figure 28].
4. Attach the portafilter to the coffee spout (A19).
5. Fill the tank (A15) with water. Make sure the drip tray (A11) is empty.
6. Press the [Coffee temperature button] (B5) and hold until the [orange indicator] (B11) starts to blink.
7. Press OK (B4) to start cleaning: the OK indicator blinks to indicate that cleaning is in progress.
8. When delivery stops and the OK indicator turns blue, it is time to run a rinse cycle.
9. Remove the cleaning accessory, and wash the portafilter and the filter under running water.
10. Attach the portafilter again and run a rinse cycle by pressing the OK button: it is advisable to place a container under the portafilter.
11. Once the rinse has been completed, the machine is ready for use.
12. Remove and empty the drip tray.

Please note:

• The cleaning cycle can be started up at any time (even if the relative indicator is not yet on).
• Should the cleaning cycle be started by mistake, press the [Coffee temperature button] (B5) and hold for 10 seconds; the rinse cannot be stopped.
• After 30 seconds without a button being pressed, the machine exits the cleaning cycle automatically.

13. EXPLANATION OF INDICATORS

14. TROUBLESHOOTING

15. STATISTICS

Machine statistics are useful in the event of service being needed. Proceed as follows:

• Access the menu by pressing buttons 1x (B2) and [OK button] (B6) simultaneously and holding for 3 seconds.
• Turn the dial (B7) to select "Espresso Cool";
• Press [Coffee temperature button] (B5);
• Once you have entered the settings menu, select the desired data by rotating the selection dial as shown in the following table:

The 1x, 2x, OK, [Coffee temperature button], and [Hot water button] indicators show the numbers of operations.

The appliance automatically exits the settings menu after 30 seconds of inactivity.

16. TECHNICAL DATA

De'Longhi reserves the right to modify the technical specification and styling of its products at any moment, without compromising their functionality and quality.