De'Longhi EC885 Dedica Arte Coffee Maker
Brand: De'Longhi
Introduction
This document provides instructions for the De'Longhi EC885 Dedica Arte coffee maker. It covers setup, operation, cleaning, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your appliance.
Description of the Appliance
Appliance Components (A)
- A1: Water tank lid
- A2: Water tank release handle
- A3: Water tank
- A4: Cup warmer
- A5: Coffee dispensing unit
- A6: Main ON/OFF switch [power symbol]
- A7: Drip tray grid
- A8: Drip tray water level indicator [float icon]
- A9: Drip tray
- A10: Cup/mug grid
- A11: Steam wand
- A12: Steam adjustment knob [knob icon]
Control Panel Components (B)
- B1: 1-cup button
- B2: ON indicator (white) for B1
- B3: 2-cup button
- B4: ON indicator (white) for B3
- B5: Steam button [steam icon]
- B6: ON indicator (white) for B5
- B7: Descaling indicator (orange) [orange indicator]
Accessories (C)
- C1: Filter holder
- C2: 1-cup filter (symbol: [single cup icon])
- C3: 2-cup filter (symbol: [double cup icon])
- C4: Pod filter (symbol: [pod icon])
- C5: Measuring spoon
- C6: Tamper
- C7: Steam wand cleaning pin
- C8: Water hardness test strip
- C9: Descaler (included with some models)
- C10: Milk jug
Preparing the Appliance
Before first use, wash all accessories with warm water and dish soap.
- Remove the water tank (A3) (see Figure 1) and fill it with fresh, clean water up to the MAX level (see Figure 2). Do not exceed the MAX mark.
- Reinsert the water tank, pressing down gently until the valves on the bottom of the tank open (see Figure 3).
Note: Never operate the appliance without water in the tank or without the tank itself.
Important: It is recommended to adjust the water hardness as soon as possible by following the procedure described in Section 9, "Settings Menu."
First Use of the Appliance
- Insert the plug into the socket. Press the main ON/OFF switch (A6) (see Figure 4).
- The appliance performs a self-diagnosis, indicated by the sequential flashing of the three buttons (see Figure 5).
- The [cup button 1] and [cup button 2] indicators flash, indicating the appliance is heating up (see Figure 6). When the indicators stop flashing, the appliance is ready for circuit rinsing.
- Attach the filter holder to the machine: align the filter holder with the "INSERT" position and turn the handle to the right until it clicks into the "CLOSE" position (see Figure 7).
- Place a container with a minimum capacity of 0.5 litres under the coffee dispensing unit (A5) and the steam wand (A11) (see Figure 8).
- Press the [1-cup button] (B1). Repeat this operation 5 times (see Figure 9).
- Turn the steam adjustment knob (A12) to the [steam icon] position and dispense water until the water tank is empty. Then, turn the knob to the 0 position. This allows you to remove any water from the pipe before dispensing steam.
The appliance is now ready for use.
Note: It is normal for water to be present in the drip tray area. Periodically empty it using a clean sponge.
Making Coffee
- Insert the filter for ground coffee (C2 for 1 cup or C3 for 2 cups) into the filter holder (C1) (see Figure 11).
- Fill the filter with ground coffee (see Figure 12). Ensure the coffee is finely ground, suitable for espresso machines.
- Distribute the ground coffee evenly and press it down lightly with the tamper (C6) (see Figure 13). Ensure the coffee is level after tamping. You may need to add more coffee.
- Remove any excess coffee from the edge of the filter holder and attach it to the machine (see Figure 7).
- Place a cup or cups under the filter holder spouts.
- Ensure the indicators for the coffee dispensing buttons are lit, then press the coffee dispensing button (B1 for 1 cup or B3 for 2 cups) (see Figure 16).
- The appliance will continue to operate and stop dispensing automatically.
- To release the filter holder, turn the handle from right to left.
Note: Before filling the filter, always check that there are no coffee grounds from previous use.
You can stop the coffee dispensing at any time by pressing the dispensing button again.
If you wish to dispense more coffee after the cycle has finished, press and hold the previously pressed dispensing button for 3 seconds. Dispensing will stop automatically after a few seconds.
Caution: Never remove the filter holder while the machine is dispensing coffee. Always wait a few seconds after dispensing is complete.
Tamping Coffee
Properly tamping the ground coffee is crucial for obtaining a good espresso. Over-tamping results in slow dispensing and a strong coffee. Under-tamping results in fast dispensing and a weak coffee.
Tips for Hotter Coffee
- Before making coffee, pre-heat your cups by rinsing them with hot water.
- Attach the filter holder to the machine with the filter (C2 or C3) inserted, but without coffee. Using the same cup used for rinsing, press the 1-cup button to dispense hot water into the cup to pre-heat it.
- Increase the coffee temperature in the programming menu (see Section 9, "Settings Menu").
- During operation, the cup warmer (A4) becomes hot. Place your cups on it for use.
Making Espresso with Pods
- Insert the pod filter (C4) into the filter holder (C1) (see Figure 14).
- Place the pod in the filter, positioning it in the centre (see Figure 15). Always follow the instructions on the pod packaging for correct insertion into the filter.
- Attach the filter holder to the machine (see Figure 7).
- Place a cup under the filter holder spouts.
- Ensure the indicators for the coffee dispensing buttons are lit, then press the coffee dispensing button (B1) (see Figure 16).
- The appliance will continue to operate and stop dispensing automatically.
- To release the filter holder, turn the handle from right to left.
Choosing a Pod
Use pods that comply with the ESE standard, indicated on the packaging by the following symbol: [ESE symbol]. The ESE standard is adopted by major pod manufacturers and allows for quick and easy espresso preparation.
Notes:
- With pods, you can brew one portion at a time.
- You can stop the brewing process at any moment by pressing the dispensing button again.
- If you wish to dispense more coffee after the cycle has finished, press and hold the previously pressed dispensing button for 3 seconds. Dispensing will stop automatically after a few seconds.
- Never remove the filter holder while the machine is dispensing coffee. Always wait a few seconds after dispensing is complete.
- Refer to Section 4.2 "Tips for Hotter Coffee".
Programming Coffee Quantity
The machine is programmed to dispense standard portion sizes. To change these quantities, follow these steps:
- Place one or two cups under the filter holder spouts (C1).
- Press and hold the desired programming button ([1-cup button] or [2-cup button]) until the desired coffee level is reached.
- The machine will start dispensing coffee, and the other coffee button will flash, indicating it is in programming mode.
- When the desired amount of coffee is reached in the cup, release the button. Dispensing will stop, and the indicator will flash, confirming the quantity has been saved.
Default Quantity | Programmable Quantity |
---|---|
35 ml | Approx. 15 to 90 ml |
70 ml | Approx. 30 to 180 ml |
Making Cappuccino
- If using tall glasses, remove the drip tray (A9) and place the glass on the special grid (A10) (see Figure 16).
- Prepare espresso according to the previous paragraphs, using sufficiently large cups.
- Fill the milk jug with cold milk from the refrigerator (see Figure 17). The milk volume will increase by 2-3 times.
- Press the [steam button] (B5). The indicator will flash. When the indicator lights up continuously, the machine is ready to dispense steam.
- Place the milk jug under the steam wand (A11), immerse the steam wand, and turn the knob to the [steam icon] position (see Figure 19).
- To froth the milk, keep the steam wand tip just below the milk surface, allowing air to mix with the milk and steam.
- Keep the steam wand tip near the surface, trying not to draw in too much air, which can create large bubbles.
- Once the desired temperature is reached, press the steam button again and wait for the steam dispensing to stop completely before removing the milk jug.
- Pour the frothed milk into the cups with the previously prepared espresso. The cappuccino is ready. Add sugar to taste and optionally sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
Note: If you need to prepare several cappuccinos, first prepare several cups of coffee and then froth the milk for all portions at once.
To exit steam dispensing mode, press any button. The [1-cup button] and [2-cup button] indicators will flash, indicating that a cooling cycle is required.
Recommendation: Steam dispensing should not exceed 60 seconds at a time.
Tips for Optimal Use
- Recommended milk quantity for each cappuccino: 100 ml.
- For dense and creamy foam, use cold milk from the refrigerator (around 5 °C).
- When the machine is ready for milk frothing, before proceeding, place an empty container under the steam wand and open the knob for a few seconds to purge any air from the steam circuit. Close the steam knob and proceed with preparation.
Cleaning the Steam Wand
- After each use, remove any milk residue from the steam wand with a cloth (see Figure 20). For a more thorough cleaning, it is recommended to use De'Longhi Eco MultiClean. This product ensures hygiene by removing milk proteins and fats and can also be used to clean the entire machine.
- Dispense steam for a few seconds to thoroughly clean the wand (see Figure 21).
- Wait for the dispensing unit to cool down. To maintain the longevity of the dispensing unit, use the cleaning pin (C7) to keep the nozzle holes clean (see Figure 22).
Cooling Cycle
- After using the steam function, two indicators ([steam button] and [1-cup button] or [2-cup button]) will flash simultaneously, indicating that the boiler needs to cool down to reach the correct temperature for espresso preparation.
- Follow these steps:
- Place a container under the steam wand.
- Open the steam knob to dispense steam and hot water; the [steam button] indicator will flash (see Figure 23).
- When the [1-cup button] and [2-cup button] indicators start flashing, it means the boiler has cooled down. Close the steam knob (dispensing will stop when the boiler has cooled) (see Figure 24). The coffee machine is ready for use.
Dispensing Hot Water
- Place a cup under the steam wand (A11).
- Wait for the coffee dispensing indicators (B1) and (B3) to light up.
- Turn the steam adjustment knob (A12) to the [steam icon] position. Hot water will dispense from the steam wand.
- To stop dispensing hot water, turn the knob to the 0 position.
Recommendation: Dispensing water should not exceed 60 seconds at a time.
Settings Menu
Entering the Menu
Press and hold the [1-cup button] for 10 seconds until all three buttons start flashing sequentially.
Water Hardness Setting:
- Press the [1-cup button] to select "Low hardness".
- Press the [2-cup button] to select "Medium hardness".
- Press the [steam button] to select "High hardness".
Auto-off Setting:
- Press the [1-cup button] to select "9 minutes".
- Press the [2-cup button] to select "30 minutes".
- Press the [steam button] to select "3 hours".
Changing the Setting
After selecting the desired parameter, press the corresponding button to confirm the setting. The indicator for the selected setting will flash.
Brewing Temperature:
This temperature refers to the water in the boiler. It differs from the temperature of the beverage in the cup or the temperature measured when the beverage exits the filter holder spouts.
- Press the [1-cup button] to select "Low temperature".
- Press the [2-cup button] to select "Medium temperature".
- Press the [steam button] to select "High temperature".
Exiting the Menu
If left idle for 15 seconds, the machine will automatically exit the settings menu.
Note: The indicator for the changed setting will flash rapidly, confirming the change.
After 15 seconds of inactivity, the machine automatically exits the settings menu and is ready for use.
Factory Settings (Reset)
This procedure restores the machine to its factory default settings.
- Place the steam wand (A11) on the drip tray (A9).
- Enter the programming menu.
- Turn the steam adjustment knob (A12) to the [steam icon] position.
- Press the [1-cup button]. All three indicators will flash simultaneously, confirming the restoration of factory settings.
Machine Cleaning
The following parts require periodic cleaning:
- Drip tray (A9)
- Coffee filters (C2), (C3), and (C4)
- Coffee dispensing unit (A5)
- Water tank (A3)
- Steam wand (A11) (see Section 7.2 "Cleaning the Steam Wand")
Caution:
- Never wash any components or accessories of the machine in a dishwasher.
- Do not use solvents, abrasive detergents, or alcohol for cleaning the coffee machine.
- Do not use metal objects to remove limescale or coffee deposits, as they may scratch the metal or plastic surfaces.
- If the appliance has been idle for more than a week, it is recommended to rinse it before the next use, as described in Section 3, "First Use of the Appliance."
Danger:
- Never immerse the machine in water, as it is an electrical appliance.
- Before cleaning any external parts of the appliance, switch it off, unplug it from the socket, and allow it to cool down.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
Caution: The drip tray is equipped with a float indicator (red) for water level. Empty and clean the drip tray before the indicator emerges from the cup grid (see Figure 25). Otherwise, water may overflow and damage the coffee machine, the work surface, or the surrounding area.
- Remove the drip tray (A9) (see Figure 26).
- Remove the drip tray grid (A7), drain any water, wipe the drip tray with a cloth, and then reassemble it.
- Remove the cup/mug grid (A10), wash it with water, dry it, and reassemble it.
- Reassemble the drip tray.
Cleaning Coffee Filters
Coffee filters are designed to produce the best coffee crema. To maintain their effectiveness, filters must always be clean and free of coffee residue.
After each use, rinse the filter with running water (see Figure 27). Then, press the perforated filter to ensure it is correctly inserted into the housing (see Figure 28). Check that the hole on the back of the filter (see Figure 29) is not clogged.
If the filter is still dirty, or at least once a month, clean the coffee filters as follows:
- Remove the perforated filter by pulling the tab (see Figure 30).
- Rinse the filters with running water (see Figure 31).
- Ensure the holes are not clogged. If necessary, clean them with the pin (see Figures 29-31).
- Dry with a cloth.
- Reinsert the perforated filter into place and press firmly (see Figure 28).
Pod Filter
Rinse with running water. Ensure the holes are not clogged. If necessary, clean them with the pin (see Figures 29-31).
Cleaning the Coffee Dispensing Unit
After every 200 cups of coffee, rinse the coffee dispensing unit by dispensing about 0.5 litres of water (press the coffee dispensing button without using ground coffee).
Other Cleaning
- Do not use solvents, abrasive detergents, or alcohol for cleaning the coffee machine. A soft, damp cloth is sufficient.
- Clean the filter holder regularly.
Cleaning the Water Tank
- Periodically (approximately once a month) and whenever the water filter is replaced (if fitted), clean the water tank with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Remove the filter (if fitted) and rinse it under running water.
- Replace the filter (if fitted), fill the tank with fresh water, and reassemble it.
- (For models with a water filter) Dispense 100 ml of water.
Descaling
Caution: Before use, read the instructions and the label of the descaler (C9) on the product packaging.
It is recommended to use only De'Longhi descaler. Using unsuitable products or infrequent descaling may cause malfunctions not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
The descaler may damage sensitive surfaces. If the product is accidentally spilled, dry it immediately.
Descaling Procedure
For Descaling | De'Longhi Descaler |
---|---|
Capacity | 1 litre |
Time | Approx. 25 minutes |
- When the orange descaling indicator [orange indicator] lights up, it is time to descale the appliance.
- Ensure the filter holder is not installed. Place a container under the hot water dispensing unit and the boiler outlet (see Figure 32).
- Pour the descaling solution into the tank, diluting the provided descaler with water (fill the tank up to the MAX level) (see Figure 33).
- Press and hold the [1-cup button] for 10 seconds until the 3 buttons start flashing sequentially.
- Turn the steam adjustment knob to the [steam icon] position.
- Press the [1-cup button] to start the descaling process.
- The descaling program will start, and the descaling liquid will dispense from the steam wand. The descaling program automatically performs a series of rinses at set intervals to remove limescale from the inside of the coffee machine until the water tank is completely empty.
Note: During descaling, and for cleaning the coffee circuit, periodically close the steam knob to dispense a small amount of descaler from the coffee dispensing unit.
Dispensing stops, and the orange indicator continues to flash, indicating that the descaling cycle is still in progress.
After this, rinsing is required.
- Empty the container used for collecting the descaling solution and place it back under the dispensing units.
- The machine is ready for rinsing with fresh clean water. Remove the water tank, empty it, rinse it with running water, fill it with clean water up to the MAX mark (see Figure 34), and reassemble the tank.
- Turn the steam knob to the [steam icon] position, then press the [1-cup button] to start rinsing. During descaling, and for cleaning the coffee circuit, periodically close the steam knob to dispense a small amount of water from the coffee dispensing unit.
- Perform a second rinse, following steps 7 to 9, also reinserting the filter (if previously installed).
- When the water tank is empty, the orange indicator will turn off, and descaling is complete. The [1-cup button] and [2-cup button] indicators will flash.
- Close the steam adjustment knob by turning it to the 0 position.
- Fill the tank with clean water.
The machine is ready for use.
Indicator Lights
Indicators | Action | Meaning |
---|---|---|
[power symbol] | Turning the ON/OFF switch | The appliance performs a self-diagnosis, indicated by the sequential flashing of the indicators. |
[1-cup icon] [2-cup icon] [steam icon] | Appliance is on | Indicators flashing: the appliance is heating up for further coffee preparation. Indicators lit steadily: the appliance is ready for coffee preparation. |
[steam icon] flashing | Steam knob is open | Flashing indicators: close the steam knob. |
[1-cup icon] [2-cup icon] | Cooling cycle required | Perform the actions indicated in Section "7.3 Cooling Cycle". |
[1-cup icon] [2-cup icon] | Water tank is empty or the machine is not dispensing coffee | Indicators flash rapidly. See Section "3. First Use of the Appliance". |
[steam icon] | Steam function required | Indicator flashing: the appliance is heating up for steam dispensing. Indicator lit steadily: the appliance is ready for steam dispensing. |
[orange indicator] | Descaling required | Perform descaling: the operation is complete when the indicator turns off. |
Troubleshooting
Problem | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Espresso is not dispensed | No water in the tank | Fill the tank. |
Clogged coffee dispensing unit spouts on the filter holder | Clean the spouts on the filter holder. | |
Filter is clogged or the perforated filter is missing | Clean as per Section "11.2 Cleaning Coffee Filters". | |
Water tank installed incorrectly, and the valves at the bottom are not open. | Press the tank gently to open the bottom valves. | |
Limescale in the water system | Descale as described in Section "12. Descaling". | |
Espresso exits from the edges of the filter holder, not the spouts | Filter holder installed incorrectly or dirty | Attach the filter holder correctly and turn it firmly until it locks. |
Boiler gasket is worn or dirty | Replace the boiler gasket. Contact technical support. | |
Clogged spouts on the filter holder | Clean the spouts on the filter holder. | |
Filter holder does not attach to the appliance | Too much coffee in the filter | Use the measuring spoon provided and select the correct filter for brewing. |
Light-coloured coffee crema (coffee dispenses quickly from the spout) | Ground coffee not tamped enough | Tamp the ground coffee more firmly. |
Insufficient amount of ground coffee | Increase the amount of ground coffee. | |
Coffee ground too coarsely | Use only finely ground coffee for espresso machines. | |
Poor quality ground coffee | Change the type of ground coffee. | |
Dark-coloured coffee crema (coffee dispenses slowly from the spout) | Ground coffee tamped too much | Tamp the ground coffee less firmly. |
Excessive amount of ground coffee | Reduce the amount of ground coffee. | |
Clogged espresso boiler channel | Clean as per Section "11.3 Cleaning the Coffee Dispensing Unit". | |
Filter clogged | Clean as per Section "11.2 Cleaning Coffee Filters". | |
Ground coffee too fine or too wet | Use only finely ground coffee for espresso machines; ensure it is not too wet. | |
Coffee filter sticks to the boiler channel after dispensing coffee | Limescale in the water system | Descale as described in Section "12. Descaling". |
Reinsert the filter holder, dispense coffee, then remove the filter holder. | ||
Machine does not prepare any drinks and all indicators flash for a few seconds. | No water in the tank. | Fill the water tank. |
Water tank installed incorrectly, and the valves at the bottom are not open. | Press the tank gently to open the bottom valves. | |
Clogged espresso boiler channel | Clean as per Section "11.3 Cleaning the Coffee Dispensing Unit". | |
Filter clogged | Clean as per Section "11.2 Cleaning Coffee Filters". | |
Limescale in the water system | Descale as described in Section "12. Descaling". | |
Appliance does not work, all indicators flash. | Immediately switch off the appliance, unplug it from the mains, and contact an authorized service centre. | |
No milk foam is produced when preparing cappuccino. | Milk not cold enough. | Milk should be chilled (refrigerator temperature). |
Cappuccinator is dirty | Clean the cappuccinator as described in Section "7.2 Cleaning the Steam Wand". | |
Limescale in the water system | Descale as described in Section "12. Descaling". |