DeLonghi La Specialista Arte: Quick Guide

Preparing Your Machine & First Use

Follow these steps to get your DeLonghi La Specialista Arte ready.

Preparing Your Machine

1. Wash and dry all accessories, including the water tank.
2. Insert the drip tray with the cup tray.
3. Fill the water tank.
4. Plug in the machine and switch on the main power.

Setting La Specialista for First Use

1. Place a container under the water spout.
2. Press 'OK' to rinse.
3. Insert the filter basket into the portafilter.
4. Attach the portafilter to the brewing unit.
5. Press 'OK' to rinse again.
6. Push the 'STEAM' button. Let steam flow for a few seconds, then push the button again. Repeat this action 3-4 times to purge the steam arm before frothing milk.

For detailed setup instructions, visit the De'Longhi How-To Channel on YouTube [Play button] YouTube icon.

Step 1: Grinding

Achieve the perfect grind for your coffee beans.

1. Add coffee beans to the hopper. It's best to fill only with the quantity needed and store the remainder in a vacuum container.
2. The ideal grind setting depends on your coffee bean type. The factory default is 5. Adjust the level according to your personal taste and coffee type while grinding if unsatisfied.
3. Select either the single or double dose filter and place it in the portafilter. For the double filter, press the [X2] button until the X2 light illuminates. Note: The x2 selection doubles the espresso shot volume.
4. Insert the Dosing&Tamping Guide into the portafilter: push once, then turn until it locks. This guide helps prevent coffee spills during grinding for mess-free operation and consistent dosing.
5. Insert the portafilter into the brewing unit. Push until you hear a single 'Click', then release; grinding will start and stop automatically.

Recommended Grinding Settings

A grinding level between 3 and 6 is recommended for most coffees. A level of 1 or 2 is very fine and suitable only for special coffees (light roasted).

Refer to the "Focus on perfect dose" section for suggestions.

Focus on Perfect Dose & Achieve Espresso Perfection

Adjusting the dose correctly is crucial for optimal espresso extraction.

Each coffee bean variety grinds differently, so setting the dose initially may require extra care. The illustration provides indications for dose regulation.

Suggested setting ranges based on roasting level are a good starting point, but may vary slightly depending on the specific bean composition.

1. Set the dose to reach the mark inside the filter basket (see image for perfect dose), starting from the minimum position. The dial numbers are references once the perfect dose is reached, not grinder settings or measurement units.
2. Observe your coffee's roasting level and slowly turn the knob, referencing the ranges provided.

The coffee filters have an internal mark to identify the perfect dose level; the quantity corresponds to the raised line.

Barista Tip:

If your coffee is over-extracted (pouring too slowly) or under-extracted (pouring too fast), and the dose is correct, adjust the grinder settings finer or coarser accordingly.

Step 2: Tamping

Proper tamping ensures an even extraction.

1. Extract the portafilter.
2. Gently tap the Dosing & Tamping Guide to level the ground coffee inside.
3. Place the portafilter in the dedicated seat on the tamping mat.
4. Tamp the coffee. For a polished finish, rotate the tamper while pressing the coffee dose.
5. Remove the Dosing & Tamping Guide and check the coffee dose.
6. Attach the portafilter to the brewing unit.

Barista Tips:

• Ensure the coffee is at the recommended dosage level after tamping. You may need to adjust the dosage dial multiple times to achieve the perfect dose.
• Using the tamping mat provides ideal stability, ensuring a more even extraction.
• Coffee grounds left on the filter edges after pressing do not affect the brewing quality or the final result.

Step 3: Brewing

Select your preferred temperature and beverage for brewing.

1. Select the desired temperature using the temperature dial.
2. Select your beverage using the beverage selection dial.
3. Press 'OK' to start brewing (preinfusion and infusion).

Espresso Based Beverages Menu

• Espresso: Single dose (approx. 35 ml) or Double dose (approx. 35 ml).
• Long Black: Single dose Espresso (approx. 35 ml) with Water (approx. 65 ml) for a total of approx. 100 ml, or Double dose Espresso (approx. 70 ml) with Water (approx. 130 ml) for a total of approx. 200 ml.

Infusion Temperature Profiles

The water temperature is precisely controlled for ideal extraction stability. La Specialista Arte offers up to 3 infusion temperature profiles (between approx. 92°C and 96°C).

Different coffee bean varieties and roasting colours require specific temperature settings for optimal extraction. Robusta beans prefer lower temperatures, while Arabica prefers higher. Darker roasts or freshly-roasted beans also benefit from different settings compared to degassed beans.

Note: Temperature refers to the water inside the thermoblock, not the beverage temperature in the cup.

How to Make an Americano:

1. Make an Espresso using a large cup.
2. Once the espresso is delivered, select the hot water option and press 'OK' to dispense hot water.

Step 4: Manual Frothing

Create perfect milk foam for your coffee drinks.

Find more tips in the dedicated video series for your La Specialista Arte.

1. Fill the milk jug with fresh, cold milk. The volume may triple during frothing.
2. Push the 'STEAM' button. Steam will be delivered after a few seconds.
3. To create froth, position the steam nozzle just on the surface of the milk. Air will be incorporated by the mixing of milk and steam. Keep the nozzle on the surface, careful not to create large bubbles by letting in too much air.
4. Once the desired temperature is reached, turn the steam knob off. Wait until steam stops completely before removing the jug.

Cleaning Tip:

Always clean the steam nozzle with a clean, damp cloth and release a short burst of steam to remove milk residue.

Barista Tips:

• Freshness: Always use fresh, cold milk. Whole milk is recommended for best results. Dairy and non-dairy alternatives may vary in texturing ease.
• Bubbles: After foaming, eliminate unwanted bubbles by swirling the pitcher.

Take Care of Your Coffee Machine

Regular maintenance and cleaning ensure the coffee machine runs efficiently for a longer period. Discover the full range of original accessories. Visit Delonghi.com for more information.