DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro EC9865 Coffee Machine

1. Description

1.1 Appliance Description (A)

• A1: Bean hopper
• A2: Bean hopper lid
• A3: Cup warmer/tray
• A4: Steam lever
• A5: Steam wand tube
• A6: Lattecrema System connector
• A7: Coffee spout
• A8: Drip tray grid for espresso cups
• A9: Drip tray grid for glasses or mugs
• A10: Drip tray grid
• A11: Drip tray
• A12: Drip tray water level indicator
• A13: Water tank lid
• A14: Water tank extraction handle
• A15: Water tank
• A16: Power cord connector housing
• A17: Main switch (ON/OFF)
• A18: Coffee grinder outlet (Tamping station)
• A19: Flap to access coffee grinder chute
• A20: Tamper lever

1.2 Control Panel Description (B)

• B1: ON/Standby button
• B2: Ground coffee quantity adjustment knob
• B3: "X2" button (for 2-cup filter)
• B4: "Coffee temperature" button
• B5: "Rinse" button
• B6: "OK" button (to prepare/confirm)
• B7: "Hot water dispensing" button
• B8: "Descaling" button
• B9: "My" button (personalize drink length)
• B10: Function selection knob
• B11: Drinks display:
  • Espresso-based drinks: Espresso, Americano, Coffee
  • Milk-based drinks: Cappuccino, Flat White, Latte Macchiato
• B12: "Milk cleaning" indicator
• B13: "No bean hopper" indicator
• B14: "General alarm" indicator
• B15: Manometer (pressure gauge)
• B16: "Water shortage" indicator
• B17: "Bean hopper empty" indicator
• B18: "Energy saving" indicator
• B19: Settings and process display:
  • Indicates the operation the appliance is performing
  • Indicates the selected coffee dose parameter
  • Indicates the selected coffee temperature parameter

1.3 Accessories Description (C)

• C1: Filter holder
• C2: 1-cup filter
• C3: 2-cup filter
• Filters for Espresso Cool:
  • C4: 1-cup filter
  • C5: 2-cup filter
• C6: "Total Hardness Test" reactive strip
• C7: Descaler
• C8: Descaling accessory
• C9: Softballs (*on some models only)
• C10: Removable power cord
• C11: Swab/Brush
• C12: Cleaning brush/scraper
• C13: Coffee spout cleaning accessory
• C14: Cloth
• C15: Softballs (water softener)
• C16: Steam wand cleaning needle

1.4 Recommended Cleaning Accessories (Not Included)

For more information, visit Delonghi.com.

• Cleaning tablets

1.5 Lattecrema System Description (D)

• D1: Milk jug lid
• D2: Milk jug connector
• D3: Lid release button
• D4: Milk spout (height adjustable)
• D5: Foam adjustment knob
• D6: Button housing
• D7: Milk intake tube
• D8: Milk jug

2. Appliance Preparation

Wash all accessories with lukewarm water and dish soap, then proceed as follows:

1. Insert the drip tray (A11) with the cup grid (A9) and drip tray grid (A10) (Fig. 1).
2. Extract the water tank (A15) (Fig. 2) and fill it with fresh, clean water, ensuring not to exceed the MAX inscription (Fig. 3).
3. Reinsert the tank.

Attention: Never operate the appliance without water in the tank or without the tank.

Note: It is recommended to personalize the water hardness as soon as possible by following the procedure described in chapter "7. Menu Settings".

3. First Start-Up of the Machine

1. Insert the power cord connector (C10) into the housing (A16) at the rear of the appliance (Fig. 4); then plug it in. Ensure the main switch (A17) is set to I (Fig. 5).
2. Place a container with a minimum capacity of 100 ml under the hot water spout (near the coffee spout (A7)) (Fig. 6).
3. Press the button (B7); dispensing starts and stops automatically. Empty the container.

Before starting to use the machine, rinse the internal circuits:

1. Attach the filter holder (C1) with the filter to the machine. For correct attachment, align the filter holder handle with "INSERT" (Fig. 8) and turn the handle clockwise until aligned with "CLOSE".
2. Place a container under the filter holder and the steam wand tube (A5).
3. Press the button (B5); preparation begins (Fig. 9).
4. Once preparation is finished, turn the steam knob (A4) (Fig. 10) and dispense steam for a few seconds to rinse the steam circuit. For optimal steam distribution, repeat this operation 3 or 4 times. This removes water from the tube before steam dispensing.

The appliance is now ready for use.

Note: Rinsing internal circuits is recommended even after prolonged periods of non-use.

During the first use, make 4-5 coffees before the machine starts giving satisfactory results. Pay close attention to the ground coffee dose in the filter (C2 or C3) (see "4.1 Phase 1 - Grinding (Fig. 11)"). Proceed as indicated in the chapter "The perfect dose".

4. Prepare the Coffee

4.1 Phase 1 - Grinding

1. Pour beans into the hopper (A1) (Fig. 12). It is recommended to only pour beans needed for preparation to ensure fresh coffee.
2. Select the grind setting (Fig. 13). The default setting is 5 (medium grind). If the result is not satisfactory, adjust the level based on personal taste and coffee type (adjustment should be made while the grinder is operating).
3. Insert a 1-cup (C2) or 2-cup (C3) filter into the filter holder (C1) (Fig. 14). If using the 2-cup filter, press the "X2" button (B3) to double the espresso quantity.

Note: For "Espresso Cool" preparation, use the filters dedicated to this drink (see chapter "4.7 Phase 3 – Espresso Cool Dispensing").

4. Adjust the quantity knob (B2) starting from the minimum position (Fig. 15).

Note: After achieving the correct level in the filter holder, note the numbers displayed on screen (B19). These do not correspond to grind settings, coffee weight (gr/oz), or grind time.

Refer to paragraph "B3. "X2" button: to use the 2-cup filter" for more details.

Step 5: Attach the filter holder to the coffee grinder outlet (A18) by aligning it with the "INSERT" inscription, then turn the holder clockwise (Fig. 16). Grinding starts when the holder reaches the "CLOSE" position and stops automatically.

4.2 Adjusting Ground Coffee Quantity

Each bean variety yields a different result during grinding, so initial dose adjustment requires care. The illustration provides guidance based on roast color, serving as a starting point but subject to variation based on bean composition.

1. Program the dose starting from the minimum position.
2. Referring to your coffee's roast color, slowly turn the knob.

4.3 Phase 2 - Tamping

1. After grinding, lower the tamper lever (A20) fully (do not remove the filter holder) (Fig. 18). Repeat twice for a perfect result.
2. Keep the lever lowered while removing the filter holder (Fig. 19). Return the lever to its initial position.
3. After verifying the dose is correct (see "The perfect dose"), attach the filter holder to the coffee spout (A7) (Fig. 20).

The "perfect dose": Coffee filters have an internal mark to identify the perfect dose. The perfect dose corresponds to the raised line. Ensure the coffee is level after tamping. You may need to adjust knob (B2) multiple times to achieve the perfect dose. If the coffee is over- or under-extracted and the dose is within the perfect dose range, adjust the grind size finer or coarser (see "4.1 Phase 1 - Grinding (Fig. 11)"). If coffee is over-extracted (dispensing too slow), the grind should be coarser. If coffee is under-extracted (dispensing too fast), the grind should be finer.

Barista Tip: Remove the filter holder while the tamper lever (A20) is lowered for a perfect finish to the coffee dose.

4.4 Rinsing Before Dispensing

When preparing a cold drink after a hot one, or vice versa, the drink in the cup might not be at the ideal temperature. Rinsing is recommended:

1. Select the drink.
2. The OK indicator lights up white (if the selected drink is hot) or blue (if the selected drink is cold).
3. Place a container under the coffee spout (A7).
4. Press the button (B5).

4.5 Phase 3 - Dispensing Hot Drinks (brewing)

1. Select the desired drink (Fig. 22).
2. Press OK (B6) to start dispensing (pre-infusion and infusion). Coffee dispensing stops automatically (Fig. 23).

4.6 Phase 3 - Cold Brew Dispensing

1. Select Cold Brew (Fig. 22); the OK indicator (B6) turns blue to indicate a cold drink has been selected.
2. Add 1 or 2 ice cubes to the glass (Fig. 24).
3. Press OK to start preparation. Preparation stops automatically.

Note: The manometer does not move to higher positions for this preparation as there is no pressure.

4.7 Phase 3 - Espresso Cool Dispensing

For "Espresso Cool" preparation, use the dedicated filters for this drink (C4, C5).

5. Preparing Milk-Based Drinks

5.1 Emulsifying the Milk

1. Pour the desired amount of milk into the milk jug (D8), considering the volume will increase 2 to 3 times (Fig. 27). For a denser, more homogeneous foam, it is recommended to use whole cow's milk at refrigerator temperature (approx. 5°C).
2. Emulsify the milk by placing the steam wand tube (A5) at the milk surface; this mixes air with the milk and steam.
3. Keep the steam wand at the surface, ensuring not to capture too much air, which creates large bubbles.
4. Submerge the steam wand below the milk surface to create a vortex. After reaching the desired temperature, turn off the steam button and wait for steam dispensing to stop completely before removing the milk jug.

Barista Tip:

• Fresh milk is better. Always use fresh milk at refrigerator temperature.
• Whole milk yields excellent results. The result and foam texture vary depending on the type of cow's milk or plant-based drinks used.
• After emulsifying milk, eliminate bubbles by shaking the milk jug.

Steam Wand Cleaning:

1. After each use, remove milk residue from the steam wand using a cloth (Fig. 28). For deep cleaning, it is recommended to use Eco MultiClean: it ensures hygiene by eliminating milk proteins and fats and can be used to clean the entire machine.
2. Dispense steam for a few seconds to thoroughly clean the wand (Fig. 10).
3. Wait for the wand to cool down. To maintain wand efficiency over time, use the cleaning needle (C16) to keep the 3 holes clear (Fig. 29).

5.2 Preparing Milk Drinks with the Lattecrema System

1. Pour milk into the jug (D8) at refrigerator temperature (5°C) (Fig. 31).
2. Close the lid (D1) (Fig. 32).
3. Turn the foam adjustment knob (D5) to the desired position.

Foam Adjustment Knob Positions: CLEAN, Mousse MAX, Mousse MOY, Mousse MIN, Extract or insert button.

4. Attach the milk jug to the machine (Fig. 33).
5. Prepare the perfect dose (see "4.1 Phase 1 - Grinding (Fig. 11)" and "4.3 Phase 2 – Tamping (Fig. 17)") and insert the filter holder.
6. Select the desired milk-based drink (Fig. 34).

Drink Table:

Double Dose Drinks: Pour the required amount of milk into the jug (D8), ensuring not to exceed the MAX level (Fig. 31). Each graduation on the jug corresponds to ≈100 ml of milk.

Fresh milk is better. Always use fresh milk at refrigerator temperature.

Press OK (B6) to dispense (Fig. 23). The appliance automatically dispenses coffee and milk sequentially.

Lattecrema System Cleaning After Each Use:

1. Leave the milk jug attached to the machine (no need to empty it). Place a container under the milk outlet tube (D4) (Fig. 35).
2. Turn the knob (D5) to "Clean" (Fig. 36).

Cleaning starts and stops automatically. Attention: At the end of cleaning, turn the knob to one of the foam adjustment settings.

4. Remove the milk jug and place it in the refrigerator; it is advisable to use any remaining milk quickly.

For deep cleaning, Eco MultiClean is recommended: it ensures hygiene by eliminating milk proteins and fats and can be used to clean the entire machine.

6. Customize Coffee Drink Length Using the "My" Button (B9)

1. Prepare the machine for 1 or 2 cups of the desired coffee drink, attach the filter holder (C1) with filter (C2) or (C3) and ground coffee. If programming a milk-based drink, connect the Lattecrema System to the machine.
2. Turn the knob (B10) to select the drink to program.
3. Press the "My" button: the indicator corresponding to the OK button (B6) lights up solid, and the indicator for the "My" button blinks.
4. Press the OK button to start dispensing. The indicators for the OK and "My" buttons blink.
5. After reaching the desired quantity, press OK. If the drink requires another ingredient, its preparation begins: after reaching the desired quantity, press OK.
6. Press the "My" button to save. The appliance is ready for another use and the "My" indicator remains lit. If you do not wish to save the programming, press any other button.

Notes:

• It is possible to program coffee drinks, but not steam or hot water dispensing.
• Programming modifies drink quantities, but not ground coffee amount.
• "X2" drinks can be programmed separately.
• "My LatteArt" is not programmable.
• To reset to factory settings, hold the "My" button until it turns off. The selected drink reverts to the factory quantity.

Drink Programming Table:

7. Menu Settings

1. Enter Menu: Press ON/Standby (B1) and "X2" button simultaneously for 5 seconds.
2. Select Parameter to Program:

Drink | Corresponding Parameter | Settings

3. Save New Settings: Press ON/Standby (B1).

8. Appliance Cleaning

Attention!

• For machine cleaning, do not use solvents, abrasive cleaners, or alcohol.
• Do not use metal objects to remove encrustations or coffee deposits, as they may scratch metal or plastic surfaces.
• For periods of non-use exceeding 1 week, it is recommended to rinse the machine before use.

Danger!

• During cleaning, never immerse the machine in water: it is an electrical appliance.
• Before cleaning exterior parts, turn off the machine, unplug it, and let it cool down.

8.1 Cleaning Dedicated Filters for Espresso Cool

These filters are designed to optimize extraction for this drink. Clean thoroughly and remove all coffee residue to maintain efficiency.

After use, rinse the filters abundantly (Fig. 37) and press the perforated filter firmly to ensure correct insertion (Fig. 38).

Verify that the hole on the lower part (Fig. 39) is free of any residue.

1. Rinse the filters under running water (Fig. 37).
2. Ensure the holes are not obstructed. If necessary, use a needle (Fig. 39-41).
3. Wipe all components with a cloth.
4. Reinsert the perforated filter, pressing it fully (Fig. 38).

8.2 Coffee Spout Cleaning

When the indicator lights up (orange) (B5), the coffee circuit needs cleaning. Purchase cleaning tablets for coffee machines. For more information, visit www.Delonghi.com.

1. Insert the 1-cup filter (C2) into the filter holder (C1) (Fig. 42).
2. Insert the cleaning accessory (C13) into the filter (Fig. 42) and press it fully.
3. Place the cleaning tablet on the accessory (Fig. 43).
4. Attach the filter holder to the coffee spout (A7).
5. Fill the water tank (A15). Ensure the drip tray (A11) is empty.
6. Press and hold the button (B8) until the corresponding indicator starts blinking (orange). After a few minutes, cleaning stops automatically.
7. Remove the filter holder and the cleaning accessory.
8. Wash the filter holder and the filter under running water.

If cleaning is insufficient, or at least once a month, proceed as follows:

1. Extract the perforated filter by gripping the tab (Fig. 40).
2. Refill the water tank (A15). Ensure the drip tray (A11) is empty.
3. Press and hold the button (B8) until the corresponding indicator starts blinking (orange). After a few minutes, cleaning stops automatically.

8.3 Clean Bean Hopper Housing

1. Ensure the bean hopper (A1) is empty. Grind empty if necessary to empty it.
2. Detach the hopper from the machine by turning it counter-clockwise (Fig. 44).
3. Vacuum coffee residue (Fig. 45).
4. Clean the bean hopper housing with a damp cloth and dry (Fig. 46).
5. Reposition the hopper by inserting it into the coffee grinder. The hopper is correctly inserted when the arrow aligns with the symbol and you hear a "click" (Fig. 47).

Contact a service center to remove or replace the burrs. The upper burr can be removed if the coffee grinder is blocked by a foreign object. If this is the case, remove the bean hopper and proceed as follows:

1. Attach the filter holder (C1) and perform an "empty" grind to clear the coffee chute.
2. Turn off the appliance.
3. Turn the grind regulator counter-clockwise to the "REMOVE" position (Fig. 48).
4. Extract the upper part of the burr by gripping the designated handle (Fig. 49).
5. Clean the burr with a brush (Fig. 50) and vacuum coffee residue (Fig. 45).
6. Insert the burr into its housing (Fig. 51).
7. Turn the regulator, selecting the desired grind setting (Fig. 13).
8. Verify the burr is properly inserted by pulling it by the handle: it is correctly inserted if it does not move.

8.4 Cleaning the Burrs

When cleaning the bean hopper (A1), clean the hopper housing and the upper burr with a damp cloth.

8.5 Replacing the Burrs

If the ground coffee quantity decreases further, contact a service center to replace the burrs. Then, readjust the coffee grinder by entering the settings menu ("7. Menu Settings") and selecting the first grind adjustment range. Then, turn the quantity adjustment knob (B2) to the MIN position and set the dose as for the first use (see "The perfect dose").

8.6 Cleaning the "Smart Tamping Station"

1. Clean the attachment area with a brush (Fig. 52).
2. Pull the lever (A20) fully and clean the tamper with a brush (Fig. 47), then release the lever.
3. Using the swab (C11), clean the coffee chute (Fig. 54).

8.7 Lattecrema System Cleaning

Wash all components and the jug in the dishwasher, placing them on the top rack. If you do not have a dishwasher, wash by hand as indicated in the note at the end of the paragraph.

1. Press the button (D3) and lift the milk jug lid (D1).
2. Remove the milk spout (D4) and the milk intake tube (D7) (Fig. 55).
3. Turn the knob to the "Insert" position and extract it (Fig. 57).
4. Pay particular attention to ensure there are no milk residues in the crevice and tube under the knob (Fig. 58): if necessary, scrape the tube with a toothpick.
5. Rinse the interior of the foam adjustment knob housing with running water (Fig. 53).
6. Also, check that the milk intake tube and outlet tube are not blocked by milk residues.
7. Reassemble all lid components.
8. Wash and rinse the milk jug (D8) thoroughly.
9. Replace the lid on the milk jug.

Hand Wash Note: Dishwasher washing ensures perfect hygiene for all milk jug components. If washing by hand, carefully wash all milk jug components in hot water and soak them in a basin of hot water for about 30 minutes, before proceeding as indicated from step 4.

9. Water Hardness

The descaling indicator (B8) lights up after a predefined operating period that depends on water hardness. The machine can be programmed according to the actual hardness of the tap water in different regions, making descaling less frequent.

1. Remove the supplied "TOTAL HARDNESS TEST" reactive strip (C6) from its packaging.
2. Dip the reactive strip entirely into a glass of water for about one second.
3. Remove the strip from the water and shake it lightly. Program the appliance as indicated in chapter "7. Menu Settings".

Water Hardness Test Results:

4. Program the appliance as indicated in chapter "7. Menu Settings".

10. How to Use Softballs

Softballs (C15) are an innovative system that prolongs the machine's life without altering water quality, ensuring the preparation of creamy and aromatic coffee. For optimal effectiveness, leave Softballs in water overnight before use.

1. Extract the Softballs packet from the packaging (Fig. 59).
2. Rinse the Softballs packet with running water (Fig. 60).
3. Place the sachet in the water tank (A15) (Fig. 61).
4. Replace the Softballs sachet every 3 months (Fig. 62).

11. Descaling

Attention!

• Before use, read the instructions and the descaler label (C7) on the descaler packaging.

It is recommended to use only DeLonghi descaler. Using inappropriate descalers, as well as infrequent descaling, may lead to defects not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

The descaler can damage delicate surfaces. If the product is accidentally spilled, wipe it immediately.

To perform descaling:

• Descaler: DeLonghi Descaler
• Containers: 2 x 1 litre each
• Time: ~40 min

1. (IF PRESENT, REMOVE WATER SOFTENER FILTER AND SOFTBALLS). Pour the descaler into the water tank (A15) up to level A (corresponding to a 100ml pack) printed on the inside of the tank (Fig. 63).
2. Add water up to level B (Fig. 64). Reinsert the water tank into the machine.
3. Insert the accessory (C8) onto the Lattecrema System connector (A6) (Fig. 65).
4. Ensure the filter holder (C1) is not attached and place a container under the coffee spouts and hot water spout (A7), and under the steam wand (A5) (Fig. 66).
5. Press and hold the button (B8) until the corresponding indicator starts blinking.
6. The descaling program starts, and the descaling liquid flows from the spouts. The descaling program automatically performs a series of rinses at intervals to remove limescale residues inside the coffee machine until the tank is empty.
7. Dispensing stops, and the indicator turns white. It is therefore necessary to perform the rinsing cycle:
8. Empty the container used for collecting the descaling liquid and place it back under the spouts.
9. Extract the water tank, empty any descaler residues, rinse it with running water, and refill it with fresh water up to the MAX level (Fig. 67). Reinsert the tank into its housing.
10. Press and hold the button until the corresponding indicator starts blinking: rinsing begins.
11. Once rinsing is complete, dispensing stops, and the appliance is ready for use.
12. Empty the rinse water containers.
13. Extract and empty the drip tray, then reinsert it.
14. Extract and refill the fresh water tank, then reinsert it. The appliance is now ready for use.

Note:

• If you wish to anticipate the descaling cycle, press and hold the button for 3 seconds.
• If descaling was started by mistake, press the button for 10 seconds; rinsing cannot be interrupted.

12. Indicator Light Meanings

Indicator Lights | Indicator Meaning | Operation

13. Troubleshooting