DeLonghi ESAM5450 Coffee and Cappuccino Maker

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the DeLonghi ESAM5450 automatic coffee maker. This manual provides essential information for operating and maintaining your appliance. It is recommended to keep these instructions for future reference.

Symbols Used in These Instructions:

• ⚠️ Danger! Indicates a potentially life-threatening hazard from electric shock.
• ❗ Important! Indicates a warning that, if not observed, could result in injury or damage to the appliance.
• ? Danger of burns! Indicates a warning that, if not observed, could result in scalds or burns.
• ℹ️ NB: Identifies important advice or information for the user.

Letters in Brackets: Refer to the legend in the 'Description of the Appliance' section.

Troubleshooting and Repairs: For issues, first consult the 'Displayed Messages' and 'Troubleshooting' sections. If problems persist, contact an authorised service centre.

Safety

Fundamental Safety Warnings:

⚠️ Danger! This is an electrical appliance and may cause electric shock. Always observe the following:

• Never touch the appliance with damp hands.
• Never touch the plug with damp hands.
• Ensure the socket is easily accessible for unplugging.
• Unplug by pulling the plug directly. Never pull the power cable.
• To disconnect completely, unplug from the mains socket.
• Do not attempt to repair a faulty appliance. Contact a technical service centre.
• If the plug or power cable is damaged, it must be replaced by a technical service centre.
• Keep all packaging (plastic bags, polystyrene foam) away from children.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless supervised or instructed by a responsible person. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.

❗ Important: Risk of burns! This appliance produces hot water and steam. Avoid contact with splashes of hot water or steam. Do not touch the cup warmer shelf (A6) as it becomes hot during operation.

Description

Description of the Appliance (Refer to Diagram A on page 4):

• A1: Grinding coarseness regulator knob
• A2: Bean container lid
• A3: Container for coffee beans
• A4: Ground coffee feed funnel
• A5: Compartment for measure
• A6: Cup warmer shelf
• A7: Water tank
• A8: Infuser
• A9: Coffee grounds container
• A10: Cup tray
• A11: Drip tray
• A12: Service door
• A13: Coffee guide
• A14: Coffee spout (adjustable height)
• A15: Cappuccino maker (varies by model)
• A16: Measure
• A17: Main switch

Description of Control Panel (Refer to Diagram B on page 4):

• B1: Display - Guides the user.
• B2: 1 cup button - Makes 1 cup of coffee with current settings.
• B3: 2 cups button - Makes 2 cups of coffee with current settings.
• B4: Hot water/steam button - Delivers hot water or steam. (When in MENU, this button confirms selection).
• B5: Indicator lights - Show current settings, alarms, or maintenance needs.
• B6: Selection knob - Turn to select coffee quantity (customised, espresso, standard, long, extra long).
• B7: Aroma selection button - Press to select coffee taste (pre-ground, extra-mild, mild, standard, strong, extra-strong).
• B8: Steam or hot water selection button. (When in MENU, press 'ESC' to exit).
• B9: P button - Accesses the menu.
• B10: Power button - Turns the appliance on and off.

Explanation of Lights:

• Red descale light: Indicates the need to descale.
• Steam light: Indicates the Steam function is selected.
• Hot Water light: Indicates the Hot Water function is selected.
• AUTO light: Indicates the Auto-Start function is active.
• Water filter light: Indicates the water filter is exhausted and needs replacement.
• Alarm light: Indicates an alarm message (refer to 'Explanation of Lights').
• OK button light: Confirms menu choices.
• ESC button light: Exits menu or cancels selection.

Preliminary Checks

Controls after transport: After unpacking, ensure all parts are present and undamaged. Do not use if visibly damaged; contact service.

Installing the appliance:

• Ensure adequate ventilation: 3 cm clearance on sides/back, 15 cm on top.
• Keep away from water sources (taps, sinks).
• Do not install in freezing temperatures.
• Arrange the power cable to avoid damage from sharp edges or hot surfaces.

Connecting the appliance:

• Verify mains voltage matches the rating plate.
• Connect to an efficiently earthed and correctly installed socket (min. 10A).
• If the socket is incompatible, have it replaced by a qualified professional.

Using the Appliance for the First Time

Note: Traces of coffee may be present due to factory testing; the machine is new.

Customise Water Hardness: Follow instructions in 'Setting Water Hardness' (page 36) as soon as possible.

Water Softener Filter: If your model includes one, install it as per 'Installing the filter' (page 30).

1. Plug in and turn the main switch (A17) to 'I' (fig. 29).
2. Select language: wait for English, then press and hold the OK button for 3 seconds (fig. 1). The display will show 'English Installed'.
3. Follow display prompts: 'FILL TANK!' (fill water tank to MAX, fig. 2), then 'Hot Water... Confirm?'.
4. Turn cappuccino maker outwards, place a container underneath (fig. 3). Press the OK button (fig. 1). The appliance will deliver hot water.

The appliance completes its initial setup and turns off. It is now ready for use.

Note: For best results, make 4-5 coffees or cappuccinos before regular use.

Turning the Appliance On

Note: Ensure the main switch (A17) is in the 'I' position.

Upon turning on, the appliance performs an automatic preheat and rinse cycle. It is ready for use after this cycle completes.

? Danger of burns! Hot water may flow from the spouts during rinsing. Avoid contact.

• Press the Power button (B10) (fig. 4). The display shows 'Heating Up... Please Wait'.
• After heating, 'RINSING' is displayed.
• The appliance is ready when 'READY Standard Taste' is displayed.

Turning the Appliance Off

Each time the appliance is turned off, it performs an automatic rinse cycle.

? Danger of burns! Hot water may flow from the spouts during rinsing. Avoid contact.

• Press the Power button (B10) (fig. 4). The appliance rinses, displays 'Turning Off! Please Wait...', and then switches off.

Note: For extended periods of non-use, turn the main switch (A17) to '0'.

Changing Menu Settings

Setting the Clock:

1. Press P (B9) to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Adjust Time' using the selection knob (B6).
3. Press OK (B2/B3/B4).
4. Adjust hours using the selection knob.
5. Press OK to confirm or ESC (B8) to cancel.
6. Adjust minutes using the selection knob.
7. Press OK to confirm or ESC to cancel.
8. Press ESC to exit the menu.

Note: The clock must be set to activate certain functions.

Setting the Language:

1. Press P (B9) to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Set Language' using the selection knob.
3. Press OK.
4. Select the desired language using the selection knob.
5. Press OK to confirm or ESC to cancel.
6. Press ESC to exit the menu.

Setting Auto-Start Time:

Allows the appliance to be ready at a set time.

1. Press P (B9) to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Auto-Start' using the selection knob.
3. Press OK.
4. Adjust hours using the selection knob.
5. Press OK to confirm or ESC to cancel.
6. Adjust minutes using the selection knob.
7. Press OK to confirm or ESC to cancel.
8. Press ESC to exit the menu.

The AUTO light will illuminate when the function is active. To deactivate, select 'Auto-Start' and exit.

Note: The time must be set for this function.

Manual Rinsing:

1. Press P (B9) to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Rinsing...' using the selection knob.
3. Press OK.
4. Confirm by pressing OK or cancel with ESC.
5. The rinse cycle begins.
6. The appliance exits the menu automatically when rinsing is complete.

Note: Manual rinsing can be interrupted by pressing OK.

Descaling:

1. Press P (B9) to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Descaling' using the selection knob.
3. Press OK.
4. Confirm by pressing OK or cancel with ESC.
5. Follow descaling instructions on page 35.

Setting the Temperature:

1. Press P (B9) to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Set Temperature' using the selection knob.
3. Press OK.
4. Select desired temperature (high, medium, low) using the selection knob.
5. Press OK to confirm or ESC to cancel.
6. Press ESC to exit the menu.

Auto-Off:

1. Press P (B9) to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Auto-Off' using the selection knob.
3. Press OK.
4. Select the number of hours (1, 2, or 3) using the selection knob.
5. Press OK to confirm or ESC to cancel.
6. Press ESC to exit the menu.

Setting Water Hardness:

1. Press P (B9) to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Water Hardness' using the selection knob.
3. Press OK.
4. Set the level based on the indicator strip test (see 'Measuring water hardness').
5. Press OK to confirm.
6. Press ESC to exit the menu.

The machine is now programmed for the set water hardness.

Resetting Factory Default Values:

Resets all menu settings to default (language remains unchanged).

1. Press P (B9) to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Default Values' using the selection knob.
3. Press OK.
4. Confirm by pressing OK or cancel with ESC.

Installing the Filter:

If your model has a water softener filter, install it as follows:

1. Remove filter from packaging.
2. Set date indicator pointer to the month of use (filter lasts approx. 2 months).
3. Insert filter into water tank and press down until it clicks (fig. 28, page 5).
4. Fill water tank and insert into machine.
5. Turn cappuccino maker outwards, place container underneath (min. 100ml).
6. Notify the appliance of filter installation: Press P, select 'Install Filter', press OK.
7. Confirm by pressing OK. The display shows 'Hot Water... Confirm?'.
8. Press OK again. The appliance delivers hot water and returns to ready state.

Replacing the Filter ('Reset Water Filter'):

Replace filter when the red descale light appears or after two months.

1. Remove old filter.
2. Prepare new filter (set date indicator).
3. Insert new filter into water tank and press down.
4. Fill water tank and insert into machine.
5. Turn cappuccino maker outwards, place container underneath.
6. Notify the appliance: Press P, select 'Reset Water Filter', press OK.
7. Confirm by pressing OK. The display shows 'Hot Water... Confirm?'.
8. Press OK again. The appliance delivers hot water and returns to ready state.

Removing the Filter:

If you wish to use the appliance without a filter:

1. Press P to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Install Filter *' using the selection knob.
3. Press OK.
4. Confirm by pressing OK.
5. Press ESC.
6. When the asterisk disappears, press ESC to exit.

Important: Failure to follow filter installation/resetting procedures can lead to limescale buildup.

Statistics Function:

1. Press P to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Statistics' using the selection knob.
3. Press OK.
4. View statistics: coffees made, descaling cycles, water volume, filter changes.
5. Press ESC twice to exit.

Making Coffee

Selecting the Coffee Taste:

The appliance is preset to 'Standard' taste. Other options include: Extra-mild, Mild, Standard, Strong, Extra-strong. Press the Aroma button (B7) repeatedly to select.

Selecting the Quantity of Coffee in the Cup:

Turn the selection knob (B6) until the light for the desired quantity (Espresso 40ml, My Coffee 30ml, Normal 60ml, Long 90ml, Extra Long 120ml) is illuminated.

Customising the 'MY COFFEE' Quantity:

Factory preset to 30ml.

1. Place a cup under the spouts (fig. 6).
2. Turn selection knob (B6) until the 'My Coffee' light is on.
3. Press and hold the 1 cup button (B2) for at least 8 seconds (fig. 7). '1 MY COFFEE Programme Quantity' is displayed, and coffee is dispensed.
4. Press the 1 cup button again when the desired level is reached. The quantity is now programmed.

Regulating the Coffee Mill:

The mill is factory set. If coffee delivery is too fast or too slow, adjust the grinding coarseness knob (fig. 8).

• For slower delivery/creamier coffee: turn one click towards '1' (finer grind).
• For faster delivery: turn one click towards '7' (coarser grind).

Adjustments are visible after 2 cups. Note: Adjust only when the mill is operating.

Making Coffee Using Coffee Beans:

❗ Important! Do not use caramelised or candied beans.

1. Fill bean container (A3) with coffee beans (fig. 9).
2. Place cup(s) under spouts (fig. 6).
3. Lower spouts close to the cup for creamier coffee (fig. 10).
4. Press the 1-cup (B2) or 2-cup (B3) button (fig. 7, 11).
5. Preparation begins, shown by a progress bar (fig. 12).

Note: Delivery can be interrupted by pressing a coffee button. To increase quantity after dispensing, hold a coffee button within 3 seconds of completion. If coffee is too slow/fast/cold, see 'Troubleshooting'.

Making Coffee Using Pre-ground Coffee:

❗ Note: Only one cup at a time can be made with pre-ground coffee.

1. Press the Aroma button (B7) repeatedly until 'READY Pre-Ground' is displayed.

❗ Important! Never add pre-ground coffee when the machine is off. Never use more than one level measure.

1. Add one level measure of pre-ground coffee to the funnel (fig. 14).
2. Place cup under spouts.
3. Press the 1-cup button (B2) (fig. 7).

Frothing the Milk for Cappuccino (and Heating Liquids)

The steam function can froth milk or heat liquids.

Note: For cappuccino, prepare coffee first, then add frothed milk.

? Important! Danger of burns Steam is emitted from the cappuccino maker. Take care to avoid burns.

1. Turn cappuccino maker outwards, place container underneath (fig. 3).
2. Press the Steam button (B8) until the light comes on.

Note: To prevent water mixing with milk, briefly dispense water/steam until only steam emerges.

1. Press the Power button (B10) (fig. 1). The appliance heats up ('Please Wait...'). When ready, 'Steam...' is displayed. Interrupt by pressing the same button.
2. Fill container with approx. 100g of milk per cappuccino (milk volume triples). Semi-skimmed milk at refrigerator temperature is recommended.
3. If your model has a dual ring, turn it to 'CAPPUCCINO'. For hot milk, turn to 'MILK'.
4. Immerse the cappuccino maker in the milk container (fig. 16), avoiding the black ring or raised line.
5. Press the Steam button (B8). Steam froths the milk.

Note: For creamier froth, move the container with slow upward movements. Do not deliver steam for more than 3 minutes at a time.

7. When froth is achieved, press the Steam button (B8) to stop.

? Important! Danger of burns Stop steam before removing the container.

8. Add frothed milk to coffee. Sweeten to taste and add cocoa powder if desired.

Cleaning the Cappuccino Maker after Use:

Clean after each use to prevent blockages.

? Important! Danger of burns Hot water may come out during cleaning.

1. Dispense a little water/steam for a few seconds by pressing the Steam button (B8), then press again to stop.
2. Wait for the cappuccino maker to cool. Hold the handle and rotate anticlockwise (fig. 17), then pull down to remove.
3. Remove ring if applicable (fig. 18).
4. Wash all parts thoroughly with warm water.
5. Ensure holes in the steam nozzle (fig. 19) are clear; clean with a pin if necessary.
6. Reassemble the cappuccino maker.

Heating Water

Preparation:

? Important! Danger of burns Never leave the machine unattended while heating water. Stop delivery when the cup is full. The hot water spout becomes hot.

1. Place a container under the spout.
2. Press the Hot Water button (B4) until the light comes on.
3. Press the button again (fig. 3) to start delivery, or wait for the programmed quantity.

Note: Do not deliver hot water for more than 3 minutes at a time.

Changing the Quantity:

Factory preset to 250ml.

1. Place a container under the spouts.
2. Press the Hot Water button (B4) until the light comes on.
3. Press and hold the Hot Water button (B4) for at least 8 seconds. 'Hot Water Programme Quantity' is displayed.
4. Press the Hot Water button again when the desired level is reached. The quantity is now reprogrammed.

Cleaning and Maintenance

⚠️ Danger of electric shock! Turn off and unplug the machine before cleaning. Never immerse the coffee maker in water.

? Important! Danger of burns. Allow the machine to cool before cleaning.

❗ Important! Do not use solvents, abrasive detergents, or alcohol. No parts are dishwasher safe. Do not use metal objects for cleaning.

Emptying the Drip Tray (A11):

❗ Important! Empty regularly to prevent overflow. The drip tray has a water level indicator (red float).

1. Open service door (fig. 21).
2. Remove drip tray and grounds container (fig. 22).
3. Empty both.
4. Replace drip tray with grounds container.
5. Close service door.

Cleaning the Coffee Maker Components:

Regularly clean:

• Water tank (A7)
• Drip tray (A11)
• Coffee grounds container (A9)
• Coffee spouts (A14) and cappuccino maker nozzle (A15)
• Pre-ground coffee feed funnel (A4)
• Inside of the machine (accessible via service door A12)
• Infuser (A8)

Cleaning the Water Tank:

1. Clean monthly with a damp cloth and mild washing-up liquid.
2. Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.

Cleaning the Drip Tray:

• Clean each time you empty it with a damp cloth and mild washing-up liquid.

Cleaning the Coffee Grounds Container:

1. Clean each time you empty it with a damp cloth and mild washing-up liquid.
2. Remove tough encrustations with a toothpick. If needed, soak in water.

Cleaning the Spouts:

1. Clean spouts (A14) after each use with a sponge or cloth (fig. 23).
2. Check monthly that spout holes are not blocked. Clean with a toothpick, sponge, or stiff brush if necessary (fig. 24).

Cleaning the Coffee Feed Funnel:

• Check monthly that the funnel (A4) is not blocked. Remove deposits with a kitchen knife if necessary.

Cleaning the Inside of the Machine:

1. Check weekly for dirt. Remove deposits with a toothpick, sponge, or stiff brush.
2. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove residues (fig. 25).

Cleaning the Infuser:

Clean the infuser (A8) at least once a month.

❗ Important! Do not remove the infuser while the appliance is on. Do not force it.

1. Turn off the appliance (B10) and unplug.
2. Open service door (fig. 21).
3. Remove drip tray and grounds container (fig. 22).
4. Press the two red release buttons and pull out the infuser (fig. 26).

❗ Important! Do not use washing-up liquid on the infuser, as it will remove the lubricant and cause it to seize.

1. Soak the infuser in water for 15 minutes, then rinse.
2. Reinsert the infuser (A8) onto its support and pin, pushing the PUSH symbol until it clicks.
3. Ensure the two red buttons have snapped out.
4. Replace drip tray (A11) and grounds container (A9).
5. Close service door (A12).

Note: If the infuser is difficult to insert, adjust it by pressing firmly from top and bottom as shown in the figure.

Descaling

Descale when the red descale light and 'DESCALE!' message flash.

❗ Important! Descaler contains acids. Follow manufacturer's safety warnings.

Note: Failure to descale may invalidate the guarantee.

1. Turn the machine on.
2. Press P to enter the menu.
3. Select 'Descaling' using the selection knob.
4. Press OK to confirm ('Descaling Confirm?').
5. Confirm again ('Insert Descaler. Confirm?').
6. Empty water tank (A7) and remove water filter if present.
7. Pour diluted descaler (De'Longhi recommended) into the water tank.
8. Place a 1.5-litre container under the hot water spout (B7) (fig. 3).

? Important! Danger of burns Hot water containing acid flows from the spout. Avoid contact.

1. Press OK to confirm and start descaling.
2. 'Descaling Underway' is displayed. The process involves rinses and pauses to remove limescale.
3. After approx. 30 minutes, 'Rinsing FILL TANK!' is displayed.
4. Rinse the appliance: empty, rinse, and refill the water tank with clean water. Confirm rinsing.
5. Empty the container used for descaler.
6. Press OK to start rinsing. Hot water flows from the cappuccino maker.
7. When the water tank is empty, 'Rinsing Complete... Confirm?' is displayed.
8. Press OK, insert filter (if applicable), fill water tank. The appliance is ready.

Setting Water Hardness

The 'DESCALE' message appears based on water hardness. The machine is factory set for hardness value 4. You can program it according to your region's water hardness.

Measuring Water Hardness:

1. Use the 'TOTAL HARDNESS TEST' indicator paper.
2. Immerse paper in water for 1 second.
3. Remove and shake lightly. After a minute, 1-4 red squares will form, indicating hardness level.

Setting Water Hardness:

1. Press P to enter the menu.
2. Select 'Water Hardness' using the selection knob.
3. Press OK.
4. Set the level corresponding to the indicator paper test.
5. Press OK to confirm.
6. Press ESC to exit.

The machine is now reprogrammed.

Technical Specification

• Voltage: 220-240 V~ 50/60 Hz 10A max.
• Absorbed power: 1350W
• Pressure: 15 bar
• Water tank capacity: 1.7 litres
• Size (LxHxD): 284x374x441 mm
• Weight: 11.4 Kg
• Complies with EC Directives: Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC; EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.
• Materials in contact with food conform to EEC directive 1935/2004.

Disposal

Do not dispose of electrical appliances as household waste. Appliances with the symbol ♻️ are covered by European Directive 2002/96/EC. Dispose of unused appliances separately at authorised centres to prevent environmental damage and health risks. Contact local authorities or the retailer for disposal information.

Displayed Messages

Troubleshooting