DeLonghi Icona Pump Espresso Questions & Answers (page 2 of 2)

Hey Sigrid,
From my experience with the machine and what I've noticed there is 2 reasons why this handle is tight, first one when the machine is brand new the seal is new and tight but it gets softer as you use it and second reason is overfilling the container with coffee makes harder to lock in place, nothing to worry you won't break it, the machine is tougher than it looks. !!!!
Cheers
Al

I always turn the machine off after I've finished with it. However, I also always heat the cups with boiling water before I make the coffee. It uses less power and is hardly time consuming. I hope you love your DeLonghi as much as I loved mine.

Hi
I would turn it off as these machines don't like to be on any length of time. As i have said they are only good for 1 coffee a day. Good luck with ur machine i will never buy another one again.

Regards
Kylie

Hi Danieli

I just found out this machine is only good for 1 coffee a day??? Go figure!!! Is your handle clean?? (Where u put the coffee/pod)??? You might need to get a pin and clean every little hole and pull it all apart and scrub it clean. Hope this helps ???

Check if the machine is levelled

The only thing I can think of is that you're brewing it for too long......ie, after the crema as come through and there's only weak coffee. Don't over tamper it or have too fine ground. For a mug size coffee I use the largest filter and stop brewing as soon as the crema has finished coming through, then add the frothed milk. I find Harris Special Blend coffee has a nice flavour. You should only have about 2cm of espresso in the bottom of your mug.
I've never ever had a problem with my Espresso machines but it does take technique.

Let me know how you go.

The problem is there is too much water coming out of the steam wand. No matter how little you turn the steam knob the milk is watery. Mine does the same. Only way I can get a decent coffee is heating the milk in the microwave. Delonghi seem to think it's not faulty when clearly it is. Waste of money on this machine, I think.

If that is happening then coffee is grounded too coarse. You could tango it firmer but coarser ground will do much better. Use the double with a coarser ground and fairly firm tamp. Should be about 20 second lag after pushing the button before coffee starts to flow

Try and fill the filter with a bit less coffee. It happens to me when I put too much coffee in it!

Yes, possibly too much coffee? I'm assuming you have tried keeping upwards pressure on while twisting. I actually haven't had this issue at all

I've never had a problem with the crema. Try trouble shooting this on the internet. Good luck.

I only use a cheap grinder and although I am pretty good at getting a consistent grind, I have found that when I am a bit off (tired or just rushing) I have messed up my grind and it has affected the crema (too fine).

Other than that, as already stated - troubleshoot

Assuming you've closed the steamer knob tight, there must be something obstructing its valve. Have you tried running a descaler through with the steamer valve fully open? It may help to clean out whatever is preventing it from fully closing. Otherwise you may have to get it repaired our replaced under warranty.

No idea..they are like teabags from what I have found on the net...but haven't managed to find any in stores in Adelaide