Let’s face it coffee is life. Whether you’re waking up to your first cup or powering through a late-night project, a good coffee machine can be your best friend. That’s where DeLonghi coffee machines come in. They’ve earned a solid rep for delivering rich, barista-quality coffee at home. Sleek design, reliable performance, and a wide range of models make them a top pick for coffee lovers.
But like any gadget we use daily, even these Italian beauties aren’t immune to problems. Over time, you might notice your brew isn’t tasting the same, the water flow is sluggish, or the milk frother is just… meh. Frustrating? Definitely. Unfixable? Not even close.
This article is your ultimate guide to tackling the 5 most common problems with DeLonghi coffee machines. We’re going to break each issue down, uncover the causes, and give you no-nonsense solutions to get your machine back in top form. So grab your mug (hopefully filled), and let’s fix that caffeine machine.
Water Flow Issues
Signs of Water Flow Problems
Ever pressed that brew button, only to sit there watching… nothing? Or maybe water starts to come out, but it’s slower than molasses in winter. If your DeLonghi machine is struggling to push water through the system, you’re not alone. This is hands-down one of the most common complaints users have.
You might hear the pump humming or clicking, but instead of a beautiful stream of espresso, you’re stuck with drips. The end result? Weak coffee, brewing delays, and a very grumpy morning you.
Common Causes
So what’s behind this annoying issue? It usually boils down to one of three culprits:
Air trapped in the system: Especially if you’ve just refilled the tank or haven’t used the machine in a while.
Clogged water inlet or hose: Over time, dust, minerals, or even coffee grounds can sneak their way into places they don’t belong.
Water tank not seated properly: Sometimes the tank isn’t aligned just right, so the machine can’t draw water correctly.
Even one of these issues can throw off the entire brewing process.
How to Fix It
Here’s what to do:
Release trapped air: Open the steam valve (yes, even if you’re not frothing milk) and let it run for about 10 seconds. This helps clear out any air bubbles stuck in the line.
Check the water inlet: Remove the tank and inspect the valve. Look for blockages or grime. Give it a gentle rinse with warm water.
Re-seat the tank: Take it out and place it back in slowly, making sure it clicks or locks into place correctly.
Still no flow? If the problem persists after these steps, consider descaling the machine or calling support it might be a deeper internal clog.
Grinding Problems
Symptoms of Grinder Issues
If your morning sounds like a garbage disposal, we’ve got a problem. One of the first signs something’s wrong with the grinder is the noise it’ll be louder than usual or sound like something’s stuck. Then, the coffee grounds might look too coarse or too fine, or worse, no grinding happens at all.
This can quickly turn into weak coffee, over-extraction, or a brewing halt.
Possible Causes
There are a few usual suspects here:
Foreign objects: It happens more often than you’d think. Small stones or debris can sneak into your bag of beans and cause chaos in the grinder.
Coffee oil buildup: Over time, the natural oils from beans accumulate inside the grinder, especially if you love dark roasts.
Worn-out grinder burrs: If your machine is older, the burrs might be past their prime and no longer grinding efficiently.
Fixes and Maintenance Tips
Let’s get that grinder purring again:
Turn off and unplug the machine. Safety first, always.
Remove all beans from the hopper. Use a small vacuum cleaner or a brush to make sure nothing’s left behind.
Inspect the grinder for foreign objects. A flashlight might help spot small bits hiding in the corners.
Clean the grinder. Use a dry brush or grinder-cleaning pellets (available at most appliance stores). Avoid using water unless the manual says it’s safe.
Adjust the grind settings. If your machine allows it, try tweaking the grind to find that perfect balance—somewhere between beach sand and powdered sugar.
Keep in mind: regular cleaning (once every couple of weeks) can prevent most of these problems before they even start.
Coffee Not Brewing Properly
Identifying Brewing Issues
So, you finally get the water flowing, and the grinder’s humming just right. But then—bam—your coffee is coming out drop by drop, or worse, it tastes like hot water with a hint of bean. If the machine is brewing weak, slow, or no coffee at all, something deeper might be going on.
These issues can be confusing because they mimic other problems, but if you look closely, the signs are clear.
Underlying Causes
Let’s get to the root:
Clogged filters: Over time, coffee residue, oils, and fine grinds can clog the filter basket or portafilter.
Incorrect grind size: If the grind is too fine, it can choke the flow. Too coarse? You’ll get weak coffee.
Mineral buildup: Especially if you’re using hard tap water, calcium and magnesium can build up inside the machine, blocking pathways.
Effective Solutions
Don’t give up yet here’s what you can do:
Clean the filters: Remove the filter basket and soak it in warm water with a touch of dish soap. Use a toothbrush to scrub away buildup.
Adjust the grind size: If your coffee tastes sour or is coming out slowly, go a bit coarser. If it’s watery, go finer—but not too much.
Descale the machine: Follow DeLonghi’s instructions for descaling. Use their solution or a vinegar-water mix (check your model’s manual to be safe).
This combo of cleaning and tweaking usually solves 90% of brewing issues.
Milk Frothing Issues
Symptoms of Frothing Problems
Let’s talk milk. For latte lovers and cappuccino connoisseurs, frothy milk is non-negotiable. But when your DeLonghi machine sputters instead of steams, or turns milk into a bubbly mess with no actual foam, it’s a serious mood killer.
Here’s how it usually plays out: you press the froth button, and instead of silky microfoam, you get noisy bursts of steam, milk spraying in weird directions, or a puddle of hot milk that looks nothing like café-quality foam. Sometimes, it just doesn’t froth at all.
These are all signs that your milk frother isn’t working the way it should.
Reasons Behind It
Let’s dive into the “why”:
Dirty frother components: Milk leaves behind sticky residue. If you’re not cleaning your frother after every use (we get it, you’re busy), the buildup can block the steam or foam pathway.
Clogged steam wand or frothing nozzle: Similar to how the coffee side can clog, the milk side is just as vulnerable—especially with dried milk bits.
Faulty foam regulator or mechanical wear: Over time, internal parts like the foam regulator can break down, reducing frothing power or creating inconsistency.
Troubleshooting and Fixes
Time to bring back that creamy, dreamy milk froth. Here’s how:
Clean it—thoroughly. Don’t just rinse. Disassemble the frother and soak all removable parts in warm water with mild detergent. Use a fine brush or even a toothpick to clear out gunk.
Run steam through it without milk. This helps clear internal paths and blow out any clogs. Do this at least once a week.
Inspect the foam regulator. If the milk still isn’t frothing, this small component might be damaged. It’s replaceable, and DeLonghi even sells spares online.
Use the right milk. For best froth, use cold, fresh milk with a higher protein content—usually 2% or whole milk works best.
And remember: if you’re serious about milk drinks, make cleaning the frother part of your daily ritual. Think of it like brushing your teeth—you wouldn’t skip that (hopefully), right?
Why is Your Coffee machine Leaking?
Types of Coffee Machine Leaks
If there’s one thing that instantly makes a coffee machine annoying, it’s a puddle of water under it. Water leaks are not only messy—they can damage countertops and even lead to internal machine issues if ignored.
There are usually two types of leaks you’ll run into with DeLonghi machines:
Water under the unit: You lift the machine and boom, wet countertop.
Leaks from the spout or nozzle: Coffee or water drips even when the machine’s off, or flows in strange ways during brewing.
Both are symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.
Root Causes
Let’s break down what might be going wrong:
Loose seals or gaskets: These rubber or silicone components can wear out over time, especially around the water tank, drip tray, or internal tubing.
Clogged internal pathways: If water can’t flow properly due to mineral buildup, it might find another way out—like dripping through the sides or base.
Cracks in the water reservoir: Accidental drops or heat exposure can cause micro-cracks that slowly leak water.
Overflowing drip tray: Sometimes it’s not a leak—it’s just an overfilled tray that hasn’t been emptied.
How to Handle Coffee Machine Leaks
Time to plug the leak—here’s what to do:
Inspect the drip tray and water tank. Make sure both are properly seated and not cracked. Remove them and give them a good clean.
Check for worn-out seals. Look around the base of the tank, where it connects to the machine. If the seal looks misshapen or brittle, it’s time for a replacement.
Clean internal parts. Descale the machine to clear any blockages. A clogged water path can lead to leaks from unexpected places.
Dry and observe. After cleaning, dry the machine thoroughly and turn it on. Place a dry paper towel under it and run a cycle—this helps you spot exactly where the leak is coming from.
If the leak persists despite your best DIY efforts, don’t wait too long—internal water exposure can fry the electronics. Contact DeLonghi’s support or a certified repair shop to keep the problem from escalating.
Preventive Maintenance Tips for DeLonghi Machines
Now that we’ve covered the major problems, let’s talk prevention. Think of your DeLonghi machine like a car you wouldn’t drive 50,000 miles without an oil change, right? Well, your coffee machine needs love too.
Here are the best ways to keep it running like new:
Descale regularly: Especially if you live in a hard water area, mineral buildup is enemy #1. Most machines will tell you when it’s time, but doing it every 2–3 months is a safe bet.
Use filtered water: This simple switch can extend your machine’s life by keeping mineral deposits to a minimum.
Clean every removable part weekly: That includes the water tank, drip tray, filter holder, milk frother, and grinder hopper.
Empty and rinse the drip tray daily: It might seem minor, but neglect here can cause odors, mold, and overflow issues.
Check for updates: Some modern DeLonghi machines have firmware updates or app-connected features—keep those current.
It doesn’t have to be a big ordeal just build it into your weekly routine. Trust me, your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you.
When to Call a DeLonghi Repair Professional?
Okay, you’ve done everything. Cleaned the parts, descaled the machine, double-checked the grind, and still—something’s off. At this point, it might be time to call in the pros.
Here’s when you should stop DIY-ing and hand it over:
The machine still leaks internally even after replacing seals.
Power issues—it won’t turn on, or it randomly shuts off mid-brew.
Display or error codes you can’t resolve with the manual.
Grinding or brewing failures that persist despite cleaning and resetting.
Warranty Tips
Always check if your machine is still under warranty before you pay out of pocket. DeLonghi offers limited warranties, often one to two years depending on the model and region.
Finding the Right Help
Only use DeLonghi service centers or technicians. They have access to original parts and know the machines inside out. Avoid third-party repairs unless you’re absolutely sure they specialize in espresso machines.
DeLonghi coffee machines bring that café-level experience right into your kitchen—but like any well-loved appliance, they need some TLC from time to time. From minor quirks like noisy grinders to more frustrating issues like leaks or poor water flow, most problems have simple solutions you can handle at home.
The trick is catching them early and knowing what signs to look out for. Whether it’s a frother that suddenly stops working or your morning espresso is taking forever to brew, these little signals are your machine’s way of crying out for help.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a barista or a tech expert to maintain your DeLonghi. With regular care—cleaning, descaling, and the occasional deep dive into its inner workings—you can keep your machine brewing like a dream for years to come.
In the end, it’s all about consistency. Just like your coffee routine, a little regular maintenance goes a long way. And if you ever hit a wall? Don’t be afraid to call in the experts.
Enjoy that perfect cup, day after day.
FAQs
Why does my DeLonghi coffee machine keep saying “fill water tank” even when it’s full?
This is often caused by a misaligned or improperly seated water tank. Try removing and reinserting it carefully, ensuring it clicks into place. If the issue continues, clean the tank sensor and check for any scale buildup on the tank or sensor area.
How often should I descale my DeLonghi machine?
Ideally, every 2 to 3 months. If you live in a hard water area, you might need to do it more frequently. Many models also come with a descaling alert don’t ignore it!
What grind size is best for DeLonghi machines?
For most DeLonghi espresso machines, a medium-fine grind works best similar to table salt. If the grind is too fine, it can cause clogs. Too coarse? Your coffee might end up tasting weak.
Can I use non-DeLonghi descaling products?
Yes, but use them with caution. DeLonghi recommends using their own descaling solution to prevent damage and maintain warranty coverage. If using alternatives, avoid harsh chemicals and always rinse thoroughly.
What should I do if my machine won't turn on at all?
First, check the power source and ensure the cord is securely plugged in. Try a different outlet. If it still won’t turn on, reset the machine if it has a reset button. If none of these work, it might be a blown fuse or internal issue contact us on +27 10 065 1995 .
