DeLonghi Slow Brewing? 5 Fixes for Faster Coffee

Figuring Out What "Slow" Actually Means

Slow brewing on a DeLonghi can mean a few different things, and the fix depends entirely on which version of "slow" you're dealing with. A Magnifica that used to pull a shot in 25 seconds now taking 45? That's a grind or scale issue. A Dedica that drips instead of flowing? Probably a pump or pressure problem.

Quick diagnostic:

• Espresso takes 40+ seconds for a shot — grind is too fine or machine is scaled up (Fix 1 or Fix 2)
• Thin, weak trickle from the spout — pump pressure is low or clogged (Fix 3)
• Machine runs but barely any liquid comes out — brewing unit is blocked (Fix 4)
• Drip coffee model taking forever — internal tubes are scaled (Fix 1)
• Water flows fine without coffee, slow with coffee — definitely a grind or brew head issue (Fix 2 or Fix 4)

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Fix 1: Descale the Machine (Works About 40% of Time)

Scale is the slow killer — literally. Calcium and mineral deposits narrow the internal water pathways over time. Your DeLonghi's pump has to push water through increasingly smaller tubes, and it just can't maintain flow rate. The machine doesn't fail all at once. It gradually slows down until one day you're waiting two minutes for a single espresso.

How to Fix:

1. Fill the water tank with DeLonghi's descaling solution mixed with water (follow ratio on bottle) — or use 50/50 white vinegar and water
2. Place a large container (at least 32 oz) under the steam wand/hot water outlet
3. For Magnifica/Dinamica: Enter descale mode — usually hold the descale button for 3 seconds until the light blinks
4. For Dedica (EC685): Press the steam button, then the one-cup button simultaneously
5. Let the machine push the descaling solution through — this takes 15-25 minutes
6. When the tank is empty, fill it with fresh water
7. Run the full tank of clean water through to rinse
8. Repeat the rinse one more time
9. Brew a test espresso — flow should be noticeably faster

Time: 45 minutes
Cost: $10-15 for descaling solution (or $2 for vinegar)
Success Rate: 40%
Difficulty: Easy

Model Notes:

• Magnifica S (ECAM22110): Descale button is on the front panel — hold until both lights blink
• Dinamica (ECAM35025): Navigate to Settings > Descale on the display
• Dedica (EC685): No display — follow the button combination in the manual
• La Specialista: Has a dedicated descale program accessible via the settings dial

Pro Tip: DeLonghi's official descaler (EcoDecalk) works well, but citric acid is just as effective and way cheaper. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of food-grade citric acid in a full water tank. I've used this on dozens of DeLonghi machines without any issues.

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Fix 2: Adjust the Grind (Works About 25% of Time)

If you have a DeLonghi with a built-in grinder (Magnifica, Dinamica, Eletta, La Specialista), the grind setting directly controls flow rate. Too fine = water can't push through the puck = slow, over-extracted, bitter espresso. This is actually the most common cause of slow brewing on bean-to-cup DeLonghi machines.

How to Fix:

1. Open the bean hopper and locate the grind adjustment dial (usually inside or on the side)
2. Important: Only adjust while the grinder is running — turning it while stopped can damage the burrs
3. Move the dial one notch coarser (toward the larger number or larger bean icon)
4. Brew a test shot
5. Target time: 20-30 seconds for a double shot from the moment coffee starts flowing
6. If still too slow, go one more notch coarser
7. Adjust one notch at a time — going too coarse will give you watery, fast shots

Time: 5-10 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 25%
Difficulty: Easy

Grind Settings by Model:

• Magnifica S: 7 grind settings — start at 4 (medium), adjust from there
• Dinamica: 13 grind settings — factory default is usually 5, try 6-7
• La Specialista: Separate grinder with dial — marked 1-8, start at 4-5
• Eletta: Similar to Dinamica — 13 steps

Common Mistake: New DeLonghi owners set the grind too fine thinking finer = stronger espresso. It does up to a point, then you just get a choked machine. If your shot takes over 35 seconds, you've gone too far.

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Fix 3: Clean or Prime the Pump (Works About 18% of Time)

DeLonghi uses a vibration pump (ulka pump) in most home models. These pumps are generally reliable, but they can lose prime (air gets into the line) or weaken after a few years. A pump that's losing pressure will move water slowly — you'll hear it laboring harder than usual.

How to Fix:

1. Fill the water tank completely with fresh cold water
2. Place a cup under the steam wand/hot water spout
3. Open the hot water or steam function
4. Let water run for 30-60 seconds — this pushes air out of the line
5. You should hear the pump smooth out as air clears
6. Close the steam/hot water valve
7. Now try an espresso — flow should improve
8. If the pump sounds strained (grinding or chattering noise), it may be weakening

Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 18%
Difficulty: Easy

When to suspect pump failure:

• Pump is louder than it used to be
• Machine vibrates more during brewing
• Hot water output is also slow (not just espresso)
• Machine is over 3-4 years old with heavy daily use

Pump replacement cost: $25-40 for the pump part, or $80-120 for professional installation. On a Magnifica or higher-end model, often worth it. On a budget Dedica, maybe not.

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Fix 4: Clean the Brew Group (Works About 12% of Time)

DeLonghi bean-to-cup machines have a removable brew group (brewing unit) that collects coffee oils and fine grounds over time. When it gets gummed up, the water pathway through the coffee puck narrows and brewing slows down. This is different from scale — it's organic buildup.

How to Fix:

1. Turn off the machine
2. Open the side door (usually right side)
3. Press the "PUSH" button on the brew group and pull it straight out
4. Rinse the entire brew group under warm running water — no soap
5. Pay special attention to the screen/filter at the top — poke out any packed grounds
6. Clean the shower screen inside the machine (the part the brew group connects to) with a damp cloth
7. Let the brew group air dry for a few minutes
8. Slide it back in until you hear it click
9. Close the side door
10. Run a brew cycle to test

Time: 10-15 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 12%
Difficulty: Easy

Model Notes:

• Magnifica series: Brew group removes easily — do this weekly
• Dinamica: Same removable brew group
• Dedica (EC685): No removable brew group — use backflushing instead
• La Specialista: Has a portafilter system, not a removable brew group — clean the portafilter and screen

How often? Rinse the brew group once a week if you brew daily. I know the manual says every 2 weeks, but weekly is better — especially if you use oily beans.

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Fix 5: Check the Coffee Dose (Works About 5% of Time)

On manual DeLonghi machines (Dedica, La Specialista portafilter side), using too much coffee in the basket creates excess resistance. The machine can't push water through fast enough, resulting in slow, choked shots.

How to Fix:

1. Check how much coffee you're dosing — weigh it if possible
2. For DeLonghi's single basket: 7-8 grams
3. For double basket: 14-16 grams
4. Don't tamp too hard — medium pressure, level and even
5. Make sure the basket isn't overfilled (coffee shouldn't touch the shower screen)
6. If using the pressurized basket (comes stock), don't go over the recommended dose
7. If using a non-pressurized aftermarket basket, dial in dose and grind together

Time: 2 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 5%
Difficulty: Easy

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Repair vs Replace Decision

Worth fixing:

• Magnifica, Dinamica, or any machine that cost $400+ — these are worth maintaining
• Problem is scale or grind (Fixes 1-2) — easy and cheap
• Machine is under 3 years old
• Pump needs replacement on a mid-range or higher model

Consider replacing:

• Budget models (Dedica, Stilosa) where pump replacement costs half the machine
• Machine is 5+ years old with multiple problems
• Brew group internals are cracked or warped
• Scale damage has corroded internal boiler components

DeLonghi Warranty: Most models carry a 2-year warranty. Register your machine at delonghi.com for support. Call 1-800-322-3848 for warranty claims.

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Keeping Your DeLonghi Brewing Fast

• Descale every 2-3 months (more often with hard water)
• Clean the brew group weekly if you have a bean-to-cup model
• Adjust grind setting after switching bean types — different beans need different settings
• Use the machine's rinse cycle after steaming milk — this prevents milk scale in the steam circuit
• Replace the water filter when prompted (on models with built-in filters)
• Don't ignore the descale warning light — every week you delay makes the scale harder to remove

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FAQ

Why is my DeLonghi espresso coming out so slowly?

Three main causes in order of likelihood: mineral scale narrowing internal tubes (descale to fix), grind set too fine (adjust one notch coarser), or a dirty brew group. Start with descaling — it solves slow brewing about 40% of the time.

How long should a DeLonghi espresso shot take?

A proper double espresso should take 20-30 seconds from when liquid first appears, producing about 2 oz (60ml). If it takes over 35 seconds, the machine is too slow. Under 15 seconds means it's too fast — grind needs to be finer.

Can I use vinegar to descale my DeLonghi?

DeLonghi officially recommends their EcoDecalk solution, and some models' manuals say not to use vinegar. In practice, white vinegar works fine for most models, but it can leave a lingering taste that requires extra rinse cycles. Citric acid is a good compromise — effective like commercial descaler, cheaper, and no smell.

My DeLonghi is slow but only with coffee — water flows fine without it. Why?

That tells you the problem is in the coffee path, not the water system. The grind is likely too fine, the dose is too high, or the brew group screen is packed with old grounds. Try a coarser grind first, then clean the brew group.

How do I clean the brew group on my DeLonghi Magnifica?

Open the side panel door, press the PUSH release button, and slide the brew group straight out. Rinse under warm running water (no soap). Clean the mesh screen, remove any packed grounds, and let it air dry briefly. Slide it back in until it clicks. Do this weekly.