DeLonghi Water Hardness Setting – Immediate Action Routine
Routine Overview
An execution-focused routine to correctly set water hardness on DeLonghi home espresso machines.
This routine aligns descaling alerts accurately,
prevents boiler scale buildup,
and protects machine lifespan while keeping coffee taste stable.
This routine aligns descaling alerts accurately,
prevents boiler scale buildup,
and protects machine lifespan while keeping coffee taste stable.
Routine Steps
Progress
%{completed}/%{total} completed (%{percentage}%)
1. Prepare and Dip the Water Hardness Test Strip
Take the original DeLonghi water hardness test strip.
Dip the strip into tap water for exactly 1 second.
Remove it without shaking and place it on a flat surface.
Wait 60 seconds.
Dip the strip into tap water for exactly 1 second.
Remove it without shaking and place it on a flat surface.
Wait 60 seconds.
Dipping longer than 1 second causes inaccurate results.
2. Read the Number of Red Squares
Count the red squares on the strip.
0 squares = Hardness Level 1
1 square = Hardness Level 2
2 squares = Hardness Level 3
3–4 squares = Hardness Level 4
0 squares = Hardness Level 1
1 square = Hardness Level 2
2 squares = Hardness Level 3
3–4 squares = Hardness Level 4
Most regions fall into Level 2–3.
3. Power On and Enter Setting Mode
Turn the machine ON.
Follow the correct button path for your model.
• EC685 / EC785
Power ON → Press and hold Steam button for 10 seconds
→ Indicator lights begin flashing
• Magnifica S / Dinamica
Power ON → Press MENU
→ Enter Settings (gear icon) → Select Water Hardness
Follow the correct button path for your model.
• EC685 / EC785
Power ON → Press and hold Steam button for 10 seconds
→ Indicator lights begin flashing
• Magnifica S / Dinamica
Power ON → Press MENU
→ Enter Settings (gear icon) → Select Water Hardness
If buttons do not respond, wait until warm-up finishes.
4. Input Water Hardness Value (by Button Count)
Enter the hardness value based on your test result.
• EC685 / EC785
Press the Steam button the same number of times as the hardness level
(e.g. Level 3 → press Steam 3 times)
Press Power button once to save.
• Magnifica S / Dinamica
Use selection buttons to choose Level 1–4
Confirm with OK or MENU button.
• EC685 / EC785
Press the Steam button the same number of times as the hardness level
(e.g. Level 3 → press Steam 3 times)
Press Power button once to save.
• Magnifica S / Dinamica
Use selection buttons to choose Level 1–4
Confirm with OK or MENU button.
Turning off the machine without saving will cancel the setting.
5. Confirm Save and Reboot
Turn the machine OFF.
Wait 10 seconds, then turn it ON again.
Re-enter the settings menu if available to confirm the value.
Wait 10 seconds, then turn it ON again.
Re-enter the settings menu if available to confirm the value.
Some models confirm only by changing descaling alert intervals.
6. Check Descaling Indicator Status
If the descaling light turns on immediately:
Previous hardness settings were stored.
Run one full descaling cycle to reset the system.
[Solution]
Run one full descaling cycle to reset the system.
7. Adjust Based on Water Source
If using filtered or purified water:
Set hardness to Level 1–2
If using mineral-rich bottled water:
Set hardness to Level 3
Set hardness to Level 1–2
If using mineral-rich bottled water:
Set hardness to Level 3
Always rerun this routine when changing water sources.
8. Failure Symptoms and Immediate Fixes
• Descaling alert appears too frequently
→ 🔧 Lower hardness level by 1 and reset
• No descaling alert for over 6 months
→ 🔧 Increase hardness level by 1 and reset
• Coffee tastes dull, boiler noise increases
→ ⚠️ High risk of scale buildup – perform descaling immediately
[Caution]
Water hardness setting protects the boiler before it affects taste.
Incorrect settings over time can cause scale buildup,
leading to pressure loss, heater damage, and costly repairs.
→ 🔧 Lower hardness level by 1 and reset
• No descaling alert for over 6 months
→ 🔧 Increase hardness level by 1 and reset
• Coffee tastes dull, boiler noise increases
→ ⚠️ High risk of scale buildup – perform descaling immediately
[Caution]
Water hardness setting protects the boiler before it affects taste.
Incorrect settings over time can cause scale buildup,
leading to pressure loss, heater damage, and costly repairs.
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