The automatic frothing function on Delonghi espresso machines makes it easier to brew cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based coffee drinks. However, this component can, at times, develop defects, thus preventing the formation of milk froth/foam.
To fix milk frothing failure on your Delonghi brewer, you need to know the various causes that may lead to this problem.
Why won’t my Delonghi coffee machine froth the milk?
If your Delonghi coffee machine won’t froth the milk, it’s likely due to one of the following issues:
i. The steam wand is clogged
ii. You’re using the wrong type of milk
iii. You have a faulty coupling device
iv. You have faulty O-rings
v. The milk container has cracks
The steam wand is clogged
Delonghi espresso machines have an auto-frothing device known as the steam wand, designed to make the milk frothing process faster and hassle-free. If your Delonghi coffee machine won’t froth the milk, the most likely cause is the buildup of milk debris inside the nozzle of the frothing device. This happens when you don’t clean these components after each delivery session.
You’re using the wrong type of milk
Whole milk, in particular, has a high-fat content and will gradually clog the tiny holes that allow air and steam to mix and form froth/foam. As such, you’ll end up with hot steamed milk that doesn’t have any froth (or just a little froth) at the top.
You have a faulty coupling device/coupler
A Delonghi machine that won’t froth the milk may also be due to a defective coupling device. The coupler is a small component that links the milk container to the Delonghi machine. When the coupler leaks, a vacuum is developed within the steam chain, causing frothing failure.
You have faulty O-rings
Frothing failure can also occur if the O-rings on the milk frother are faulty. O-rings are usually situated at the base of the steam wand and are used to seal the wand’s rotating ball, thus preventing leakage. If the O-rings aren’t intact, a vacuum is created within the milk line, leading to frothing issues.
The milk container has cracks
Frothing issues can also occur if you have a Delonghi ECAM or ESAM model. These Delonghi models feature a milk froth jug that can develop cracks, resulting in frothing failure.
Troubleshooting frothing issues on DeLonghi coffee machine
To fix frothing issues on your Delonghi coffee machine, consider the following:
i. Clean the steam wand
ii. Use the best type of milk for frothing
iii. Descale the Delonghi brewer
iv. Fix/replace the coupler
Clean the steam wand
You need to clean the steam nozzle after every frothing session to prevent the buildup of solid milk fats. To do this, first, fill the frothing pitcher with water. Then, run the steam wand as if you were frothing milk as usual.
The water will dislodge the solid milk fats clogging the steam nozzle. You may need to repeat this procedure until you’ve completely unclogged the dirty steam wand.
Note: Cleaning the steam wand not only undoes clogging that causes frothing failure but also stops the growth of bacteria inside this component.
Use the best type of milk for frothing
The best type of milk for frothing is non-fat/skim milk. It has less fat and thus has a lower potential for clogging the steam wand compared to whole milk.
Descale the Delonghi brewer
Descaling your espresso machine helps clean out anything blocking the hydraulic circuits inside the coffee maker’s steam boiler. You should, therefore, decalcify your Delonghi coffee maker at regular intervals, as calcium buildup can also cause milk heating and frothing issues.
For proper descaling, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging of the descaling solution.
Fix/replace the coupler or O-rings
If the coupling device on your frother is leaking, apply Teflon tape around its tip. This strong plumbing tape will seal the vacuum and provide a tighter fit, much like a new O-ring. However, taping up the leak is just a temporary solution. A long-term fix would be buying a new coupling device or O-rings.
Note: If you’ve tried all the above fixes, but your Delonghi brewer still won’t froth the milk, you may need to call an appliance professional. Alternatively, if your De’longhi is under warranty coverage, give the Delonghi customer support team a call for assistance.
Can Milk Line Cleaners help with the milk froth issue?
To get rid of frothing failure caused by a dirty frothing circuit, consider purchasing one of the following milk line cleaners:
i. Delonghi Eco MultiClean Universal Espresso Machine Cleaner
ii. Urnex Rinza Milk Frother Cleaner
iii. Cafetto Milk Line Cleaner
Delonghi Eco MultiClean Universal Espresso Machine Cleaner
The Delonghi Eco MultiClean cleaner will instantly eliminate milk residue and buildup from the milk frother nozzle and instant frothing device system of your espresso brewer. While this milk line cleaner from Delonghi is specifically made for cleaning milk frothers, it can also be used to clean coffee machines’ detachable and exterior parts.
Urnex Rinza Milk Frother Cleaner
Use the Urnex Rinza milk frother cleaner to clear up milk protein/fat residue inside your Delonghi milk frother. This milk line cleaner features an alkaline formula that breaks down milk and calcium residue inside the steam wand and metallic frothing pitcher.
Cafetto Milk Line Cleaner
The Cafetto milk line cleaner removes residual milk protein/fat from your automatic espresso brewer’s frother or milk line. It’s a disinfectant that kills up to 99.99% of bacteria. The Cafetto milk line cleaner won’t leave behind a lingering taste or smell after use, provided you run a rinse cycle afterwards.
Frothing tips on Delonghi coffee machine
To create the best milk foam using your Delonghi frothing device, consider adopting the barista frothing tips detailed below:
- Pour frothed milk into your cappuccino cup as soon as you’re frothing. You are waiting too long causes the texture of the milk to break down.
- To remove large bubbles on top of the frothed milk, steadily tap the frothing pitcher on a countertop.
References
i. Delonghi.com: FAQs- Why is my steam wand not frothing the milk?
