Learning to make latte in a coffee machine: secrets of proper preparation

This is a general reference article in which I will talk about the standard drinks in Delonghi coffee machines and some of the features of setting them up. Most likely, I will provide a link here in response to all questions like “what is the maximum volume of coffee DeLonghi can dispense” or “how much milk can be poured into an ECAM cappuccino” or “how many grams of coffee are used at maximum strength” or “how to make a latte to Delonghi." The recipes are given using the example of a specific brand model, one of the most common at the time of writing - Delonghi ECAM 350.55 (here is her review). On different coffee machines of the company, the set of programs in memory is different, but you need to understand that:

If the name of the drink matches down to the letter, then there is a 95% chance that this is the recipe. No, not 100%, there are differences. A typical example: Flat White for ECAM 350.55 is different from Flat White for, for example, ECAM 550.55. In addition, on other series - ESAM, ETAM - the programming principle, and, accordingly, the settings range, are somewhat different. But even within the ECAM platform there are differences that spill over into the dashboard implementation. Technically, the machines are almost the same, but the buttons and knobs on the “face” are different, and the software for them is different.
In general, all these recipes, like those of 95% of other coffee machines, should be considered more like “memory cells” for saving your own settings. After all, nothing prevents the program called “ristretto” from maintaining the dispensing volume at 40 ml, and then the output will be espresso. And it doesn’t matter that the program is called “ristretto”, you thus programmed this button to dispense espresso. But there are restrictions, and they are usually purely marketing, artificial; after all, completely arbitrary things cannot be programmed. Example: you cannot set the lungo to 100 ml on “espresso” on the ECAM 350.55, simply because the programmatic upper limit on this button is set to 80 ml. But an 80 ml lungo can be used to call “espresso”.
In a review of each specific model, I almost always described all the recipes available to it. So this article is a guideline for the brand as a whole. And an addition to the reviews in the aspect so as not to rewrite the same thing in each, such as: “espresso - from 30 to 80 ml, from 7 to 12 grams of coffee, standard pre-wetting, 1 second.”

Built-in coffee programs of De'Longhi coffee machines and volume forks

Black coffee recipes:

Espresso – 40 ml from the factory, standard pre-wetting, 1 second (not adjustable on any Delongi), drink volume can be programmed from 30 to 80 ml.
2 espressos – double the volume of a single one, increased strength (up to 14 grams, read about this below).
Coffee – 180 ml without pre-wetting, can be adjusted from 100 to 240 ml
Lungo (or espresso lungo) – 120 ml, standard pre-wetting, 1 second, you can save from 80 to 180 ml.
2 lungos – double the volume of a single one, increased strength. Please note that this program allows you to dispense the maximum volume of black coffee in one grind and pour; according to personal measurements, when programming 180 ml for a single lungo, the double machine pours up to 350 ml.
Ristretto – 30 ml from the factory, standard pre-wetting, 1 second, 20-40 ml fork
2 ristretto – double the volume of a single one, increased strength.
LONG (special mode, imitation filtered coffee/Americano) – prepared in two grinds and two pours, each pour throughout with intermittent pump operation for 1-1 seconds. That is, the machine pours coffee for one second, and rests for one second. The dispensing time has been approximately doubled compared to the Coffee program. From the factory, the total volume is 160 ml, that is, two spills of 80 ml each. Programmable fork 115 - 250 ml. As for me, real Americano (diluted with hot water) or filtered coffee is inferior.
Doppio+ (special strong coffee mode) – 120 ml from the factory, special, long and intermittent pre-wetting mode, forced maximum strength, the machine uses approximately 14 grams of ground coffee, limits 80-180 ml.

Maximum DeLonghi. I dried and weighed the spent coffee tablet using the Doppio+ recipe, which uses a maximum of coffee per serving. We'll write off 1 gram as a loss - the tablet still falls apart a little.

Dairy programs:

The coffee component in milk-coffee drinks is made on the basis of the espresso mode (top machines have a special mode based on Doppio+) with a standard volume adjustment fork for this mode of 30 - 80 ml. The dairy component always depends on the milk, because it can be whipped in completely different ways. One milk will give 200 ml of the final volume during the same operating time, the other 300 ml. All the numbers below are my own measurements on conditionally “ideal” milk with the “maximum foaming” switch position.

Yes, even in those recipes where it is assumed that you need to set the foaming level lower. This is specifically so that you can at least somehow compare them.

In any case, on all milk-coffee programs you can program the supply of maximum frothed milk up to 700 ml! As far as I know, this is a record for the volume of milk dispensed at one time among all home coffee machines. The real trump card of Delonghi coffee machines, if such volumes are relevant to someone.

Cappuccino – from the factory 140 ml milk + 60 ml espresso.
Latte macchiato – 160 ml + 40 ml
Latte – 350 ml + 40 ml
Flat White – 300 ml + 60 ml. A very strange recipe that has nothing in common with the classic one.
Cappuccino+ (on top models) – 15 seconds of milk with maximum foam, topped with 100 ml of doppio+ (espresso of the highest possible strength). Fork – milk from 5 to 90 sec, coffee from 80 to 180 ml.
Cappuccino mix (on top models) - in fact, this is the “correct” cappuccino, when the machine first prepares coffee and then adds frothed milk to it. 65 ml coffee, top with 17 seconds of milk with maximum foam. Forks are standard for milk. Video sketch.
Espresso macchiato (on top models) – 5 seconds of milk with max. foam, top with 30 ml espresso.
Hot milk with the “maximum foaming” switch position – 350 ml from the factory, max 700 ml.
Hot milk when the switch on the jug is in the “no foaming” position – 200 ml, max 400 ml.
Water – 280 ml, max 420 ml.

comparison table

All models of coffee machines with cappuccino makers differ in functionality, size and performance properties, which affects their cost. To make your choice easier, we suggest comparing the most important characteristics using a table.

Model	Volume, l	Power, W	Built-in coffee grinder, g	Number of grinding levels	Dimensions, cm	Average price, rub.
Bosch TIS 30129 RW VeroCup 100	1,4	1300	250	5	25x42x38	25 500
Philips EP3558 3100 Series	1,8	1850	250		22x33x43	31 000
Saeco Lirika One Touch Cappuccino	2,5	1850	500		22x38x45	28 000
Melitta Caffeo Solo & Perfect Milk	1,2	1400	125	3	20x33x46	35 000
De'Longhi ECAM 23.460	1,8	1450	250	14	24x34x43	39 000
Gaggia Syncrony Logic RS	1,7	1850	350	18	39x38x33	35 500
Siemens TI305206RW EQ.3 s500	1,4	1300	250	5	25x38x42	37 000
Krups EA890110 Evidence	2,5	1450	250	3	27x42x32	63 000
Nivona CafeRomatica 660	2,2	1465	250	3	24x33x48	53 000
Miele CM 5300	1,3	1500	200	5	24x36x46	60 000

Classic recipe

The peculiarity of this drink is not only its soft creamy taste, but also its exquisite presentation. After the latte ingredients have been prepared in the coffee machine, they are placed one by one into a tall, cone-shaped glass goblet.

There are several ways to brew this cocktail using an automatic device.

Two layers

A traditional latte is prepared in a coffee machine in 2 stages. First you need to make a strong espresso from ground Arabica coffee, water and sugar (optional). Then you need to start frothing the milk. The second stage must be completed after the product turns into fluffy foam.

If you are using a device that is not equipped with a panarella, you will have to whip the milk manually or using a blender.

Take the glass in which you will serve the drink. Place the milk mixture in it. Next, add espresso in a thin stream. This is required to ensure that the levels do not mix.

Three layers

This type of latte is more difficult to brew in a coffee machine. You will need 3 preparations - frothed milk, espresso and lush creamy foam. It is recommended to choose high-quality products, otherwise the cocktail will turn out tasteless and unhealthy. You need to add granulated sugar not to the finished drink, laid out in layers in a glass, but to the coffee preparation.

An excellent addition to a cocktail would be chocolate or citrus shavings.

How to choose? Main criteria

When choosing a coffee machine for your home, you need to carefully evaluate a number of factors that may be needed when preparing coffee. These include:

View. This may be a device with the ability to use only coffee beans to obtain the most rich taste and aroma. The finer the grind, the more bitter the drink will be. There may also be a special compartment for ground beans, which will allow you to diversify your choice.
Type of cappuccino maker. The fully automatic machine prepares the foam itself; to do this, you just need to pour the milk into a special container, and it will then pour itself into the cup. There are models with semi-automatic, i.e. The frothed milk flows through a special tube, to which the user must independently place the cup.
Power. Depending on it, the cooking duration is adjusted.
The volume of the water container affects the number of servings.
Heater type. The boiler is more reliable than the thermoblock.
Functionality – grind coarseness, water temperature, strength, pre-wetting functions, cup warming, timer, automatic shut-off, remote start, etc.
Cleaning system – manual or automatic.
Decalcification and hardness regulator for coffee makers that will operate on hard water.

Secrets of making latte coffee

Latte is served in a special glass to see the separation of layers.
The popularity of the coffee drink is explained by its amazing softness. An interesting feature of latte is the layered structure of it - for the same reason, in coffee shops it is usually served in transparent containers - so a coffee lover can see the sequence of layers. What else do you need to know about this drink?

The bottom layer should be coffee; if you pour milk into the glass first, you get a latte macchiato.
The secret of any delicious coffee is well-chosen coffee beans. It is recommended to use a coffee machine to brew them. At the same time, the coffee base of the drink must be strong - the beans can contain up to 10% robusta.
The legendary latte foam is made exclusively from milk with a high percentage of fat.

Liqueurs, syrups and chocolate will help add personality to the drink.

How to use it correctly? Instructions for use

Simplicity of control makes it easy to understand the inclusion of the necessary parameters and their configuration. Each coffee machine has unique controls, so there is practically no general algorithm for use. There are recommendations:

for coffee with milk, it is better to use fresh milk with high fat content, which was in the refrigerator, then the foam will be more fluffy and dense;
grinding the grains immediately before cooking preserves the richness of the aroma and taste, which will be less bright after 10 minutes;
washing of all elements should occur immediately after use so that milk residues do not remain inside and sour, negatively affecting the taste in the future;
the use of purified water will eliminate the formation of scale and other deposits;
Regularly thoroughly cleaning the coffee machine from dirt will extend its service life.

A few important nuances

Making this kind of coffee should start with choosing quality ingredients. It is recommended to give preference to the Arabica variety. If you do not use a ground product, you will have to prepare the fruits for frying yourself.

First you need to sort them out. Green grains should be bright. If there are spoiled fruits among them, remove them. After this, start rinsing. Manipulation will remove dirt and dust from the raw materials.

Dry the fruits. Now comes the frying process. The longer you keep them on the fire, the richer the coffee taste will be. At the last stage, you need to use a mill to grind the roasted grains.

To properly brew a latte in a coffee machine, you need to whisk the milk well. If it doesn't turn into a creamy, fluffy foam, it will simply mix with the espresso.

Tricks for serving a drink:

This cocktail is best drunk from a tall, transparent glass. This will allow you to get not only taste, but also aesthetic pleasure, since you will be able to see how one light layer is superimposed on the second, dark one.
It is better to drink it through a straw.
To be able to enjoy the milk foam, you should serve the latte with a dessert spoon.
Chocolate cake goes perfectly with this drink.

You can improve the taste of milk espresso by adding the following components:

chocolate or vanilla syrup;
ice cream;
ground cinnamon;
halva;
honey;
caramel;
alcohol.

Capsule coffee machines for home

These models prepare coffee from capsules - plastic containers, hermetically sealed with foil, with ground beans inside. Some models can also make cocoa or tea.

The main advantage of a capsule coffee machine is its ease of operation. There is no need to pour in coffee or select the grind level - just insert the capsule and press the button to get a cup of aromatic drink in a minute.

Capsule coffee machine Nespresso Essenza Mini C30 Black

Compact and easy to use - this is what users say about this model. Prepares espresso, lungo and cappuccino using Nespresso capsules. There is an adjustment of the water portion, descaling and energy saving modes. The machine will automatically turn off when the drink is ready. The set includes 14 coffee capsules. The volume of the water tank is 0.6 l. The length of the power cord is 1 m.

Price: 5,790 rubles.

Buy

Capsule coffee machine DeLonghi Lattissima Pro EN750 MB

This model also uses Nespresso capsules. You can prepare aromatic cappuccino at the touch of a button. There is a self-cleaning system, and the machine itself gives a signal when it’s time to start the process.

Advantages: text display, water level indicator, portion control, automatic shutdown and energy-saving mode. The volume of the water tank is 1.3 l, the length of the power cord is 1 m.

Price: 24,190 rubles.

Buy

Capsule coffee machine KRUPS PICCOLO KP100B10

The coffee machine uses Nescafe Dolce Gusto capsules, which produce aromatic espresso, lungo, cappuccino, hot chocolate and even tea. The cup stand is height adjustable. The volume of the water tank is 0.6 l. A convenient option for those who make coffee for one or two people. Reviews note the high speed of work. The length of the power cord is 0.9 m.

Price: 3,990 rubles.

Buy

Which coffee machine is right for you?

Perfect option

To get the right latte coffee, you must have a machine with special functions on hand. Ideally, this is a semi-automatic model of a geyser coffee maker, the kind usually used by professionals in Moscow and other cities.

It is more difficult to prepare a drink with its help compared to “automatic machines”, but you get a traditional coffee cocktail.

Let's figure out how to make a latte at home using an automatic coffee machine.

Suitable models and cost

When choosing a coffee machine for home use, pay attention to the models Delonghi, Krups, Bork, Dolce-gusto, Philips and Tassimo. The cost of such devices varies from 20,000 to 50,000 rubles, but the drinks are perfect, just like in a coffee shop.

Some models are only suitable for making espresso and Americano. The latte coffee machine features a built-in cappuccino maker. If there is no steam frothing function, purchase a cappuccino maker separately. This is a compact and simple device, the cost of which starts from 2000 rubles.

Alternative methods

Let's find out how to froth milk for lattes in other ways. Foam is also made using a blender. Milk with a minimum fat content of 3.2% is suitable, which must be heated to 60 degrees. This method of whipping will take at least 5 minutes.

Learn about other methods in the article “How to froth milk for cappuccino.” The information is also suitable for lattes.

Interesting! How to prepare coffee beans correctly