What Do Red or Orange Light Alerts Mean of De’Longhi Magnifica, Dedica and Specialista Espresso Coffee Makers?

De’Longhi coffee and espresso makers like the Magnifica, Dedica and Specialista come programmed with alarm lights that will alert you when there is a easy to solve error with your machine. These De’Longhi alarms will usually be either an orange or red light and they may be flashing or steady depending on the error and your specific De’Longhi model. Keep reading to learn more about the most common De’Longhi alarm lights for your model and how to fix them.

De’Longhi Magnifica Coffee Machine Red Light Alarms

Descale Light Flashes Red

The two symbols next to the general alarm light are the descale warning light. When they flash red, your machine needs to be descaled as soon as possible. Descaling is the process of removing minerals left behind from the water used to make your coffee. If left unattended, these minerals can cause blockages and negatively impact the taste and temperate of your coffee. See my related content for detailed steps on how to descale a De’Longhi coffee or espresso maker. Note you will need to buy a commercial descaling solution.

1 Cup and 2 Cup Lights Flashing At The Same Time

When both the 1 Cup and 2 Cup light are flashing red, it means that your De’Longhi machine is not yet ready to make coffee. This is usually because you have not given it enough time for the water to reach the ideal temperature. It generally takes about 45 seconds for the machine to warm up. Once it is ready to brew, the lights will turn steady. On some models, this alarm may also be triggered by the machine being too hot. If more than 45 seconds has passed, this is likely the case. To fix, press the steam / hot water button so that the machine releases water. The machine will eventually cool down and both lights will stop blinking.

Steam Light Flashing

The steam light will be flashing red when your De’Longhi Magnifica is producing steam. You’ll need to wait for it to stop blinking and turn steady before using the steam function.

1 Cup, 2 Cup and Steam Lights Flash At The Same Time

When your De’Longhi Magnifica 1 cup, 2 cup and steam light are all flashing red at the same time, it means the machine needs to release hot water. Turn the steam dial counter clockwise until you land on the vertical line. The machine will then make some noise while water comes out of the cappuccino maker.

1 Cup, 2 Cup and Steam Lights Flash Alternately

This occurs when the coffee maker has been turned on while the steam wand was in the open position. To fix it, just turn the steam / hot water knob clockwise to the position 0.

Water Light on Steady

There are three possible reasons why you may be seeing a steady red light on your De’Longhi Magnifica coffee maker. First, there may not be enough water in the water tank. Alternatively, it is possible that the water reservoir was not set correctly in place. Try filling the tank with fresh water. If the light persists, remove the water tank and then try to reinsert it, pushing it as far back as it will go until it clicks in place.

If the water tank is full and in place correctly but the water light is still on, then the tank may be dirty or clogged by limescale mineral buildup. Try washing the tank with warm, soapy water by hand. If the light remains on, you should try running a descale cleaning cycle.

Water Light Flashing

If the water light on your De’Longhi Magnifica is flashing red, there are two possible causes. First, your coffee grounds may be too finely grounded, causing your coffee to come out too slowly. Discard your grinds and try again, this time turning the grind adjustment knob one click clockwise while the mill is in operation. Try making a coffee again. If it is still too slow, discard and start over, this time turning another click clockwise. Continue turning another click until the delivery speed is correct.

If the flashing water light persists, it is a signal that your machine is unable to make coffee. Turn the steam / hot water knob counter-clockwise to dispense water from the milk frother. After it has flowed for a bit, try making another coffee.

Grounds Container Light Steady

When the grounds container light is a steady red, it means that the container is either full or missing. Remove and empty both the drip tray and grounds container, then return back to their place. You should completely empty the container even if it doesn’t look that full to you. If you don’t, it may overfill and clog up your coffee maker. Be sure that it is clean before you place it back. Remove any residue you see along the bottom of the container. Also wipe off any condensation you see.

Grounds Container Light Flashing

When the De’Longhi Magnifica grounds container light flashes, there are two potential causes are most likely. One cause may be that the beans container is empty, in which case you just need to refill it. The other cause that would trigger this is if you have selected the pre-ground coffee function without putting any pre-ground coffee in the funnel. If you intended to use pre-ground coffee, add some to the funnel. If not, deselect the pre-ground coffee function.

However, if this alarm is also accompanied by a very loud noise coming from the mill, then there may be a bigger issue at hand. In some rare occassions, there may by a small stone in the coffee beans that ends up causing a blockage in the mill. Stop using the coffee maker immediately and contact De’Longhi customer service.

All Four Lights Blink Alternately

If your De’Longhi makes a strange noise and all four alarm lights flash in order, the issue is likely with the infuser. Remove the infuser from the machine and close the service door. Press the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons at the same time until the four lights turn off. When the lights are off, open the service door and insert the infuser. Slide it onto the supports and the pin at the bottom, then push the symbol on the infuser fully in until it clicks into place. The red buttons should snap out. Close the service door.

Grounds Container and General Alarm Lights Flash Alternately

The grounds container and general alarm light will be flashing red alternately when the De’Longhi machine has been turned on and the infuser is not inserted correctly. This in turn will prevent the service door from fully closing. Press on the infuser where it is marked PUSH until it clicks into place. The red buttons should snap out. Close the service door and press the On/Off button.

General Alarm Light Is On And Steady With Green Lights Blinking

There are two possible reasons why your De’Longhi Magnifica may be displaying a solid general alarm light while other lights flash. First, the infuser may not be inserted. Open the service door and insert the infuser. Slide it onto the supports and the pin at the bottom, then push the symbol on the infuser fully in until it clicks into place. The red buttons should snap out. Close the service door.

If you have ruled out this issue, then it is likely that the inside of the coffee machine is very dirty. To fix it, you will need to thoroughly clean the machine. Press the power button to turn the machine off. Open the service door, remove the grounds container and drip tray and clean them with warm water. Make sure the machine is off and remove the infuser by pressing in the red buttons on the side and then pulling it out. Never remove the infuser while the machine is on! Rinse the infuser under warm water. Never use any soap and never put it in the dishwasher.

Next, inspect the inside of the machine. If you see coffee grounds stuck inside, grab a plastic or wooden fork to try to scrape off the residue. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up whatever fell off. Open the service door and insert the infuser. Slide it onto the supports and the pin at the bottom, then push the symbol on the infuser fully in until it clicks into place. The red buttons should snap out. Close the service door.

General Alarm Light Blinks

The service door is open. Make sure that the infuser is inserted correctly and then close the service door. If it will not close, the issue is with the infuser. Remove the infuser and slide it onto the supports and the pin at the bottom, then push the symbol fully in until it clicks into place. The red buttons should snap out. Try closing the service door again.

Pre-Ground Coffee Light Flashes

The ground coffee light will be flashing red when the De’Longhi coffee maker funnel is clogged. This can happen when you try to put more than 1 scoop of ground coffee into the machine. You’ll need to try to unclog it using a plastic knife. Use the knife to push any coffee down. Then follow the steps in the “General Alarm Light Is On And Steady With Green Lights Flashing” section above to clean the infuser and the machine.

De’Longhi Dedica Coffee Maker Orange Light Alarms

Steam Light Flashing Orange

When the steam light on your De’Longhi Dedica flashes orange, your machine needs to be descaled as soon as possible. Descaling is the process of removing minerals left behind from the water used to make your coffee. If left unattended, these minerals can cause blockages and negatively impact the taste and temperate of your coffee. See my related content for detailed steps on how to descale a De’Longhi coffee or espresso maker. Note you will need to buy a commercial descaling solution. Using vinegar may damage your coffee maker.

If the steam light continues to flash orange after you have finished the descale cycle, it is possible that the rinse cycle did not completely finish. It’s important that the water tank is filled to the MAX line prior to the rinse cycle. If you under-filled it, run the entire descale cycle again using only water and no descaling solution.

1 Cup, 2 Cup And Steam Light Flash Alternately In Order

When you press the power button to turn the machine on, these 3 lights on your De’Longhi Dedica machine will flash in order. This signals that the machine is getting ready to brew by first running a self-diagnosis cycle. Following this, the 1 Cup and 2 Cup lights should flash to signal that the machine is heating up. The machine is ready for rinse when these lights stop flashing.

1 Cup And 2 Cup Lights Flashing

When the 1 cup and 2 cup lights blink quickly, the issue is either that the water tank is empty or the machine cannot make coffee. Pull the water reservoir upwards to remove it. Open the lid and fill the tank with fresh water, being sure not to go above the MAX line. Put the tank back in place, pressing lightly on it to open the valves at the bottom of the tank.

If the water tank is full and in place correctly but the water light is still on, then the tank may be dirty or clogged by limescale mineral buildup. Try washing the tank with warm, soapy water by hand. If the light remains on, you should try running a descale cleaning cycle.

If there doesn’t appear to be any issue with the water tank, the problem could be with the steam dial. Both lights will flash if the steam dial is open so all you have to do is close it. If it is already closed, it is possible that the machine’s temperature has gone too high. Place a container under the steam dial and open it to release hot water. It will stop automatically when the boiler has cooled. Close the dial.

All Lights Flashing

There are four possible reasons why every light may be flashing red or orange on your De’Longhi Dedica espresso maker. If the problem persists, contact De’Longhi customer service.

No water in the tank or tank has been inserted incorrectly

Pull the water reservoir upwards to remove it. Open the lid and fill the tank with fresh water, being sure not to go above the MAX line. Put the tank back in place, pressing lightly on it to open the valves at the bottom of the tank.

Espresso boiler outlet is blocked

If the espresso boiler outlet is blocked, you’ll need to clean it. This can happen every 200 coffees or so. Without putting any coffee in the machine, place a container under the coffee outlet and press the coffee button. This will start to dispense hot water from the machine. Repeat until half a liter of water has come out of the coffee maker.

The filter is blocked

You should clean your 1 cup and 2 cup coffee filters weekly. Pull the tab to remove the filter. Rinse the filter under warm water. Inspect the holes in the filter to make sure none are blocked. If you see any blockages, try to remove them using a pin. Place the filter back in the filter housing and press it as far as it will go.

There is limescale in the water circuit

To remove this limescale buildup, see my related content for detailed steps on how to descale a De’Longhi coffee or espresso maker.

De’Longhi Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine Red or Orange Warning Light Alerts

Descale Light Steadily On and Red

When this light on your De’Longhi Specialista is a steady red, your machine needs to be descaled as soon as possible. Descaling is the process of removing minerals left behind from the water used to make your coffee. If left unattended, these minerals can cause blockages and negatively impact the taste and temperate of your coffee. See my related content for detailed steps on how to descale a De’Longhi coffee or espresso maker. Note you will need to buy a commercial descaling solution. Using vinegar may damage your coffee maker.

If the red light continues to stay on after you have finished the descale cycle, it is possible that the rinse cycle did not completely finish. It’s important that the water tank is filled to the MAX line prior to the rinse cycle. If you under-filled it, run the entire descale cycle again using only water and no descaling solution.

Clean Light Steadily On and Orange

When this clean light is lit orange, it means the coffee outlet has to be cleaned. Insert the 1 cup filter into the portafilter. Place the special disk accessory into the filter and press down. Add a cleaning tablet onto the disk accessory. Attach the portafilter to the coffee outlet. Press the hot water button until the clean light starts to blink. The cleaning cycle will stop by itself automatically after a few minutes. Remove the portafilter and disk accessory and rinse both with warm water. Insert the portafilter again, this time without the accessory. Place a container under it and press the hot water button to run a rinse cycle.

Bean Light Flashing

There are two possible reasons why the bean light may be flashing on your De’Longhi Specialista espresso machine. This can happen when you are trying to grind coffee, but the beans container is empty. Simply fill the container and try again. Alternatively, you may have turned the dose dial to the max adjustment setting. As a result, there may not be enough coffee to reach the correct quantity for the drink you are trying to make. Reference page 9 of the user manual for more information.

Water Light On Steadily

A steady water light means the tank is empty or that the reservoir was not inserted correctly. Remove the water tank, fill it to the MAX line and then firmly reinsert it into the machine. Press the tank down lightly to open up the valves at the bottom.

Water Light Flashing

A flashing water light can also mean that the tank is empty or that the reservoir was not inserted correctly. Remove the water tank, fill it to the MAX line and then firmly reinsert it into the machine. Press the tank down lightly to open up the valves at the bottom.

If the water tank is full and in place correctly but the water light is still flashing, then the tank may be dirty or clogged by limescale mineral buildup. Try washing the tank with warm, soapy water by hand. If the light remains on, you should try running a descale cleaning cycle.

If the water light is flashing while coffee is coming out slowley or not at all, the problem may be that your grind is too fine. Discard your grinds and try again, this time referencing page 9 of the user manual for more information on how to adjust and find the perfect dose.

If all else fails, you can try running a clean cycle as described in the “Clean Light Steadily On and Orange” section above.