{
  "id": "ec685-cold-coffee",
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "title": "Preheat the cup and holder for hotter coffee",
  "deviceFamily": "coffee",
  "intent": "Troubleshooting",
  "summary": "Use the manual’s water-only preheat through the empty holder, then compare the next normal brew in the warmed cup.",
  "modelApplicability": [
    "ec685-international"
  ],
  "modelDetails": [
    {
      "id": "ec685-international",
      "family": "coffee",
      "brand": "De’Longhi",
      "series": "Dedica",
      "label": "Dedica EC685 / EC685 EX:4 · International manual",
      "region": "English International manual 57132C8997_01_0626; regional nameplate must match",
      "componentVersion": "Three buttons, steam dial, removable frother and tabbed perforated filter as pictured in this manual",
      "manual": "dedica-manual",
      "help": "With the machine cool, empty and unplugged, check the underside nameplate for EC685 or EC685 EX:4. Compare the frother and tabbed filter with the linked manual. The support page is on a US domain but its download is English International. Use the manual supplied for your regional appliance; no US voltage or electrical compatibility is inferred.",
      "exclusions": [
        "EC680",
        "Dedica Arte EC885",
        "Maestro EC950",
        "Modified steam wand",
        "Different filter design",
        "Regional instructions that differ from this manual"
      ],
      "recognitionSource": "dedica-support"
    }
  ],
  "exclusions": [
    "EC680",
    "Dedica Arte EC885",
    "Maestro EC950",
    "Modified steam wand",
    "Different filter design",
    "Regional instructions that differ from this manual"
  ],
  "prerequisites": [
    "Confirm the nameplate and your regional manual before connecting the appliance. The English International download on a US support page does not establish US electrical compatibility.",
    "For handling or external cleaning: stop delivery, switch off, unplug and wait until the appliance and removable parts are cool. Follow the separate powered steps only after reassembly."
  ],
  "tools": [
    "The cup you will use for the coffee",
    "Suitable place to empty hot preheat water"
  ],
  "materials": [
    "Fresh clean water",
    "Ground coffee for espresso machines"
  ],
  "checks": [
    {
      "id": "safety",
      "prompt": "Is the appliance undamaged, with delivery stopped and parts cool and unplugged for any hands-on work?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11; p14 §14",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "manual-match",
          "advice": "Keep hands clear of outlets during the specific powered water or steam steps below."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "service",
          "advice": "Stop for a damaged cord, burning smell, liquid leaking from the appliance body, all lights flashing while the machine does not work, or a holder that remains hot or pressurized. Disconnect when safe and contact De’Longhi Customer Services. Keep the casing, boiler and internal steam circuit closed."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "manual-match",
      "prompt": "Does your EC685 or EC685 EX:4 match English International manual 57132C8997_01_0626, including the three buttons, original frother and tabbed filter?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-support",
      "sourceLocator": "Support center: English (International) Instructions for use; manual pp3,6 §1",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-1",
          "advice": "Continue only with the controls and parts pictured in this manual."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Find the manual supplied for your region and component version. This guide cannot confirm a different version."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-1",
      "prompt": "Does the machine reach steady coffee-ready lights and deliver normally, with the concern limited to coffee warmth?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p7 §4.2; p12 §13",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-2",
          "advice": "Try the documented cup-and-holder preheat."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Resolve a missing ready indication or absent delivery with the matching troubleshooting route first."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-2",
      "prompt": "Are the original filter and holder clean, empty and safe to attach for the preheat?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p7 §4.2",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "steps",
          "advice": "Use the same cup for preheat and the next coffee."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Clean the filter and remove grounds or any pod before heating with water."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "branches": [
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "manual-match"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "service"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "check-1"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "check-2"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "steps"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    }
  ],
  "steps": [
    {
      "title": "Record the comparison conditions",
      "text": "Record whether the cup and holder had been preheated on the previous unsatisfactory brew. Use the same cup type and intended coffee preparation for this comparison.",
      "observation": "The record identifies the preparation being changed without claiming a measured heater fault.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p7 §4.2",
      "requiredFields": [
        "previous-preheat"
      ],
      "id": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "title": "Attach the empty original filter and holder",
      "text": "On the cooled machine, fit clean C2 or C3 in the holder with no ground coffee. Attach the holder normally and make sure the tank is seated with fresh water below MAX.",
      "observation": "The empty filter path is ready for water-only preheating.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p7 §4.2; p6 §2",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "title": "Warm the holder and the same cup",
      "text": "Power on and wait for steady coffee-ready lights. Put the cup intended for the coffee under the spouts. Press the one-cup button B1 to deliver hot water through the empty holder into that cup.",
      "observation": "The cup and holder are warmed by the documented one-cup delivery.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p7 §4.2",
      "requiredFields": [
        "preheat-done"
      ],
      "id": "step-3"
    },
    {
      "title": "Empty the water and prepare coffee safely",
      "text": "Wait for delivery to stop and the settling period in §4. Handle the hot cup carefully and empty the preheat water. Allow the holder to be safe to handle before detaching it for the normal coffee dose; never remove it during delivery.",
      "observation": "No hot flow or pressurized holder is handled, and preheat water has been emptied.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p7 §§4–4.2",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "title": "Make the comparison brew",
      "text": "Prepare the correct espresso grounds and filter, refit the holder and brew into the warmed cup with the normal coffee button when ready. Record whether the drink is acceptably warm.",
      "observation": "The observation is a comparison of this preparation, not a measured temperature certification.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "pp6–7 §§4–4.2",
      "requiredFields": [
        "warmth-result"
      ],
      "id": "step-5"
    },
    {
      "title": "Record the next action",
      "text": "If preheating is insufficient, consult the brewing-temperature option in the exact §9 settings table or Customer Services. Do not infer beverage temperature from the thermoblock setting or open the heater assembly.",
      "observation": "The manual distinguishes thermoblock water temperature from beverage temperature in the cup.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p7 §4.2; p9 §9: brewing temperature",
      "requiredFields": [
        "warmth-next"
      ],
      "id": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "outcomeChecks": [
    {
      "id": "outcome-1",
      "text": "The empty holder and intended cup were preheated with the one-cup button.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p7 §4.2; pp6–7 §4; p12 §13"
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-2",
      "text": "The comparison result and next action are saved without a claim about internal heater condition.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p7 §4.2; pp6–7 §4; p12 §13"
    }
  ],
  "stopConditions": [
    "Stop for a damaged cord, burning smell, liquid leaking from the appliance body, all lights flashing while the machine does not work, or a holder that remains hot or pressurized. Disconnect when safe and contact De’Longhi Customer Services. Keep the casing, boiler and internal steam circuit closed."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "dedica-manual",
      "title": "De’Longhi EC685 / EC685 EX:4 instructions (57132C8997_01_0626)",
      "url": "https://library.delonghigroup.com/assetbank-delonghi/action/directLinkImage?assetId=296204&download=true",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "use": "Sections 2–4, 7–8, 11–14: exact-version archived manual reviewed for setup, cleaning, descaling, rinses and troubleshooting",
      "license": "Manufacturer copyright. Original workflow based on manual facts; PDF not redistributed.",
      "region": "English International",
      "locator": "p7 §4.2; pp6–7 §4; p12 §13"
    },
    {
      "id": "dedica-support",
      "title": "Dedica Style EC685.TB EX:4 support center",
      "url": "https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/s/EC685.TB%20EX%3A4",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "use": "Official entry to the English International manual, not proof of US electrical specifications",
      "license": "Linked only.",
      "region": "English International",
      "locator": "EC685.TB EX:4 → English (International) → Instructions for use, 57132C8997_01_0626"
    }
  ],
  "assets": [
    {
      "path": "/assets/coffee/brew-path-check.svg",
      "title": "Coffee outlet rinse and observation",
      "alt": "An empty coffee filter and holder deliver water into a measuring container. Record water delivered and stop for body leaks or absent flow.",
      "kind": "Original schematic of user-accessible parts or control sequence; not to scale",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "See the individual task steps for the corresponding manual figures and sections."
    },
    {
      "path": "/assets/coffee/holder-alignment.svg",
      "title": "Holder rim and normal attachment",
      "alt": "Keep the filter rim free of grounds, align the holder with INSERT and rotate right toward CLOSE only when the original filter and dose fit.",
      "kind": "Original schematic of user-accessible parts or control sequence; not to scale",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "See the individual task steps for the corresponding manual figures and sections."
    }
  ],
  "relatedIds": [
    "ec685-no-coffee",
    "ec685-holder-fit",
    "ec685-after-care"
  ],
  "specs": [],
  "updatedAt": "2026-10-13",
  "estimatedDuration": null,
  "group": "ec685-water",
  "locator": "p7 §4.2; pp6–7 §4; p12 §13",
  "recordFields": [
    {
      "id": "previous-preheat",
      "label": "Previous cup / holder preheat",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-1",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "none",
          "label": "Neither was preheated"
        },
        {
          "value": "partial",
          "label": "One was preheated"
        },
        {
          "value": "both",
          "label": "Both were preheated"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "preheat-done",
      "label": "One-cup water-only preheat completed through the empty holder",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-3"
    },
    {
      "id": "warmth-result",
      "label": "Comparison drink",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-5",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "acceptable",
          "label": "Acceptably warm"
        },
        {
          "value": "unchanged",
          "label": "Still not warm enough",
          "resultGate": "prepared"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "warmth-next",
      "label": "Next action",
      "type": "text",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "consumables": [
    {
      "name": "Fresh clean water",
      "specification": "Fill the tank no higher than MAX.",
      "fit": "EC685 / EC685 EX:4 matching this manual.",
      "exclude": "Do not operate with an empty tank or with the tank removed.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §2"
    },
    {
      "name": "Ground coffee for espresso machines",
      "specification": "Choose the correct one- or two-cup filter and a suitable dose; no universal gram dose is specified here.",
      "fit": "Original ground-coffee filters C2 / C3.",
      "exclude": "Coffee for other brewing methods, excessively damp grounds or an overfilled basket.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "pp6–7 §4; p13 §14"
    }
  ],
  "maintenance": {
    "trigger": "Coffee warmth is unsatisfactory although readiness and delivery are normal.",
    "intervalText": "Repeat the check if this symptom returns. Any reminder date is your own plan; the manual gives no scheduled interval for this check.",
    "basis": "user-plan",
    "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
    "sourceLocator": "p7 §4.2"
  },
  "outcomes": [
    "The empty holder and intended cup were preheated with the one-cup button.",
    "The comparison result and next action are saved without a claim about internal heater condition."
  ],
  "fitChecks": [
    {
      "id": "manual",
      "label": "Manual and region",
      "accepted": "international-57132",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "",
          "label": "Choose the version you can confirm"
        },
        {
          "value": "international-57132",
          "label": "EC685 / EX:4: English International 57132C8997_01_0626 matches my appliance"
        },
        {
          "value": "different",
          "label": "My manual revision, region or model differs"
        },
        {
          "value": "unknown",
          "label": "I am not sure"
        }
      ],
      "help": "The US support-domain link serves an English International manual. It does not establish US electrical compatibility."
    },
    {
      "id": "parts",
      "label": "Controls and removable parts",
      "accepted": "original",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "",
          "label": "Choose the version you can confirm"
        },
        {
          "value": "original",
          "label": "Original three buttons, steam dial, removable frother and tabbed filter insert"
        },
        {
          "value": "modified",
          "label": "Modified steam wand or different filter"
        },
        {
          "value": "other",
          "label": "EC680, EC885, EC950 or other controls"
        },
        {
          "value": "unknown",
          "label": "I am not sure"
        }
      ],
      "help": "Compare the removable parts and control illustrations before following a cleaning sequence."
    }
  ]
}