{
  "id": "ec685-no-froth",
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "title": "Check milk that will not froth",
  "deviceFamily": "coffee",
  "intent": "Troubleshooting",
  "summary": "Check the frother ring, cold milk and nozzle cleanliness, then make a controlled steam observation with the original frother.",
  "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": [
    "Milk container with room for the milk to expand",
    "Empty container for the short purge"
  ],
  "materials": [
    "Refrigerator-cold milk",
    "Clean water for removable frother care"
  ],
  "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": "Is the original removable frother fitted securely, with a HOT MILK / CAPPUCCINO ring?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §§7–7.2; fig14",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-2",
          "advice": "Check ring position and milk preparation."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Identify and refit the correct frother before any steam test; modified wands are excluded."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-2",
      "prompt": "Can you prepare cold milk and clean any nozzle residue before a safe normal steam test?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7; p14 §14",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "steps",
          "advice": "Allow expansion space and keep the black ring out of the milk."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Gather a suitable container and complete frother cleaning before testing."
        },
        {
          "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": "Check the ring while cool",
      "text": "With the appliance cool and unplugged for handling, record the ring’s starting position. Set the original frother ring to CAPPUCCINO for froth; HOT MILK is the upper position for unfrothed milk.",
      "observation": "The selected function is frothing, with the original ring in the documented position.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §§7–7.1; p14 §14",
      "requiredFields": [
        "starting-ring"
      ],
      "id": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "title": "Prepare cold milk and expansion space",
      "text": "Use refrigerator-cold milk. The manual suggests skim or semi-skimmed milk around 5°C and about 100 g per cappuccino. Choose a container allowing the milk to expand two- or three-fold.",
      "observation": "The container has ample free space; the milk began refrigerator-cold.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7 step3; fig13",
      "requiredFields": [
        "cold-milk"
      ],
      "id": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "title": "Clear milk residue before testing",
      "text": "If the nozzle or outer frother is dirty, complete Clean the removable milk frother, including purge, cooling and secure refitting.",
      "observation": "The documented holes are clear and the frother is latched before steam use.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2; p14 §14",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-3"
    },
    {
      "title": "Reach steam readiness and purge",
      "text": "Power the assembled appliance, press the steam button and wait for its steady white light. Place an empty container under the frother, open the dial for a few seconds to clear water, then close it.",
      "observation": "A short water purge is finished before the milk container is placed.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7 steps2,5–6",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "title": "Observe frothing within the limit",
      "text": "Put the milk container under the frother and immerse the tip while keeping the black ring above the milk. Open the steam dial; move the container gently as described in §7. Close the dial to ○ when finished, and never deliver steam for more than 60 seconds.",
      "observation": "Record whether froth forms or the symptom persists. Keep hands clear of steam and hot milk.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7 steps7–9 and limit note",
      "requiredFields": [
        "froth-result"
      ],
      "id": "step-5"
    },
    {
      "title": "Clean and choose the next route",
      "text": "After milk use, carry out the frother-cleaning routine again. For continued failure despite correct ring, cold milk and clean parts, record the result and seek support or the indicated descaling path.",
      "observation": "The frother is left clean; a failed observation is not treated as a repaired steam system.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7.2; p14 §14",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "outcomeChecks": [
    {
      "id": "outcome-1",
      "text": "CAPPUCCINO, cold milk, clear nozzle holes and secure assembly are confirmed.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §§7–7.2; p14 §14: no milk froth"
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-2",
      "text": "The frothing result is recorded and the after-use cleaning routine is completed.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §§7–7.2; p14 §14: no milk froth"
    }
  ],
  "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": "p8 §§7–7.2; p14 §14: no milk froth"
    },
    {
      "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/frother-parts.svg",
      "title": "Cool frother: removable parts and ring",
      "alt": "The outer frother releases counter-clockwise and down after cooling. The rubber nozzle pulls down. Refit the nozzle, lower the ring, then push and turn the outer frother until secure.",
      "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-frother-clean",
    "ec685-descale",
    "ec685-cool-after-steam"
  ],
  "specs": [
    {
      "name": "Steam delivery limit",
      "value": 60,
      "unit": "seconds",
      "condition": "Never deliver continuously longer than this.",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7 limit note",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual"
    }
  ],
  "updatedAt": "2026-10-13",
  "estimatedDuration": null,
  "group": "ec685-milk",
  "locator": "p8 §§7–7.2; p14 §14: no milk froth",
  "recordFields": [
    {
      "id": "starting-ring",
      "label": "Ring position before correction",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-1",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "hot-milk",
          "label": "HOT MILK"
        },
        {
          "value": "cappuccino",
          "label": "CAPPUCCINO"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "cold-milk",
      "label": "Refrigerator-cold milk and expansion space provided",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "id": "froth-result",
      "label": "Steam-test observation",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-5",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "formed",
          "label": "Froth formed"
        },
        {
          "value": "absent",
          "label": "Froth still absent; further help needed",
          "resultGate": "service"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "consumables": [
    {
      "name": "Refrigerator-cold milk",
      "specification": "The manual suggests skim or semi-skimmed milk around 5°C, about 100 g per cappuccino, with room to expand two- or three-fold.",
      "fit": "Original CAPPUCCINO frother setting.",
      "exclude": "Warm starting milk, an overfilled container or immersing the black ring.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §7 steps3–8"
    },
    {
      "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"
    }
  ],
  "maintenance": {
    "trigger": "Milk does not froth using the original frother.",
    "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": "p14 §14"
  },
  "outcomes": [
    "CAPPUCCINO, cold milk, clear nozzle holes and secure assembly are confirmed.",
    "The frothing result is recorded and the after-use cleaning routine is completed."
  ],
  "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."
    }
  ]
}