{
  "id": "ec685-slow-coffee",
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "title": "Check very slow coffee delivery",
  "deviceFamily": "coffee",
  "intent": "Troubleshooting",
  "summary": "Separate a dirty filter or due spout rinse from overfilling, overly firm tamping and unsuitable grounds.",
  "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": [
    "Soft cloth",
    "Cup for one normal brew"
  ],
  "materials": [
    "Ground coffee for espresso machines",
    "Fresh clean water"
  ],
  "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 coffee delivered slowly, without a body leak, all-lights fault or completely absent delivery?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "pp13–14 §14",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-2",
          "advice": "Check removable coffee parts and preparation."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "For no delivery use Check when no coffee comes out. A body leak or all-lights fault requires support."
        },
        {
          "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 inspect the cooled original filter and identify whether the coffee-spout rinse is due?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §§11.2–11.3",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "steps",
          "advice": "Complete any needed cleaning before the comparison brew."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Let the holder cool and compare the correct filter and maintenance history first."
        },
        {
          "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 slow-brew condition",
      "text": "Stop delivery, allow the holder to cool and unplug before hands-on inspection. Record whether the filter has visible residue and whether the dose appears overfilled.",
      "observation": "These are observed starting conditions, not a diagnosis of an internal pump.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p13 §14; p10 §11",
      "requiredFields": [
        "starting-condition"
      ],
      "id": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "title": "Restore the filter openings",
      "text": "If the filter or holder spout holes are dirty, complete Clean the coffee filters. Check the perforated insert is present and fully seated before the next brew.",
      "observation": "The removable filter path is visibly clear and correctly assembled.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.2; p13 §14",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "title": "Review spout maintenance",
      "text": "Check the coffee count since the last spout rinse. If 200 coffees have been made, use Rinse the coffee spouts for the about-0.5-litre water delivery. If normal water delivery is absent, stop and use the no-coffee check instead.",
      "observation": "The spout rinse is completed if due, or recorded as not due; an absent flow is not repeatedly forced.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.3; p13 §14",
      "requiredFields": [
        "spout-status"
      ],
      "id": "step-3"
    },
    {
      "title": "Change the relevant preparation",
      "text": "For the comparison brew, reduce an excessive dose or overly firm tamping and use coffee intended for espresso machines. Replace excessively fine or damp grounds. Keep the same correct one- or two-cup filter so you can describe what changed.",
      "observation": "Record the actual preparation change; do not claim an exact universal dose or pressure.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "pp6–7 §4; p13 §14",
      "requiredFields": [
        "preparation-change"
      ],
      "id": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "title": "Observe one normal brew",
      "text": "Reassemble, wait for steady coffee-ready lights and brew into a cup using the normal coffee button. Keep the holder attached throughout delivery.",
      "observation": "Record whether the flow improved, stayed slow or became absent.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p7 §4; p13 §14",
      "requiredFields": [
        "flow-result"
      ],
      "id": "step-5"
    },
    {
      "title": "Route a persistent symptom",
      "text": "If slow delivery remains, save the result. Limescale is another manual-listed cause; follow the complete indicated descaling path or contact Customer Services. No internal adjustment is included.",
      "observation": "A continued symptom stays visible in the record instead of being marked repaired.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p13 §14; pp10–11 §12",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "outcomeChecks": [
    {
      "id": "outcome-1",
      "text": "Accessible filter cleaning and spout-rinse status are recorded.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p13 §14: dark froth / slow delivery; p10 §§11.2–11.3; pp6–7 §4"
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-2",
      "text": "The preparation change and observed brew result are recorded, with unresolved flow routed onward.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p13 §14: dark froth / slow delivery; p10 §§11.2–11.3; pp6–7 §4"
    }
  ],
  "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": "p13 §14: dark froth / slow delivery; p10 §§11.2–11.3; pp6–7 §4"
    },
    {
      "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/filter-parts.svg",
      "title": "Tabbed filter: lift, rinse, reseat",
      "alt": "A tabbed perforated insert sits inside the original coffee filter. Lift by the tab, inspect the small rear outlet, then press the insert fully home.",
      "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/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."
    }
  ],
  "relatedIds": [
    "ec685-coffee-filters",
    "ec685-spout-rinse",
    "ec685-no-coffee",
    "ec685-descale"
  ],
  "specs": [],
  "updatedAt": "2026-10-13",
  "estimatedDuration": null,
  "group": "ec685-filter",
  "locator": "p13 §14: dark froth / slow delivery; p10 §§11.2–11.3; pp6–7 §4",
  "recordFields": [
    {
      "id": "starting-condition",
      "label": "Visible filter or dose condition",
      "type": "text",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "id": "spout-status",
      "label": "Coffee-spout rinse status",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-3",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "done",
          "label": "Due rinse completed"
        },
        {
          "value": "not-due",
          "label": "Fewer than 200 coffees since rinse"
        },
        {
          "value": "unknown",
          "label": "Count unknown; maintenance review recorded"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "preparation-change",
      "label": "Preparation changed for the comparison brew",
      "type": "text",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "id": "flow-result",
      "label": "Observed flow",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-5",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "improved",
          "label": "Improved"
        },
        {
          "value": "slow",
          "label": "Still slow",
          "resultGate": "prepared"
        },
        {
          "value": "absent",
          "label": "No delivery; further help needed",
          "resultGate": "service"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "consumables": [
    {
      "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"
    },
    {
      "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": "Coffee is delivered very slowly.",
    "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": "p13 §14"
  },
  "outcomes": [
    "Accessible filter cleaning and spout-rinse status are recorded.",
    "The preparation change and observed brew result are recorded, with unresolved flow routed onward."
  ],
  "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."
    }
  ]
}