Frequently Asked Questions
The DCM2x machine does not have a piercing facility built in. Therefore, when using aluminium capsules, they will require manual piercing before use. A manual piercing device is included in the accessories of the DCM2x machine but if you require one then it can be obtained free of charge by contacting Dualit on 01293 652500.
Generally, the standard extraction time will fall between 15 seconds and 35 seconds. However, that is not exact as certain factors such as coffee grind, tamping etc will have an effect. It also depends if the extraction time has been altered.
Dispense water through the brewhead with the cup filter in place. Ensure NO coffee is in the filter. If you see no water after 7 seconds STOP the test.
No water
1. Water tank is not correctly seated in position. Locate water tank (see page 10, fig 2).
Water flow improves
1. The showerhead and cup filter may be blocked. Clean showerhead and cup filter (see page 23-24). You may also need to descale the machine (see page 26-27).
2. You may be tamping too hard. LIGHTLY 'tamp' the coffee grounds (see page 15, fig 5).
3. The cup filter is blocked because the coffee grind is too fine. Ensure you are using setting 3-5 on the Dualit coffee grinder or use a pre-ground coffee suitable for espresso machines. Clean the cup filter (see page 24, fig 4)
4. There is too much coffee in the cup filter. Use the measuring spoon (see page 15, fig 4).
1. Locate water tank (see page 10, fig 1).
2.1. Clean steam wand (see page 24, fig 6-8).
2.2. Descale (see page 26-27).
2.3. If you are unable to unblock your steam wand then contact Dualit on 01293 652 500 for help.
1. Clean gasket (see page 23, fig 3).
2. Check the capsule is in place. If using ESE pod, tuck the tab under (see page 14, fig 5).
3. Clean showerhead (see page 23-24).
4. To obtain a new gasket contact the Dualit customer services on +44 (0)1293 652 500 (09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday) for help
1. This is not cause for concern. This will automatically stop when the machine has finished steaming.
1. Locate water tank (see page 10, fig 2).
2. Fill water tank (see page 10, fig 2).
1. To prevent an air lock firstly remove the filter holder. Fill water tank (see page 10, fig 2). Your machine is now ready to extract your next coffee
1. Check and replace the fuse.
2. Contact Dualit customer services on +44 (0)1293 652 500 (09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday) for help.
2. Exit standby mode by pressing the 'ON' button (see page 20).
1. Adjust the dose using the dosing memory feature (see page 20).
2. Use the dosing memory feature to adjust the dose to your desired amount (see page 21).
1. This is not cause for concern. This will automatically stop when the machine has finished purging.
1. Prime machine. (see page 10-11).
2. Warm cup (see page 11). You can also place your cups warm on the cup warming plate.
3. Use the temperature boost feature. (see page 21).
1. This is not cause for concern it is part of the operation of the machine.
1. It is easier to make froth using cold semi-skimmed milk in a stainless steel jug.
2.1. Clean steam wand
(see page 23-24, fig 6).
2.2. Descale
(see page 26-27).
1. Ensure you are using setting 3-5 on the Dualit coffee grinder or use a pre-ground coffee suitable for espresso machines.
2. Ground coffee only has a three-day shelf-life, so grind only what you need.
3. Flush out excess heat by pressing the small coffee button.
1. Ensure you are using the correct type and strength of coffee for the type of drink you are making. See page 29 for recipes and max dispensing table.
2. Ensure you are using setting 3-5 on the Dualit Coffee Grinder or use pre-ground coffee suitable for espresso machines.
3. If you are struggling to control your coffee flow rate, try tamping a little harder. The harder you tamp the longer the coffee will take to extract, thus increasing the strength and improving the flavour of the coffee.
4. Avoid pre-ground coffee that states that it is suitable for cafetieres.
5. Add more coffee to the portafilter. (see page 15)
6. Use the double espresso dose to make a single coffee.
7. Use the filter pin to remove the dried coffee.
8. Locate and fully lock the holder. (see page 16, fig 1).
9. For spare parts contact the Dualit customer helpline on +44 (0)1293 652 500 (09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday).
1. See Capsule Types table (page 11) to see if you require the Capsule Piercing Tool.
Dispense water through the NX® Adaptor. Ensure NO capsule is inside.
1. Water tank is not correctly seated in position. Locate water tank (see page 10, fig 2).
1. The showerhead and NX® adaptor may be blocked. Remove the showerhead and clean. Use the filter pin to clean out the holes in the NX® adaptor. Descale your machine with the NX® adaptor locked tightly in place. (see page 26-27)
1. The coffee/tea in the capsule is stale. Check capsule best before date on the capsule packaging.
2. Capsule needs piercing, see page 11.
3. We recommend only the use of Dualit capsules.
1. Check the NX® Adaptor Seal (located at the base of the NX® Adaptor) is there and has not split, see page 9. If missing or split, contact the Dualit customer helpline on +44 (0)1293 652 500 (09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday).
PRODUCT FAILURE DUE TO THE BUILD UP OF LIMESCALE IS NOT COVERED BY GUARANTEE - DESCALE REGULARLY: DUALIT RECOMMENDS KILROCK ESPRESSO & COFFEE MACHINE DESCALER. (See leaflet)
Ensure your descaling product is suitable for coffee machines; follow descaling product instructions carefully. If you are using a water softener, ensure water softener is removed before adding descaler. Fill water tank with the descaling solution. Descale once a month in hard water areas.
Place the Holder most frequently used into the machine, ensuring it is empty. If both Holders and Filters are used frequently, cycle between them. Do not soak the holders in descale solution. Ensure they are rinsed thoroughly after descaling.
Place a container with a capacity of more than 1 litre on the Drip Tray underneath the Holder. Caution: Do not remove the Drip Tray. Remove Froth Nozzle from the Steam Wand. Direct Steam Wand into container.
Insert Water Tank. Plug machine in and turn on. Wait until machine has reached operating temperature. Caution: Keep hands away from Steam Wand at all times. Risk of scalding.
Ensure Steam/Water Selector is set to water. Turn dial completely to the right to dispense half a tank of water through the Steam Wand. Risk of chemical inhalation. If no water comes out, allow to stand for 5 minutes and repeat above, allowing the pump to run for up to 1 minute even if no water dispenses. Turn dial fully to the left and allow the remaining descale solution to dispense from the Showerhead, not allowing the tank to run dry. Risk of chemical inhalation. Turn dial to 'Off'.
Once machine is descaled, discard descaling solution. Thoroughly rinse Water Tank and fill with fresh water. Repeat steps 2-5 twice with water only to remove any traces of descaling solution. If you are using a Water Softener, ensure that it is replaced into the Water Tank once the Water Tank is clean. Risk of chemical ingestion.