LUCCA A53 Mini / Mini Vivaldi: Adjusting The Expansion Valve

Below you will find instructions for adjusting the expansion valve on the La Spaziale LUCCA A53 Mini Espresso Machine. (Difficulty ☕☕)

Unplug your machine and allow it to cool down fully before doing this procedure.

Tools Needed:

• Phillips Screwdriver
• 17mm Wrench
• Adjustable Wrench
• Portafilter w/ back flush disc installed

1. Remove the panels from the machine.

2. With the panels removed, plug the machine back in, install the full water reservoir, and power the machine on.

3. Identify the expansion valve, accessible through the back of the machine.


4. Hold the expansion valve steady with the adjustable wrench, then use the 17mm wrench to turn the lower portion of the valve. Tightening will raise brew pressure, loosening will decrease brew pressure.


5. Use a back flush disc to check the brew pressure after each adjustment.


If you would like to try adjusting the expansion valve without removing the panels from the machine follow these instructions:
1. Remove the front panel of the A53.

2. Remove the fitting pointed out here. You will want to put a towel down underneath the machine as some water will spray out.

3. Move the copper pipe to the side, snip the zip tie attached to it and push the cord down out of the way.

4. Adjust the expansion valve by holding it forward and using the adjustable wrench to turn the lower nut. Tightening the expansion valve will raise the brew pressure, loosening the expansion valve will lower the brew pressure.

5. You'll have to reconnect/disconnect the copper pipe in order to check the brew pressure in between each adjustment.