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LUCCA A53 Pro Espresso Machine: User Manual 

This manual should contain everything you need to operate and maintain your LUCCA A53 Pro espresso machine.

Please read carefully before operating your dual-boiler rotary pump espresso machine. Check out our website for specifications for the LUCCA A53 Pro Espresso Machine, including accessories and other details.

Getting Started: 

First, test your water. Espresso machines have specific water requirements. There are two primary considerations: filtration and hardness. Please carefully read about the importance of water in espresso to understand how water affects your espresso machine. For further learning, check out Coffee School's Water 101

Note: It's essential to test your water, filter, and soften to obtain 35-85 ppm to avoid scale and damage to your machine. RO (reverse osmosis) or distilled water does not contain enough mineral content and could cause issues with your machine. 

Technical Details:

Please look at the spec table on our product page for a complete list of technical details.

When you're ready to start pulling shots, check out our Espresso 101 section to learn about steaming milk, latte art, our suggested starter espresso recipe, grinder dial-in tips, and much more! 

Initial Machine Setup

Step 1: Unboxing & Inspection

  • Remove the machine from the box and place it on a stable, level surface.
  • Before turning on the machine, inspect for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If you notice any damage, contact Clive Coffee immediately.
  • Save all packaging, as this is needed for returns and repairs.

Step 2: Water Source Selection

The LUCCA A53 Pro can operate in two modes:

Tank Mode (TA):
 Water is supplied from the internal 2.4L reservoir.

Plumbed Mode (PL):
 Water is supplied via a direct plumbing connection to your water line.

To select your water source:

  1. Locate the selector switch on the bottom of the machine
  2. Turn the switch to:
    • TA for reservoir/tank operation
    • PL for plumbed operation

Note: The machine ships set to TA (tank) mode by default.

Step 3: Water Quality

  • Before introducing water to your machine, test it to ensure it's adequately soft. We recommend water hardness between 75-150 ppm (parts per million).
  • To learn more about our recommendations for water quality, contact us.
  • Once you've confirmed your water quality is adequate:
    • Tank Mode: Fill the 2.4 L reservoir on the left side of the machine. You can slide the reservoir out to fill it, OR remove it entirely by lifting up the water supply tubing.
    • Plumbed Mode: Connect the machine to your water line using the optional plumb kit (sold separately). Ensure proper installation and water pressure.

Note: Do not use zero water or reverse osmosis without remineralization, as the machine will not register that the reservoir has been filled. If you use reverse osmosis or distilled water, you must remineralize it. We recommend using Third Wave Water mineral packets.

Step 4: Electrical Connection & Initial Power-Up

    • Plug your machine directly into a grounded socket (do not use an extension cord).
    • The machine comes with a 20-amp plug and includes a 15-amp converter cord. Most home outlets are 15 amp. Use the converter unless you have a dedicated 20-amp outlet.
  • NOTE: If using the machine on a 20-amp outlet, you will experience increased performance (faster heat-up time and recovery between drinks).
  • Make sure the drip tray is fully seated.
  • The connection to ground is obligatory. The manufacturer & Clive Coffee shall not be held in any way liable if this accident-prevention regulation is not observed.
  • Take care not to damage the power supply cable by bending, crushing, or straining.

Control Panel Display Overview

Screenshot 2026-03-06 at 10.41.07 AM

P1 - Hot Water Button
Activates hot water dispensing from the hot water spout.

P2 - Single Dose Button
Programmable volumetric dosing for single shots.

P3 - Double Dose Button
Programmable volumetric dosing for double shots.

P4 - Boiler Button
Controls steam boiler operation and access to programming mode.

P5 - ON/STBY Button
Power the machine on/off and control the standby mode.

P6 - Free Flow Button
Manual/continuous coffee extraction (press again to stop).

LED Indicators

1 - Group Temperature LED
Displays the brew group temperature setting (listed in Fahrenheit, 197-203 degrees). LED flashing indicates that the machine is heating to the set temperature. LED fixed indicates the temperature has been reached. 

2 - Water Level LED
Fixed: Adequate water in reservoir/plumbed supply

Step 5: First Start-Up Sequence (Tank Mode)

During the initial setup of the A53 Pro, the machine is in TA (tank mode) by default, and you must manually fill the boilers. Press and hold the P5 (ON/STBY) button for 5 seconds to turn the machine on. 

  1. Once on, press the P5 (ON/STBY) button for 3 seconds to enter programming mode
  2. The shot timer display will show either TA (tank mode) or PL (plumb mode), indicating the current water mode.
  3. Press P5 (ON/STBY) to toggle between modes if needed to match your selection.
  4. Press P5 (ON/STBY) for 3 seconds to confirm and return to standby.

Initial Boiler Fill (Tank Mode Only):

If operating in tank mode, you must manually fill the brew group on first use:

  1. With the machine in standby (the P5 temperature LED flashes), press P5 and P1 (hot water & power buttons) simultaneously.
  2. This activates the water refill function.
  3. Ensure the reservoir is adequately filled (the L2 low-water indicator will illuminate if the level is too low).
  4. The machine will immediately start filling the boilers.

Step 6: Powering On & Heating — After the Initial Boiler Fill 

  1. Press and hold the P5 (ON/STBY) button for 5 seconds to power on the machine (the Power LED will remain lit).
  2. Ensure that your portafilter is locked into the group head so that it can warm up with the machine.
  3. The machine will perform a 2-second system check.
  4. Both boilers will begin heating (the brew boiler is prioritized first in 15-amp mode. If your machine is plugged into a 20-amp outlet, both boilers will heat simultaneously, reducing initial start-up time. 
  5. P4 (BOILER LED) will flash while the steam boiler heats, then become fixed when at temperature.
  6. L1 (TEMPERATURE LED) will flash while the brew group heats, then become fixed when at temperature.

NOTE: From a cold start, it takes approximately 15 minutes for both boilers to fully heat and be ready to brew espresso and steam milk.

Switching from Reservoir Mode to Plumb-in Mode

The A53 Pro espresso machine can operate in two water supply configurations: Tank Mode (TA default) or Plumbed-In Mode (PL). You can select your preferred mode during initial setup or switch between modes at any time.

Understanding the Two Modes

Tank Mode (TA): Water is supplied from a removable reservoir machine, accessible by removing the drip tray.

Plumbed-In Mode (PL): Water is supplied automatically through a flexible line connected to your site's water supply.

How to Switch Modes

Step 1: Set the Physical Selector Switch

Before powering on the machine, locate the selector switch on the bottom of the machine and turn it to your desired position:

Step 2: Configure the Plumbing Setting on the DIGIT Display 

Note: This step may require two people to execute if you are not close to an electrical outlet. 

  1. Press and hold the P5 (ON/STBY) button for 3 seconds while simultaneously plugging your machine into the electrical outlet.
  2. The current operating mode will be displayed on the DIGIT display (either TA or PL).
  3. Tap the P5 button to toggle between modes until your desired mode is displayed.
  4. Unplug the machine from the electrical outlet to save the setting. 
  5. Plug the machine back into the electrical outlet.
  6. The DIGIT display will read TA or PL for a moment and then go blank. 
  7. Press and hold the P5 (ON/STBY) button to turn the machine on. 

Note: The machine will remember your last mode setting. You only need to repeat this process if you want to switch to a different mode.

Brewing Espresso 

Pulling Your First Shots

The LUCCA A53 Pro is a dual-boiler machine with volumetric dosing and powerful steam capabilities. Once both boilers reach temperature (approximately 15 minutes) and the machine has stabilized for an additional 5 minutes, you're ready to pull shots.

Pre-shot checklist:

  • L1 LED is fixed (brew group is at temperature)
  • P4 LED is fixed (steam boiler is at temperature)
  • L2 LED is fixed (adequate water supply)
  • Portafilter has been warming in the group head for at least 5 minutes
  • Fresh coffee is ground, dosed, and sufficiently tamped in the portafilter basket

Pulling a Shot with Volumetric Dosing

    1. Prepare your portafilter:
      • Dose 18-22g of freshly ground coffee into your basket
      • Distribute grounds evenly using WDT or a distribution tool
      • Tamp firmly and evenly
      • Wipe any stray grounds from the portafilter rim
  • Lock in the portafilter:
      • Insert the portafilter into the group head
  • Lock firmly until sealed (NOTE: it's normal for the portafilter not to sit at 6 o'clock as the gasket breaks in)
  • Start extraction:
      • Place your cup(s) underneath the portafilter and on top of your espresso scale
      • Press P2 for a single dose OR P3 for a double dose
      • The corresponding LED will flash
      • The DIGIT display will show elapsed extraction time in seconds
      • Brew lights will illuminate 
  • Extraction end:
      • When the programmed volume is reached, extraction stops automatically
      • The LED returns to fixed
      • The DIGIT display shows total extraction time
  • Clean up:
    • Remove the portafilter
    • Dispose of the spent puck in a knock box
    • Run a flush cycle for 3 seconds by pressing P6 (continuoius button) and wipe the portafilter basket clean with a microfiber towel

Pulling a Manual Shot (Continuous Flow)

For more control over extraction volume:

  1. Press P6 to begin extraction
  2. Monitor your shot and desired yield with an espresso scale
  3. Press P6 again to stop extraction when target volume is reached
  4. If you fail to stop the extraction manually, the maximum extraction time: 3 minutes (automatic shutoff)

Dialing In Your Grinder

Achieving the perfect espresso requires proper grind size adjustment with a burr grinder:

If shots pull too slowly:

  • Not enough espresso in your target time
  • Adjust grinder to a coarser setting

If shots pull too fast:

  • Too much espresso in your target time
  • Shots gushing, spraying, or channeling
  • Adjust grinder to a finer setting

General guidelines:

  • Use freshly roasted coffee within 1-3 weeks of roast date
  • Store your whole bean coffee properly, in an container that removes oxygen and removed from direct sunlight
  • Aim for 1:2 ratio (e.g., 18g in, 36g out)
  • Target extraction time: 25-35 seconds for double shots
  • Repurpose beans older than one month for other brew methods

Please contact Clive Coffee for post-purchase and one-on-one espresso technique support if you need help dialing in your equipment or pulling shots.

Hot Water Operation & Steaming Milk

Dispensing Hot Water

The LUCCA A53 Pro can dispense hot water directly from the steam boiler. 

To dispense hot water:

  1. Ensure the machine is at operating temperature
  2. Press P1 (Hot Water Button)
  3. Place your cup under the hot water spout
  4. Press P1 again to stop the flow of water
  5. If you do not manually stop the flow of water, the machine will automatically stop after 20 seconds

Steaming Milk

The A53 Pro has a separate 2.5L steam boiler providing powerful, consistent steam for milk drinks. Unlike single-boiler machines, you can steam milk immediately after pulling a shot without waiting, or while a shot is pulling. 

To steam milk:

  1. After pulling your shot, prepare your milk pitcher
  2. Ensure the steam boiler is ready (P4 LED is fixed)
  3. Purge the steam wand briefly into the drip tray to remove condensation:
    • Lift the steam lever up all the way for 1-2 seconds
    • Lift the steam lever all the way back down
  4. Position the steam wand:
    • Submerge the steam wand tip just below the surface of the milk
    • Angle the pitcher to create a whirlpool effect
  5. Begin steaming:
    • Lift the steam level all the way up
    • Introduce air during the first few seconds by keeping the tip near the surface
    • Gradually lower the pitcher as milk volume increases
    • Continue until milk reaches 135-160°F (60-71°C) depending on your beverage and based on your preferences
  6. Finish steaming:
    • Lift the lever all the way down 
    • Remove the pitcher
    • Immediately wipe the steam wand with a moist microfiber towel
    • Purge the wand into the drip tray for 2-3 seconds to clear milk residue
  7. Return to brewing:
    • The machine is immediately ready to pull another shot and steam milk

Additional Resources: 

If you need help dialing in your equipment or pulling shots, check out the articles below or contact our coffee experts and technicians.