LUCCA Solo: Setup Guide

Congratulations on your new LUCCA Solo! This guide contains everything you need to set up and operate your single-boiler espresso machine.

Step 1: Unboxing and 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 us immediately.
Save all packaging, as this is needed for returns and repairs.

Step 2: Water quality

Before introducing water to your machine, it's essential to test it to ensure it's adequately soft, around 50 ppm (parts per million). Use the included water test strips from your home barista starter kit to verify the hardness of your water. To learn more about our recommendations for water quality, check out our blog post, The Importance of Water and Your Espresso Machine.
Once you've confirmed your water quality is adequate, fill the water reservoir located underneath the top tray. Note: Do not use Zero water or reverse osmosis, as the machine will not register that the reservoir has been filled. If you do use reverse osmosis, you must remineralize it. We recommend Third Wave Water.

Step 3: Turning on your machine and filling your boiler

Your machine is set for use on a 110v outlet. Prior to starting the machine. Check to ensure the machine is off (the power switch is OFF when set to "0" or to the left position. The power switch is ON when the switch is set to "1" or to the right position). Make sure the drip tray is inserted accurately.
Plug your machine directly into a grounded socket (do not use an extension cord) and turn it on by using the ON/OFF switch on the upper left of the front panel. Ensure that the brew lever is fully in the down position. The brew lever should be straight up and down, not cocked at an angle.
When the main power switch is turned on, the white power light will turn ON. If this is the first time powering the machine on after unboxing, the PID will display the "1ST" command. That's your signal to proceed to the next step.
Next, manually fill the machine's boiler. Raise the brew lever and allow the shot timer to count up to a full 30 seconds. Return the brew lever to the fully down position. During this time, water should start flowing from the machine's group head. If no water comes out: Shut down the main power for 4-5 minutes, allowing the pump to rest. Repeat 2 to 3 times until water comes out of the group head.
At this point, your boiler should be full and the red heating indicator will now be ON.
Once the PID reaches its set temperature (around 7-8 minutes for 93C), allow an additional 5 minutes for the E61 group head to come to temperature, then you'll be ready to pull your first shots!

Step 4: Pulling a Shot:

The LUCCA Solo is a single boiler machine without a steam wand, geared toward an espresso-only experience. Once the PID is at temperature (93C or 199F) and the machine has been allowed to heat for about 15 minutes, you're ready to pull your first shots.
After loading your dose into your portafilter basket and tamping the coffee puck as evenly as possible, lock the portafilter into the group head until you make a tight seal. It is normal for your portafilter not to sit at 6 o'clock, as the group head gasket will break in over time.
If you have the LUCCA Solo with Flow Control, learn how to use it in our handy flow control blog.

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