Bezzera Sole Luce Espresso Machine
Instruction Manual
Safety Symbols
! Attention! Important safety warnings!
! Caution! Important warnings for the correct use of the machine.
General Warnings
- Electrical and hydraulic installation must be performed by qualified personnel in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable laws.
- The machine should be placed and installed in a location where use and maintenance will only be performed by qualified personnel.
- Do not use water jets or install in areas where water jets are used.
- For normal operation, the machine must be installed in locations where the temperature is between +5°C and +32°C and humidity does not exceed 70%.
- If the machine is exposed to temperatures below 0°C, ensure it has been in a location above +15°C for 24 hours before turning it on.
- The machine is powered by electricity and requires:
- Electrical connection.
- Ensure proper earthing of the electrical installation.
- Do not touch the machine with wet hands or feet.
- Do not use the machine barefoot.
- Do not connect the power cord to extension cords.
- Do not unplug the machine by pulling the power cord.
- Do not operate the machine with the power cord coiled.
- The appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, mental, or sensory capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless supervised by a responsible person.
- Supervise children to ensure they do not play with the machine.
- To prevent water infiltration, place cups with the hollow part facing upwards on the cup warmer.
- The machine is not intended for outdoor use.
- The following symbol indicates a burn risk. ⚠️
Intended Use
The SOLE and LUCE espresso machine is designed for dispensing espresso, producing hot water for teas and infusions, and producing steam for heating beverages. Any other use is considered incorrect and prohibited.
Installation
General Warnings
- Installation must be carried out by qualified personnel.
- Place the machine on a level, dry, smooth, robust, and stable horizontal surface, at least 150 cm from the floor.
- Ensure the installation environment has a temperature between +5°C and +32°C and humidity below 70%.
- For electrical connection, use a properly earthed power cord and consider installing a bipolar switch with minimal contact opening for overvoltage category III.
Water Supply Mode
The machine is delivered in RESERVOIR mode. To convert to MAINS mode, follow the water connection instructions.
! Transforming between RESERVOIR and MAINS modes may cause pressure variations. Adjust the pressure as described in section 6.5.
Drain Connection
Connect a 10 mm inner diameter rubber hose to the drain outlet and to an open siphon.
Maintenance
Safety Instructions
- Do not expose the machine to water jets.
- Disconnect the machine from the power supply before performing any maintenance or cleaning.
- In case of malfunction, do not attempt self-repair; contact authorized technical service.
- If the power cord is damaged, immediately turn off the machine, shut off the water supply, and contact technical service. Do not attempt to replace the cord yourself.
- Perform cleaning and maintenance with the machine cold, preferably wearing protective gloves.
Cleaning the Machine
- For optimal product quality and compliance with regulations, change the water in the boiler and circuits daily.
- After each use: Clean the steam wand, clean the filter holder and filters.
- Daily: Clean the cup support grid and drip tray. Clean the machine body. Clean the group seal with the provided brush. Perform group washing by attaching the blind filter holder and running water through it several times. Soak filter holders and filters in boiling water to dissolve coffee grease.
- Do not use solvents, abrasive cleaners, or sponges. Use only specific products for coffee machines.
- Clean the machine body with a damp cloth and neutral detergent, drying thoroughly before reconnecting to power.
- Clean the cup support grid and drip tray with water.
- Clean the water tank with water and neutral cleaning products, rinse thoroughly, and reinsert, ensuring the silicone tube reaches the bottom.
Safety Thermostat - Manual Reset
! This operation can only be performed by an authorized technician.
If the boiler thermostat trips due to overheating, resolve the cause of the malfunction and reset by pressing the red button (RESET).
Cleaning Hydraulic Circuits After Prolonged Stoppage
After installation, perform a complete rinsing cycle as per points A and/or B.
- A - First use or after a long stoppage (approx. 7 days):
- Start the machine, fill the boiler with water, and heat it.
- Wait 12 hours.
- Dispense water for at least 30 seconds with the filter holder attached (without coffee) to flush the heat exchanger.
- Turn off the machine and empty the boiler by opening the steam and hot water taps into a heat-resistant container.
- B - After a pause of at least 4 hours:
- Dispense water from the hot water tap for 5 seconds.
- Dispense water for at least 15 seconds with the filter holder attached (without coffee).
! Do not use chemical products, descalers, vinegar, or citric acid, as they can damage machine components and void the warranty.
Use potable water with a hardness of 8/9°F. Never use hot water.
Transport
Packaging
- The machine is protected with cardboard and packed in cardboard boxes.
- ! After unpacking, check the machine for any damage and ensure all parts are present.
- Keep packaging away from children.
- In case of damage or missing parts, do not use the machine and contact the nearest dealer immediately.
Handling the Machine
The machine can be moved using a pallet truck, forklift, or manually.
Storage
Store the machine in a dry place with temperatures between +5°C and +30°C and relative humidity not exceeding 70%. A maximum stack of four boxes is permitted.
Description of the Machine
Description of the Operating Cycle
Water from the reservoir is pumped through a pressure valve (12 bars for Sole, 9 bars for Luce) into the heat exchanger. The boiler is filled via a loading solenoid valve. The boiler heats the water, which in turn heats the water in the heat exchanger. This hot water is then sent to the group for coffee infusion.
Description of Controls
Refer to Figures 01, 03, and 10 for control identification.
- 1: Main switch
- 2: White indicator light (machine on)
- 3: Coffee dispenser lever
- 4: Dispensing group
- 5: Filter holder
- 6: Steam tap
- 7: Steam wand
- 8: Hot water tap
- 9: Hot water dispenser
- 10: Pump pressure gauge
- 11: Power cord
- 12: Front drain
- 13: Tank drain
- 14: PID display
- 15: Boiler pressure gauge
- 16: White indicator light (boiler element active)
- 17: 1-cup filter
- 18: 2-cup filter
- 19: Blind filter
Technical Data
Refer to Figure 02 for dimensions.
Luce (1 Group) | Sole (1 Group) | |
---|---|---|
Power Supply | 230 V 50 Hz / 110 V 50-60 Hz | 230 V 50 Hz / 110 V 50-60 Hz |
Resistance | 1350 W | 1350 W |
Installed Power | 1500 W | 1600 W |
Width (A) | 30.5 mm | 30.5 mm |
Depth (B) | 45 mm | 45.5 mm |
Height (C) | 42.5 mm | 41.5 mm |
Net Weight | 23 Kg | 27 Kg |
Gross Weight (pallets) | 25 Kg | 31 Kg |
Charging Connection | G 1/8 | G 1/8 |
Drain Connection | 10 mm | 10 mm |
Using the Machine
Machine Power-On and Boiler Water Filling
Reservoir (TANK) Operation
Fill the water reservoir up to the "MAX" mark.
! Use potable water (ideal hardness: 8/9°F French degrees). Never use hot water.
Ensure the tap at the bottom of the machine is set to "TANK" mode.
Mains Water Connection (NET) (Sole only)
To convert from reservoir to mains water supply, remove the reservoir and insert the sensor cover into the opening. Turn the tap at the bottom of the machine to "NET" mode.
Ensure the water supply line is connected to a potable water network with a service pressure between 0 and 6 bar (0.6 MPa). If the pressure exceeds 6 bar, install a pressure reducer. Install a shut-off valve upstream of the machine connection.
Connect the power cord. Press the switch (Fig. 01, pos. 1) to turn on the machine. The water filling process will start automatically.
! A safety device will interrupt the pump operation after 120 seconds if the maximum water level in the boiler is not reached. To reset, turn the machine off and on again.
Heating
To bring the machine to the correct temperature (boiler pressure between 1 and 1.2 bar), open the steam tap and discharge steam 2-3 times.
The white indicator light indicates water presence in the reservoir; if it is off, the water level is low.
Version with Digital PID Temperature Control
The PID controller allows temperature adjustment from 80°C to 100°C, affecting boiler pressure from 0.5 to 1.7 bar.
Machine Heating Activation
Press the main switch (Fig. 03, Pos. 01). The PID display will show "OFF" if the boiler element is not active. Press the button (Fig. 14, pos. C) to activate heating. The display will show the boiler temperature. A dot in the bottom right corner indicates the heating element is active (Fig. 14, pos. B).
Boiler Temperature Adjustment
Boiler temperature is a personal preference. The factory setting is 90°C (1 bar pressure). Adjust the temperature using the buttons (Fig. 14, pos. A/C). The control will memorize changes after 3 seconds.
Temperature/Pressure Conversion Table
The machine allows selection of temperature units (°C or °F).
°C | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 | 100 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
°F | 176 | 185 | 194 | 203 | 212 |
bar | 0.5 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 1.7 |
Coffee Preparation
- Remove the filter holder from the dispensing group.
- Fill the filter holder with ground coffee and tamp it, ensuring the rim is clean.
- Attach the filter holder to the group.
- Place a cup under the coffee spout.
- Lift the coffee dispensing lever to dispense the desired amount of coffee.
- Lower the lever to stop dispensing.
NOTE: A timer on the PID display shows the dispensing duration.
! Do not remove the filter holder while the machine is operating, as the group is under pressure. Do not touch the metal part of the filter holder as it is hot.
Standard filter doses are 10g for a single shot and 20g for a double shot.
Pressure Relief Valve Adjustment (Luce only)
! Remember to remove the fixing screw (Fig. 15, Pos. A) before adjustment.
To adjust the factory-set coffee dispensing pressure:
- Insert the blind filter into the filter holder.
- Activate the dispensing group.
- Adjust the screw with an Allen key (Fig. 15, Pos. B). Clockwise increases pressure; counter-clockwise decreases it.
- Stop dispensing and remove the filter holder once the desired pressure is reached.
Pump Adjustment (Sole only)
After selecting the water supply mode, adjust the service pressure to the factory setting of 9 bars (0.9 MPa) by screwing or unscrewing the adjustment fitting (Fig. 08, pos. C).
- Insert the blind filter into the filter holder.
- Lift the coffee dispensing lever to the horizontal position and note the pressure on the gauge (Fig. 13, Pos. B). Return the lever to the vertical position.
- Turn the pump adjustment screw (Fig. 08, pos. A) clockwise to increase pressure or counter-clockwise to decrease it. Do not turn more than one full turn at a time.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the pump pressure during dispensing is 9 bar (0.9 MPa) or between 8 and 10 bar (0.8 and 1.0 MPa).
Steam Dispensing
(Fig. 09)
- Keep the steam lever lowered (Fig. 01, pos. 6) in the UNLOCKED position for 2-3 seconds to release steam. Return the lever to the central STOP position.
- Insert the steam wand into the liquid to be heated.
- Lift the steam lever to the LOCKED position to heat/emulsify the liquid.
- Once steaming is complete, return the lever to the central STOP position. Remove the container and immediately clean the steam wand with a damp cloth.
! Do not touch the steam wand directly; risk of burns.
Hot Water Dispensing
- Place a container under the hot water dispenser (Fig. 01, pos. 9).
- Lift the hot water tap lever to the LOCKED position to dispense the required amount of water. You can also keep the lever lowered in the UNLOCKED position.
- Once dispensing is complete, return the lever to the central STOP position.
! Do not touch the hot water spout directly; it is hot.
Machine Power-Off
Press the switch (Fig. 01, pos. 1) and verify that the indicator light turns off.
Pressure Gauges
(Fig. 13)
- Boiler Pressure Gauge (Fig. 13 - A): 0-3 bar (0-0.3 MPa). Indicates normal boiler operating pressure.
- Pump Pressure Gauge (Fig. 13 - B): 0-15 bar (0-1.5 MPa). Indicates the maximum pressure exerted by the pump during dispensing. When the pump is stopped, it reads "0" in RESERVOIR mode, or the network pressure in MAINS mode.
Troubleshooting
Problem | Diagnostic/Solution | Advice |
---|---|---|
No steam distribution from the dedicated tube | The steam tube nozzle is blocked; clear it with a needle. This problem is linked to inserting the nozzle into milk. | Clean the steam nozzle after each use. |
Filter holder leaks | Possible causes: 1- The seal is worn or dirty. 2- The filter holder is not correctly positioned on the group. | Clean with the provided brush. If the problem persists, call a specialized technician. |
Difficulty positioning the filter holder on the coupling ring | The problem may be due to an excessive amount of coffee in the filter holder. | Reduce the amount of coffee in the filter holder. (Standard doses are 10g per dose.) |
Abnormal filter holder position once on the group | The filter holder handle, once tightened on the group, is more to the right than usual. The seal is worn. | Call a specialized technician to replace the seal. |
Low coffee flow rate | Coffee flows drop by drop, dispensing time is too long, and quality is poor with dark cream. Possible causes: 1- Coffee grind is too fine. 2- Coffee in the filter holder is too compacted. 3- Excessive coffee dose in the filter holder. 4- The group shower screen is blocked. 5- The filter in the filter holder is blocked. | For cases 1-2-3, resolve by adjusting the grind and/or coffee dose. For case 4, a technician is required. For case 5, clean or replace the filter. |
Coffee flow rate too abundant | Coffee flows too quickly, and the cream is lighter than usual. Possible causes: 1- Coffee grind is too coarse. 2- Coffee in the filter holder is not compacted enough. 3- Insufficient coffee dose in the filter holder. | Adjust the grind and/or coffee dose. |
Coffee dispensed is too cold | Possible causes: 1- Filter holders are cold. 2- Coffee grind is too fine. 3- The machine's water circuit is dirty (limescale). 4- Boiler pressure is below 0.8 bar (0.08 MPa). | For case 1, leave the filter holder mounted on the group. For case 2, adjust the coffee grind. For cases 3-4, call a specialized technician. |
Coffee dispensed is lukewarm | The dispensed coffee is lukewarm even if the pressure reading is normal (1-1.2 bar). In this case, the pressure reading is inaccurate. | Call a specialized technician to check the safety valve. In the meantime, to use the machine, open the steam tap, which will lower the boiler pressure to zero, triggering the resistance and increasing the temperature. Perform this operation daily at startup. |
Coffee dispensed is too hot | Possible causes: 1- Boiler pressure is above 1.3 bar (0.13 MPa). 2- Something is covering the machine and preventing cooling. 3- The machine was installed in a location that does not allow air circulation. | For case 1, call a specialized technician. For cases 2-3, restore proper cooling conditions. |
Coffee grounds at the bottom of the cup | Possible causes: 1- Coffee grind is too fine. 2- The filter holder is dirty inside or the filter is damaged. 3- The grinder burrs are worn. | Case 1 can be resolved with correct grinder adjustment. For case 2, clean the filter holder or replace the filter. For case 3, technician intervention is necessary. |