LUCCA E61 Stainless Steel Flow Control

The LUCCA flow control has a unique lever. It is a good design. In fact I prefer it over the other knobs I've seen on other flow control kits. The problem is the set screw implementation. The set screw is threaded straight into the plastic material with no insert. My flow control lever loosened after awhile and needed tightening. Not surprising that the plastic lever loosened, given the high thermal expansion rate of plastic. Well also not surprising that the small set screw stripped out the threads in the plastic, even though I fully realized this was a high risk and I was very careful. So I bought a heat nut kit and installed a threaded nut into the plastic lever. It was an easy fix and now it's back in action. And I was able to tighten it properly, and it has not loosened since. It should be obvious to anyone designing this type of part that it requires a threaded insert. These absolutely should come built that way. Other than the set screw issue the LUCCA flow control is a great device.

See attached photo of my lever with the threaded insert installed. I scuffed up the part while cleaning up the extruded plaster with my knife. I hadn't even noticed the scuffs until I took this close-up pic.

Solid piece of equipment. I needed to thread it with plumber's tape to stop some minor leaking, but once I applied it, we were off to the races!

I had the LUCCA E61 Flow Control installed on the latest Izzo Alex Duetto IV version Oct.2022. The Lucca Flow Control has a good reputation and looking around I saw no real competition. Quality product that Clive's shipped very quickly. Still learning but it looks very good and works well. It doesn't stick up awkwardly high like some other brands, but is just nested low above the group. Dark wood handle blends well with the Duetto's black knobs. I did go with a different gauge -only to match my choices on the Duetto. It does seem that the "control" aspect, judging from the pour and from the pressure gauge, occurs mostly in the first ~5-10mm of turn. After that the group pressure shoots up to 8.5-9.x bar range. About the same occurs, inversely, when closing the flow back down. I'd read in forums about similar experiences but it may be just a phase of learning how to use it and the espresso machine. I'm still using a makeshift grinder and am far from being consistently dialed-in. Thanks Clive Coffee!

Allows me more flexibility. I also use this at 2 bars to make filter coffee on my espresso machine. My recipe is: 20 grams in, ground on the Niche at 22 (in between filter coffee and espresso grind size) 60 grams out with a 15 second pre infusion (run the machine at low flow until I see coffee come out. Then lower the brew lever just enough to turn the pump off for 15 seconds) After 15 seconds lift the brew handle and finish the “shot”. Add 240 grams of hot water. Brew at 1 to 3 Dilute at 1 to 4 This is an adaptation from Scott Rao’s filter coffee 2.0

It is a very nice device and I can pull some sweet excellent shot. I installed it on ECM Sync machine. The only thing I don’t like is the Lucca handle is too long and ECM Sync housing prevent the flow valve to be open more that 1 turn

Its just right. Only thing I changed was the Lucca gauge, for the ECM gauge. Fits the machine better.

Clive’s customer service is excellent and they quickly responded to my emails about the initial install instructions which were incorrect. The updated instructions worked as described and the install was simple. Yes, I had to go to the hardware store for a larger wrench, but that’s okay as it simplified the installation. The walnut handle looks beautiful on the machine but has limited rotation by design. I measured the flow of the water after watching different videos, and “full flow” seems equivalent to the way the water flowed without the flow control device. When I turn the flow “off” during extraction after having it set “open”, there is still flow at about 4 bar. If I start the extraction with the flow “off” (turned fully clockwise), there is NO flow until I ramp it up. This is probably normal, but shouldn’t flow stop during extraction if I turn it “off” completely? I still get some channeling, but that likely has as much to do with my grind/distribution/tamping as much as flow. There are many variable to this as you know. Finally, while the flow control seems to work as described, I’m not sure my pedestrian palate can discern any flavor differences yet. 🤷‍♂️ I have a few beans that deliver me the flavors I like, and this new device still provides me great tasting coffee. While not a necessary addition to your machine, people like us who enjoy the process of extracting the most from our coffee will enjoy this device in the same way a new lens will advance one’s photographic skills. Clive’s device looks beautiful and their customer service will make it easy for you.

The aftermkt. Lucca flow control is a helpful feature that I use daily on my ECM Puristika, in combination with a separate aftermkt. porta filter basket and screen from S Works Design (SWD). Together they have improved my shots, although I saw a much greater improvement from adding the SWD combo, prior to installing the Lucca, that resulted in a much deeper crema and shot consistency.

My one complaint, however, about the Lucca is that you didn't provide sufficient user info and detail about the install and operation of the flow control in the Clive video.

The video omitted detail that the small white silicon gasket used in the opening where the new gauge is installed may already be seated in the opening, rather than a new gasket needing to be inserted. Also you omitted the detail that the flow handle has a built in 'stop' function in the closed position, but no stop in the fully open pisition resulting in the handle continuing to turn past the top edge of my ECM after the full pressure has been reached. While these aren't major issues that significantly affected the install or operation, they did create confusion and uncertainty that required several calls and emails to Clive Tech Support over 3-4 days that could have been easily avoided had you explained this in in the video,

It works, and was an cinch to install, but I need time , or 3 hands to get it to work for me.
Love the little manometer!

This

Works perfectly on Mara X v2

Great accessory, much better than the ECM one.

New espresso level attained. Cheers Clive!!

Installed and espresso game has reached even higher levels. Bravo to clive!

Highly recommend

I’ve only had the flow control valve for a short amount of time, but I’m learning how to use it and getting the shots right. It just adds another layer onto the “recipe” and making really great espresso. I have the flow control on my ECM classika espresso machine, and I absolutely love the combination.

Super good. Excellent. Better than the one from ECM that I was using in the ECM Synchronika n1. This one goes hit the walls of the Synchronika when close and when open, from left to right and I cannot open if full turns but the flow rate that I got when touching the wall at the right with not even a full turn it is good enough

I can’t say enough good things about this flow control. It actually works, and the results are wonderful. It replaced another flow control device that had been on my machine for 4 years. That one had a knob that you spun around several times, and its function was good to make adjustments during a pull (if it was coming out too fast or slow) and that was about it. It started to corrode after a year, and the stronger spring it came with wore down the pre infusion valve so badly, I had to replace it when I installed this one. With this unit, I can make all of the adjustments I need in about 180°. Also glad it appears to be made of Stainless Steel, it should last a lot longer than the last unit I had.

While this has improved my brew, the control is a bit imbalanced. The first few degrees of a turn make a huge increase in flow and the last 75-80 degrees almost have no impact since after about 15-20 degrees it’s wide open. Overall I’d still recommend it and of course Clive’s service is unmatched. I had a long conversation about this vs a new machine with a person on the phone and later several about installing it, and they were always available, patient, helpful and pleasant. Customer for the last 4 years and life if I need another piece of equipment. (Unpaid review )

Outstanding kit!!!!!

The Clive Lucca e61 Glow Control Kit is beautiful, solid, well made. It is important to note that this is Stainless Steel. I purchased a cheaper unit that turned out to be chromed and had started to flake off the chrome! The Lucca kit does not include a replacement lower preinfusion spring.

This review is based on your customer service and not the Lucca E61 flow control. Unfortunately the flow control was not compatible with my Bezzera Mitica machine. The threading on the gauge did not match. I spoke with Joey and he sent me a return shipping label. Thank you for your great customer service. I will continue to support your services.

Installed easily. Works great! A whole new set of variables to play with on my Synchronika.

Replaced both lower group head flow assemblies as they were worn. Flow control works well but getting persistent drip from relief valve into drip tray. Always a bit of risk retrofitting from original design but overall happy.

The pressure gauge leaks when right side up - I tried a few different rubber washers to no avail. So I had to return it. Hopefully your set up does not leak.

Not sure if it’s any better in pre infusion. Often I get two streams from the bottomless portafilter which suggests major channeling whereas when it is fully open from the start the flow quickly becomes one tigerstriped stream. It’s nice to see the bar pressure right in front and there’s possibly some chance to save a shot that is too fast, but my opinion is mixed.

This is a game changer! I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for more control over extraction with their E61 machine.