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Your La Marzocco Linea Micra: 1-Year Maintenance Tips

Your La Marzocco Linea Micra: 1-Year Maintenance Tips

Your La Marzocco Linea Micra has probably been a joy to use over the past year, helping you make amazing coffee every day. But if your espresso doesn’t taste quite as good or the machine isn’t working like it used to, it might be time for its first check-up.

Just like a car, your coffee machine needs regular maintenance to keep running smoothly. Servicing it now will help prevent problems later—especially when you need your coffee the most!

We’ve put together this simple guide (based on La Marzocco’s checklist) to help you take care of your Linea Micra after one year of use.


1. Replace the Group Gasket

The group gasket creates a seal between your portafilter and the machine. If you’ve noticed water leaking or the portafilter feels loose, it’s time to replace it.

You can choose:

  • The original black gasket (what came with your machine).
  • The orange silicone gasket, which lasts longer.

Use a picking tool for easy removal, or a flathead screwdriver if you don’t have one.


2. Check the Diffuser Screen

The diffuser (or shower) screen is where water flows through to brew coffee. Over time, it can clog, crack, or bend, which affects how your coffee brews.

Here’s how to check it:

  1. Unscrew the screen with a flathead screwdriver.
  2. Look for dirt, cracks, or changes in shape.
  3. Clean it if it’s just dirty. Replace it if it’s damaged.

3. Inspect the Filter Basket and Spring

Your filter basket (the part that holds the coffee) is held in place by a spring. If the basket sticks in the machine when you remove the portafilter, the spring might need replacing.

What to check:

  • Look for cracks, warping, or damage to the basket.
  • Check if the spring feels loose or weak.

If cleaning (with Cafiza) doesn’t help, replace the basket or spring.


4. Check for Leaks

Leaks often happen under the machine, so it’s important to check there once a year.

Steps:

  • Remove the drip tray and water tank.
  • Look underneath for water puddles, cracks, or residue.
  • Clean out crumbs or coffee grounds while you’re at it.

5. Test the LED Lights

The LED lights on your Linea Micra let you know the machine is working properly. If they’ve stopped blinking, flicker, or don’t turn on, it might be time to replace them.


6. Check Brewing Pressure

Your Linea Micra has two pressure gauges:

  • The left gauge shows pump pressure, which should be set at 9 bars.
  • The right gauge shows steam boiler pressure, which should stay below 2.5 bars.

You can test the pump pressure by running the machine with a blind basket while backflushing. For steam pressure, use the La Marzocco app to check or adjust the settings.


7. Replace the Expansion and Safety Valves

These valves are safety features that protect your machine:

  • The expansion valve releases extra pressure into the drip tray.
  • The safety valve prevents the boiler from over-pressurizing.

La Marzocco recommends replacing both valves once a year to avoid issues.


8. Test the Brew Group Flow Rate

Water flow is key to making great espresso. To check it:

  1. Run water through the group head for 30 seconds.
  2. Measure how much water comes out. It should be around 250g.

If the flow rate is way off, test it a few more times. If it’s still not right, contact a technician.


9. Test the Steam and Hot Water Knobs

Check the knobs that control steam and hot water:

  • Open and close them to see if they work properly.
  • Make sure there are no leaks when they’re closed.

If the water spout or steam wand has buildup, soak them in Cafiza or vinegar water to clean them.

Happy brewing! ☕