Thanks for your patience, folks. I posted a few weeks back asking for advice while trying to decide between an E 61 machine and a Bezzera. Based largely on your advice, I had decided on a BZ10 (or maybe the BZ07 with progammable dosing). Since then, Bezzera has released info on the Strega, and I have to admit it's got me intrigued.

I've never used a lever machine or tasted shots from one. The only difference I can see is that a spring lever machine would have preinfusion, and a different (not necessarily better) flavour profile. Spring levers tend to produce shots with a little less crema, but with more clarity and less bitterness/acridity. If this is true, and if I intend to pursue coffee as a hobby for a long time, the Strega may be worth the wait.

Any advice you can offer, or articles you can direct me toward would be appreciated. Thanks.

I haven't used or even seen either machine, so I can't offer much advice. However, my feeling is that it's going to come down to whether you like the idea of using a lever operated machine, with its old world charm, or a more modern pump operated machine. I'm sure either will produce great espresso, so it's more a matter of which style of machine looks better on your counter, and whether you like the old fashioned ethos of using a lever versus the high tech approach of an electric pump.

Personally, I'm intrigued by the Strega, and I can't wait to get some real world feedback about how it performs. Seems like it should be a really cool machine, though the fact that it uses a vibe pump for preinfusion is a bit of a turnoff. Still, it's the only true commercial lever group in a home sized machine that I'm aware of, so it's an appealing package.

If you do end up getting the Strega, let us know how you like it, and how it compares to a more conventional pump machine.

I see your point, Jim. Being a man of limited means, this will indeed be my only machine. Still, I'm intrigued.

They'll be available here near the beginning of May, and there's a $200 savings if I were to preorder before the end of April. Bezzera seems to have a very good track record of producing machines that exceed their price point, in terms of quality.

Idrinkcoffee has a 45 day return policy with a 15% restocking fee, if it turns out to be a dud.

brokemusician77 wrote:I see your point, Jim. Being a man of limited means, this will indeed be my only machine. Still, I'm intrigued.

They'll be available here near the beginning of May, and there's a $200 savings if I were to preorder before the end of April. Bezzera seems to have a very good track record of producing machines that exceed their price point, in terms of quality.

Idrinkcoffee has a 45 day return policy with a 15% restocking fee, if it turns out to be a dud.

Although it is a very new machine my gut would be to go with the Strega. You should know within 30 days or so where you are with the Strega, and for a relatively few bucks you could always get the BZ10 if you were dissatisfied. I'd look at the 15% as "rental" if I decided to go the other way. If you start with the BZ10 your starting with a known quantity, but you will never know for sure if the Strega would have been an even better option. That's worth a few dollars risked. I owned a BZ40 for a number of years and it was a beautiful, workhorse machine. I doubt if you would be dissatisfied with either one.

Well, part of me is wondering if a spring lever has something to offer beyond a pump machine. Is it worth it to spend $500 more on something like the Strega? (I also considered the PV Lusso, but I don't like the fact that it has a smaller PF, no 3 way solenoid, and the open boiler design.)

A spring lever is different from a manual lever. Seems to be to be similar to buying a paddle group. No?

Well good spring lever certainly offers you two things that pump does not or are different from the way pump based machines operate:

1. Pressure profile provided by spring.

2. Temperature profile as the big group sinks the heat.

Both things act together to create different tasting espresso. I really like the quality and taste commercial spring levers produce. I would describe taste profile as very balanced where different flavors are nicely represented and nothing hits you in the face. Its like extremes are tamed.

BTW, PVL is not open boiler and it is very nice spring lever that makes some tasty thick ristrettos.

If the Strega has a proper commercial group I would expect it to start at a higher pressure than the around 7 bars of a typical commercial spring lever. I think that's one of the factors causing all the excitement....