Buyer's Guide to the Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica - Page 3

[Fullsack]

I flush two to five seconds (depending on blend) past the point the boiling stops. The boil on mine stops at around 4 to 5 seconds. I think there may be some thermal memory, or at at least a walk up effect, since the second shot is generally better than the first. I now flush till the end of the boil while I'm grinding, and the extra few seconds as I put in the PF. However, I'm not entirely sure that this tweak makes for a big improvement.

Hey, Welcome back!

Did my misquote force you out of hibernation? Great to see you posting again.

[howard seth]

Jim,

I second Fullsack's welcome back to your guide - great to hear more from you on the Elektra Semiautomatica. I have had mine now for about 1 1/2 years. I do not regret buying it. However, I did have to replace my pstat. The new pstat has been working for about 10 months - but I still eye that pressure gauge with fear, waiting for the new stat to stick permanently. A few times it looked like it would get stuck, but than settled back down again.

I descale the machine (with citric acid), every 3-4 months or so. I'm not happy that all the chrome has dissolved off up to the water line in the reservoir - revealing the copper base metal. I have not descaled the boiler, however, because I have been only using distilled water to fill it for my steamed drinks.

I look at the machine and wonder why the company does not make a model with a deeper base - so they could put in a more robust and reliable pressurestat. (That would also allow for a bigger drip tray.)

That being said, I like the single espressos and cappas the machine makes quite a lot.

Howard

[cannonfodder]

I'm not sure if Dan ever did a shootout between the A3 and the Semi; if he did, I'd be interested to hear the result.

That sounds like a good get together opportunity. Dan drives up and you drive down to my place and bring the Semi's along. I can make room on the espresso bench and have a day of over caffeination comparing the A3 and Semi. Maybe even toss the VBM in as a control.

FYI, I have had 0 issues with the A3. Set it up and run it for all it is worth.

[HB]

That sounds like a good get together opportunity.

Thanks for the offer, but Bob Barraza bought the evaluation A3 and he lives 15 minutes from my house. We talked about doing an A3 / Semiautomatica shootout, just a matter of finding the time to do it.

[cannonfodder]

But then I won't get to visit with you and Jim and I won't get to play with the Semi again.

[howard seth]

I had to replace the Mater pressurestat in my Elektra Semiautomatica. It was the second one that had gotten hopelessly stuck. This last Mater stat. had worked for about 13 months before it was unusable. So, several weeks ago I installed a Jaeger stat. (purchased from Chris coffee) instead of another Mater stat. It cost almost twice as much as the Mater ... I hope it lasts twice as long.

Howard

[another_jim]

My Ceme (#2) went bad as well. I'm trying the Jaeger too. Mounting these pstat in the water, rather than the steam, definitely shortens their life.

I think the problem is galvanic corrosion (similar to Gaggia boilers) doing in the aluminum membrane. Unfortunately, I don't have a proper fix yet. It may just shape up to be a nearly annual thing.

[howard seth]

Well, if it does not matter which pstat is installed in the Semiautomatica - if all brands poop-out in it after a year - I will probably go back to installing another Mater next time - because the Mater's are less expensive.

Anyway, since we like the SemiAutomatica so much, perhaps it's just one of those costs we will have to bear.
Mine still steams milk like a champ.

Howard

[stefano65]

The problem with the semiauto and leva is the way the tubing of the pstat is position
it will collect any scale build up

[another_jim]

Can you suggest a fix? Bending? A trap attached between the pstat and the tube?

[cannonfodder]

Thermocouple and PID may be the only real fix.

[another_jim]

Yeah, but it doesn't fit the machine's low tech/hi polish groove.

[kuoyen]

I am very interested in this machine, but not sure which version I should go for (once I decide to buy). To me, they all look beautiful. In terms of durability, ease of maintenance, and holding value, which one would you recommend? Copper (brass) or chrome? Please share your experience and thought. Thank you all.

[HB]

I owned a Microcasa a Leva with chrome/brass finish. It's a gorgeous piece of equipment, but the brass scratches if you even look at it hard. In the end I traded it for the all chrome model, despite the fact that I prefer the two tone look.

[kuoyen]

Hi Dan - Thanks for answering every of my questions! Do you mean that chrome is harder and more scratch-resistant? How about the sheen of the machine? Do it hold its luster for long time?
I read some reviews about the chrome of the boiler (I guess it's inside) was worn and the brass came out after people descaled it. Did you have the same experience? Will it happen to the appearance? Should we be very careful when choosing any kind of detergent to clean it?

Thank you again.

Yen-Chen

[HB]

A1. Yes. A2. Looks great. A3. Yes. A4. No. A5. I doubt it since the brass is lacquered and chrome is quite durable. A6. You can use citric acid, vinegar with lots of rinsing, or CleanCaf; see the FAQ under "descaling."

[kuoyen]

Thanks for your prompt reply. Really appreciate. If there were two-tone version for Microcasa Semi Auto, I would definitely get that one. To me, two tone looks even more beautiful and elegant than other versions...

Your feedback is very helpful. I have to let you know that your comment "even look at it hard" made my wife and I unable to stop laughing. It's still hard to make the decision, but I think we are getting close to it.

Thank you!

[howard seth]

Ah, I notice someone interested in the Elektra SemiAutomatica; Kuoyen, I trust you have read all the "Buyer's Guide" and the comments about the Semi here at Home Barista (and perhaps CoffeeGeek?) .. and you are willing to deal with Pstat failures. Other than Pstat failures, I am still a fan of my Semi.

My Jaeger replacement pstat, currently in my Semi, is my third pstat in 2 1/2 years of home use - and I am hoping it will last longer than the original Mater pstat - but only time will tell; I installed The Jaeger 6 months ago - so far so good.

I have the chrome model with the eagle on top - I like the look of the chrome model with the blue glass marble on top even more. I find the chrome easy enough to keep shiny; but inside the water reservoir the citric acid descaler solution, I use occassionally, has removed all the chrome plating - down to the copper. You only see that though, when you take off the lid to add water.

Howard

[another_jim]

All the Elektra home machines are made of marine brass. The surfaces are plated with chrome, copper, or a shiny brass (I'm not sure about the last part, this may just be the actual building material polished), and finally clear coated with a polymer similar to the finish on cars (you can restore scratches by using an automotive clear coat scratch remover or filler). This is a very beautiful finish, but it's not for the ages. In particular, the plating will probably start to peel in a ten to fifteen years or so. This can also be fixed at an automobile or motorcycle shop.

It is a gorgeous machine, it makes very good espresso, but it is not a tank.

PS: My Yaeger stat seems to be doing better than the Cemes or Maters too. All the innards do better if you don't run the machine 24/7, but put it on a timer instead.

PPS: What this machine has done is change one of my beliefs about home espresso machines. One does not need a 50 pound E61 box, or a 100 pound single grouper, for top notch espresso at home. It is possible to build very small machines, no larger or heavier than regular home espresso machines, like the Elektra Semi and the DC Mini, that pull state of the art espresso.

[kuoyen]

Ah, I notice someone interested in the Elektra SemiAutomatica; Kuoyen, I trust you have read all the "Buyer's Guide" and the comments about the Semi here at Home Barista (and perhaps CoffeeGeek?) .. and you are willing to deal with Pstat failures. Other than Pstat failures, I am still a fan of my Semi.

Hi Howard - Thanks for sharing your experience. Yes, I read most of the comments about the Pstat, and I am ready to face the "challenge". Can the Pstat be replaced by ourselves at home? I should ask it more clearly, can it be done by a newbie? Or do we need to send it back to Elektra or wherever providing the service?

How did you decide to buy the chrome one with eagle? Did you have any other consideration besides the color at that time? Please share if you don't mind. Thanks again!

kuoyen