Elektra Microcasa A Leva in Chrome Out of Stock

[Tink]

I finally made up my mind and decided to purchase the Microcasa A Leva in chrome, but now it is out of stock till the end of June. I don't know it I want to consider other finishes or not. I'm like a kid and I want my new toy now.

I wanted to purchase it from 1st Line no luck. Stefano's no luck. Chris Coffee no luck. Are there any other e-tailers that have a great rep?

Also I could use some opinions on grinders. I was leaning towards the Mazzer Mini in polished aluminum or the electronic one. but Jim at 1st line thought it might overpower the look of the Elektra. He suggested that maybe I should look at the Elektra grinder for aesthetics. I haven't found much information on the Elektra grinder. Any thoughts?

[r-gordon-7]

Funny, this past weekend, I too happend to notice that there were no Elektra Microcasa's available in all chrome through any of the espresso specialty e-tailers I happened to check. All chrome is my favorite finish, too, for that model. (But don't worry - I'm not currently actively in the market for one, so there's no competition here... I'm just starting to think about getting a second machine - this one would be for home, already having my Gaggia Factory 106 for the beach house - but I'd probably only go for another springless lever... probably another Gaggia Factory 106 16-cup if I should happen to encounter one in good condition at the right price.)

Although you do "want your toy now" (I know the feeling), remember - you'll probably have it for many, many years - and you probably don't want to put yourslf in a position where, every time you look at it for all those years to come, you think, "if only I'd waited those few weeks and gotten it in my favorite finish..." Sometimes a bit of extra patience can avoid longer-term minor (but lingering) regrets...

As for a grinder that wouldn't visually overpower the Elektra Microcasa - well, an Ascaso i-Mini (especially in black) certainly wouldn't visually overpower it and might look quite nice with it, though it might not be "quite as as much grinder" as you want... (But, so far, I've been very happy w/mine w/my Gaggia Factory...)

Good luck!

[HB]

Also I could use some opinions on grinders. I was leaning towards the Mazzer Mini in polished aluminum or the electronic one. but Jim at 1st line thought it might overpower the look of the Elektra.

I see his point, the Mini is about the same height and looks a bit bulky next to the Microcasa. Below is a photo of the Elektra MSC:


Image courtesy of 1st-line equipment

It's listed as 15"x7"x10". Another more diminutive grinder that would complement the Microcasa's look is the Le'Lit PL53. It is all chrome and quite compact.

[HB]

Voilà, a photo of the Mazzer Mini next to the Elektra Microcasa a Leva:

[Tink]

Dan,

Thanks for the picture. I think the Mini Mazzer in the polished aluminum finish should look good. The Elektra in chrome with the murano finial doesn't look to shabby either. Buying the mazzer should prevent the "need" to upgrade.

I think I have chosen the mazzer over the macap because I want to use this grinder for drip or FP also. From what I read, the mazzer should be easier to make big changes in grind than the macap. I know I should really have a dedicated espresso grinder but I'm hoping that one grinder will be enough.

[zin1953]

Before continuing, let me state the obvious: it's your purchase, your money, your decision. That said, I'm offering my own 2¢ anyway!

Check out these two pictures from Elektra's own webs pages, http://www.elektrasrl.com/bar-grinders.shtml and http://www.elektrasrl.com/casa-grinders.shtml, respectively -- specifically these are the all-chrome MXC and MSC grinders.

MXC:
(20"h x 8"w x 11"d)

MSC:
(15"h x 7"w x 10"d)

And the Mini Mazzer:
(17"h x 6.25"w x 13.25"d)

I am talking neither about price nor about performance, Heidi -- I've never used an Elektra grinder and cannot comment upon it. I am, however, talking about aesthetics. Note the difference in the amount of chrome on the Elektra machines . . . personal opinion only: it would look great next to an all-chrome Microcasa . . . but it truly is performance that counts!

Cheers,
Jason

P.S. I used to own a Mini Mazzer, but quite willingly gave it up for a Cimbali Max Hybrid and never looked back. And . . . the time I had the Mini, I found myself wishing I had the Macap -- if you haven't already, take time to read the High-end Espresso Grinder Reviews, and pay close attention to the part where the advantages of the Macap over the Mini Mazzer are described.

[narc]

Heidi, the Elektra grinders look similar is shape to the Macap M4/5. I own both the Mazzer Mini and M5. Similar end result in the quality of the grind. If you in need for a Microcasa have you considered the brass & chrome combination.

Enclosed is a photo of the brass Elektra & M5 side by side.

[Tink]

Well I pulled the lever....I mean trigger

Jim at 1st line had a chrome model with the case, extra dome and murano finial. I also purchased the Mazzer mini in polished aluminum.

I need to do a lot of reading between now and when it arrives. Any tips on cleaning and maintenance? Should I use distilled water? I haven't tested my tap yet.

Now I just have to wait for the UPS man.

[Bushrod]

Nice!

I'm convinced my espresso would be better if I had a dome on mine.

[stefano65]

The HOME line of Elektra grinders
are made with macap motors and are assembled in the Elektra factory
so you are getting a Fancy macap pretty much

[narc]

I'm not a big fan of distilled water. Too flat tasting straight up. Assume it influences the taste quality of the espresso pulled. Check the hardness of your water. The Brita pitcher with the charcoal/resin filter may be enough to reduce the water hardness.

Cleaning and maintenance are relatively simple with this machine.

The gasket holds the dispersion screen in place. Removing the gasket allows cleaning of the screen plus the piston bottom. My daily cleaning routine is simple. Just flush the grouphead, a portafilter wiggle, flush again and then place a piece of paper towel between the portafilter and grouphead, wiggle to remove any grinds hung up on the gasket.

Couple times a year I "descale" the boiler & heating element with a solution of citric acid, place a drop of mineral oil on the piston rod that is exposed above the grouphead and if needed lightly grease the piston gaskets with a food grade silcone grease.

Over the several years I've owned this machine only the pstat and piston gaskets needed replacement. Both very simple tasks.

It's best not to pull the lever until the unit is up to operating temp. Cold pulls supposedly are hard on the gaskets.

When 1st using this unit couple safety concerns. Choking the machine & portafilter sneeze. Better to adjust grind fineness from coarse to ideal. If you initially end up choking the machine bleed off pressure using your steam valve, let the unit cool then slowly release the portafilter. Related is the sneeze. No grouphead pressure relief valve. Excess pressure is released through the coffee puck. Too rapid, too early portafilter removal can result in a mess and maybe a burn.

I find that a 6-8mm headspace between the tamped coffee and the top of the filter basket works best for me. For whatever reason the Elektra seems to be relatively sensitive to the amount of coffee expansion space.

Enjoy your new machine!