Hello all you lever users,
I acquired a LMWDP number without following proper protocol (telling my story first), so, at the risk of sounding pathetically obsessed, here goes:
A long time ago, when I was an undergrad in France, my appreciation of coffee extracted under pressure began. After graduation, I moved to the U.S. At that time, my search for a domestic machine was limited to what was available in department stores. I purchased a top of the line Krups thermoblock model, a $50 Braun burr grinder, and used pre-roasted supermarket beans. I lived with this set up for years, ignorantly consuming crap in a cup, thinking I was getting the best one could make at home. It was better than *$'s espresso however, and that limited comparison halted any search for something better.
In 1998, I moved to Japan, and at first could only find sickly sweet coffee in tins. Soon I found a fantastic coffee house in my neighbourhood, where the owners used professional commercial equipment (a Rancilio grinder and two group espresso machine). I lived in Japan for 6 years, and needless to say, developed a wonderful relationship with the owner and his wife. My morning visits there taught me so much about the culture, the people, and the coffee!
Last year I shifted back to the U.S. to help care for a mother in failing health, and to work on a grad degree. During my stay in Japan, the Krups remained in storage. I set it up again, and was horrified by the results. I got on the internet, and was shocked to discover a whole new world of research and groups discussing espresso and machines on a level I never knew about. Countless hours of searching, reading, and comparing led me to settle on a Rancilio Silvia (the double R symbol charmed my soul, fondly reminding me of Mr. and Mrs. Yamamoto) and a Gaggia MDF, both purchased as refurbs. I honed my skills with the Silvia and started home roasting with thrift store poppers. I was happy, but my father wasn't. He hated the noise all of my "junk" made, and threatened to chuck everything out the window.
Upgrade-itis had trapped me in its wicked clutches by this point, and I drooled wide-eyed at all the HX offerings on eBay. For some reason (mainly to convince myself that it would be a good decision), I had the impression that the heavier, tougher construction of a HX machine would be quieter. I sold the Silvia and purchased an Expobar Office Lever. I loved it, but my father hated it even more. I also acquired a used Mazzer Super Jolly when CG members spread the word about incredible bargains from the advantage group. The set up was great but straining the relationship with my father (the Super Jolly is quieter and much faster than the MDF, but the Expobar was a different story). I didn't want to risk being asked to leave, since I'm a grad student with no income, and I can stay here while I'm in school without paying rent or utilities. I crated the whole set up to my part of the house, which is the whole second floor with its own entrance. Problem solved with parent, but now I was finding that I too was somewhat annoyed by the noise.
Then, about 6 months ago, I went to an estate auction house down the road out of curiosity. I just about crapped me dax when I saw an unused Gaggia Factory G106 for less than $100 and no takers. The yokels present seemed to think it was a mini moonshine distiller, even though the box clearly read "Macchina per caffe."
This is when I fell in love with levers. It's compact, light weight, silent, gorgeous, and I can produce crema as abundant as any pump machine, albeit, it dissipates more quickly. I prefer the results of the Gaggia to the Expobar, and I'm taken with the whole ritual, which actually takes less time to complete than any previous machine I've used. I sold the Expobar, and have no regrets. This set up works a treat for me, as I'm the only espresso drinker in the house. After I graduate I imagine I'll have opportunities to host gatherings where I'd like to make numerous drinks for guests. I dream of owning a Cremina, but if the Gaggia Achille ever becomes available in the U.S., that would be the more reasonable and realistic option.
I salute the creators of this forum, and extend a warm handshake to all members as I feel that all lever machines discussed here are admirable creations. Keep up the great work everyone!
A few photos of my set up, enjoy!
Hogfire
. I really like a good espresso, but I rather prefer a ristretto. My love for espresso's etc. grew out of my love for Italy, and italian food. So one day I decided to get my own espressomachine. I found a second hand LP Europiccola Lusso and I payed 180 euro for it. When I tried it at home, it wasn't working very well, due to some leaks, so I brought it to a shop where they did a complete revision. They also informed me that it was probably 15 years old.
