Search found 242 matches

by ilVecchio
Yesterday, 9:00 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 13
Views: 357

Olympia Cremina lever questions after group gasket replacement

That's not the way a pull works. It should take considerable force to pull the lever down
by ilVecchio
April 13th, 2024, 8:28 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 13
Views: 357

Olympia Cremina lever questions after group gasket replacement

There's a bit of a learning curve, but you have gear that's capable of world class espresso, fresh beans and grind finer until you achieve a 25 second extraction. There should be considerable resistance on the lever but not so much that you need body weight behind it. Joel
Advertisement
by ilVecchio
March 13th, 2024, 10:14 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 758

Next espresso machine. Help me spend $4000 budget, please!

Bought my Cremina from Orphan (Doug and Barb) about 20 years ago and have never looked back. Cerini has rebuilt the group twice over the years, one pressurestat, and I just installed a new boiler cap gasket and that's about it. It produces great espresso day after day with continual reliability and ...
by ilVecchio
February 22nd, 2024, 9:24 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 9
Views: 296

Baratza Vario died

A few months ago, Baratza refurbished my quite old Forte for a bit over $100, hard to beat that. Joel
by ilVecchio
February 19th, 2024, 11:38 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 25
Views: 1369

My Synesso is overkill - replace it, or just keep it?

Positively magnificent, keep it!
by ilVecchio
January 11th, 2024, 9:58 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 36
Views: 2010

What should I get as my first lever machine?

Forgot to mention: you'll most probably be dealing with Johnny Cerini who is one of, in my humble opinion, dealers in the business. He stocks a full range of parts and accessories for these machines ; I order from him regularly. Joel
by ilVecchio
January 11th, 2024, 9:54 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 36
Views: 2010

What should I get as my first lever machine?

I own both the SL and the traditional Cremina as well as the Microcasa Leva. Of the three, I prefer the original, manual Cremina as it gives by far the most control over your shots. It will last your lifetime and more, and after owning it now for 15 years or so, I have absolutely no desire to
by ilVecchio
December 16th, 2023, 11:58 am
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 11
Views: 489

Mahlkönig Vario: refurbishment and burr alignment

Just had my Forte refurbished by Baratza after 12 years or so, two week turnaround and a very fair price. These little beasts are made to be repaired
by ilVecchio
November 11th, 2023, 9:55 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 53
Views: 2328

Talk me out of buying a Profitec Pro 800

Agreed! JIm has been a dear friend for many years, and he's what's known as a super taster. Joel
by ilVecchio
October 30th, 2023, 8:37 am
Forum: Marketplace
Replies: 23
Views: 1816

Orphan Espresso Returns to HB

I've certainly missed you guys, bought my Cremina from you. Joel Klein