Search found 2321 matches

by Bob_McBob
November 6th, 2023, 12:07 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 210
Views: 15708

Just got my ACS Vostok 1 group (Pics)

Maybe it's already been covered, but what's the story with the location of the brew controls moving around? On the pre-production machines, the switches are beside the steam lever, but on the first two production machines posted here they're below it, and on the latest machine they've been moved to ...
by Bob_McBob
November 6th, 2023, 9:32 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 95
Views: 8850

ACS Vesuvius Evo Leva, updated

Well that certainly makes the decision somewhat easier. I've had my eye on the Evo Leva for a while, but the gear pump sound is pretty grating, and the extra features of the Vostok are appealing. Nice to get it all in a smaller package. I suspect the price is going to be up close to what I could buy
Advertisement
by Bob_McBob
November 5th, 2023, 1:48 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 95
Views: 8850

ACS Vesuvius Evo Leva, updated

Thanks for the update, I've been looking out for this all year. Is there any functional difference between the Vostok and updated Evo Leva internally, or is it more a matter of which exterior you prefer? It seems like if anything the brew buttons are more accessible on the Evo Leva, but the placemen...
by Bob_McBob
October 23rd, 2023, 12:16 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 338
Views: 39776

Odyssey Argos owner experience

CBSA classifies domestic espresso machines under HS code 8516.71.10 (coffee makers), which has an MFN tariff of 9%. That would be about $117 CAD on the current pre-order price of $950 USD, so the certificate would save Canadian customers a significant amount of money
by Bob_McBob
October 1st, 2023, 3:38 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 210
Views: 15708

Just got my ACS Vostok 1 group (Pics)

It's not really that difficult to absentmindedly release a lever after doing a flush without the portafilter even when you are extremely familiar with a lever machine. There's a reason so many manufacturers used to cite safety and liability as excuses for not offering commercial spring lever groups ...
by Bob_McBob
October 1st, 2023, 12:57 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 100
Views: 3771

Philosophy: When is a "lever" no longer a "lever"?

I think it's abundantly clear that my short definition was intended to encompass spring lever machines, and any other interpretation of the wording is just pedantic nitpicking. Again, the point is that all lever machines are piston-driven, but not all piston-driven machines have levers, so we either...
by Bob_McBob
October 1st, 2023, 3:14 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 100
Views: 3771

Philosophy: When is a "lever" no longer a "lever"?

No, because the lever provides the force to compress the spring and move the piston. I don't really consider this as much of a philosophical question as the OP. The point is that lever machines are a sub-class of piston-driven machines. Where you draw the exact line is a matter for more technical di...
by Bob_McBob
September 30th, 2023, 1:50 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 100
Views: 3771

Philosophy: When is a "lever" no longer a "lever"?

All true lever machines are piston machines, but not all piston machines are lever machines. By definition, a lever machine needs to have a physical lever of some sort that provides the driving force to the piston. We can get more nuanced discussion like how a rotating crank, linear actuator operati...
by Bob_McBob
September 19th, 2023, 1:18 pm
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 105
Views: 16280

La Marzocco Pico

They say they've been developing it from the ground up since 2014, but the Etzinger grinder it's clearly based on didn't even exist back then. Even the Sette came out a couple years later. In any case, the pricing isn't unreasonable compared to an Etzinger, and the retro styling is kind of neat. Loo...
by Bob_McBob
September 13th, 2023, 3:21 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 6
Views: 341

Steam milk for ice coffee?

Yep, just toss it in a press pot and plunge up and down until it reaches the desired texture. Gives a nice bit of body and volume even with ice cold milk