Thoughts about starting and working with lever machine in cold environment

[niad]

I am thinking (still) about getting a lever for my summerhouse. Often when we come out there during the winter season the temp is just about 10 degrees celcius. If i get a La Pavoni Europiccola or maybe if i can afford an Elektra a leva, can i just fire it up with fresh water and make coffee in that temperature or shall i wait until the house is warmed up.

It is quite a difference from the 10 degrees to the normal 21 that we get after a while.

Are these machines up to be left for a couple of weeks at a time and then just ready to make coffee?

[peacecup]

I have no experience in freezing a lever machine, but I doubt that heating up would be a problem at 10C. They only need to heat < 1 l of water, and under pressure. Gene at Vanelis (vanelis.com) told me he keeps a Ponte Vecchio at his cabin in Lake Tahoe - may have insight into leaving it at cold temps. I would definitely NOT leave any water in it while away, in case of freezing. Levers have very simple electronics, and I suspect the piston group would be more durable that an Ulka pump, so sitting for a couple of weeks at a time is no problem if above freezing. These is no pump to prime, nor vapor lock to worry about. Maintenance consists only of a few seals and gaskets, as long as one does not run the heating element with an empty boiler (a problem for all espresso machines).

PC

[bobcraige]

This should be no problem at all. As mentioned, I would be very careful not to leave any water in the machine if the possibility of it freezing exists. A start from 10C should be no issue at all other than a very slight increase in the time to get to operating temperature.

[niad]

Thanks for your answers. I think i will get a La Pavoni EN, the cheapest one they got. It seems that the difference in the La Pavonis is not in the result but more in capacity and if you want a gauge or not. I guess i can empty the Europiccola just by tilting it over the sink right? So the water freezing won't be at problem.

I am very found of the Elektra but it is more than double the price and maybe i shall not risk it, if i see that it works out with a lever i can step up to the Elektra later. The Elektra Semiauto i have at home needs more attention than i might want to put on a machine out there by the lake. I would be thinking twice for example to carry an Elektra out on the terrace for breakfast. Maybe it is the looks but the Elektra seems more delicate than the La Pavonis, am i fooled by the looks, maybe the Elektra is the more sturdy machine and it is worth its price compared to the Europiccola?