Who manufactured this unit?

[tjkoko]

Here's the link at ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270274492238



Would finding piston seals and the arm for this unit be difficult?

TIA

[caeffe]

Looks like an Enrico of Italy unit.

Here's one thread on it what-is-eunico-lever-t7230.html

Check orphanespresso.com to see if they have parts/components there. Better yet, send him a note.
My recollection is these things have a huge portafilter - bigger than 58mm

[orphanespresso]

I think the original question is most interesting. WHO did manufacture both this Enrico and it's little sister the cappuccino Amore? Of course, the answer is "Italianstyle" but who is or was Italianstyle? Not a Zacconi product it seems, but what company actually made it?

As far as the seals go, we have successfully gotten a piston seal setup using o-rings instead of the U cups...hard to find that big OD with a smallish height. And the portafilter gasket is not a problem either....we can seal it, but can anyone actually make espresso with it? the lever handle would be a simple threaded rod, and not a big problem either, and many people have one of these to measure the length, but the longer the better. They generally don't sell for big bucks on ebay and they seem fun to mess around with and see just what they can do.
Doug

[tjkoko]

Thanks for saving me time and $$'s on this one. Looks like I'll wait to get either a used PVL or the ECM currently for sale on ebay.

THANKS AGAIN!

[Nickk1066]

Hmm that's actually rather beautiful. Needs a little TLC but it's got serious potential although I'd be inquisitive to check the boiler. Needs a drip tray/metal grid too by looks of the photo.

edit: uh-oh.. I think I've just got the early signs of GAS (managed to avoid that with the drum kit!).

[orphanespresso]

Don't get me wrong.....I am simply asking who made this machine, seeking insight. It does have an enormous portafilter and it does have potential and it can be fixed if needed, but I just don't recall any reports on the espresso quality from the machine. The Amore, on the other hand, is a fine machine, thermostatic control, good heat stability in the group, much like a La Pavoni but with a different control system. The Enrico could be a good machine as well, I'm just throwing out a request for some first hand report on the espresso. After all, the Caravel, in my opinion makes the best espresso of any home lever machine and it is pretty funky looking with a TINY portafilter. Someone out there has actually used an Enrico and can bring us all into the know.

[peacecup]

After all, the Caravel, in my opinion makes the best espresso of any home lever machine and it is pretty funky looking with a TINY portafilter.

I agree with Doug that the Carvel is ONE OF the best, and I think it's BECAUSE of the tiny PF. Some things are meant to be had in small quantities, and espresso is one of them. Extraction issues are one of the most widely-discussed topics in espressoworld, and the Italian designers of old were likely faced with the same problems. Put too much coffee in a the basket, and no matter what shape, pressure, etc, you have extraction problems. Make your basket the size of a thimble, and you get just right extraction in around 30 sec.

Doug, you really need to give that Sama a good trial - that's why I emphasized the "ONE OF" in the previous paragraph. That 45-mm spring lever group design is a real gem.

Which all brings me close to the OP question. I think the Enrico has the opposite design problem - the group is too large a diameter. Results in very low brew pressure, overextraction, etc. Besides I don't think they are of very good quality.

PC

[peacecup]

Looks like I'll wait to get either a used PVL

I've only seen one the past 2-3 years, and it was in the UK. A Sama Export or Lusso (Family) will very occasionally pop up. Why the owners rarely sell these 45-mm spring levers may be very much related my my previous post. But, of course, I'm biased....

PC

[tjkoko]

Is the PVL suitable for pulling a shot large enough for a cap?

[peacecup]

Each pull with the PV group usually results in 0.5 oz, give or take. For my AM cappa two pulls and 4-5 oz of milk make a perfect Italian-style Nuova Point cappa. If I want a bit more buzz I'll take three pulls. No problem if I dose the basket full.

Most home levers produce loads of dry steam - they vary in the ease in which one can learn to steam. For the the PV was easy to master microfoam, and the Pavoni very difficult. Others have also had trouble with the Pavoni.

With the PV you can steam as the second lever pull pours, and have milk ready when the espresso is, like a double boiler.

[danno]

I agree with Doug that the Carvel is ONE OF the best, and I think it's BECAUSE of the tiny PF. Some things are meant to be had in small quantities, and espresso is one of them.

When I went to visit the Olympia factory the first time, I asked Markus why the Cremina uses a 49mm portafilter. He was a bit vague, but the gist I received what that it is the best compromise given the piston stroke and the amount of water pushed through the group. I do not pretend to know how all these factors add up, but it does make sense that large portafilters and baskets do not in themselves make good espresso. Lever machines specifically seem to benefit by having smaller portafilters.

I wonder why spring-lever machines seem to have larger-ish portafilters than their full-manual brethren. I'd be interested in any insight.

[tjkoko]

Which size tamper is required for the PVL grouphead?

[HB]

I googled on "Ponte Vecchio tamper size", which led me to this thread.