Elektra Lever-Extraction Time

by **dgaustin** on Thu Feb 17, 2011 3:04 am

I have been reading that the proper extraction time is around 20 to 25 seconds. I have a relatively new Elektra MicroCasa. Once the spring is cocked, the extraction time is probably around 4 to 5 seconds and I usually pull twice for a double.

This seems short but should the initial pull where the water is infused count as part of the 20-25 second extraction time? If so, I am probably getting closer...

I believe the grind is ok.

Appreciate the advice.

by **michaelbenis** on Thu Feb 17, 2011 3:52 am

Welcome to the Elektra club. You have yourself a very fine machine.

People usually consider the shot time and do not include the preinfusion time.

The shot time is not set in stone, but the best taste profile is generally around the 25 seconds you quote and can be even longer on lever machines. 4-5 seconds is very short and suggests you may have problems with dose, grind or channeling/distribution and/or freshness/roast of bean.

As a start I suspect it is likely that you need to grind finer. Are you grinding the beans yourself at home and are they fresh? What beans are they?

Cheers

Mike

by **dgaustin** on Mon Feb 21, 2011 1:02 am

Many thanks for the advice. It probably is the grind and I will try a finer grind on the grinder and see how it goes. I have also started tapping the portafilter a few times after I put the coffee in and before I tamp. This seems to settle the coffee and even out the coffee and has increased the shot time.

The coffee is Graffeo (http://www.graffeocoffee.com/). They have a wholesale office in Hong Kong and I buy from them.

by **doubleOsoul** on Mon Feb 21, 2011 1:32 am

We need to start an Elektra faq under the lever section... a sort of catch all for Elektra lever heads needing info.

by **gyro** on Mon Feb 21, 2011 4:30 am

I have a feeling its roasted in Singapore, so not likely to be very fresh. What grinder are you using?


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