Hi, I posted this on coffeegeek too, where they suggested me to give this wonderful forum a try (http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/questions/244648#244648)


Hi,

First of all a hyperlink to the pretty machine: http://www.elektrasrl.com/retro_models.shtml

Although that I consider myself as I beginner, I would like to upgrade my espresso-machine, at this moment I have the krups xp40xx (and the gaggia mdf), I am reasonable satisfied about this machine but I would like to learn more about the art of espressomaking and would like to be able to control more variables.

So I dropped my eye on the elektra thingie, I have read alot about it, and read almost anything about espresso which I could get my hands on but I still lack some experience and this looked to me as an ideal thing to gain more experience.

But since I don't have that much experience I would like to know from someone with a bit more experience if this would be a good purchase.

Oh by the way, how do you find out of the grind-part of the gaggia MDF needs replacement? Inconsistent grind? And would the grinder be sufficient for a lever machine?

The MDF will do it, but there are better options available. I believe you are referring to the grinding burrs. When they get dull the grind will slow down and the grinds become more inconsistent in size. If you take the burrs out of the machine, they should have a nice crisp and sharp to the touch feel. If the edges are shiny and feel like the blade of a butter knife, it is time to replace them. I am not sure what Gaggia rates the burr life poundage at.

Many people have Elektra's, and it is a fine machine. It is a 'spring assisted' lever. Meaning you have to cock the handle, but the spring controls the extraction. There are also full manual levers like the LaPavoni and Cremina. You control the pressure through the entire process. It is all arm and lever.

Lever machines have a longer learning curve so be prepared to spend a lot of time and beans getting the hang of it. It took me around 8 months with a full manual to really get good at it, a year to get good and consistent. That is why you find so many second hand levers in new condition. The owner got frustrated and gave up. The rewards are wonderful once you master the machine.

Aedolon wrote:Hi, I posted this on coffeegeek too, where they suggested me to give this wonderful forum a try (http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/questions/244648#244648)


Hi,

First of all a hyperlink to the pretty machine: http://www.elektrasrl.com/retro_m......................

Oh by the way, how do you find out of the grind-part of the gaggia MDF needs replacement? Inconsistent grind? And would the grinder be sufficient for a lever machine?

What Cannonfodder Said + when was the last time you took the grinder apart and cleaned the burrs etc? You could just have a ton of oily buildup and crud gunking up the grinding process . Clean grinders make owners better shots!!

Aedolon wrote:So I dropped my eye on the elektra thingie, I have read alot about it, and read almost anything about espresso which I could get my hands on but I still lack some experience and this looked to me as an ideal thing to gain more experience.

After reading Mark's detailed review, I thought it would be weeks if not months before I pulled decent shots on the Microcasa. It turned out not to be as difficult as I expected, though I would not call it an "ideal beginner's espresso machine" unless you were disposed toward lever machines. You can read about some of my vacation frustrations with it in More signs of espresso-compulsive disorder. I plan on bringing the Cremina on vacation next time to embrace the fully manual lever experience. I'm hopeful for better results than last year given some private lessons from Steve.


First espresso of last year's vacation at the beach

Thanks for the replies.

I probaly need to clean the grinder, since I read somewhere it can grind about 300 pounds of coffee, which is about 150kg if I recall correctly? Maybe did 10% of that amount, the problem is that I need to buy a special screwdriver to remove the cover to reach all the parts, the other screws are normal philips screws. Thanks for the advice!


And I would really like a lever machine, actually I would prefer a normal piston one like the Pavioni lever machine but I read that the Elektra S1 is much more stable (greater base-mass?), and a spring piston is fine with me too.


Are there any good books on Lever machines? And HB, you make me jealous with that picture!

Aedolon wrote:Hi,

So I dropped my eye on the elektra thingie, I have read alot about it, and read almost anything about espresso which I could get my hands on but I still lack some experience and this looked to me as an ideal thing to gain more experience.

But since I don't have that much experience I would like to know from someone with a bit more experience if this would be a good purchase.

Aedolon,
I had a high school math teacher who used to say, "Remember, when you point a finger at someone there are four pointing back at you."

Translation: The question is not "What is a good beginner machine?" but rather "What kind of learner are you?"

I have had a Microcasa for about a year and I absolutely love it. I would not give it up for any machine. From the machine side the answer is it will make great espresso.

That said, the question about you is what kind of learning experience are you likely to enjoy? Do you want quick success? Are you happy with slow progress? Can you analyze single shots and make simple adjustments that you can then assess?

If you have taught yourself something that took a long time then you will thrive on the Microcasa. Did you teach yourself html? Did you wait until you had no need to learn html code and simply edited a WYSIWYG page editor? The answer here is in you and not the machine.

Whatever route is good for you you will love the journey.

KS

[And would the grinder be sufficient for a lever machine?]

This is an interesting point. I have noticed that when people upgrade to a HX machine, and I noticed it back when I upgraded to an Isomac Venus, that they need a grinder more capable of a finer espresso grind. What tipped us off to this? Perhaps it was espresso flying like river rapids out of the brewgroup no matter how fine we ground, and how hard we tamped.

Now then, regarding the lever machines. I can only speak from my experience with my Elektra Microcasa a leva, but it seems that this machine like a more course grind. If I try to use the same grind I used on a pump machine (Venus), I choked the Elektra and all I may get is some dribble. SOME dribble. Not a shot.

I noticed with my Mazzer Mini, that I was cranking the adjuster to the LEFT past the zero point to get it to where I need it. (personally, my old Innova conical grinder makes better espresso on the Elektra)


So regarding your question above...your grinder just might be. I have even used a Solis Starbucks burr grinder to get great shots on my Elektra. The Elektra deserves better, and it got better, but it makes a point.

ciao

Rich

KarlSchneider, that is indeed a much better question. But as a chessplayer and bonzai-hobbyist I can say that I have enough patience for a lever machine.

Well, it seems it would be a good purchase for me, I'll wait a bit, maybe there will be more suggestions, after I bought it I will decide about the grinder, if I would notice the problem is the grinder and not the brewing method...

Thanks

Aedolon wrote:KarlSchneider, that is indeed a much better question. But as a chessplayer and bonzai-hobbyist I can say that I have enough patience for a lever machine.

My advice is get one and start playing with it. You will not be disappointed. As George Saintsbury said of a grand wine, "It keeps up with your meditation."

KS

KarlSchneider wrote:My advice is get one and start playing with it. You will not be disappointed. As George Saintsbury said of a grand wine, "It keeps up with your meditation."

KS

Didn't Faulkner say the same thing ... about moonshine ?

Regards
Timo