Hello,

Can any one suggest me a good 1 group (spring) lever machine that is gas fired. I would like to use it in Espresso Cart and want to minimize dependancy on electrical power to minimum.

I am looking at a price range of around 2000 USD or less. Please help.

I'm pretty sure the Astoria Gloria & Ro... line has a gas option. Problem is the cost for a new machine would break your $2000 limit. If time is not a factor a used machine might become available. Check with Astoria. Maybe they may have some used machines.

I second Noel's astoria advice. I recently went to a farmers market that had 3 carts, all using 2gr astoria/wega gas levers.

There is (or were) some manufacturers of lever machines in India. I am not sure how easy they are to get. I have seen a pic of a brand called 'Rhino'.

Thanks guys.... The problem here in India is that we dont have any local manufacturer of Espresso Machine, and forex rate conversion makes importing very costly...will definitely check with Astoria/wega for used machines...

Quality Espresso in Spain (Gaggia, Futurmat, etc.) make lever machines with gas options. While the new cost exceeds your budget it's not unusual to find them used on Ebay. My 1977 Gaggia works on gas and electricity but it's not for sale (sorry!)

GREAT NEWS GUYS...MY SEARCH HAS FINALLY ENDED....FOR GOOD....

CMA has this machine in its Astoria range of products called PERLA AL 1, its a 1 group gas powered espresso machine. Its around 1200 Pounds, including the gas conversion kit...

the link to the machine is on http://www.towability.com/coffee%.../Coffee%20Page.htm

Let me know what you think of it. Is it a good commercial option for around 30 to 40 cups per hour?

Hi Deva,

I have a 2gr argenta lever. They are a pretty solid machine and easy to maintain.

I think you might run out of puff trying for 40 cups/hr from a single boiler (especially if you are doing a lot of steaming). I welcome correction from a real barista of course

goodluck

I would recommend going for the two group if possible. It looks to be still in your quoted price range too. The two group will give you the ability to produce espresso more efficiently. There will be busy periods where a two group lever will not be capable of pulling enough shots to keep up. Single group pump machines tend to work at a better clip than levers. The Argenta's are nice machines. I used to barrista on an espresso cart at a farmer's market in Missoula MT that had a two group and it kept up even during a rush. Another single group cart across the way was no where near able to keep up. At your expected level of drinks per day in the other thread (150-300) the two group will be assured of it. Single group levers in my experience are barely able to pump out 20 drinks an hour, whereas the two will easily handle 50, possibly more with an experienced barrista.
Believe me that grumpy non caffeinated customers waiting for a LONG time for coffee can never help business.

Hope this helps start your venture. Working behind an espresso machine can be great fun.