CoffeeOwl wrote:Does it mean it is more difficult to learn to use it?

Yes, the "morning after" score applies to the early learning experience. Higher score = easier to learn. The "exceptional espresso" score assumes it's operated by an experienced home barista.

IMO the question should be. if you own a lever machine and devote yourself to mastering it, will you get world class shots to rival any machine out there?

I've been lucky enough to be an exclusive user of the Olympia Cremina since 1985. Bought it new and thank heaven never upgraded or coveted other machines. I can regularly pull golden rule rich, sweet, crema laden 55 ml doubles with 50-60% concentration that will rival shots from any machine you can name.

Likely you could come close to making this kind of statement for most any quality machine you dedicated yourself to in this way. On the other hand, casual or intermittent use of machines is likely to produce casual or intermittent results. YM(Will)V.

espressoperson wrote:IMO the question should be. if you own a lever machine and devote yourself to mastering it, will you get world class shots to rival any machine out there?
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Likely you could come close to making this kind of statement for most any quality machine you dedicated yourself to in this way. On the other hand, casual or intermittent use of machines is likely to produce casual or intermittent results. YM(Will)V.

I fully agree with MichaelB. I find the analogy to musical instruments extremely insightful. If you want to play any instrument well you need both native ability and constant practice. Van Clyburn said on the radio the other day he practices for himself every day.

I have used three different machines extensively. I had my ECM Giotto for 3 years. Then I had my Elektra Microcasa a leva by itself for a year. I have had the Elektra and a Cremina side by side for two years. In all three cases I have by far the highest level of quality based on regular use. I pull 7-10 shots almost every day. It took a long time to get up to this level and it is easy to get off focus.

I honestly wonder if casual or intermittent use can bring out the potential of these machines.

KS

Excerpt:

KenSea wrote:Have many of you gone from pumps to levers and wished you had stayed with pumps?

No I will never go back to a pump...well not as long as I have strength in my arms...
I love my Pavonis and Creminas... They are silent as compared to the comotion caused by pump machines (also a reason I like hand grinders)and I really enjoy the art that is involved with using them. They each have their own personality and even though they can sometimes have adverse reactions to new roasts and grinds it is just a great part of the adventure!