Thanks for all the positive comments. I took me a while to translate the review I put on the dutch coffee forums and place it here including some extra information. The CT1 is such a joy to work with and deserves a thorough review especially for all the folks here at HB.

dominico wrote:Out of curiosity, what isn't "real" about the Strega?

The Strega is tastewise somewhere in between a pump machine and a true traditional lever. That's due to its hybrid design.

mathof wrote:One of the things I didn't like about my La Pavoni was that you had to heat it up for each session. With the L1, by contrast, I can just walk up to the machine at anytime, pull a shot and get back to what I was doing in about 5 minutes (including hand grinding). Can the CT1 be left on all day?
Matt

No open boiler machine can be left on the whole day because water eveporates and everything runs dry after a couple of hours. You can leave it on for hours if you fill it with some water once in a while. It doesn't overheat like a Pavoni if that's what you mean.

Erik,

Just dovetailing on the comments posted by others: Very nice write up; thank you for making the effort and taking the time to do so! iWant.

Dan

WIth an open boiler there is no need to leave it on all day. Just turn in on, heat the water and group, and pull the shot. At exactly the temperature you want. Every time. Without guesswork.

The funny thing is thinking about all the hoops we go through with pressurized levers in order to get the brew temperature correct. Just so we can steam milk...

PC

Erik, how would you compare the shots from the CT-1 to the shots from the L1-P???

I haven't tried the L1-P yet just the old luxe model from [anonymized]. I have to visit [anonymized] again to do that and that may be a good plan.

peacecup wrote:WIth an open boiler there is no need to leave it on all day. Just turn in on, heat the water and group, and pull the shot. At exactly the temperature you want. Every time. Without guesswork.

The funny thing is thinking about all the hoops we go through with pressurized levers in order to get the brew temperature correct. Just so we can steam milk...

PC

Totally agree. I only drink espresso and don't need the 80% of parts in an espresso machine that can break and make it big just to be able to steam milk. I can set the temperature to exactly what I want with minimal fuss and just enjoy a great espresso within 10 minutes from turning it on. That's why the Strietman is perfect for me.

erik82 wrote: No open boiler machine can be left on the whole day because water eveporates and everything runs dry after a couple of hours.

Depends on the lid. My La Peppina doesn't lose much and has a pretty big kettle. I can easily leave her on for a day without running anywhere near dry.

Would it be possible to see/hear about the full routine? I've seen the videos for making and enjoying shots on the ES3, but I've never seen the PF removed after a shot. Do you have to wait for it to depressurize? Are there other tricks/differences?

On the L1, I always half-cock the lever to remove any pressure (and slop water) or do a half-cock/pump to force the remaining water and some air through the puck. As the CT-1 has the hole in the piston, I'd think that would only result in more water (but not more pressure at least!) and not an easier clean up. I'd love to know how it works and if multiple shots in succession is reasonable!

thanks!

I used the same tricks you mention with the Strega. The CT1 needs some time to depressurize as it isn't possible to pull the lever up and depressurize in that way due to the design of the piston opening when you do that and water flowing in the brew chamber.

After about 30s or less you can take the portafilter out without portafilter sneeze but maybe still a wet puck. Once you've ground the beans for the next espresso and prepared the second filter basket you're safe to pull it out so I don't see a problem with that. Right after the pull the lever comes up a little bit but if you pull it down right away it should be possible to take the portafilter out right away with just a wet puck but no sneeze.

erik82 wrote: The Strega is tastewise somewhere in between a pump machine and a true traditional lever. That's due to it's hybrid design

That is only because of a pump being used for preinfusion. If you preinfuse without a pump (water line pressure) you have a lever machine like any other.

erik82 wrote:After about 30s or less you can take the portafilter out without portafilter sneeze but maybe still a wet puck.

Makes sense -- thanks!

I only have one other burning question: is there is an extra seal inside the piston in addition to the exterior ones to seal the hole in the middle? (Is it custom or a normal o-ring or W/V seal?)