A good vendor offers test drives, honours warranties and services the machines they sell. If there's one near you it can be as much of an investment as the machine itself.

The Profitec 800 is a good classic lever.

I live not far from Atlanta.
Im not aware of any shop that sells this level of machine nearby but I'll investigate. Thank you.

No one has mentioned this spring lever.
Having had several SAMAS over the years, I'm always tempted:

https://www.myespressoshop.com/collecti ... less-steel

Just ordered the Profitec Pro 800. I am curios to see the face of my wife when the pallet arrives. In the worst case I will blame it on you all .

In all seriousness, a big thanks to all members for all the information and suggestions. Very helpful, especially because only few days ago I did not even know about the real differences between the manual, spring assisted and pump assisted lever machines. I am really looking forward to learn the Pro 800, and I will report my first impressions here.

Congratulations. Beautiful machine. Looking forward to your impression.

Not to take away from the excitement of receiving the machine but...have your camera ready to take pictures of any shipping damage to the package and look for any damage before and while unpacking. Shipping for heavy appliances can be brutal. Good vendors are pretty understanding when it comes to repair or shipping damage replacement. Pictures help.

Congratulations!
Soon enough you'll find yourself waking up to make coffee instead of making coffee to wake up

May I suggest a few accessories to help with maintenance?

- 1: A puck screen. Since you don't backflush a lever group, puck screens really help minimize the amount of fines and coffee oils traveling upward.

-2: Molykote Dow 111 or Loxeal #4 lubricant for the piston seals.

-3: Replacement piston seals. Bosco seals work best with this lever group.

-4: 4mm x 9" Allen Key for group maintenance.

That's all I can think of!


Cheers!

... and a smart plug so the Pro 800 can be on for an hour before one wants to make coffee .

mrgnomer wrote:...have your camera ready to take pictures of any shipping damage to the package ...

Roger that. I'll instruct the rest of the family as well.

LObin wrote:Congratulations!
Soon enough you'll find yourself waking up to make coffee instead of making coffee to wake up

May I suggest a few accessories to help with maintenance?

- 1: A puck screen. Since you don't backflush a lever group, puck screens really help minimize the amount of fines and coffee oils traveling upward.
....

Right! And going to bed early so morning comes earlier as well
Thanks for the raccomandazions. May I ask about the screen? I have seen people sitting them over the basket. I guess that in this case it must go above the coffe puck.

baldheadracing wrote:... and a smart plug so the Pro 800 can be on for an hour before one wants to make coffee .

I have a Wemo that I used when I had a Gaggia. It is supposed to handle 15 Amps, 1800 Watts.
According to the specs the Profitec is rated 115 V/1500 W which should be 13 amp. It should be OK. I don't know if people add any surge protector.

Moka 1 Cup wrote: May I ask about the screen? I have seen people sitting them over the basket. I guess that in this case it must go above the coffee puck.

Yes I'm referring to a puck screen to put over the puck before inserting the portafilter. A puck screen will even out amd disperse the initial flow of water while also preventing the coffee puck to hit the shower screen while it swells. Keeps you group, shower screen, piston, piston seals and group sleeve much cleaner. Get a cheap 58.5mm waffle style puck screen like the Normcore. Doesn't need to be expensive. Not certain how well it would work with the single basket but no problem with most double baskets.

LObin wrote:.. 58.5mm waffle style puck screen like the Normcore...

I can try it even if since it is not going to be supported by the puck I assume it will bend. I'll see how it works.
ideally I would need a 41mm screen. What about the58mm paper filters, do they work? I have the ones for the Aeropress.