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Avg. Customer Review:
Number of Reviews: 4
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350 of 671 people found the following review helpful:
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ABSOLUTELY PLEASED!
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11/24/2008
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Reviewer:
TWW (2)
from Laguna Niguel, CA US
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I've waited 2-1/2 years to write this review, to make sure my experience was thorough and varied. This is a simply great machine that makes superb coffee. Plus, the experience of buying from 1st-line, and working with Jim in particular, has been my best consumer experience of the past +2 years. At the same time I bought this machine, I also bought the same model semi-automatic -- both are great machines -- and have been absolutely pleased with every cup of espresso and varied milk drinks. I have had many machines in the past ten years, all more expensive and complicated than these fine machines, but I would never go back to fancier, more commercial models for my use at home. I entertain very frequently, never a problem during service for me or staff.
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585 of 1119 people found the following review helpful:
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Not as hard to use as I thought.
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02/01/2005
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Reviewer:
S Lee (2)
from New York, NY US
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Prior to purchasing this machine, I was made to believe that the learning curve was long and steep; that I wouldn't see crema or have a drinkable shot unless my grind and tamp were perfectly aligned with all the planets plus a good dose of sheer luck. Well, the lever nay-sayers and espresso doom-and-gloomers were WRONG. My first half dozen shots were undrinkable and crema didn't appear until about my 15th try. More an indication of how poor I am at adjusting the grinder. On the other hand, I got microfoam on my first frothing attempt. The Elektra has an almost foolproof tip for frothing. After about 2 dozen pulls, I had it nailed. Plenty of crema and REALLY sweet, clear tasting shots. I also own the Semiautomatica and having pulled shots side by side with friends, the unanimous opinion is that the Leva shots taste more of the coffee without the "edge". I keep the semiautomatica for parties and when I'm in a hurry, but on weekends I always use the Leva.
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602 of 1263 people found the following review helpful:
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ELEKTRA / Manual Single Group
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01/28/2003
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Reviewer:
HapHeyden@hotmail.com
from Santa Barbara, CA.
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Greetings,
I have owned my machine for over 3 years. It's a GREAT machine! Plenty of steam (if you purge the steam once as it comes up to pressure). Perhaps a little bulky to travel with. It's a lot bigger than my previous Italian unit I had for 22 years. We won't mention the P word. That too was a great machine. But I would not trade my ELEKTRA for ANY machine. It is definately a keeper. People ask me how I can pay $700+ dollars for a espresso machine. My reply is always the same. Buy quaility and do the math. A cup of coffee at a Barista averages $2.00 in the U.S. If you have one a day; you have paid for the machine in less than a year. Cheer's Cap'n Hap
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642 of 1325 people found the following review helpful:
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This is the one!
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09/18/2002
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Reviewer:
The Old Professor
from Seattle, WA USA
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I live in Seattle, and had gone through two different pump-driven espresso machines, both supposedly excellent machines in their class, over the past six years. Frankly, the espresso they produced felt like a big compromise with my ideal of what I should be drinking. Then the good people at 1st-Line steered me to the Elektra Micro-Casa. I am really happy, and then some. This is perhaps the Grail of home espresso machines. It is gorgeous, and works like a dream. Those searching to produce a delicious espresso at home will find that it yields a truly satisfying experience. Guests have told me that the espresso I served them was as good as any they have ever had at any coffee bar. I don't know about that. But I do know that if you enjoy the challenge of acting as your own barista, this machine offers a genuinely rewarding experience. I highly recommend it, and especially recommend this terrific company. They have not only the best prices and the best gear, but offer the best support and guidance around.
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Description:
If you want exceptional espresso and an espresso machine that makes minimal noise in the morning, then you found the perfect machine - the Elektra lever espresso machine. Although some people will contest that it is more difficult to make espresso with these lever machines,this is really not the case because the spring in the piston makes consistent pump pressure at each point from one pull to the next. Once again, for exceptional espresso, choose Elektra! Features:
- Sparkling all chrome finish.
- Our units have the eagle with wings UP!
- Bakelite handles.
- Polished brass eagle situated on dome.
- Large, round base (~10" diameter).
- Water level sight glass indicates level of water in boiler.
- Pressure gauge shows steam pressure in boiler and needle in green zone indicates optimal time to extract espresso.
- Spring piston-operated - lever starts in upward position, the user pulls down against spring until coffee fills bottom of demitasse cup, then lever is slowly released and the spring in the piston pushes the lever to pump the water through the coffee grinds. If making double, it is important to pull lever down a second time at the half way point and released.
- Piston grouphead.
- Only assembly required is the attachment of the steam wand.
- Boiler pressure relief valve on top of boiler for safety.
- Durable brass boiler that provides exceptionally dry steam for creating micro foam.
- Armour-plated, 800 watt heating element.
- Internal pressure regulator automatically regulates the temperature.
- Built-in safety thermostat prevents meltdown if left without water - please note that you can still damage the heating element if the machine is run dry (without water).
Specifications:
- Measurements: 19.29" H x 10.24" W x 10.24" D (49 cm H x 26 cm W x 26 cm D).
- Power: 800 watts, 110 volts only, 60 hertz, 15 amps.
- Boiler capacity: 33.8 ounces (1.8 liters).
- Weight: 24.25 pounds (11 kilograms).
- Filter basket size: 49-50mm.
- Warranty: One year parts and labor warranty limited to manufacturer's defect handled by 1st-line Equipment LLC.
- Made in Italy.
Notes:
- Although this machine would look beautiful in a restaurant of cafe, it is built for home use only.
- Elektra informed us that every one of their home machines is tested with water and coffee to insure there are no leaks under pressure and to insure proper operation when received by the customer. Although they clean each grouphead to the best of their ability, you may find some coffee grinds in the grouphead or on the machine when dislodged from the grouphead during shipping.
- Due to the smaller portafilter size, this machine is not pod-capabale.
- Some assembly is required - we remove the steam wand to prevent damage in transit. Therefore, you will need a crescent wrench to place it back on.
- Cup seen in the picture above is not included.
- Warranty Note: It is very important to use 'softened water' in these machines, as well as all espresso machines. Hard water will cause these machines to malfunction, and Elektra will not cover the parts warranty due to hard water. In addition, it is extremely important to run the a leva and semiautomatica machines with water at least 25% full in the sight glass. Running these models with a water level lower than this can cause heating element damage which will not be covered under warranty as this is not a manufacturer's defect. If you return the unit with a damaged heating element, you will be charged for the repair, and the repair charge will be deducted from the credit.
- There is a safety feature on this machine when water is not pumped into the boiler on initial startup. If this isn't done the safety kicks off and the machine will have to be reset. On the bottom of the machine underneath the yellow cap there is a reset button for the safety thermostat. If you purchased the machine from us and are still having issues, you can email us for instructions.
- Paint remover can be used to remove the paint from copper and brass parts. Elektra uses varnish to paint the parts.
- This machine was featured in the Boston Globe. Boston Globe (Sept 23, 2004) ranked the microcasa a leva with 'pulled the best shots'.
- The filter basket will fall out of the portafilter as these machines are hand made.
- The filter handle will explode off if the machine operator places too much coffee in the basket which does not allow the handle to be locked in the grouphead all the way, or the grind is too fine which does not allow the lever's pressure to be relieved.
- Sizing:
- The machine is ~19" tall. The tip of the lever stands at ~19.5" tall.
- The eagle on the top of the machine is ~3.75" tall.
- The maximum cup height under the portafilter is ~2.875."
- 1st-line Equipment provides repair service for your Elektra espresso machine when brought/shipped into our facility. Available Elektra parts for self-repair without any technical support (nor instructions) are also available.
- Elektra espresso machines feature a high polish finish, with materials ranging from chome to copper to brass. Most parts are clear-coated. Special attention is required when cleaning. Hash products can eat away at the clear coat or even etch the chromed finish. Descaling solution can eat clean through plating.
- Please read and write independent reviews on Coffee Geek.
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