Comment

Comment by Alun Evans on December 1, 2008 at 9:39pm

Indeed the heat exchanger would make a big difference, rather than drawing water direct from the main boiler. There are some models that operate with AWR, which I assume would require a pump to deliver the water to the boiler. I am not at all sure whether this mean that the machine would have heat exchanger cartridges built in or not, but can find out from the tech guys in Italy. Of course using the AWR means the machine MUST run on electricity, something which may not appeal to those (of us) who are looking at the lever machine as a tool for locales that struggle with electricity supply. Obviously Zan and I hae talked at length with people in Australia, NZ and Asia using levers. It seems the comments you have made backup what I have heard from others... and experienced in Italy re shot quality as well as consistancy

Comment by scott@herkimercoffee.com on December 1, 2008 at 9:12pm

I've got a 30 year old san marco model 1 lever at home. It works surprinsingly well, texture being it's strongpoint. Can't dig as deep into the sugars as a broadbasket pump machine with thermostatic control but it makes up for it with vibe. The heat exchanger makes all the difference allowing preinfusion to actually happen at around 60 psi. Much better than direct from boiler types. Any of these machines you're checking out feature heat exchange to group delivery as well? Would definitely like to check them out!

Comment by Alun Evans on December 1, 2008 at 8:08pm

The trip south was good- Naples and Sorrento were warmer than the north of Italy. Lever machines are indeed used in a number of cafes and restaurants in the Amalfi area (and I understand south as far as Sicily). Most were La San Marco or similar "box" type levers- meaning not beautifully crafted machines. I am sure you, like myself, are more interested in the machines with groups exposed- the Astoria Rapallo, the Brasilia equivalent (like we saw in Venice) etc. For sure the lever produces a good quality shot- but requires a certain amount of training.

Comment by Zan on December 1, 2008 at 6:30am

Hi alun

Nice to meet you at this web ! I'm look interesting in the Lever group head . How about you in Napoli trip?
Keep in touch

Zan