Elektra microcasa a leva Chrome Espresso Machine
Item# ART.S1C
Regular Price: $1,729.00 US Dollars
Sale Price: $1,349.00 US Dollars

More Elektra products listed here.

Wired Magazine (November 1, 2011) selected this espresso machine as one of their top espresso makers.

Elektra microcasa a leva Chrome Espresso Machine

Overview:

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 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.
• 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)
• This machine is for home use only.

Specifications:

• Power: 110 volts only, 60 Hz, 15 Amp
• Boiler capacity: 61 ounce (1.8 liters) approximate
• Measurements: 19" H x 10" W x 10" D (49cm H x 26cm W x 26cm D)
• Weight: 22 lbs.
• Filter basket size: 49-50mm
• Warranty: One year parts and labor warranty limited to manufacturer's defect handled by 1st-line Equipment LLC
• Fabricated in Italy

Notes:

1. 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.
2. Due to the smaller portafilter size, this machine is not pod-capabale.
3. 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.
4. Cup seen in the picture above is not included.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. This machine was featured in the Boston Globe. Boston Globe (Sept 23, 2004) ranked the microcasa a leva with 'pulled the best shots'
8. 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.
9. The filter basket will fall out of the portafilter as these machines are hand made
10. 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 int he grouphead all the way, or the grind is too fine which does not allow the lever's pressure to be relieved.
11. 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".
12. Looking for a QUALITY 49mm tamper for your Microcasa?
    
13. 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.
14. Please read and write independent reviews on Coffee Geek.