Refurbished Elektra SX Microcasa Espresso Machine: $1,499

Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica Espresso Machine – SX & SXC

The Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica is a “statement maker” in your kitchen. One of the most stunning home espresso machines out there! This machine gives your kitchen a whole new look.

• Beautiful long-lasting chrome finish combination.
• Bakelite portafilter handle.
• Three red switches – power, coffee brew, & boiler refill.
• The Brass eagle sits on the dome with wings up.
• A large, round base with a 10″ diameter for the stability of the espresso machine on your countertop.
• Water level sight glass with pressure gauge.
• Pump-operated to deliver water to grouphead and to refill the boiler.
• Heat exchanger system with proper temperature to extract the most flavorful espresso beverages!!!
• The only assembly required is the attachment of the steam wand.
• Manual water refill switch for boiler.
• Boiler pressure relief valve for safety.
• A durable brass boiler that provides very dry steam for frothing milk.
• Extended steam wand away from the boiler.
• Twist knob steam valve for quick turn-ons and offs!
• Three-way solenoid valve to relieve pressure in grouphead when finished extracting espresso to avoid “espresso explosion” when removing the portafilter handle.
• Top loading water basin for easy refill and for continuous water delivery (manual switch by the operator) so the machine does not have to be shut down like hand lever models.
• Armor-plated, 800-watt heating element.
• Automatic pressure/temperature regulator.

• Warning: Please read this article regarding first use.
• Caution: All surfaces are hot and can cause burns.
• Environment: This machine is intended for home use only. It doesn’t have the capacity, nor the approvals, for commercial use.
• Upon receiving: 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.
• Some assembly required: The steam needs to be installed on the machine using a wrench. To prevent scratches, put a cloth between the wrench and the steam wand nut.
• Boiler pressure: The normal operating boiler pressure read on the gauge is between .75 and 1.2. However, the manufacturer has been asked for machines produced in the USA to set the maximum pressure to approximately 0.9 so the most flavorful espresso can be extracted. Over time, the manufacturer’s setting can change as the machine ages. In addition, if the boiler pressure reads 1.4 and up to 1.5, this is a symptom of limescale buildup from calcium/magnesium in the water or oxidation from purified/RO water. In this case, the machines will need to be descaled and the pressurestat will need to be replaced after the descaling. Limescale buildup or oxidation can occur in as little as 1 week from use.
• Water choice: Please note that 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.
• Body finish:
  • Elektra espresso machines feature a high polish finish, with materials ranging from chrome 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.
  • Paint remover can be used to remove the paint from copper and brass parts.
  • Elektra uses varnish to paint the parts. The exterior color, which includes a clear coat finish, will naturally change as each each Elektra machine ages. This would not be covered under warranty as color changes are not considered manufacturer’s defects.
• Sight glass fluctuation: The water in the boiler is not used to make coffee. The water to make coffee comes directly from the reservoir and passes through a pipe in the bottom boiler for flash heating. If cold water passes through this pipe, the change in temperature will cause the boiler water (sight glass) to fluctuate. The only time the water level in the sight glass should change is when the steamer is used and the water level drops, or the red button on the left hand side of the base is depressed and held to refill the boiler.
• Safety reset: 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.
• Americanos: This espresso machine is NOT suitable for making americanos since it does not include a hot water wand.

General Espresso Machine Notes/Warnings:

• Upon first use (tank/reservoir models): On the initial start-up (or after a long period of non-use), it is important to make sure the pump is removing water from the tank. When the machine is powered on, you will hear the pump running. After 5 seconds, squeeze the in-line hose in the tank (usually the longest hose, has a particle filter attached). if you hear a different sound, this means the pump is working correctly. If not, immediately power down the machine and contact us. For more information, visit this page General Manual Pump Priming.
• Electrical: To avoid electrical damage to this espresso machine which is not considered a manufacturer's defect, please acquire and install a single-outlet surge suppressor rated at 1080 joules or higher. Without the recommended surge suppressor, the espresso machine can be damaged at the power switch, the electronics, the heating element, the pressurstat, or the wiring inside. For more information, visit this page Power Protection.
• Water: To increase the useful life and not damage your espresso machine, please use softened water. Softened water is water without calcium and magnesium, but still has other minerals for espresso extraction. Do not use distilled, purified, or reverse osmosis water as these types of water create oxidation with the metals and cause the same damaging effects as limescale. For more information, visit this page Water Choice.
• Descaling: We do not recommend descaling unless there is an issue with the espresso machine. Too much descaling can eat away at the metals and gaskets inside an espresso machine. As a preventative measure, we recommend using softened water as explained in the bullet point above.
• Backflushing: This procedure of cleaning the grouphead will need to be performed from time to time. For more information, visit this page Espresso Machine Backflush – Why 50?