Elektra Micro Casa Lever Espresso Machine (Chrome & Brass)
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Product Description
This is a classic and gorgeous lever-operated espresso machine - the Electra lever espresso machine. While it is lever operated, the spring within the cylinder ensures that the pump pressure is consistent between (and during) all pulls.
This lever espresso machine is spring-operated. The lever starts in the "up" position, and the barista pulls down against spring until the espresso starts to drip into the bottom of your demitasse cup. Then the lever is slowly released, and the spring in the piston pushes the lever, which forces the water through the coffee puck at a uniform pressure. If making a double, it is important to pull lever down a second time at the half way point of the upswing, and then re-release the lever.
This lever-operated espresso machine features a beautiful chrome and brass finish. The base and dome have a chrome finish, and the main cylinder is done in brass. The espresso machine is topped with a brass American Eagle, and stands 19" high.
The espresso machine has a 10" diameter base. It also has a sight-glass that indicates the level of water in the boiler. The pressure gauge (see photo) shows the pressure in the boiler. When the needle is in the Green zone on the gauge, this indicates that it is the right time to pull an extraction. This espresso machine also has a pressure relief valve on top of the boiler, for safety.
The durable brass boiler provides excellent dry steam that makes a rich micro-foam. The espresso machine contains and Armour-plated 800 Watt heating element, and has an internal pressure regulator that automatically controls the water temperature. A built-in thermostat will prevent the machine from overheating if it is left "on" without water in it, but note that doing this can damage the heating element.
This espresso machine ships with the steam wand detached to prevent damage during shipping. The steam wand needs to be attached after the espresso machine is received, and this will require a crescent wrench. This espresso machine is for home use only. It is made in Italy.
Specifications:
Warranty Note: There is a one year parts and labor warranty limited to manufacturer's defect. It is very important to use soft water in these espresso machines. Hard water will eventaully damage these machines and cause them to malfunction. Elektra will not cover the parts warranty if the damage was caused by mineral buildup from hard water.
It is also important to run these espresso 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 espresso machine when water is not pumped into the boiler on initial startup. If this isn't done, the safety mechanism will shut the machine 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.
Making high quality espresso with a real espresso machine requires compacting the espresso with a real coffee tamper. While some espresso machines come with an inexpensive coffee tamper, these don't really give the kind of tamping that results in a high quality extraction. We do carry a large selection of attractive heavyweight coffee tampers. Not only will getting one of these coffee tampers give you higher quality, and more consistent results, but they will add to the look of your home espresso bar.
And if you'll be serving espresso, you should serve it in real espresso cups. A coffee cup will pull the heat from your espresso too quickly because of its size, and because of its area, you will lose most of the crema. Most of the crema will stick to the inner surface of a large coffee cup. So take a look at our large selection of espresso cups. And to complete the service of quality espresso, you should also take a look at our large selection of high quality demitasse spoons. It's a nice touch to match the look of your demitasse spoons to your home decor. We have a wide range of designs in spoons from baroque to classical to modern. All are high quality 18/10 stainless steel.