Izzo Alex Leva

[Dr_Dave]

Hi Guys,
My new stainless circlip arrived today and is successfully inserted - bit tricky to fit as very springy, but looks great
Total cost was $8.80c!!
It came from BSC (bearing Service Centre) - they have offices all over.
The part number is D 1 3O0. O5OOKSF 13OO.5OS/S INT 5OMM S/STEEL
I will try and add a photo too
Cheers
Dave

[javabeen]

Oooh, nice and shiny. New screen as well or you just scrub it?

[Dr_Dave]

Hi JB,
New screen. Old one a bit jaded so a birthday present
I discussed with Chris (TC) as to whether I should clean piston/group, but on his expert advice I have decided to leave well alone.
With screen off I pulled the lever down to withdraw piston and gently cleaned inside of bore with a soft cloth - very little grime in it, so think it was a good decision
Cheers
Dave

[ogip]

Looks very good. My circlip is getting pretty rusty too so this looks like a good alternative.

DrDave is the new screen a genuine part or something different?

PS is everyone still using their genuine pf basket? I'd love a precision manufactured basket.

[Dr_Dave]

Hi ogip,
Its a genuine screen - I bought a spare from Chris
I'm using the genuine basket that came with her - still fine and I'm still making great coffee
I won't be changing too much (machine/baskets etc) for a long time I think
Cheers
Dr Dave

[TC]

I'll see if we can organise a bulk order of the SS circlip and we'll hold stock for anyone who'd like one.

Baskets? Still no go I'm afraid. The closest is LaSpaziale IMS basket and it's sadly a bee's dicky short in width to clear the internals of the group

Fortunately, the OEM basket (2014 onwards) is now a quantum leap over earlier versions.

Chris

[javabeen]

Still waiting on my clips from OS, so I contacted a couple of the BSC places in Melbourne and they wanted $44 for one clip. I mentioned they're only approx $8 in NSW and was told that's for a carbon steel not SS. So looks like you were lucky Dave?

Will wait for mine to arrive from OS.

[Dr_Dave]

Hi JB,
$44!!! That's ridiculous
I'm in QLD Rockhampton - the shop number here is (07) 4927 2033 - they were super helpful. Try them. Alternatively Chris looks like he may be ordering a batch in )above)
I would order for you but am away sailing for 2 weeks .
Let me know if I can help
Cheers
Dave

[ltjaw]

I must place my Alex Leva in storage for the next year, and I would like to know what I should do to best prep it for the long period of disuse? I'm not even sure what is the best way to empty the boiler of water - disconnect the line in, turn it on, open the hot water spigot and drain water until it's dry? Or is there some better method?

Thanks.

[CaffeinatedAndrew]

I must place my Alex Leva in storage for the next year, and I would like to know what I should do to best prep it for the long period of disuse?

I think your best option would be to send it to me for a year to baby sit

[ltjaw]

I'm thinking the best way to empty the boiler now is to open it somehow and siphon the water out while it's cold. But how to do this?

[javabeen]

My SS circlips finally arrived.

Fitted one and its a great fit. Got the shower effect back now when pulling the lever. Maybe a better fit between the clip and screen without the rusted surface?

Cheers
JB.

[ihodish]

Dear friends,

My name is Israel and I am a new member to the form. I have been using my old Izomac Tea for 10 years and it is about time to move on. I have been thinking about Izzo Duetto but the Izzo Leva fascinates me. The main problem is that except for you guys not many people really know about it.

Maybe you can help me with the following questions:
- Do you need to change temperature to adjust for the kind of coffee beans used? what is the range of temperature that you play with?
- How is the steam of the leva, and is it significantly affected by changing temperate for the reason above?

Thanks in advance,
Israel.

[javabeen]

Dear friends,

My name is Israel and I am a new member to the form. I have been using my old Izomac Tea for 10 years and it is about time to move on. I have been thinking about Izzo Duetto but the Izzo Leva fascinates me. The main problem is that except for you guys not many people really know about it.

Maybe you can help me with the following questions:
- Do you need to change temperature to adjust for the kind of coffee beans used? what is the range of temperature that you play with?
- How is the steam of the leva, and is it significantly affected by changing temperate for the reason above?

Thanks in advance,
Israel.

Hi Israel and welcome

You don't need to change the temperature, it just let's you get the most out of the beans if you know how temp affects flavour. I use the range 119 to 122, mostly 120 works for me with medium roasted beans (just before or at the very start of second crack).

The steam is absolutely fine. It's obviously affected by the change in temp but I've had no problem getting silky latte art milk. If your technique is good you'll be fine. Having said that I got the Leva as I drink primarily black coffee, 4-6 espressos a day and only one milk coffee (in the morning).

Hope that helps
JB.

[chokkidog]

Welcome to CS.

+1 to the above post #284

PID'd machines are more for espresso than for milk drinks. The more subtle nuances of a temperature tweaked coffee will

literally be drowned out by the milk. If you are a milk coffee drinker then an HX machine will do the job perfectly, given good

operator skills.

But... if you want a lever for the sake of a lever; the Izzo is amazing.