Izzo Alex Leva

[TC]

I agree with the above posts as well.

Our scace testing indicates that 120 deg delivers circa 94 deg at the group. I tend to use 117-120 and as the others have indicated, there is a heap of steam for milk drinks. Our old Nuova Pompeii (aka) Izzo was at its best with our coffee a at more like 117-118.

Regardless of milk or not, I think it's important to get the shot right- because you may well have espresso and milky coffee in a single run.

You can taste burnt and sour through milk, but the milk does muddy the shot somewhat.

The simplicity and shot quality of a great lever makes them the final machine many purchase. For me, a PID makes one far more tweakable. It's a no brainer as far as I'm concerned.

Chris

[ihodish]

Izzo Leva

Thanks a lot you all, this is very helpful.

I tend to run my shots at about 120C. Since the Izomac Tea is a HX machine with small boiler it takes for ever to steam and the quality is moderate at best.

Based on your experience, how long will it take me to froth 10oz of milk (or 300ml) with the alex leva with PID at about 120C, using a 3 or 4 hole tip?


Cheers,
Israel.

[javabeen]

Just did this for you and approx 22 secs to get to 65°C with the boiler at 120°C with a 2 hole tip. Would be faster with a 3 or 4 hole tip if your technique is spot on.

[ihodish]

Izzo Leva

Wow...

this is professional grade steaming. I guess the 5L boiler keeps the flow going even when the temp is down a bit.

Great tips.

[javabeen]

That was steaming 150ml of milk, enough for one drink with some left over. Didn't want to waste doing 300ml milk.

[ihodish]

I timed the frothing time in my Isomac Tea (1200ml 1200 watt) with 150ml, 1.1 bar (about 121C) and it took me more then a minute.

I

[javabeen]

If anyone wants one of the stainless steel circlips for their Izzo Leva then PM me for price and delivery. I've got a few more than I need.

JB.

[ihodish]

Can anyone tell me what is the wait of the leva's portofilters? I am interested to know how massive is it compare to the 58mm portofilters.

I

[chokkidog]

I only use nakeds and I only have portafilters, not the other kind. ;-)

The 58mm from my Alex Duetto weighs in at 408 gms. The naked from my leva weighs in at a hefty 410 gms.;-)

[ihodish]

Does anyone have the original leva portofilters to weigh?

[javabeen]

Double spout no basket 568g.
Single spout no basket 531g.
Add another 32.3g for the double basket, fits both portafilters.

Why?

[Vinitasse]

Yes... why do you need to know this?

[ihodish]

I am trying to collect as much information about this machine before a make the purchase. Heavy portofilters is something that i like about E61 machines and I was curious to know whether it is the same for the leva.

For the same reason I am preoccupied with steam quality. In the available youtube movies they use 125C temperature that increase the boiler pressure to 1.5bar. As i have learned from you, you use lower temperature and pressure. This why I have had questions about steaming with 1.1bar or less.

In any event, any personal movies or pictures will be highly apriciated.

Thanks for your moral suport,
Israel.

[TC]

Hi Israel,

I honestly think that you are worrying yourself with minor details. The Alex Leva is a commercial machine and in fact identical in specification and componentry to 1 group Izzo commercial leva machines.

You can be reassured that the build quality and performance are also identical to Izzo commercial machines. The only difference is that for a smaller footprint, a revised version of the Alex chassis is employed- but not before the addition of substantial cross bracing and about 8kg of ballast to stop you from pulling it over. There is more high quality steam than you will ever need- even at 0.8 bar.

In all likelihood, it's the last machine you will purchase.

Chris

[ihodish]

Very reassuring.

Highly appricated.