Izzo Alex Leva

[Bazooka]

Thanks heaps Dr. Dave, i must admit your glowing review of izzo leva played a big role with my decision. I am taking the izzo leva overseas with me so I won't get to play with it until the new year ( don't want to compromise the packaging integrity) I will certainly keep this forum updated

[TC]

Thanks for your kind words Bazooka. They are greatly appreciated.

Alex Leva is in very short supply, so if any here have one in mind for Santa, there's a single opportunity remaining after which only our demo will remain (and we'll then offer it for sale). They then go to backorder for Q1 2016.

Cheers

Chris

[Bazooka]

Thanks for your kind words Bazooka. They are greatly appreciated.

Alex Leva is in very short supply, so if any here have one in mind for Santa, there's a single opportunity remaining after which only our demo will remain (and we'll then offer it for sale). They then go to backorder for Q1 2016.

Cheers

Chris

Thanks for letting me know you are on your last few units while I worked on financing my Izzo Alex Leva (i.e selling my household items ahead of my imminent move).

I am a value shopper (a.k.a tight ar$e ) and had spent months trolling numerous websites for reviews, comparisons and even open to purchasing from online market places ( you know where), I still reckon Izzo Alex Leva is the machine for me in terms of look, functionality and wait for it ... Value (it's subjective of course). With Chris professionalism it was a no brainer decision.

Now I am working on financing my grinder upgrade, fingers crossed it's going to be compak E10 doserless [emoji7]

[sprezzatura]

I must admit, being a tech and a fan of simplicity, I'm really, really liking what I keep seeing in the Leva.

[Stickleback]

OK, Im' having problems getting a decent cup out of mine, probably the last 2 months. The main problem seems to be that the pucks are getting split consistently, leading to a thin bitter coffee. They don't always split in the same place.

So far over the last couple of months I've tried:
Up dosing and down dosing (compared to standard, fill, level, soft tamp)
Firm tamp to soft tamp (it's a custom sized Pullman)
Temperature up and down
Ensuring machine is clean in and out, especially shower screen
Changing roasts (I've done 2 different blends with 6 different coffees - all the same effect)
Adjusting grinder (HG-1) from choking the machine to running through and everything in between, (and even being able to get 30 ml in 30sec if I wish)
I even had a fitter and turner (handy family member) reinstall my shower screen last time, to make sure I was doing it right!
So I think I've done everything I reasonable can as the grinder seems to be operating consistently. Frankly, apart from that, the machine seems to be working perfectly too. In essence, I can't think of a single thing that has substantially changed in my technique or environment in the last 2 years that might explain this change.

I noticed when cleaning the shower screen that of the 4 water holes, most of the water seems to be coming out of the front hole, and less at the back, but given it goes through a shower screen, I can't see how that might cause it?......

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[Dr_Dave]

Hi Stickleback,
I'm sorry to hear that. It sounds very odd.
I am not an expert like some on this site but I will tell you what I do in case it may help. Some experts may have more informed ideas to help
I have found my Macap and Izzo Leva to be brilliant

I use an orphanespresso Ipanema dosing funnel on my PF. My Grinder is a Macap MD4 which is super consistent. Due to the humidity in Central Queensland, I do get some clumping so I use a small whisk inside the dosing funnel to break up any clumps for a few seconds. I wonder if the whisk is the difference?

I then load the PF, pull Lever down and wait a little time for preinfusion (the time depends on how long it takes me to get the milk out of the fridge and put into jug!), I then steam milk whilst the lever rises and 99% of the time have great shots
I hope this helps?
I can try and video an extraction and upload it over the holidays?
Good luck
Dave

[coffeeguy84]

My diagnosis is that your puck level may be to high and possibly being disturbed ( fractured ) by the shower screen.
Can I suggest you experiment with the ' five cent ' test to establish the maximum dose / height level for your machine.
Search here for - 'A_M 5cent test'.

I use my tampers as the height indicating tool once I've got my set up right.
Tip - If changing to different baskets from time to time, be aware this can cause an ever so slight variation in maximum height in relation to the Tamper / tampers your using.


Rider - I don't have / never used a trad lever machine.
My comments are made on the basis of experience with
58mm commercial / & E61 group heads

Good luck

[javabeen]

Sorry to hear. I haven't had such a problem with my Leva. I predominantly use the naked pf.
Are you using the naked pf? If so, what do the pours look like? That's where I'd be starting.

[TC]

I can only suggest it's a dose or technique issue.

To dose correctly for the machine, you need only fill to the top of the basket and level off. No collapse.

If you're doing too much with the puck, you invite chanelling.

[MarkZammit]

Hi stickleback. I have the same combination as you and have never had a problem with channeling (maybe two or three spritzers in 9 months, but pucks always intact). Do you distribute your grind before dosing the portafilter? This may help if you don't.

[Stickleback]

Yep, always done it that way, Chris.

[Stickleback]

Yep - always redistribute.

[Stickleback]

I've always used the double spout as I had a nice Pullman handle from a previous machine that worked nicely, and matched the sized Pullman tamper. I've pulled 2 shots with the naked pf and there's a fair bit of channeling - pretty ugly frankly. Flow of output about right.
I just don't get it - 2 months ago I was happy as a pig in mud, and I just can't see what's changed.

[javabeen]

FWIW my technique for the past year is to dose directly into the pf (Kony e) and gently tap the portafilter from the outside with the palm of my hand left right top bottom to distribute the grinds, then a couple of settling taps if needed. I use to use Chris' technique but that would overdose for me for the weight of coffee and flow rate I needed. Anyway, horses for courses and more importantly you gotta find what works for you.

Now the majority of my pours look good and I adjust from there. Taste is well, fantastic, which is the deciding factor.

When I first got my Leva I use to dose into the pf and tamp the mound and that gave me the donut effect with early blonding.

Just trying to offer my experience and what has worked. Keep plugging away, one change at a time.

[Bazooka]

Long shot, but how is your main water flow and pressure, could hammering or sudden change in pressure affect your pre infusion and disturb your puck? I hope you find your coffee mojo again soon