Izzo Alex Leva

[Sink_cut]

True for most things we buy, but now that I know what I know about this machine I still wouldn't change it.

Same. The coffee that comes out is still to good to be true

Although - I would play with a mod to trigger the refill at will if it could be done easily.

[RichardC]

Hi Richard,
In case you missed it, there's some useful IZZO Duetto/Val info in this thread, covering some of the issues you raised:
http://coffeesnobs.com.au/brewing-eq...alex-leva.html
Read away
Glad you love your machine. Levas are very cool.
Cheers, Paul
* **** - Dream Machines

Not sure what you mean by "In case you missed it", your link points to this very thread we're on and as I have logged a few posts here (including this one) I'm well aware of its existence . Is there another link you're suggesting?

This past weekend I spent a little time reading the posts on this thread. For the Leva owner there is a wealth knowledge contained here, much of which can of course be credited to Chris.

The reason for delving back was to try to fill a gap where the manual to this machine woefully fails. Calling it a manual is a long stretch, more of a technical datasheet.

So in re-reading this thread I may have missed certain issues raised by owners as wading through some waffle posted was distracting.

[AlMac]

So in re-reading this thread I may have missed certain issues raised by owners as wading through some waffle posted was distracting.

This thread plus Home Barista's lever forum is about the sum of it.

[AlMac]

I have been, unwittingly, experimenting with different types of grease.
Two fails and a win.
My recommendation - only use Molykote 111.
Even others that are food grade and operate across a range of temperatures don't work as well.
Molykote 111 is super thick.

You need food grade grease that "works" beyond the group head temp.
Molykote 111 is food grade and good to 200degC.

[RichardC]

Some technical advice please..... I've noticed in looking back on this thread there are instances where folks have posted images of their gauges. Of those I've seen there appears to be differing readings of temps and bar and these don't match the table in the "manual".

This is what the table shows:

C BAR
120 1
121 1.1
122 1.15
123 1.2
124 1.3
125 1.35
126 1.4
127 1.45
128 1.5

I usually brew between 121 and 123 and here are my readings:

121 0.9
122 0.95
123 1.05

So, clearly my BAR reading does not match the manual.

Question is, is this a significant discrepancy? It's been this way since day 1.

Perhaps other leva owners can share their gauge results.

Cheers

[Sink_cut]

Mine - 120 = 1 bar

[Sink_cut]

(About 30m above sea level)

[AlMac]

Some technical advice please..... I've noticed in looking back on this thread there are instances where folks have posted images of their gauges. Of those I've seen there appears to be differing readings of temps and bar and these don't match the table in the "manual".

WHAT! Yours came with a manual with actual information in it?

Mine is 1.05 bar at 122; 1.1 at 123 and also 1.2 at 123.
It varies a bit at the same temp. Perhaps due to water level variation in the boiler? I have no idea about this stuff though.

[RichardC]

WHAT! Yours came with a manual with actual information in it?

Mine is 1.05 bar at 122; 1.1 at 123 and also 1.2 at 123.
It varies a bit at the same temp. Perhaps due to water level variation in the boiler? I have no idea about this stuff though.

It's officially called "Operating and Maintenance Instruction" but I think it's more of a datasheet.

But to prove at least something exists, here's a snapshot of the temp / bar chart.

[RichardC]

I took note of some the lower temp readings (should have done so originally ), here are my complete numbers based on temps I play with:

119 0.75
120 0.85
121 0.90
122 0.95
123 1.05

Seems my pressure is our of kilter with other units out there and the chart itself. The incremental bar pressure ranging between 0.5 and 1.0 must be significant otherwise they would not bother showing them.

Interested to see what others come back with.

[samuellaw178]

The 'correct' number isn't all that important and not really possible. It depends on a lot of factors..like the accuracy of the pressure gauge (likely not precision/lab grade), calibration of the temp probe (similar story to the gauge, likely not calibrated), PID offset and sea level. In the end, as long as it's reading consistently that's all you need.

For the expected number (based on physics), you can check this out:
http://www.tlv.com/global/TI/calcula...mperature.html

For instance, at 120C it should be 1.986 bar (absolute) minus your atmospheric pressure = roughly 0.97 bar (on gauge).

[Dr_Dave]

Hi,
I have no idea what my pressure gauge says. I doesn't affect how i make coffee. I just adjust the temp up or down depending on type of beans and then alter according to taste
Cheers
Dave

[RichardC]

The 'correct' number isn't all that important and not really possible. It depends on a lot of factors..like the accuracy of the pressure gauge (likely not precision/lab grade), calibration of the temp probe (similar story to the gauge, likely not calibrated), PID offset and sea level. In the end, as long as it's reading consistently that's all you need.

For the expected number (based on physics), you can check this out:
Calculator: Saturated Steam Table by Temperature | TLV - A Steam Specialist Company (International)

For instance, at 120C it should be 1.986 bar (absolute) minus your atmospheric pressure = roughly 0.97 bar (on gauge).

Great stuff Samual, I'm glad there are folks like you out there that are all over this stuff, it does my head in frankly.

I simply look at a guide and make sure I'm close enough to it but my baby may be a little further away from optimum with a 0.15 (120 @ 0.85) difference, are you saying it's not enough to worry about as it's consistently read the same which it does?

I just compare that difference to a timing chain on the engine of a car, if the time is out, it's out and the engine is sluggish with obvious results. And being the perfectionist that I try to be I'm just wondering if I'm missing out on the optimum pour.

[RichardC]

Hi,
I have no idea what my pressure gauge says. I doesn't affect how i make coffee. I just adjust the temp up or down depending on type of beans and then alter according to taste
Cheers
Dave

Totally agree.

It's the "but what if" that playing on my mind.

What if the bar was at optimum level and at your preferred temp, and improves taste?

Maybe I'm drawing an "unscientific" long bow.......always on the quest for improving status quo

[samuellaw178]

Great stuff Samual, I'm glad there are folks like you out there that are all over this stuff, it does my head in frankly.

I simply look at a guide and make sure I'm close enough to it but my baby may be a little further away from optimum with a 0.15 (120 @ 0.85) difference, are you saying it's not enough to worry about as it's consistently read the same which it does?

I just compare that difference to a timing chain on the engine of a car, if the time is out, it's out and the engine is sluggish with obvious results. And being the perfectionist that I try to be I'm just wondering if I'm missing out on the optimum pour.

Glad it helps Richard. Rest assured your machine is fine. Any discrepancy will come from either (i) gauge measurement error (ii) temp probe measurement error (iii) temp probe placement error. It's a measurement error and not a performance indicator.

As DrDave has said, just adjust the temp based on taste. Your real 'optimal' pressure/temp will likely be the same as another Snob (if you guys are using same bean same roast etc with the same taste preference) even if your gauges don't read the same.