Can’t stop thinking about upgrading to a lever machine…

[trentski]

Nurri lever can be run from a tank or plumbed in

[IamOiman]

@Dipendente I got you covered, a Bosco IN the car (pic from when I was moving home from university after graduating, I am probably the only person to ever take a Bosco to uni). Bonus pic of the machine in my dorm (it's my profile pic actually)

[Dipendente]

I suppose if I have it on at night during winter the car will stay warm. You now have me thinking…I could mount it on the fridge slide in my beaten up Land Cruiser and hang out a coffee cart sign in the morning.

[TailorCoffee]

Geez, you would have been popular around exam time Ryan! dream coffee setup for those all-nighters!

[>Casa Espresso]

Hi all,

Nice combo set up that we have.

Our Izzo Alex leva "Nero" edition with a black Niche Zero.

Available from our show room or delivery Australia wide

Call or DM for more details

Cheers
Antony
www.casaespresso.com.au

[mtee]

I couldn’t stop thinking about upgrading as well, so another Pro 800 finds a home. This thread helped reinforce my decision to go with the Profitec, I even ordered one without seeing it in the flesh. I was happy to go with the V1, a little cheaper and the black handles suit my simple coffee nook well enough.

Many thanks to Vittorio from Eastlink Espresso for his help with the process.

[Micoffee]

Hey mtee,

now you've had the Pro 800 for a few months, what's your thoughts?
I'm also looking at this lever machine, trying to talk myself out of it. Failing!
Any other lever owners want to offer their thoughts on moving from a Pro 700 to a lever? Many thanks in advance.
Long time visitor, brand new member.

[mtee]

G’day micoffee.

Where to begin? I’m going to assume that, since you already have a Pro 700, you have the basics of coffee preparation pretty well sewn up. I’m also going to assume that your reasons for considering a Pro 800 are partly feel good/emotional, as mine were.

I was happily using a 1999 la Pavoni Pub (HX) for about 12 years. I made some tweaks over time and learned the value of a cooling flush. Of course, I would read about other machines and was curious about owning a lever. I was also looking for improvement in the cup. I had a significant birthday recently and was given some cash. The amount offset about half of the purchase price of the 800, so that was all the persuasion I needed.

I can share what practical differences I’ve found between HX/lever but can’t offer any input on flavour profiles etc. Any talk of brightness, clarity, acidity and so on is beyond my knowledge.
I have, however, definitely noticed improvement in flavour, and I’m still noticing new flavours as I progress through my assortment of beans. I mostly have milk drinks.

The biggest negative for me with the 800 was shot volume. I have a 30 ml basket and could easily use it to make 2 large (300ml each) flat whites with the Pavoni. Now I have to make them individually. It’s not a deal breaker as I enjoy the process. If making multiple coffees for guests, I use smaller (190ml) cups, 2 at a time. Apparently, there are tricks to increase volume, but I think quality would suffer.

I’ve also noticed less steam power. Not bad, just not as quick. It still creates nice, silky milk. I bought a 4 hole steam tip to replace the original 2 hole, but didn’t see much difference.

I’m sure you’re expecting a steep learning curve. Not gonna lie, it’s initially very steep. Added frustration comes from having to wait for group pressure to drop to remove the handle if you’ve choked it by too fine a grind or over dosing. Once I got the grind sorted, I had to consciously avoid collapsing the grinds in the portafilter. The grinds sit lower in the basket after tamping than I was used to. That was the only real change to workflow.

The end result for me is that I’m very happy with the decision. I’ve found myself staring at the machine more times than would be considered normal. I think I’ll keep improving the process and the results for a while yet. Of course, my machine was a lot older and more basic than your current one.

As for your decision to move from the 700 to the 800? You’ve set the bar very high to begin with.

I’m not sure if it would be a step forwards, backwards, sideways or dizzy-spinning like a hyper 2 year old. Good luck with that!

[Micoffee]

Thanks mtee,
You're right, feel good/emotional reasons is my driving force.
I'm relatively new to home espresso, only had my Pro 700 about 4 years and it was my first. When I bought my first machine I convinced myself to buy big/over the top, that would quell any want/need to upgrade (or spend more money!). Well that only lasted maybe 2 years!
Very happy with what I can currently produce on my machine. Always liked the idea/process of a lever machine. Not sure if I am striving for a better brew, or just a different process! I too couldn't describe or understand flavour profiles but I do know what coffee I like. Hopefully if..er..when I get a lever machine I can still make a nice cup with an enjoyable to use machine. Apart from the boiler fill, I do like the idea of a silent brew and the reported feedback of softer more flavorsome extractions also adds to the 'romance' of a lever!

[mtee]

Micoffee,

A couple of other things to mention-

Warm up time is loooong, I allow an hour. A smart plug is a good option.

My decision to go with the Profitec instead of another lever was partially influenced by it having 58mm baskets. Not a huge deal, but, for me it opens up options for aftermarket gear.

I bought some thermal strips and placed 1 on the group head. It’s handy.

I ended up using the supplied tamper instead of my usual one. It doesn’t feel as good to use, but it’s a better fit in the baskets.

After each session, I rinse the portafilter and basket, purge the group head then purge again with the handle just pressed up against the group seal with a little wiggle. This seems effective in cleaning the seal. No more backflushing!

Enough talk, go get one. Life’s too short!

[20in40out]

I upgraded from an entry level home machine to a mid tier end home machine a week ago, and i'm already dreaming of a lever in the future

My missus caught me watching Pro 800 vids on youtube last night and had a few choice words to say about the prospect of another/new machine in the near future
It will have to wait

Upgradeitis is REAL!

[simonko]

Hey mtee,

now you've had the Pro 800 for a few months, what's your thoughts?
I'm also looking at this lever machine, trying to talk myself out of it. Failing!
Any other lever owners want to offer their thoughts on moving from a Pro 700 to a lever? Many thanks in advance.
Long time visitor, brand new member.

I went from a ECM Synchronika to a lever (Izzo Valexia) - the Sync essentially a Pro 700 with cosmetic changes.

The Sync was an amazing machine - I can't actually recall anything I didn't like, but now after 1.5 years with a lever, I could never not have one. I just love the quietness and direct assistance/resistance to the lever to save a fast or choked shot.

I'll sometimes even assist the lever with my head if both hands are occupied doing milk - sort of like steering with your knees in the car while eating. I seriously can't think of the last sink shot I had.

It won't solve upgraditis though - it put me deep in the hobby territory rather than just a means of having nice coffee on hand - so already a new grinder on the way, getting into pourover for the first time in my life and even have an order in for the next lever. Life's simply too short!

[338]

I'll sometimes even assist the lever with my head if both hands are occupied doing milk - sort of like steering with your knees in the car while eating.

Simonko, any chance you could help us lever enthusiasts out with this technique? Maybe a quick video

[simonko]

I'd be up for that. But I don't want it to become known as SHT.

[338]

Simonko Head Technique does have a ring to it!

[tompoland]

So now we have WDT, RDT, and SHT !!!

[Micoffee]

I went from a ECM Synchronika to a lever (Izzo Valexia) - the Sync essentially a Pro 700 with cosmetic changes.

The Sync was an amazing machine - I can't actually recall anything I didn't like, but now after 1.5 years with a lever, I could never not have one. I just love the quietness and direct assistance/resistance to the lever to save a fast or choked shot.

I'll sometimes even assist the lever with my head if both hands are occupied doing milk - sort of like steering with your knees in the car while eating. I seriously can't think of the last sink shot I had.

It won't solve upgraditis though - it put me deep in the hobby territory rather than just a means of having nice coffee on hand - so already a new grinder on the way, getting into pourover for the first time in my life and even have an order in for the next lever. Life's simply too short!

Aahhhh!! Not helping!!
I'm fighting a losing battle with this upgraditis beast. Just need a little more work on the Finance Minister and this battle will be over!
Likewise with my Pro 700, no dislikes, easy to use, still really shiney. I thoroughly enjoy my brews but can't seem to shift past the desire for a lever.

[amberale]

Not helping I'm afraid but, I love my Bianca and also love the CT1 but I'm buying a Vostok One group anyway.

[Primacog]

I went from a ECM Synchronika to a lever (Izzo Valexia) - the Sync essentially a Pro 700 with cosmetic changes.

The Sync was an amazing machine - I can't actually recall anything I didn't like, but now after 1.5 years with a lever, I could never not have one. I just love the quietness and direct assistance/resistance to the lever to save a fast or choked shot.

I'll sometimes even assist the lever with my head if both hands are occupied doing milk - sort of like steering with your knees in the car while eating. I seriously can't think of the last sink shot I had.

It won't solve upgraditis though - it put me deep in the hobby territory rather than just a means of having nice coffee on hand - so already a new grinder on the way, getting into pourover for the first time in my life and even have an order in for the next lever. Life's simply too short!

You know, I think I have done that before when I owned a izzo!

I haven't needed to do that now that I own a nurri but that may be because i am usually admiring how nice it looks pulling the shot!

[Dipendente]

I still dream of a lever machine, but I need to renovate the pantry first. This is the first step of the process that will ensure marital bliss, however unless I do it myself I will be waiting for a long time due to a complete lack of tradies. I work full time, so there is little spare time in the week to work on it and must be done with a minimum of disruption.

[simonko]

I haven't needed to do that now that I own a nurri but that may be because i am usually admiring how nice it looks pulling the shot!

This is the first step of the process that will ensure marital bliss...

I'm on the verge of running water and power to, and drilling a hole in, the middle of a Caeserstone kitchen island. The Valexia and Nurri-to-be deserve 360° attention, as did the Sync with its sexy booty. They don't deserve a corner spot.

[338]

Make sure you use a proper mask (really proper) and plenty of water. Caeserstone is the material that has been killing those who work with it

[alexcs]

I'm starting to get the itch for a lever, intrigued by the ACS vostok 1 group that seems to be in pre production.

Cant find much info about release dates or australian sellers, the youtubes are pretty compelling with things like preinfusion pressure, pressure timed shots, auto dumping of the shot at the end.

Anyone got some goss on if and when these will be in australia?

[alexcs]

Thanks amberale. Do they offer local Aus support?

[amberale]

Hi Alex, no local support that I am aware of.
However, I have been following the EVO development for the last couple of years and I feel that the online support from ACS and a couple of forums(a) are adequate.
The Vostok/EVO are made from mainly off the shelf commercial parts that are readily available.
I am hoping that the Vostok has plenty of space in its larger case for all the kit and should be easy to service.

Most of the problems I have seen with EVOs over the last couple of years have been with minor leaks from plumbing fittings.
They seem simple to fix, from all reports ACS have been prompt with their assistance and there have only been a handful of them.

On the other hand, one would want to be reasonably competent mechanically to own and maintain one of these machines.
Not a full workshop but able to change a flat tyre, a fuse and a garden tap.
Most prosumer machine owners end up poking around in the bowels of our machines and, so long as we make sure we turn the power off, and get a Sparky to do any electrical mods I reckon we are fine.

[alexcs]

Thanks for the info, it is pretty tempting but the size of the Vostok might me a bit too big. Davec was mentioning most of the Vostok’s special features light be in the latest Evo leva, might look into that

[338]

You need to speak to amberale

[ona_rampage]

I've had my profitec pro 800 for over a year now, and no regrets. It pours a beautiful coffee, and even my wife can drive it with good results. Very forgiving machine in a lot of ways. Now looking to possibly upgrade my grinder.....it never ends....