Lever Machines

CoffeeMama

Hello Everyone. I'm new here, so wondering if anyone knows of any threads discussing the Ponte Vecchio Lusso. I'm quite drawn to this machine for it's seeming simplicity and ease of control.

I own a Sunbeam 6910, which is leaking badly. I guess it's an issue with either the seal or collar. This will eventually be sent in, to be serviced, but I think I've caught the upgrade bug. So, a lever it is. =)

Love the vintage look and red, preferably. =)
So, wondering any other lever machines in this class? Brezzera Straga? I wouldn't mind a second hand one even?
Thanks for your thoughts.

derrilex

Lacehim has the former and is looking to upgrade and KK has the latter and is stoked with it. Have a browse through the different threads in the espresso machine section. :thumb:

Koffee_Kosmo

There is a great thread here - http://www.bestcafes.com.au/forum/espresso-machines/lever-espresso-machines/ I am definitely stocked about the Bezzera Strega  :thumb: I hope that Lacehim can confirm that the Ponte Vecchio cylinder has water capacity for single shots only If you have any specific questions on the Strega I would be happy to answer  KK

CoffeeMama

okies...=) Thank you for the threads...  ^-^ Now to read them. Oh, and I'll be going out to sample some tastings, quick question re the volume in a single pull. Is it true that you can only pull close to 30 ml at best, in a single shot? Would this be different in a lever with a spring action? Thanks. =)

CoffeeMama

oh and I forgot...does anyone know of places in Sydney which sells or gives demos of the lever machine? :question:

shape_shifter

I think if you spoke to Lacehim he'd tell you not to buy one, he's now ready to move on, too many problems, not enough help, oh and help as in from the manufacturer not the importer, who is great.

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1345685403:

oh and I forgot...does anyone know of places in Sydney which sells or gives demos of the lever machine? :question:

Sorentina would be the place http://sorrentinacoffee.myshopify.com/collections/espresso-machines-domestic-semi-commercial

on 1345685275:

okies...=) Thank you for the threads...  ^-^ Now to read them. Oh, and I'll be going out to sample some tastings, quick question re the volume in a single pull. Is it true that you can only pull close to 30 ml at best, in a single shot? Would this be different in a lever with a spring action? Thanks. =)

A spring action machine like the Strega operates differently but it's easier to use Spring action levers are more likely to be seen on comercial machines For a single cup 25/30 ml is the norm KK

march83

on 1345687032:

I think if you spoke to Lacehim he'd tell you not to buy one, he's now ready to move on, too many problems, not enough help, oh and help as in from the manufacturer not the importer, who is great.

interesting and disappointing at the same time. i commented to the missus after a few days of chopping and changing between my lusso and my bfc levetta that the lusso is definitely the superior machine in the cup. the simplicity, the ease of operation and the value for money just add to that. it really is a wonderful machine to use and the results are exceptional. it is definitely not without shortcomings. i really wish the boiler could be plumbed in (easily), i wish the build quality were better, i wish it had an antivac valve and i wish the pressurestat were more accessible, but these are relatively minor complaints. I guess, if i'm being super picky, it would be nice to have a big 58mm group rather than the toy-like 45mm, but then it wouldn't be quite what it is... i've had mine for over 6 months now with no reliability issues - fingers crossed things stay that way... ps/coffeemama, afaik there are no retailers in sydney with the PVL on hand, but i'd be happy to give you a demo in the lower blue mountains if you're ever out that way...

littleroundman

I can chip in here  as a Ponte Vecchio owner. My machine produces superb in-the-cup results, is easy to use and produces single shots with no problem. With my current routine, it produces an espresso and a 20ml ristretto with 2.5 pulls of the lever HOWEVER in the spirit of full disclosure, I must point out, my Ponte lasted exactly 2 hours before the water level alarm transformer on the circuit board "brain' of the machine let go with a loud "ping" rendering the machine inoperable. Apparently this rare, but not unheard of event is specific to the 240v machines imported into Oz. I know this because I found reference to the problem on Home-Barista.com I received NO help in this matter from Ponte Vecchio and paid for the repairs myself. To this day, some 18 months later I have not received as much as the wiring diagram I requested without which the local (Perth) tech was reluctant to attempt repairs. Promises were made WRT some form of compensation, but they were not kept YMMV

derrilex

on 1345687032:

I think if you spoke to Lacehim he'd tell you not to buy one, he's now ready to move on, too many problems, not enough help, oh and help as in from the manufacturer not the importer, who is great.

Yep, I'd second that. As well, having seen it in the flesh and watched its operation I personally would get sick of having to do multiple lever operations to get a brew. Go large - get a strega, its only money  :D

Lacehim

Well I've owned a lusso for about a year and a half so far and yes I'm really ready to move on.  It's made some great coffee's but another machine has caught my eye, and I really want a commercial lever. Jack from Sorrentina has been fantastic, but in my opinion Ponte Vecchio really dropped the ball.  From day 1 I had a leaking group due to scoring in the cylinder.  PV said they would replace it, but they forgot to send it with the first shipment, and then finally it was sent with the next one.  Would you believe they send Jack a single group which is different to the twin group machine!  Jack only orders the twin group machine!  ::)  Jack gave up I think and gave me one of his machine which was nice of him.  That took 8 months by the way from start to finish!!! Anyway, I finally have it working now, and I do love it in many ways.  I've modified mine to have an antivac which has made the machine much better to use. Regarding shot volume, I have never used a single basket with this machine.  It's tiny!  I use the double, and give about 10sec prefusion by pulling the lever down, and just before the water is about to enter the cylinder, I lock the group handle in.  I usually let the lever rise just slightly, then push it back down.  If you let it rise to the top you'll get a lovely espresso, around 10-20ml, and if you do another pull you'll get around 30-40ml ish.  Depends on grind. check out my mods thread here for more info.  http://www.bestcafes.com.au/forum/projects-rebuilds/ponte-vecchio-lusso-mods/ Also there is a thread or two on CS, one regarding changing the seals with Jacks tool, and another just about general lusso use. My machine will be for sale very soon, if your interested.  I still have the box.  It's got 4 custom timber handles, antivac mod, and bar a few scratches on the drip tray and a few on the lid, it's in good condition.  Also one handle is nakid Hope that helps.  There are plenty happy users out there, and it's a great machine.  Even though everyone says it looks like a toy, it can produce the goods.  Milk is great one it.  Not to fast, not to slow.