Bezzera Strega Lever machine 2 Year Review

Koffee_Kosmo · June 2013

It's been over 2 years that the Bezzera Strega Lever machine has graced my home coffee making station
My particular machine is the very first machine to land in Australia but I eventually got it after the evaluation process was competed
In fact I was invited by Bezzera Australia - Barazi to be part of the evaluation, and from the first use I was smitten with it :head:

The Strega living on a diet of KKTO home roasted beans and paired with the BNZ MD74 conical grinder, also in the early days I had a Mazzer Major as well

It's a little gem of a machine that just keeps on working flawlessly over the 2 year period I have owned and used it
It's still on the original group head seal
Build quality is very good with no sharp edges and still looks like new ( but its polished at least twice a month )

The pump noise is nothing to worry about, its not loud at all and its only on for 4 to 6 seconds. I actually find the noise reassuring - knowing its on and working.
The vibe pump that is used to feed the lever group cylinder via a HX circuit ( Heat Exchanger ) is so versatile that it allows the user to control the shot in an infinite manner of ways, So much so that a clever owner can mimic many other machines in there operation

My coffee shot assessment from 2 years ago has not changed
1) The cup flavour is a little softer and a little more flavour definition than my BZ40 and Domus Galatea
2) The smell is also different in the cup from many other machines I tested it against
3) The overall extraction process is not forced & the spring just does its job smoothly
4) Ample steam

At some point but early on in ownership I applied some bling to my Bezzera Strega with custom handles and knobs first using timber then with a beautiful resin that is amazing

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shape_shifter · June 2013

KK it's great to see someone that hasn't got upgraditis with this machine. I'm pretty sure that it's the only machine that I've looked at that I know if I had one I wouldn't be interested in anything else either, that vs the myriad of other 'normal' machines that I've considered and then found something better. I think it's the only regret I've got when it comes to my coffee adventure is that I stupidly thought that a 'press a button machine' would get OH interested in making coffee and being part of the adventure, yes yes I should have listened more carefully when he told me he wouldn't (super auto at work is perfect for him) and bought the lever to start off with! :pan

derrilex · June 2013

Wow, 2 years eh. Where did that time go ? Having had quite a few from KK's Strega I will confirm his analysis. It does produce a beaut cup and I reckon it mellows any bean. KK's machine is also stupidly clean and shiny :rofl:

Brett H · June 2013

Thanks for the 24 month review KK. It's great to see that you are still in love with this machine. If I ever got the lever bug Strega would be number 1 on my list! I can testify to this machines ability and ease of use... Although KK is a couple of cups short due one of my first fine efforts with this machine!

Kevohere · June 2013

Thanks for the great post review KK. I have found myself being steered towards this machine over the past week or so, having been attracted toward a lever style machine for a while now with the upgraditis bug nibbling away within. ::) I have been just needing the direction/push to persuade me to let go of my beaut Minore III. Your update may have just over stimulated that blasted bug. :rofl: As you seem to have "contacts" with Bezzera, are there any recommendations on a Bezzera supplier in NSW that I can seek a solution to this disease? As you stated above; "its the only machine I have owned that does not let my mind drift off to think about an upgrade" At last, a machine that actually treats the cause, not just the symptom! :thumb: PS: I believe the turnover time in producing shots on a lever is slower than say, a dual boiler Expobar. Do you consider this to be a concern when friends are around? Or am I having a :doh:?

Koffee_Kosmo · June 2013

on 1371377699:

Thanks for the great post review KK. I have found myself being steered towards this machine over the past week or so, having been attracted toward a lever style machine for a while now with the upgraditis bug nibbling away within. ::) I have been just needing the direction/push to persuade me to let go of my beaut Minore III. Your update may have just over stimulated that blasted bug. :rofl: As you seem to have "contacts" with Bezzera, are there any recommendations on a Bezzera supplier in NSW that I can seek a solution to this disease? As you stated above; "its the only machine I have owned that does not let my mind drift off to think about an upgrade" At last, a machine that actually treats the cause, not just the symptom! :thumb: PS: I believe the turnover time in producing shots on a lever is slower than say, a dual boiler Expobar. Do you consider this to be a concern when friends are around? Or am I having a :doh:?

I was smitten from the first use when the trials were being conducted While I was waiting for the assessment to finish I was saving my money to get that Strega If you go to here - http://bezzeracoffeemachine.com.au/contact/distributor/new-south-wales-distributors You will see all the distributors close to you in NSW The turnover time between shots is the same as any other machine While the cylinder in draining you are frothing milk - by the time thats done its ready for the next shot If you do black coffee then the same rule applies - but you are grinding coffee :thumb: Yep it's a keeper because the coffee is so good

on 1371371259:

Thanks for the 24 month review KK. It's great to see that you are still in love with this machine. If I ever got the lever bug Strega would be number 1 on my list! I can testify to this machines ability and ease of use... Although KK is a couple of cups short due one of my first fine efforts with this machine!

That was a good trial day Brett at Barazi Almost every shot was a tiger stipe Even though you broke a couple of cups because the PF came off you brushed the mishap off and produced your very own tiger stripe shot KK

shape_shifter · June 2013

Kev, Austins at Broadmeadow sell the Strega, I haven't got around to ringing them yet, I find I don't like talking about stuff I can't afford

You know I'll be first in line to come and try yours don't you ;D

Kevohere · June 2013

Thanks Nic, Already spoken to them today after checking their website. Can order one up from Bezzera on 10% deposit, set it up in the shop and run me through the operation. Yep, I would expect and appreciate you to come a knock knock knockin' Nic :exclaim: :D This attempt to hopefully cure my upgraditis, will of course be dependent on the negotiations transferring ownership of my beloved Minore III being finalised. :thumb:

Kevohere · June 2013

Okay, Minore III gone and the BS (Strega) on its way :exclaim: Big Kev's excited! (Again) I have the feeling that the upgrade-itis re-occurrences are about to be cured well and good. (The wallet is (pardon the pun) banking on this

) Maybe you just need to get inoculated with the right MV (machine vaccine) for this to work. :rofl: Now I just have to get through the next few days without waking up to not seeing the gleaming EMIII on the bench. In the meantime; choices: Stove top? Aero Press? Plunger? Vacuum? South Indian style? :coffee: It IS a hard life eh? ::)

Koffee_Kosmo · June 2013

Congratulations Kev Welcome to the Lever Club don't forget to write/post about your experiences You will be delightfully pleased when it comes because its just as shiny if not shiner than the Minor III Ohh and the coffee is great as well KK

Kevohere · June 2013

The "Witch" has landed :exclaim: :coffee2: Only enough time to pull one double shot for two standard FWs late this afternoon. Gotta say, for a first go it was very drinkable but I can see the need to tweak the grind a bit coarser as it was perhaps a little over extracted. Going out now for a few hours so, tomorrow brings some 'play time' as I familiarize myself with this beauty. :coffee: Yes, I believe it is (a bit) shinier than the Minore KK. ;D

Koffee_Kosmo · June 2013

on 1372063454:

The "Witch" has landed :exclaim: :coffee2: Only enough time to pull one double shot for two standard FWs late this afternoon. Gotta say, for a first go it was very drinkable but I can see the need to tweak the grind a bit coarser as it was perhaps a little over extracted. Going out now for a few hours so, tomorrow brings some 'play time' as I familiarize myself with this beauty. :coffee: Yes, I believe it is (a bit) shinier than the Minore KK. ;D

You won't be disappointed Kev A heads up to ease the transition to the Strega lever Tamp 8mm deep for best results - no mater what basket you use Grind a little finer than you are used to on the E61 Experiment with the pre infusion times to suit your pallet but I allow about 6 seconds Now we are not pushing you to post some photos but it would be nice KK

IMAWriter · June 2013

To add to KK, ALWAYS be sure there is coffee loaded in the PF! Helps to stand clear of the lever as it rises....just in case! :laugh: Kev, enjoy your new machine. In regards to your former beloved machine, I tell myself daily it's OK to have feeling the feeling that you have somehow betrayed an inanimate object, in this case your former lovely machine. When I sold my Anita years ago for an Olympia Cremina, I had a touch of guilt, at least till my first truly glorious lever shot. As wonderful as the Anita treated me, once settling on the clouds of lever-lever land, I was forever "Hooked." (way bad pun, but you folks can handle it!) Cheers.

Kevohere · June 2013

on 1372068688:

You won't be disappointed Kev A heads up to ease the transition to the Strega lever Tamp 8mm deep for best results - no mater what basket you use Grind a little finer than you are used to on the E61 Experiment with the pre infusion times to suit your pallet but I allow about 6 seconds Now we are not pushing you to post some photos but it would be nice KK

I am finding the tamping depth and grind are much the same as the Minore III was. I am still "experimenting" of course, but it seems when I go finer than I did on the Minore, the initial pour is good but then quickly goes very thin and pale looking (blonding?) and taking too long. :tearhair: For "tuning in" purposes, I am using a bag of beans supplied by the seller and noticed there is no date whatsoever on the bag. ::) On the pre-infusion time KK. Do you include that "time" in the 25 - 30 sec extraction window? Photos WILL happen soon BTW. Thanks for the input and support with this beautiful witch. I am pleased with the results 2 days in, knowing that it is going to get better. :coffee2: Another question; I noticed the Strega didn't come with a blind basket. Did some reading on HB and it seems you don't back flush levers. No where for the water to go it seems. Any tips on cleaning the group head and can you descale these machines as with other single boilers? That's enough for now, thanks again for steering me in the Strega's direction. Kev.

Kevohere · June 2013

on 1372199437:

I am finding the tamping depth and grind are much the same as the Minore III was. I am still "experimenting" of course, but it seems when I go finer than I did on the Minore, the initial pour is good but then quickly goes very thin and pale looking (blonding?) and taking too long. :tearhair: For "tuning in" purposes, I am using a bag of beans supplied by the seller and noticed there is no date whatsoever on the bag. ::) On the pre-infusion time KK. Do you include that "time" in the 25 - 30 sec extraction window? Photos WILL happen soon BTW. Thanks for the input and support with this beautiful witch. I am pleased with the results 2 days in, knowing that it is going to get better. :coffee2: Another question; I noticed the Strega didn't come with a blind basket. Did some reading on HB and it seems you don't back flush levers. No where for the water to go it seems. Any tips on cleaning the group head and can you descale these machines as with other single boilers? That's enough for now, thanks again for steering me in the Strega's direction. Kev.

on 1372189855:

To add to KK, ALWAYS be sure there is coffee loaded in the PF! Helps to stand clear of the lever as it rises....just in case! :laugh: As wonderful as the Anita treated me, once settling on the clouds of lever-lever land, I was forever "Hooked." (way bad pun, but you folks can handle it!) Cheers.

Hi Rob. Thanks for your counseling with my recent loss. :D In fact, having the Strega on the bench only 30 odd hours, has me already rejuvenated and on a high! :coffee: :rofl: Yes, I am very aware of the lever's potential jaw-busting action, but I do like to flush before and after (PF out/empty Pf in). Is there any other way of cleaning/cooling the group head on levers? Will appreciate any assistance offered as I learn my way along the lever road.

Cheers, Kev

Koffee_Kosmo · June 2013

Hi Kev The pre infusion - is the time the pump is active before I lift the lever When the pump stirs and the spring takes over that's when the shot time begins Lever machines do not need back flushing - hence the reason of no blind filter To clean the lower head area e.g. Screen and seal, they come out together Just use a spoon as a lever and pry the screen down from a tiny lip on the lower portion of the screen It brings the seal down with it Next time I do It I will take photos KK

IMAWriter · June 2013

Kev, as it is an HX machine, a cooling flush, if you've been away from the machine more than maybe 10 minutes is not a bad idea, just as you did with your previous machine. No biggie to just do a flush when your finished, and use either a cu-tip or soft group brush to clean around the gasket and such. KK please correct me if I wrong here, as I've only seen videos and such of the Strega. (Those of Jim Schulman)

Koffee_Kosmo · June 2013

on 1372201133:

Kev, as it is an HX machine, a cooling flush, if you've been away from the machine more than maybe 10 minutes is not a bad idea, just as you did with your previous machine. No biggie to just do a flush when your finished, and use either a cu-tip or soft group brush to clean around the gasket and such. KK please correct me if I wrong here, as I've only seen videos and such of the Strega. (Those of Jim Schulman)

The Strega videos on the Koffee Kosmo YouTube channel were probably the first ones in the world that was of the machine dong a pour Here is one I did with the naked PF that was only hours after the second PF was converted on a lathe [embed=425,349]

KK

shape_shifter · June 2013

Yah Kev has his strega already, that was quick ;D Love the guilt ridden angst about old machines, you know they don't have feelings right :rofl: In saying that though I'm not selling the BDB because of the handles, I love my handles but I know they can't go on the strega. When's the party Kev, I have some Hon COE here ready to try :D

Kevohere · June 2013

Nice looking pour KK. I will need to look around for a local friendly machine shop to have my second PF converted. Hmmm, the old use a spoon as a lever trick eh? ^-^ Had to do that with the Minore and it wasn't too easy! How often would you suggest removing it and is it best done cold or as it was with the Minore, while there is some heat in there?

Koffee_Kosmo · June 2013

on 1372220552:

Nice looking pour KK. I will need to look around for a local friendly machine shop to have my second PF converted. Hmmm, the old use a spoon as a lever trick eh? ^-^ Had to do that with the Minore and it wasn't too easy! How often would you suggest removing it and is it best done cold or as it was with the Minore, while there is some heat in there?

Yep those pours are a daily occurrence on the Strega Kev Yes same technique as some E61s to remove the seal & screen combo As for cleaning ? Depends how anal you are, however once a week or every 1 kg of beans is perfectly acceptable KK

Kevohere · June 2013

on 1372214572:

Yah Kev has his strega already, that was quick ;D Love the guilt ridden angst about old machines, you know they don't have feelings right :rofl: In saying that though I'm not selling the BDB because of the handles, I love my handles but I know they can't go on the strega. When's the party Kev, I have some Hon COE here ready to try :D

When I move..... I moooove! :rofl: Interesting comment about the "guilt" bit though. It seems I am still referring or comparing, to the Minore in my posts quite a bit. Yeah, some may think "what were you thinking to let go of a machine like that?" There are no regrets (now) and as I see it, another coffee lover is now reaping the Minore's benefits! Party? Party? 'Witch' party? :rofl: Every day there is a Strega party here! Give me a buzz and we'll :coffee2: some of that COE. ;D

IMAWriter · June 2013

Kev, my "guilt" comment was meant mostly tongue in cheek. Still, there's a reason many refer to their automobiles as "she." Yes, knowing your former faithful machine is being appreciated by another is a good thing. PEOPLE put that machine together. Call me an old softie (and someone will, no punches pulled around here :laugh:)

Kevohere · August 2013

Getting to "know" the Strega! Just finished reviewing this morning, my experiences on the Strega with SS yesterday. Played with the dosage size/weight to basket size and actually weighing the dose! :angel: Using the larger of the 2 baskets supplied (I assume it to be the "double"), loaded 19g in my "normal" range of grind on the MM, with a firm tamp and produced the sweetest Nepal Plantec Estate shot tasted yet. The pleasing thing is though, I still feel and know, it will produce better as the pour was just a tad quick for my liking. What I am happy about (post SS's visit), is that the odd thin watery pour occurrences of the past seem to be solved. ^-^ And, after another read of the review on HB, discovered that VST and Strega are not compatible according to Jim. Can't upload a pic of the pour just yet, but here is one of The Witch at her "station". I turfed out the useless microwave, removed the shelf, reset the top cupboards back, tiled the back wall and mirrored the sides and top. (That's why I have been a bit slack in posting a pic since its arrival KK ::))

IMAWriter · August 2013

on 1375410099:

Can't upload a pic of the pour just yet, but here is one of The Witch at her "station". I turfed out the useless microwave, removed the shelf, reset the top cupboards back, tiled the back wall and mirrored the sides and top. (That's why I have been a bit slack in posting a pic since its arrival KK ::))

Very nice! Congrats.

Koffee_Kosmo · August 2013

That's wolf whistle material Kev :thumb: Glad your impressions almost mirror mine Keep those tiger stripe god shots coming :angel: KK

Lizzi · August 2013

Great looking set-up! Love the mirror-idea

L

Kevohere · August 2013

on 1375420596:

Glad your impressions almost mirror mine KK

:D Thanks KK, it seems your wit is only surpassed by your knowledge of all things coffee :exclaim: :coffee2:

Ol Grumpy · August 2013

Now that's how you build a shrine to coffee :thumb:

Kevohere · October 2013

This should be a good place to ask a "lever" question: I notice KK, you have a convex tamper for the Strega. How many other lever (Strega or other) users here prefer convex over flat? As it happens, I have pretty much used a flat tamper with my former Minore III and have continued using it with the Witch, seemingly, with mixed success at this stage, as many shots appear to turn watery fairly quick (channeling?) :tearhair: With a lever type group head, would convex be an advantage/preference here? :coffee2:

Koffee_Kosmo · October 2013

on 1381734280:

This should be a good place to ask a "lever" question: I notice KK, you have a convex tamper for the Strega. How many other lever (Strega or other) users here prefer convex over flat? As it happens, I have pretty much used a flat tamper with my former Minore III and have continued using it with the Witch, seemingly, with mixed success at this stage, as many shots appear to turn watery fairly quick (channeling?) :tearhair: With a lever type group head, would convex be an advantage/preference here? :coffee2:

I tend to use a convex tamper as a preference The shape of the tamped puck will direct and filter the water in the centre Fresh coffee and just the right amount pre infusion will also help As the coffee ages I tend to pre infuse it for less time KK

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