Bezzera Strega Lever machine 2 Year Review

Kevohere

Koffee Kosmo wrote:

Glad your impressions almost mirror mine KK

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

Ol_Grumpy

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

Kevohere

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

Kevohere wrote:

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

Koffee_Kosmo

My- how the time flies The Bezzera Strega has now been in use for 3+ years Still makes daily coffee Still on its original group head seal ( because I regularly pull it out to clean it ) Still looking like a model in her prime 😉 [attach=1] [attach=2] [attach=3] I am happily caffeinated every day Thank you Strega Lever Also thank you Derrilex for the beautiful one of a kind handles KK

Lwowiak

Koffee Kosmo wrote:

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

Hi KK, When you have some time, can you please post some photos of your cleaning regime. I am sure many will be very interested. Thanks L.

Kevohere

Koffee Kosmo wrote:

Still looking like a model in her prime 😉 Also thank you Derrilex for the beautiful one of a kind handles

3 Years, still looks brand spankin' and those handles..... :thumb: maybe I need to contact Derrilex to get a set for my Witch! Is the lever handle matching? It's almost my Strega's 1st birthday, so perhaps a "bling" tweak is due. :coffee2:

Koffee_Kosmo

Lwowiak wrote:

Hi KK, When you have some time, can you please post some photos of your cleaning regime. I am sure many will be very interested. Thanks L.

I will get right in it and plan one post per task

Kevohere wrote:

3 Years, still looks brand spankin' and those handles..... :thumb: maybe I need to contact Derrilex to get a set for my Witch! Is the lever handle matching? It's almost my Strega's 1st birthday, so perhaps a "bling" tweak is due. :coffee2:

I had made 2 sets of PF handles, Lever Pull handles and toggle knobs, as we were experimenting with colour and shape ( willing to sell the spare set if you are interested ) And they look even better in real life KK

Kevohere

Koffee Kosmo wrote:

( willing to sell the spare set if you are interested )

Very. PM sent your way.

Koffee_Kosmo

Lwowiak wrote:

Hi KK, When you have some time, can you please post some photos of your cleaning regime. I am sure many will be very interested. Thanks L.

From the time the Strega came home to live with us, it has been lovingly looked after First thing I did was to apply a protective polish on the stainless steel finish This application of polish not only keeps it shiny but also protects the metal surface from milk, coffee and water stains I personally use a polish product called Glare Ultra 2000 Advance and has Glass Plexin in it Depending on the Polish one uses ? An application will last from a couple of years to 7 years in the one I use [attach=1] When it's time to remove stains from general use I use a microfiber cloth just barely wet and a little glass cleaner like windex Using the right cloth will bring the shine back every time [attach=2] I also use a towel on the top of the machine - taking care not to cover air circulation holes, to prevent scratching from anything that is placed on there [attach=3] This is all that's needed to keep ones machine spick & span Next instalment is on seal and head cleaning procedure KK

lukemc

How often do you guys remove the piston etc from the group and re lube it?

Koffee_Kosmo

lukemc wrote:

How often do you guys remove the piston etc from the group and re lube it?

Believe it or not - I have never done it on the Strega I do however clean the brew head area under the screen regularly KK

lukemc

Koffee Kosmo wrote:

Believe it or not - I have never done it on the Strega I do however clean the brew head area under the screen regularly KK

I'm the same KK. I was getting worried I should have by now, I think I read on one of the US forums someone suggesting monthly but I think I'll wait and if it gets squeaky then I'll look at it.

Lacehim

If it's not broke don't go looking for things to fix IMO. They should see years of service before needing changed.

borat123

Koffee Kosmo wrote:

Still on its original group head seal

Geez KK, that's a good effort. On the Urania I change mine out every 2 or 3 months, and lube the piston about every 3-4 months. Mine is also used for daily coffees at home but stays on 24/7 unless the house is empty or it needs some maintenance... I last bought a bag of 20 from a catering supply place in Ireland for about 29 cents each!

Koffee_Kosmo

Next in the series of maintaining your Bezzera Strega Lever and other lever machines in general Lever machines don't require chemical back flushing but benefit from daily hot water flushes or a cleansing flush after making coffee My general routine is to remove the shower screen and seal assembly to clean it thoroughly On the Strega it's fairly easy using a thin spoon or one can also use a screwdriver carefully The screen and seal come out in one piece [attachimg=1] [attachimg=2] Separate and wash thoroughly [attachimg=3] [attachimg=4]

Koffee_Kosmo

Wipe inside the water dispersion area to remove oils and grinds prior to replacing the screen and seal [attachimg=3] Do the same cleaning procedures for the group handle and basket [attachimg=1] Add a little lube on the seal and replace I have found that the easiest way to replace, is to place the water screen and seal onto the group handle and lock it in just like one normally makes coffee [attachimg=2]

derrilex

Wow KK, look at that handle ! 😃

Trooper

Where did you purchase the Glare Ultra 2000 Advance from KK

Koffee_Kosmo

Gouly wrote:

Where did you purchase the Glare Ultra 2000 Advance from KK

I got it online but it's expensive It's a paint protection system that lasts 7 years Originally purchased to give the family cars a paint service The same polish system was used on my handles as we'll and they also look great I am running low on it now but If you need a little amount of polish you can have some

derrilex wrote:

Wow KK, look at that handle ! 😃

Still Beautiful after a couple of years

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