A bit of lever action

[BoldJava]

Just one leverhead's opinion:

Clean lines, class look, check - agree on the Sorrento http://www.bosco-macchine.com/product%20details.asp?codice=2
110, check
1-group, check
No steam tray (this homeboy has 1-3 drinks, pre-warming cups with hot water).  Tray is superfluous.
Bottomless, check
Steam, check (would want a knob - lever would steer me away because of unfamiliarity)
Hot water, check (")

B|Java

[Warrior372]

I do not think a steam cup tray warmer is a requirement for a home machine, but since I will be doing demos for commercial shops too I thought it would be a nice option to have just to be able to show them what it is (The 2-group and up machines come with it standard). If it was a more common option on modern machines I might pass, but I have only seen it on one of the many classic commercial levers I have restored. So that is why I was thinking about the steam cup warmer. Also, I plan on advertising the demos within the coffee forums to encourage others to come try the machine out. Depending on the size of the group, a steam cup tray warmer might come in handy.

I have mixed feelings about the lever vs knob for steam control too. I feel like I get slightly better control over the steam flow with a knob over a lever, but I think the machine might look a little odd with a knob on one side and lever on the other.

The 1-group machine weighs 99lbs and the 2-group weighs 132lbs. This is the only thing keeping me from going with a 2-group. Knowing that I will likely be solo on most demo runs, a 99lb machine will be hard enough to manage on my own. I am sure commercial shops would appreciate seeing a multi-group demo more, but I am only 1 man .

[Warrior372]

Good idea with the Pelican hard case. Man are those expensive! It looks like the one I would need is $500 dollars. Wow!

Thank you both for your opinions on the options!

[BoldJava]

Anyone with a milligram of interest in levers has to check out this rare vintage Italian lever, Carmali.  Wonderful pictures at H-B:  http://www.home-barista.com/levers/lever-espresso-machine-gallery-t2692-940.html#p244732

[BoldJava]

Lever action - next on the list.  In the order I predict they will fall and to what they will succumb:

JSpain, La Pavoni
Blzrfn, Europicolla
ECDHunt, model unknown

[EricBNC]

Lever action - next on the list.  In the order I predict they will fall and to what they will succumb:

JSpain, La Pavoni
Blzrfn, Europicolla
ECDHunt, model unknown

Actually, Mr. Java, I have a La Pavoni on the way.
The Stradavari model has been on my mind for as long as I have owned the Silvano.

Last Friday I pulled the trigger and ordered it from ROASTe.

[BoldJava]

...
Actually, Mr. Java, I have a La Pavoni on the way.
The Stradavari model has been on my mind for as long as I have owned the Silvano.

Last Friday I pulled the trigger and ordered it from ROASTe...

Good, this thread has been entirely too quiet for too long.  Lever-land.

B|Java

[bbqbeans]

Congrats Eric,
You are going to love that machine...I'm really enjoying mine!
Mark

[blzrfn]

Surely I will find a way to fall into this hole, but I will need to get a lot more focused experience before I decide how deep a hole to fall into.  Luckily the three ladies that share my roof have no problem keeping funds scarce so I will relish the time to decide and play with others' toys as often as possible.  If this weekend taught me anything, it is: spend more time with fellow coffee friends.

[EricBNC]

Congrats Eric,
You are going to love that machine...I'm really enjoying mine!
Mark

Thanks Mark! I am working till next Tuesday evening so staring at the box here on my office floor is killing me - till I can devote real time I don't even want to crack the tape for a peek - the Wedding is scheduled for May 1st, 7:30 PM! 

[BoldJava]

I suggest JSpain skip the smaller models, avoid upgraditis, and just get a Kees van der Western Idrocompresso.  Reasoning:

1)  No one in the club has a Dutch model
2)  Had shots off this in Minnesota at Dogwood and they were stellar
3)  US distributors in MN, Chicago, Ithaca, and NC.  Find a place to visit and spend some retirement time.
4)  Only STaylor and Milo have two - group levers.  Go over to the hard-core side in one leap.
5)  Don't worry about the price.  It is one of those "If you need to ask, you can't afford it."  As long as Patti is offering to buy...

[jspain]

Dave,

Patti's response, "A giggle!"

That is a sweet looking machine. I'm not asking price!

[milowebailey]

I suggest JSpain skip the smaller models, avoid upgraditis, and just get a Kees van der Western Idrocompresso.  Reasoning:

4)  Only STaylor and Milo have two - group levers.  Go over to the hard-core side in one leap.
5)  Don't worry about the price.  It is one of those "If you need to ask, you can't afford it."  As long as Patti is offering to buy...

Bold, I suspect you are mistaken on  #4.  I think Warrior and Doublesoul have 2 group levers.... they are the true veterans of Levers land.

As for #5 and the lever in the photo... Jim, tell Patti that would fit great in your new house in False Bay

[Warrior372]

Based on the last list price I received from KVDW you would be looking at around $8k plus shipping from the Netherlands which is in the neighborhood of $1k for insured air freight with brokerage fees for a 2-Group Idrocompresso. Every now and then they update the price lists without telling you until you call to place an order and all of the machines are priced in Euros, so those prices could change.

[jspain]

I suggest JSpain skip the smaller models, avoid upgraditis, and just get a Kees van der Western Idrocompresso.  Reasoning:

4)  Only STaylor and Milo have two - group levers.  Go over to the hard-core side in one leap.
5)  Don't worry about the price.  It is one of those "If you need to ask, you can't afford it."  As long as Patti is offering to buy...

That one is a bit small for us!

Bold, I suspect you are mistaken on  #4.  I think Warrior and Doublesoul have 2 group levers.... they are the true veterans of Levers land.

As for #5 and the lever in the photo... Jim, tell Patti that would fit great in your new house in False Bay

Larry,

A bit small for the two of us!

Patti tried to load pictures on the site today from Portland but they must be too many pixels? Wouldn't load. We'll email several of you and Nancy in Seattle to you.