Posted Sun Dec 2, 2012, 12:48pm Subject: Elektra Micro Leva. Steam pressure too low?
I recently bought an Elektra micro leva. Everything's fine except the steam pressure won't go higher than the level where the needle barely touches the green. The light then goes off and the pressure refuses to go any higher. The result is that, unless I grind the coffee very grossly or pack it very loosely, it takes about two minutes for a full shot to come into the cup in tiny drops. I understand the needle should rest at a point about midway between the green and the red markers. I am further puzzled by comments I've read here and on other sites by users of the Elektra micro leva who have a problem with their boiler over-heating. Apparently their models (older ones?) have no thermostat, and mine has one which is set too low. Any ideas what I can do?
johnboddie Senior Member Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Posts: 147 Location: Virginia Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Brasilia Mini Classic,... Grinder: Rocky, KitchenAid Pro Drip: Cuisinart (non-grinding)
Posted Sun Dec 2, 2012, 8:36pm Subject: Re: Elektra Micro Leva. Steam pressure too low?
At initial warm-up, my MCAL shows it is up to pressure (barely) at about the eight to ten-minute point. At that time, I turn the valve on the steam wand and watch as the pressure drops like a rock, generally in a matter of a couple of seconds. Then I close the steam valve and let the machine get up to pressure again. Once it's been heating for about twenty minutes total, I can start to prep and pull shots.
Posted Wed Dec 5, 2012, 4:19am Subject: Re: Elektra Micro Leva. Steam pressure too low?
The gauge is indicating correctly for the best results. At least in my opinion and experience with the Lektra. You really don't want to go much over .9 or heat management can be a problem. John is describing false pressure which means your machine might look ready to use but it's not. Do what he says and you should be good to go..although twenty minutes sounds a bit long. Release pressure earlier and ten minutes should be about it. The head starts to overheat not the boiler. This is where heat management tames the beast and not the other way around. ;-p
Posted Wed Dec 5, 2012, 1:10pm Subject: Re: Elektra Micro Leva. Steam pressure too low?
Thanks to you and John. Glad to be reassured it's not the fault of my machine's thermostat. Releasing pressure does seem to help, and I take your tip about doing it early. I see a commenter on another forum who had a similar problem solved it by further lubricating the piston seals.
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