BEZZERA Strega TOP Lever Espresso machine

At a glance

• Hand-held helicopter, with professional brew group
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• Switchable between tank/solid water
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• Vibration pump

Suitable for

Bezzera Strega with water tank and fixed water connection and vibration pump. The original espresso machine with a hand lever. The pump is used exclusively to fill the boiler and the brewing group with water. Pulling down the lever preloads a spring in the brew group and opens the valve for the hot water. When the lever is released, the spring builds up the necessary pressure. Operating a hand-held heblers requires some strength and experience, also note that without counter-pressure from a filled portafilter, the lever can quickly bang upwards with a lot of force. Once you have familiarised yourself with the peculiarities of the machine, this traditional technique of espresso preparation delights with very round results, especially the dark roasts from the south of Italy get an incomparable character.

In everyday life

First the work, then the pleasure. Operating a hand-held heblers makes espresso enjoyment a true craft. Small mistakes in preparing the portafilter are punished immediately; due to the (design-related) lack of a release valve, a too fine grind means a waiting time of several minutes, because the pressure of the spring must be completely released before the portafilter can be loosened. The three most important rules for the safe operation of a hand heblers are:

1. Do not pull the lever without the portafilter clamped and filled
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2. Always keep your hand on the lever for the first few seconds of the draw
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3. If the portafilter does not move easily, there is still pressure on the brew group
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The espresso result compensates for all the effort. The pressure curve of a hand heblers is highest at the beginning of the brewing process, which is when the best flavours can be released. At the end, when the flavours become rather unpleasant, the pressure has already been reduced. Perfect. Experienced baristas agree that a successful espresso from a hand-held coffee maker can hardly be surpassed.

Details we particularly like:

• Heated brew group reduces heating time
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• Switchable between tank/solid water
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• Very good espresso result
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In action