The lever coffee machine is a real gem, with its vintage look and extraordinary mechanism, producing an espresso made of pure poetry. If you are a coffee lover you will certainly want to know how the lever coffee machine works, what the advantages and disadvantages of this equipment are: in this article you will find all the answers you need. With respect to the origins of coffee, we only start talking about espresso coffee and thus the lever machine when the consumption of this drink becomes common in Europe. Right from the start, it goes on to affect the everyday life of all people, with the birth of real tasting circles at first. When referring to the tradition of espresso coffee, one is almost certainly talking about espresso lever coffee machines. The use of this machine model dates back to the late 19th century, and it is with this machine that the term ‘espresso’ was born. In fact, it is only with lever coffee machines that it becomes possible to prepare the drink at the bar counter. Just when the customer asks for it, without waiting, and therefore: espresso.
Pontevecchio and its lever coffee machines
Pontevecchio brought this tradition to the present day, carrying on the craftsmanship behind the creation of the lever coffee machine. Each lever machine is a handcrafted product, different in its details and finish. Since its inception, Pontevecchio wanted to act as a link between tradition and modern needs, with the new resources available. This, however, without ever losing sight of the gestures and rituals that are part of the preparation of this precious beverage. Unlike automatic machines, the lever coffee machine is the result of centuries of evolution in the study of details. Mechanical operation makes them more resistant to the course of time and the wear and tear of materials, while maintaining high levels of performance and product quality. This clearly depends on how the lever coffee machine works, it means, on its mechanics not at all automated or electronic. Super-automatic or automatic models are clearly more subject to malfunctioning or failure because they have more electronic parts than mechanical components.
Therefore, a manual coffee machine is in its way also a more solid investment since the mechanics are mainly ruined by material wear. And, on this, Pontevecchio models have no fears: each Pontevecchio lever machine is made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, brass, and sheet steel, which are practically indestructible. The operation of the lever machine is simple and powerful. However, there is little specific knowledge about the operation of these valuable machines, so it is better to go into more detail and explain how the lever coffee machine works.
This is how a lever coffee machine works
It seems that the operation of the lever machine requires absolute skill and infinite experience, but this is nothing more than false legend. Like all espresso machines, the lever machine relies on heating water in the boiler. Once heated, the water runs through an intricate series of pipes until it reaches the arm. When the person lowers the lever, it causes the hot water to flow through the pipes and reach the filter holder where the coffee powder resides. The main aspects to be monitored in the preparation of espresso coffee are the pressure and temperature of the water, which must comply with very precise parameters in order for the coffee to be excellent. According to the model, there may or may not be indicators that allow you to take the pulse of the pressure during extraction. In Pontevecchio models, the water temperature and pressure indicators are essential, as they allow you to manage the extraction process. Learning to control water pressure is learned gradually, but it is not difficult to do. Just take your time to understand how the lever-operated coffee machine works and to experiment, becoming passionate about the whole process. The operation of the machine is clearly intuitive, its mechanisms accompanying the actions of the user and facilitating them. We are talking about mechanisms that have been perfected over the years by craftsmanship, and which are easy to understand and use. Using a lever espresso machine allows you to obtain the original espresso coffee experience, which includes not only the drink, but the rituality of its preparation.
At first it is not easy to understand how the lever coffee machine works
There are two things that complicate the first use of the professional lever coffee machine: the density of the coffee powder, i.e., how finely the beans have been ground, and how much the powder has been pressed into the filter holder. These aspects are important because during extraction, water can have difficulty passing through the powder. This leads at best to a watery beverage, at worst to none, because the water finds a barrier too dense. What concerns the grinding of coffee beans is a skill that improves with practice: the first few times you will probably have to throw away some coffee because you have ground too much. Or because you will have ground it into too large beans. This is absolutely normal, but after a few attempts you will be able to prepare your own blend from the coffee of the world. The correct pressing of coffee is also a parameter that is acquired through practice. It is an operation that serves to compact the coffee powder so that the extracted drink is creamy, intensely flavoured and retains its aromatic characteristics. Correct pressing of the coffee is done with a presser (also called a tamper), which makes the coffee become a single block. The beans must not separate as the water passes through, so as not to lose their organoleptic characteristics. A little secret is not to fill the filter holder to the maximum. Leave a space between the surface and the waterspout so that the water can pass evenly through the layer of coffee.
How can you determine if a manual machine is the best option for you?
There is a true culture hidden behind the manual coffee machine, but how can you know if you are a good match for it? There are also semi-automatic and super-automatic espresso machines on the market, which make the coffee ritual different, even making it much simpler. The type of person who likes to delve deeper, explore new experiences and understand with curiosity how to enjoy the best version on offer is certainly suited to the lever machine. Its very use allows you to enjoy each gesture even before the drink, to weigh each moment in exactly the way you prefer.
On the other hand, the person who is not interested in finding out how the lever machine works is much better suited to those espresso machines that may require only the push of a button. The choice, therefore, of the person who wants to explore flavours and travel to a world of aromas with the cups of coffee prepared at home, has to be the lever coffee machine. Semi-automatic machines, however, offer the possibility of controlling part of the process, such as the grinding of the coffee beans. So, where it is impossible to have a lever machine, it is still possible to opt for something that resembles the process.
The poetry of the lever machine is in its operation
The way the lever works basically produces an air pocket in the water tank that it is carrying, which is the core of the manual coffee maker. The wonderful beverage is created after the water travels through the pipes and ultimately the coffee. Lever machines can be broadly categorized into two groups: lever coffee machines with springs and lever coffee machines with direct extraction. These groups differ primarily in appearance rather than in how well they work.
How the lever coffee machine with spring works
Lever machines that employ a spring-loaded piston are easier to learn to use, as well as to handle. This is because, thanks to the spring, the movement of the lever is accompanied to last exactly as long as necessary for extraction. Before starting the machine, the lever is positioned at the top. As soon as the water reaches the optimum temperature, the lever is lowered completely until the coffee comes out. When the bottom of the cup is covered by the drink, you have to release the lever and accompany its upward movement. During this step, the lever is slowly raised, and the piston spring starts the lever that allows the water to pass through the coffee powder. You can also make a double pass by lowering the lever again when it is halfway up.
How the direct extraction lever coffee machine works
The lever machine that employs the direct mechanism is based only on the force that the operator is able to relay, necessitating higher skills because there is no spring to assist the action. However, this mechanism is even more fundamental and less complicated than the one that makes up the spring, making it even more resistant to wear and failure.
So what are the pros and cons between the different types of manual espresso machines?
The advantages of the manual machine with the spring piston are:
- First, mastering the machine requires less practice. It is simpler to perform it well because the spring goes along with the movement and the procedure. For instance, if you have to decide which manual machine model to use initially, pick one with a spring piston because it makes learning more efficient.
- The pressure that the spring piston is able to generate is greater than what you would achieve with arm strength alone. The spring increases the force that the movement can generate, and therefore the pressure also gains in power.
However, there are also some negative aspects to consider with spring lever coffee machines:
- Compared to those with direct movement, they frequently cost more. Sometimes they can even cost twice as much. It is obvious that the factor affecting budget size has to do with the requirement for more complex mechanical construction.
- There is little chance of interfering with the beverage extraction time with this kind of machine. There is hardly much arm force can do to oppose or push spring force, which essentially controls this feature. Using a manual machine would give you the most control as the amount of time it takes for the water to be extracted through the coffee impacts both its strength and flavour. Being unable to have any on the timing is unquestionably a step back from the decision to acquire.
The pros of the direct extraction models
Coffee makers that use direct extraction are less expensive than those that use spring loads. There are several things that increase the price, as we have seen with the drawbacks of spring models. The entire extraction procedure, which causes the hot water to travel through the filter coffee, is more under your control. We have complete control over the process, and with experience, we may create the one that best suits our preferences. As we have seen, the extraction time of espresso determines its intensity, its strength, so it is the ultimate espresso choice. The ultimate in intensity, taste, and essence because you have total control over it. The final result, once you get the hang of it, is incomparable: not even your trusted bartender will be able to make your coffee the way you prefer it, as good as you will be.
Obviously, however, even these models have downsides, the main one being that they are more difficult to learn how to use. It is clear that the learning time required is objectively not that long, but it is fair to say that it is an almost hand-crafted practice, so practice is everything. Naturally, where this learning phase is frightening, it makes more sense to choose a model with a spring piston. Whichever model you prefer, using a manual coffee machine for home use is undoubtedly a real advantage. This is not only in terms of taking care of your own well-being, as we will have the possibility to make the best coffee whenever we want. But we will also find new value in terms of decoration: a Pontevecchio manual machine is also and above all a piece of design.
Pontevecchio models are handcrafted works with signature
Handcrafted, with classic lines that harmonise the shapes of all models, Pontevecchio machines are pieces of finely crafted design. They can be stylishly adapted to your own kitchen to offer your guests the very best in espresso. The different Pontevecchio models are extremely versatile in terms of both lines and functionality: the one-group models are the ideal domestic solution, while the two-group model responds perfectly to the needs of catering establishments, B&Bs or farmhouses. The lever mechanism, in fact, allows a high rate of coffee made, efficiently sustaining large numbers. Not only that, but the models are also available in different colours to match the various styles of the kitchens in which they will be placed. Find the model that suits you on our website and choose from the different colours and brewing capacities.