Lever espresso machines, also known as manual espresso machines, have been around for a long time and are considered icons of the art of coffee making. With a very sophisticated classic design, you can control the quality of coffee at every step of the brewing process. Lever machines seem to be outdated due to the appearance of automatic machines. But they have actually won the hearts of many coffee enthusiasts around the world.
However, the question “Are lever espresso machines better?” is still a controversial topic. Are lever espresso machines really superior to automatic espresso machines or are they just an option for those who love nostalgia and sophistication? Let’s explore this article to find out the answer.
Are Lever Espresso Machines Better?
There is perhaps nothing better than the feeling of making a rich cup of coffee yourself from start to finish. The lever espresso machine offers a true coffee-making experience, where you are not just a user of the machine but also a true artisan.
Unlike an automatic machine, where you just press a button and wait for the result, a lever machine requires you to truly master the entire process. And the experience of making coffee with an Espresso Lever brings a special satisfaction.
Imagine you start by measuring the exact amount of coffee, pressing it tightly into the brewing arm, and then placing everything in the machine. Then, you use your hand to pull the lever, creating pressure to push hot water through the coffee bed. It’s not just about the operation, it’s about controlling and fine-tuning, so that every drop of coffee that falls out has a personal touch.
The satisfaction comes from being in control of everything: from pressure, temperature, to extraction time. You can adjust these factors to your liking to create the exact flavor you want—something that automatic espresso machines can’t offer, since they operate based on preset settings.
The answer lies in what you value most in your coffee experience. If you prioritize convenience and consistency, automatic machines might be better suited for you. However, if you cherish the process and want to immerse yourself in the artistry of espresso-making, lever machines are undoubtedly the superior choice.
Comparison Between Piston Lever and Direct Lever
| Criteria | Piston Lever | Direct Lever |
| Pressure Mechanism | Uses a spring. Pulling the lever compresses the spring, which then releases to apply pressure for extraction. | Pressure is manually applied by the barista throughout the process by pulling the lever. |
| Level of Control | Pressure is regulated by the spring, providing consistency but limited customization. | Full control over pressure, allowing for precise adjustments to achieve desired flavors. |
| Ease of Use | Easier to use, suitable for beginners, as the spring handles most of the pressure work. | Requires skill and experience, with a higher risk of inconsistency for novices. |
| Extraction Experience | Straightforward, focusing on stability and convenience. | Hands-on and interactive, offering greater creativity and engagement. |
The Challenges of Learning about Lever Espresso Machine
While lever espresso machines offer a unique experience, they also come with their own challenges that baristas must be aware of. Lever espresso machines require the barista to learn how to pull the lever to create the right amount of precision and pressure to create the perfect cup of coffee.
Pulling the lever is a skill that cannot be mastered overnight, especially for beginners. Pulling too fast can cause the coffee to not be fully extracted, but pulling too slowly can create a bitter, unpleasant taste. Balancing the force in this operation is not easy and requires patience and practice to be consistent.
The pressure you apply when pulling the lever also affects the quality and flavor of the cup of coffee to some extent. Not enough pressure can cause the cup of coffee to be weak. But too much pressure will cause the flavor to lose its subtlety. The barista needs to understand the machine, the type of coffee being used, and even the fineness of the coffee grounds to control this factor more perfectly.
Additionally, different types of coffee beans and their grind size significantly affect the results. Brewing with a lever espresso machine is a journey of learning a lot of new knowledge. At first, you may feel frustrated because the extraction is not perfect. But perhaps the challenge of learning is what makes it interesting because with each brew, you learn something new and get closer to creating your ideal cup of coffee.
Lever Espresso Machines vs. Other Types
| Criteria | Other Types | Lever Espresso Machines |
| How It Works | Uses an electric pump to generate water pressure and control the extraction process. | Requires the user to manually pull the lever to create water pressure. |
| Control Over Brewing Process | Offers minimal user intervention during extraction. Factors like pressure and extraction time are automatically controlled by the machine. | Provides complete control over the extraction process, including pull speed, pressure, and extraction time, allowing for high precision and customization. |
| Coffee Quality | Produces stable, consistent coffee, but may lack subtlety in flavor due to automatic extraction. | The espresso taste you pull from a lever machine offers distinctive flavors, often richer and fuller than the more automated options. |
| User Experience | Ideal for beginners or busy people because it is easy to use and saves time. You just set the modes you want and the machine will do the rest automatically. | Offers a hands-on, satisfying experience. However, it requires skill and time to master the manual extraction process. Best for those who like to do everything themselves. |
| Maintenance & Cleaning | Simple maintenance, requiring minimal time. Basic cleaning of water reservoir, coffee filter, and steam wand. | Requires more frequent maintenance due to mechanical components (lever, pressure systems). Parts need to be cleaned regularly to ensure performance and longevity. |
| Investment Cost | Prices range from around $100 to several thousand dollars. High-end models can be more expensive. | Lever machines are usually more affordable, starting at around $800 for basic models, but can reach over $1500 for high-quality machines. |
Recommended Lever Espresso Machines
There are many different types of machines on the market, below are 3 suggestions suitable for a variety of users and purposes, no matter who you are.
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola
The La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola is one of the most popular lever espresso machines thanks to its classic design and ability to produce excellent coffee. It is easy to use, suitable for beginners, and does not have too many complicated features. With its stainless steel construction and high durability, the Europiccola is a reliable choice for those who want to experience the craft of coffee.
La Pavoni PSC-16 Professional Stradivari
La Pavoni PSC-16 Professional Stradivari stands out with its elegant design, combining stainless steel with delicate wooden details. This is a high-end lever espresso machine, suitable for those who want to experience the professional coffee making process. With the ability to adjust the pressure and extraction time, the Stradavari brings a rich and rich coffee flavor.
Flair Espresso Maker
The Flair Espresso Maker is a great choice for those looking to try out a lever espresso machine at a reasonable price. With a simple and easy-to-use design, the Flair doesn’t have a separate water heater but still produces quality espresso thanks to its direct lever system. It’s easy to set up and clean, making it an ideal choice for those who love artisanal coffee without the big investment.
Final answer
So, the question “Are lever espresso machines better?” does not have an absolute yes or no answer. The answer depends entirely on many other factors and most importantly, it depends on your needs. If you are skillful, love to experience sophistication and are willing to spend time learning new knowledge, a lever espresso machine is definitely an option not to be missed. Brewing with a lever espresso machine is one of the artistic coffee making processes you should try because each cup of espresso becomes a testament to your passion.
