javagrl Senior Member Joined: 22 Feb 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Orofino, Idaho Expertise: Professional
Posted Sun Feb 22, 2009, 3:58pm Subject: Scared of my lever machine!
Hello! I just signed in for the first time, but have lurked for a couple years on this wonderful site! :) My husband and I own and operate 2 Espresso stands, and just purchased a Mobile coffee truck that we are re-building. I use automatic machines in the stands, but this truck came with a "Futurema" lever machine that was made in the early 80's, and then stored. Never used! It is brand new, but I have no idea how to run it correctly! I played with it last weekend, and made THEE best white mocha ever! (I have made 1000's of white mochas through the years)! The Creama on top was PERFECT! But it took about 20 attempts to get that one coffee! :( Does anyone have some advice? I need to keep this machine in my truck, as it runs on propane, and with my generator, I can travel and sell my espresso drinks anywhere. Is there any tricks out there to make me "LOVE" this machine, instead of being scared to operate it??? Thank you in advance for any help you may have! Have a wonderful day! Mary Ann AKA Javagrl Just Brew It Espresso
Tom222 Senior Member Joined: 3 Feb 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Phoenix Expertise: Pro Barista
Espresso: Rancilio Z11 Omicron3-... Grinder: 4 Mazzers Drip: I dont do drip, only french... Roaster: Local
Posted Sun Feb 22, 2009, 7:00pm Subject: Re: Scared of my lever machine!
Oh honey, if that machine has been sitting for 20 years then it needs a tune-up. I can't imagine how rotted out the piston gaskets must be. That's why it took 20 times to get the perfect white mocha. But give us some pics PLEASE with whipped cream on top!!! Sounds like a way-cool machine. Good luck..
IMAWriter Moderator Joined: 4 Jul 2002 Posts: 2,897 Location: Brentwood, TN Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Olympia Cremina, Reg, Penney... Grinder: KYM manual, Vario (on... Vac Pot: Silex, Adcraft SS, Yama 8... Drip: Chemex, Newco, Clever cup Roaster: Behmor 1600, CO/UFO combo
Posted Sun Feb 22, 2009, 9:12pm Subject: Re: Scared of my lever machine!
Yes please, pictures! I'm a lever owner, and they are wonderful, though I wish I still had my on all day pump machine. The above poster is correct. Your seals/gaskets and such probably need to be replaced. I'd email these fine folks. Orphan Espresso click here
javagrl Senior Member Joined: 22 Feb 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Orofino, Idaho Expertise: Professional
Posted Tue Feb 24, 2009, 1:59pm Subject: Re: Scared of my lever machine!
Thank you so much for your replys!I promise to post pics.......further examination shows that the rings/gaskets are brand new. Looks like the folks I bought the truck from had it serviced, as I found the business card. My new Rio grinder will be here Friday....and My first Gig is Saturday! The Sign company will be here in a hour to logo my truck....and my husband is working his fingers to the bone to get it ready for this event. 31 teams of cheerleaders! They are expecting 600+ people. Yikes! I am going out now to play with the machine again....there are no leaks whatsoever anywhere on the machine....KNOCK ON WOOD....Does anyone have any tips or secrets to use a lever machine.......???? I will also post a picture of the beautiful shot it poured! Oh please say coffee prayers! Mary Ann
roastaroma Senior Member Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 403 Location: San Francisco, CA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: PV Lusso 2 Grinder: Rocky Drip: Bodum French Press Roaster: Blue Bottle Coffee
Posted Tue Feb 24, 2009, 2:22pm Subject: Re: Scared of my lever machine!
Ciao Mary Anne,
Congratulations, I'm glad to hear your macchina is in good shape! How I wish my 2-group had 58 mm PFs like yours!
Q: Can you get a 2 oz. double on one pull? If you want a little extra in the cup, you can do a longer pre-infusion by holding the lever down, and/or the "Fellini maneuver" (as described at Home-Barista.com), i.e., pull the lever down, let it rise halfway, bring it down again, then release. In effect, a 1-1/2 pull shot. The latter could require some practice; smooth, fluid motions are less disturbing to the puck.
You may also want to experiment with different pre-infusion times, anywhere from 3 seconds on up. You may find it enhances the flavor and improves the quality of your extractions.
First rule of spring levers (pardon if this is already obvious): Always keep your face away from the levers!
IMAWriter Moderator Joined: 4 Jul 2002 Posts: 2,897 Location: Brentwood, TN Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Olympia Cremina, Reg, Penney... Grinder: KYM manual, Vario (on... Vac Pot: Silex, Adcraft SS, Yama 8... Drip: Chemex, Newco, Clever cup Roaster: Behmor 1600, CO/UFO combo
Posted Tue Feb 24, 2009, 3:06pm Subject: Re: Scared of my lever machine!
roastaroma Said:
Ciao Mary Anne,
Congratulations, I'm glad to hear your macchina is in good shape! How I wish my 2-group had 58 mm PFs like yours!
Q: Can you get a 2 oz. double on one pull? If you want a little extra in the cup, you can do a longer pre-infusion by holding the lever down, and/or the "Fellini maneuver" (as described at Home-Barista.com), i.e., pull the lever down, let it rise halfway, bring it down again, then release. In effect, a 1-1/2 pull shot. The latter could require some practice; smooth, fluid motions are less disturbing to the puck.
You may also want to experiment with different pre-infusion times, anywhere from 3 seconds on up. You may find it enhances the flavor and improves the quality of your extractions.
First rule of spring levers (pardon if this is already obvious): Always keep your face away from the levers!
Great stuff from Wayne. In my 2years with a lever (full manual) I've discovered that they REALLY like coffee 4 days old to maybe 10-12 for the best straight shots. Many (as I) agree that a finer grind, lighter tamp, ala the Italians, makes for more consistent shots. That would figure, as your spring lever will be precise every upstroke. I'd loved my Rio SJ. Which Rio are you getting? You might investigate the mod for the doser spout(exit) over at Espresso Parts Northwest. (EPNW) It's a $10 plastic device that directs the coffee straight down. With all the coffee you'll be dosing, I bet you'll save 20%, as there will much less waste from the famous Mazzer "shoot to the left." LOL Best of luck with your event. Keep us posted.
javagrl Senior Member Joined: 22 Feb 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Orofino, Idaho Expertise: Professional
Posted Tue Feb 24, 2009, 7:35pm Subject: Re: Scared of my lever machine!
I am trying to post pics of theeee machine I am scared of! If you know anything about this machine......please tell me! The good, the bad and the ugly!! Thank you!
Posted Tue Feb 24, 2009, 7:57pm Subject: Re: Scared of my lever machine!
Very nice looking machine. I'm envious.
Re: shots pulled: was the photo taken pretty quickly after shots were pulled? If so, it looks like you've got some pretty watery-looking shots. How's the taste? By chance old beans? Pre-ground? If they are fresh (lets say less than 2 weeks) and freshly ground, you may want to try increasing the amount of espresso in the basket to see if you can get a thicker pull w/more crema. Lever's don't give as much crema as others, but there should be way more than that.
Keep pulling. Did you get your new grinder yet? If not, that should make a big difference depending on what you're currently using.
javagrl Senior Member Joined: 22 Feb 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Orofino, Idaho Expertise: Professional
Posted Tue Feb 24, 2009, 8:12pm Subject: Re: Scared of my lever machine!
Cathi Said:
Very nice looking machine. I'm envious.
Re: shots pulled: was the photo taken pretty quickly after shots were pulled? If so, it looks like you've got some pretty watery-looking shots. How's the taste? By chance old beans? Pre-ground? If they are fresh (lets say less than 2 weeks) and freshly ground, you may want to try increasing the amount of espresso in the basket to see if you can get a thicker pull w/more crema. Lever's don't give as much crema as others, but there should be way more than that.
Keep pulling. Did you get your new grinder yet? If not, that should make a big difference depending on what you're currently using.
Thanks! I am sorry....I should have stated that the shot picture was a good 10 miinutes old. I pulled them out in my truck, down the driveway, walked them in the house, found the camera, lined them up and then took the pic....at least 10 minutes! My grinder wont be here until Friday.....the coffee I used was pre ground from my stand to experiment tonight. It was ground yesterday. I tasted it and it was great! Of course.....I always mess with my machine at night....when I dont want to drink my brew as I have to get up in a few hours to make a living at making brew! Tomorrow is a new day tho.....I will test earlier in the day! Anyone have any idea on the history of this machine called a "Futurema"? I will try and post better crema pics tomorrow night......I have them....but am too pooped to do it tonight! Thank you again! I wish I had you all in my truck Saturday!
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