After many years of consumer-level automatics and semi-automatics and 1.5 years of a La Pavoni Europiccola, we splurged on the Elektra Microcasa last year. I expected a machine that would be as easy to operate as the lower-class semi-autos we've had over the years, but with a look that would put the La Pavoni to shame. I am satisfied on both fronts.
As has been said by others, the machine seems fairly forgiving on grind size. I'm using a Kitchen Aid Pro Line Grinder, which seems to lack enough grind gradations. Still, after pulling two or three shots through the Microcasa for each new bag of coffee beans, I'm able to get the Kitchen Aid setting close enough to what the Microcasa seems to want to keep both of us (the Microcasa and I) happy.
I have not been able to get the Microcasa to routinely generate a tiger-striped crema that matches the best shots I pulled from the La Pavoni; however, getting that kind of shot out of the La Pavoni was a once-a-month (at best) event for me. Conversely, the Microcasa gives me a reasonable crema in almost every shot (except if I really blow the grind size).
Many have complained about the small drip tray. I haven't found that to be an issue, once I followed the lead of another reviewer on this site who suggested using a small bowl or low-profile food storage tray to catch excess water when pulling blanks. Part of my morning coffee ritual is to pull two bowls from the cabinet, along with my shot glasses and coffee mugs. I use the smaller bowl to catch excess drippings when rinsing the group or when pulling a blank. I then dump those drippings in the big bowl. I let the Micro's drip tray catch the rest: meaning that only only have to empty it every few days or once a week. This may sound complicated, but (a) it isn't and (b) unless the Micro's drip tray was connected straight into my drain system I'd have to empty it anyway.
The steamer on this unit really cranks out some power. I'm not sure about the issues that have been raised about the steam nozzle angle: I've personally never given it a second thought. My wife's had good luck steaming milk occasionally. I use it daily (indeed twice a day) to (a) heat my shot glasses, and (b) heat cold fresh water that I use to dilute the Micro's shots one a 1:1 ratio for serving. (Simply put, we drink strong "Americano" style coffee, and the Micro does double-duty heating water for those drinks).
Do have any complaints? Only one small one. About 1 month into ownership of the Micro, the chrome finish developed a scar-like blemish that's about 4" long and .25" wide on the left side of the group head. I promptly called 1st Line so that I could return the unit for a more perfect one. Their answer was that they had heard of this sort of thing happening and they thought it unlikely they would "take it back." At first I was miffed. Then I decided I didn't care. I decided that most people wouldn't even notice the blemish (which is a dull gray color), and that what few did (none have, BTW) would know I owned the machine for a while.
Enough said, except this: I would indeed by this unit again. Rather than getting the Art Deco model (chrome with the blue ball at top), however, I'd indulge in the copper unit. That's obviously personal preference and nothing more, of course. |
