Best Espresso Machines with Eagle on Top
There’s no doubt about it:
Eagles are majestic and inspiring creatures.
There’s a reason why they appear so often on flags, as mascots, and as symbols around the world. The sight of an eagle naturally inspires awe and admiration – and rightfully so.
If you’re one of many people drawn to the image of an eagle, then you’ll love Elektra home espresso machines that use these dignified birds as embellishments.
In this guide, we’ll go over our picks for the top 3 best espresso machines with an eagle on top. We’ll also discuss features so you can decide which one is right for you.
This what we’ll cover:
- Background information on Elektra to give you a better understanding of the company behind these beautiful machines
- Important features of Elektra espresso machines and what they mean for you
- Our selections for the top 3 best espresso machines with an eagle on top
WHAT IS ELEKTRA?
What kind of company makes these iconic espresso machines?
They’re called Elektra.
They were founded in 1947 by the Fregnan family, who actually still owns the company to this day. Based in Italy, Elektra specializes in crafting artisanal espresso machines that pay homage to the very first espresso machines ever made while incorporating modern functions for user-friendliness.
If you own an Elektra espresso machine, you’re in possession of a highly unique product that will never fail to stand out.
WHAT IS ELEKTRA KNOWN FOR?
STYLE
As you can imagine, one of the first things people notice when it comes to Elektra machines is the impressive eagle perched atop them with its wings open.
While the eagle lends the machines an unmistakable air of refinement, there are other things that set them into a class of their own.
For example, Elektra machines are built in a vintage-inspired tower shape that you just don’t see often anywhere else.
You won’t find plastic here, either – espresso machines made by Elektra are made of luminous and sturdy metals. You’ll find them available in shining copper, brass, and chrome. Oftentimes, more than one kind of metal is used in the design, adding tasteful accents to its appearance.
You’ve likely heard the following disappointed saying in reference to various products: “They don’t make them like they used to.”
With Elektra’s classic machines, that couldn’t be more untrue.
FUNCTION
There’s a common misconception that functionality must be sacrificed for beauty.
You may be surprised to hear that this is simply not the case with Elektra machines.
Elektra manufactures espresso machines as fully manual or semiautomatic. These types of machines are prized among the most dedicated espresso enthusiasts, because they allow the maximum level of control achievable over each shot pulled.
Manual machines, where the pressure used for extraction is entirely dependent on the barista’s own strength as they pull a lever, have a pretty steep learning curve. Because of this, those who have mastered their use take great pride in having done so and enjoy the hand-crafted feel of drinks made this way.
If you’re concerned about learning how to use a manual machine, though, semiautomatic machines come built with more automatic options to make brewing the perfect espresso easier to learn.
USER FRIENDLINESS
You could be forgiven for thinking that something as sophisticated-looking as an Elektra espresso machine must be difficult to operate.
Fortunately, it’s surprising how uncomplicated it is to learn how to use them.
A lot of modern espresso machines come with tons of buttons or functions for a plethora of advanced features. Although these features are there to grant customization options over each drink, they can sometimes be a little much at a glance.
This is why some especially dedicated espresso fans love the simplicity of a more traditional espresso machine like an Elektra model. These models marry form and function into one dazzling product by granting you the features you need to make delicious espresso drinks from home in style.
OUR SELECTIONS FOR THE TOP 3 BEST ESPRESSO MACHINES WITH AN EAGLE ON TOP
ELEKTRA MICRO CASA LEVA EAGLE ESPRESSO MACHINE
For the truly advanced baristas, there’s the Elektra Micro Casa Leva.
This machine is a fully manual model, which means the espresso is brewed through use of a lever.
Pulling the lever down initiates the pre-infusion process by putting pressure on a spring inside of a piston. During the pre-infusion process, the grounds in the portafilter are delicately saturated with water to help balance extraction next.
When you release the lever, it will gradually move back to its resting position with the aid of the spring. As this occurs, water is pumped through the espresso, and you’ll see it stream from the bottom of the portafilter.
Each pull of the lever makes one shot only, so if you want more than one, you’ll have to pull the lever additional times.
The downside of machines that operate this way is that the quality of the drink created really depends on the barista in the end. On the flip side, this is when talented baristas can really shine or polish their skillset.
Features (and what they mean for you)
Here are the advantages to the Elektra Micro Casa Leva:
- Operates quietly: Have you ever had to shout over a loud espresso machine in a coffee shop? Then you’ll love how whisper-quiet the Micro Casa Leva is.
- Fast Assembly: Enjoy espresso drinks as soon as possible after receiving the machine, since all you need to do is add the steam wand and then you’re good to go.
- Pre-Infusion: This guards against any imperfections in your tamping so even if you’re having an off day, you can still enjoy the best espresso possible.
- Awe-inspiring Aesthetic: This shining machine will look like a treasure no matter which counter you place it on. It comes in three different color schemes: chrome and brass, chrome, or copper and brass.
- Dry Steam: Enjoy dry cappuccinos? You’ll love this machine’s ability to make drier steam, which promotes the formation of silky microfoam while steaming.
Here are the disadvantages to the Elektra Micro Casa Leva:
- Slower Operation: If you need to make a bunch of drinks fast, then this machine may not be ideal for you.
- Training Required: While it is possible to learn this system, you’ll need to give yourself time to practice and get the hang of it.
- More Precise Grind Necessary: Because water dosing is completely manual, you’ll want to use really precise grinds appropriate for espresso. Mistakes in brewing can be more noticeable with manual machines to experts.
ELEKTRA MICROCASA SEMI AUTOMATICA ESPRESSO MACHINE
If learning a manual lever machine sounds intimidating to you, the Elektra Microcasa Semi Automatica is a fantastic alternative.
You’ll get all the vintage beauty of an Elektra machine combined with the partially automated convenience of a semiautomatic machine.
In this model, you use a button to both start and stop the brew cycle.
You’ll still need to have an understanding of when to stop brewing, but as you can see, it’s much simpler to learn the right timing as opposed to also learning the appropriate pressure necessary with lever machines.
Here are the features:
Here are the advantages to the Elektra Microcasa Semi Automatica:
- Beautiful Appearance: Even without the lever, this machine is still arresting in its beauty.
- Brew and Steam at the same time: The heat exchange boiler in this machine is able to maintain brewing and steaming temperatures together, so you never have to wait to do one or the other.
- User-Friendly Operation: Learning how to use a lever takes time. This machine makes the learning process a little easier with the use of the manual dosing button.
- Dry Steam: Your milk won’t get watered down from the steam when you froth it.
- Minimal Assembly Required: You won’t waste time in assembly – all you need to do is attach the steam want to the machine, and you’re ready to start.
Now, here are the potential disadvantages:
- More expensive: The addition of semiautomatic and heat exchange boilers do mean this machine is a bit more expensive than the Leva.
ELEKTRA MINI VERTICALE ESPRESSO MACHINE
Elektra took the convenience of a commercial espresso machine and packed it into the Elektra Mini Verticale Espresso Machine, making professional-level quality accessible for home users.
Not only is its look as gorgeous and gleaming as the other Elektra machines on this list, but it’s got the features to match.
Built with a cabinet-style cup holder, you can keep mugs within easy reach while you brew. The cabinet is built into the middle of the machine as opposed to on top, preserving a smooth flow in the shape of the machine.
One main difference with this machine is how the brewing and steaming functions work, since there is one boiler that handles both.
Elektra implemented straightforward brewing and steaming buttons on the Mini Verticale.
So for example, when you want to begin steaming, press the steam button. The machine will bring itself to steam temperature as you wait, then a light will come on once it’s ready to steam.
These are the main features:
Here are the advantages of the Elektra Mini Verticale:
Here are the disadvantages: