Takes roughly 6 seconds to dispense enough grounds for a double shot. Our other machines take about 2 seconds.
Absolutely loving my Puq press mini loveing the sleek look and it’s precision job of tamping I highly recommend 🤜🏻🤛🏻☕️
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Here are the disadvantages to the Elektra Micro Casa Leva:
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:
Now, here are the potential disadvantages:
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: