I have refined my Profitec Pro 600 setup with better grinders and happy with the coffee. We drink flat whites and some espresso and have a strong preference for ‘fruity’ coffee - most of the time a balance of coffee notes but always enjoying that ‘highlight’ from what I assume is a lighter roast.

I am close to ordering a Vostok Lever but getting to play with one is tricky (visit Limini coffee or go to ACS Naples)… I like the idea of a Lever as I want a quieter machine and like the idea of more manual interaction. While I understand the spring extraction makes for a ‘nicer’ espresso shot (less bitterness), does anyone have experience of a lever shot vs E61 (vibration pump) from the perspective of a lighter coffee?? I’m hoping the lever will be a positive boost.

    M5Sime I think the lever adds a lot. You won’t be disappointed. Where are you based, as you might be close enough to try mine.

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        DavecUK hi Dave - thank you. I’m beaconsfield/maidenhead area - bucks.

            Anyone used the Flair series of levers? As a means of trialling lever based espresso

              Tal I went from an e61 dual boiler to the flair 58+ but drink mostly med and dark roast so can’t comment on lighter roasts.

              The flair heats to ~93′ so I would guess it’s not great for lighter roasts though, even with a temp kettle you might struggle to hit higher temperatures.

              • Tal likes this.
              • Tal replied to this.

                  M5Sime Then you are close to me, I am in Byfleet Surrey. You are welcome to bring your coffee and try an Evo 2 anytime. It’s functionally the same as the Vostock.

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                      dang2484

                      I prefer darker roasts at the moment also, I am tempted by a Pro 2 that is local to me advertised on the other forum….not the heated group 58

                          Tal I don’t want to highjack the thread, but I’m not disappointed moving to a manual lever (saved considerable amounts of money too!) There’s a few cons namely the less versatility and slightly more time, but quite a few pros for me that don’t make me regret it.

                            Thanks for the info, I have a fracino HX machine that it will go alongside, so it won’t replace anything as such. Just fancied a go at pressure profiling without upgrading to a very expensive machine!

                              DavecUK - thank you! I have sent you an email to your profile details (I think).

                                  Tal oh OK, if it’s just to try a level and keep your machine maybe go the cheaper end, the 58 isn’t the cheapest but it is nice.

                                  Feel free to PM me if you wanted to know a bit more 👍

                                  • Tal likes this.
                                    a month later

                                    M5Sime feel free to come and see us to have a play. We don’t sell domestic models but you can order directly from ACS for at home and we are happy to have you come over and play with the machine. Youri

                                        Youri thank you.. in the end I jumped in blind and ordered a machine. Let’s see !! It’s going to be a big chunk of counter space when it replaces my Profitec Pro600!

                                            M5Sime

                                            Did you get to try Daves?….

                                            What made you decide to go for the big boy over the evo2 😎

                                            To answer your original question which i missed regarding the e61 “upgrade”, someone earlier on today, in another thread said,

                                            “It does not matter what your machine is if you are making espresso as all you are doing is forcing water through a puck of finely ground coffee” (slightly misquoted, but it works) @MediumRoastSteam

                                            So, there you have it, you totally blew a load of cash……..

                                            ……. Your a fool, just like all of us ( 🤭😘 ), who like the way it tastes even though theres no simple explanation of why it is so!!

                                            I sceptically purchased my evo1 at the same time as a vesuvius pressure profile machine, whilst being very happy with my Synchronika.

                                            Well, id never expected to actually sell the Synchronika anniversary edition, as my wife loved it 😎 and we knew after a while we would put the 2 x ACS on ebay and settle back to loving the Syncka!!

                                            Well, after selling the ECM , and both the ACS im still loving the Evo2.

                                            Theres some things you cant measure, some things you cant even taste, and then there that word, yes, “better”. What makes it “better”.

                                            If you find out, let me know!!

                                            It may only be pushing the water through the puck but it does taste and feel different, or do i mean “better”. Yes, that’s the word!!

                                            Evo or Vostok, youre going to love it ☕😎 (just ignore the Lance video or you won’t even be able to pronounce it!

                                            Ade Smith. ACS Evo Leva v2. Kafatek Flat max 2, ssw 2024. Mazzer Philos, Craig Lyn HG-1 prime., WW key mk1.

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                                                Adrianmsmith thanks for reply and sharing your experience. While I may regret the size of the Vostok vs Evo2 I just prefer the way it looks. I upgraded the grinder first and got better flavour. Now the machine. Mainly I wanted a change and move away from a vibe pump machine for less noise (hardly a pain but it’s an excuse).. my wife wanted a LM Mini but I couldn’t see the benefit other than aesthetics and more money.

                                                    M5Sime

                                                    I have had a similar experience.
                                                    I loved my V2 Bianca and keenly followed the EVO development but was not interested in buying one.
                                                    I ordered a Vostok almost as soon as it became available.
                                                    I understand folks love their Evos but they just seem a bit like putting a V8 in a VW Golf.

                                                        5 days later

                                                        Amberale I understand folks love their Evos but they just seem a bit like putting a V8 in a VW Golf.

                                                        How so?

                                                          Imo the Vostok is too big for most UK kitchens it’s 590mmx450mm it’s a beast and imo a dropped ball as most UK counters are 600, but the shape leads it to stick out,

                                                          It would look immense on a centre island

                                                          Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -

                                                            Cuprajake Imo the Vostok is too big for most UK kitchens it’s 590mmx450mm it’s a beast and imo a dropped ball as most UK counters are 600, but the shape leads it to stick out,

                                                            Which is why the Evo was designed released first, it needed to fit in my kitchen. and although the Vostok looks great and new…the Evo is more practical, although a more expensive to produce case. I still expect it to be the better sized alternative for most UK and European Kitchens.

                                                            It’s why it has all the features of the Vostok, and for mine under machine lighting to compensate for the lack of a portafilter area light, and probably other things I can’t mention.

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