More observations with the Evo Leva after a few days of use. Probably nothing surprising for those of you who have one, but thought I’d share nonetheless, especially in comparison to the Vesuvius.
- Setting the dump pressure to 4.0 for dialing in was a nice tip, as it allowed me to figure out my grind and timing adjustments. Thank you @Adrianmsmith
- Speaking of adjustments, I did have to dial my grinder down at least three clicks (1 click = 8 microns) but may need to go more. This got my 16.5g dose to 34 out in 25 seconds after a 13 second pre-infusion (38 seconds total). Dump pressure was 8.2b. I need to do more experimenting.
- Some interesting observations when comparing flow rates with my Acaia scale for the Evo Leva against my usual declining pressure profile in the Vesuvius. I’ll share more later.
- The dosing system is really quite nice. It reminds me a bit of driving a proper stick shift but with a rev matching function or nice synchro gears. You get the tactile sense of it being manual, but a few aids to make it easier.
- I’m hitting 11.1 or 11.2b with the safety system, which seems contrary to what some others have experienced.
- I picked up an IMS 18-22g 54mm basket to try out a slightly larger dose but quickly realized the rim on that basket wouldn’t allow the portafilter to lock in place, so that will be returned. I would like to find a basket that works nicely with 18g.
- The rotary pump, and the unit as a whole is absurdly quiet. I thought I’d miss the sounds of the gear pump from the Vesuvius, but nope.
- The unit seems to manage water better than the Vesuvius. Perhaps it was showing its age, but with the Vesuvius, I was starting to get a lot of water via the expansion valve in the drip tray, and the steaming it took to build pressure seemed to take longer and longer. By comparison, it now makes me wonder if some of the components in the steam boiler of my Vesuvius are aging, because of that behavior, and it can’t match the steam power from the Evo Leva.
- The digital display is quite lovely. It makes that chassis feel a bit more contemporary. ACS should consider adapting that to the Vesuvius to refresh it a bit, if they haven’t already.
Overall, I’m absolutely thrilled with the machine. Certainly more experimenting for me to do (suggestions welcome of course) and revisiting other info on the net that I looked at prior to receiving the unit. But overall, bravo to the folks at ACS.
