Hello, I recently bought a Lelit Elizabeth as my first machine, having fun with it so far, despite the challenges of learning from scratch. I had an issue with temp stability after leaving it on all day, but that doesn't seem to be an issue in standby mode. I've already adjusted the OPV valve to get it down to 9 bars, added felt feet to make it easier to slide out for refilling, and upgraded the tamper (etsy brass/wood one), bough a levercraft WDT, have a Hario scale, and I've ordered an ECM bottomless portafilter and VST 18g basket (both on the way). I'm currently stuck using a Baratza Encore, grinding as fine as I can without choking the grinder, but it's still pulling too fast so I have to updose to about 19g to get a reasonable shot; I have ordered a Niche Zero but it won't ship for another week or two. Does anyone have any recommendations for further tweaks to get the most out of the machine? Specifically, I was wondering if anyone has thoughts on any of the following: 1. Shower screen - I've heard that the IMS shower screen can more evenly distribute the flow of water, does anyone have experience with this? Also, does anyone know the specific model that fits? I am a little confused because there is no model specifically for the elizabeth. Also, is the plain stainless steel better, or the more expensive nano-whatever screen? 2. Particle filter - is there any point in using this if I'm using distilled water + 3rd wave water packets? It seems like maybe it's causing a rattle when the vibration pump kicks on, so if it is serving no purpose, then I'll probably just take it off. Has anyone else done this, and does it make a big difference on noise? 3. Steam knob - this thing really feels cheap, and I've heard some horror stories about the knob getting stuck in the open position, requiring you to completely empty the steam boiler and then perform minor surgery to close it again. Is there an upgraded knob anywhere that is sturdier? I'd really like something with a wood accent, but even a sturdier plastic knob like on the Rancilio would be an improvement. 4. Steam boiler temp - I'm currently running mine at 135c, and finding that my milk jug is getting awfully hot before the milk is as integrated as I'd like (admittedly I'm a noob at this). Would dropping the temp a bit make it easier for me to get good results? Any recommendations on temp? Also, would this have a significant effect on the steam preinfusion?

> @"gobucks"#p7080 Shower screen I tried the CI 200 MI (or something like that). I didn’t like it. Impreterivelmente the stock one. > @"gobucks"#p7080 Particle filter You do not need this. > @"gobucks"#p7080 Steam knob Some have. Personally I find anything else I’ve seen (potentiometer knobs mostly) looks worse. > @"gobucks"#p7080 Steam boiler temp Use more milk, or put the milk and pitcher in the freezer for 15 minutes before you steam. Ultimately it’s down to practice. You can try opening the tap a little less, to restrict the flow, but I never felt the need for it. The Elizabeth is an excellent steamer. Practice, practice and practice more.

@"MediumRoastSteam"#p7084 That's an interesting idea wrt putting the milk in the freezer, maybe i'll try that to get a little more time. Out of curiosity, what temp do you keep your steam at? Also does anyone have a handy calculator or chart to convert temperature to steam boiler pressure?

@"gobucks"#p7087 - I keep mine at 140C. https://byworth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Steam-Tables.pdf https://www.tlv.com/global/UK/calculator/steam-table-pressure.html Just Google saturated steam pressure tables 👍

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Thanks everyone! Seems maybe worth it to dial back a bit, at 127c I'd still be at 1.5 bar, which might give me a bit more time to work on my technique.

@"gobucks"#p7080 If you have not read my review, you may not have seen the extra sway documents I did for the Elizabeth including maintenance tips.

I just got my Elizabeth, and man is it good. I would hold off on custom screens and baskets etc until you are more familiar with the machine. Personally, I am quite happy with the stock screen and basket. But you must read Dave’s review for the machine. It is essential reading. He also has links to his recommended settings, which are terrific. So read away, you will be thanking him. Here is the link: https://sway.office.com/YUuIpMmQlYAFkxIO?ref=Link

Thanks. Yes I have read the review, it is quite helpful. I def like the machine overall so far, the only issue I've been having is some weird temperature dips if I leave the machine running all day (I suspect it has something to do with the PID system trying to juggle 2200 total watts of boiler power using a 110v/15A outlet, but I'm not sure), but since it warms up so quickly, I just put it into the auto standby mode, and haven't experienced any temp fluctuations in the 30 minute timeout period. At this point I feel the biggest barrier for me is my grinder - while I wait for my Niche Zero, I'm stuck between a grind size that chokes the grinder, or one that is too coarse and I have to max out my basket to get a decent shot time. I obviously have a lot to learn, and am nowhere near being limited by the machine, but I just wanted to check if there are some super obvious inexpensive tweaks worth looking into.

Yes, the grinder is key, in many ways more important than the machine! Your machine will do well with proper coffee. With regards temperature, I think perhaps the issue may be your boiler temp? I think I read you have it set up all the way up? Mine is set at factory default, which appears to be 275F. My brew boiler is at 198F for medium roast coffee. Absolutely great steam at that temp. Tons of power for multiple latte's. I have my settings per Dave's advanced settings recommendations. I leave my machine on all day including the boiler. Temp is rock solid. Within a degree at all times. I have a USA version in California at 120 volts like you. So something is amiss here.

Yeah for awhile I was running it at 145c (293F), but that seems like overkill. I may try running it lower (125-130C) and see if it will maintain constant temp all day, but for the time being, I don't really mind just waking the unit up when I go to make coffee, it doesn't take that long and I just use the time to load the portafilter, pour milk if needed, etc.

Lelit Elizabeth recommended tweaks

gobucks

MediumRoastSteam As an update, I’ve run the machine all day today in normal (non auto-standby, non-eco) mode, 93C brew boiler, 130C steam boiler, and it seems stable between 92C-94C. I haven’t stared at it all day, but I’ve walked by it maybe a dozen times and it’s always been within range. Maybe it really was just pushing the steam boiler too hard that was causing the weird brew boiler behavior. Fingers crossed that’s the issue, 1.7 bars of pressure seems like more than enough for my needs.

Also I can totally relate to going overboard with tweaks right from the get go. The first thing I did was drop the pressure to 9 bars, which seemed pretty important, but I should really work on getting consistent dialed in results before I start messing with more things (obviously going to be impossible until my Niche arrives, hopefully soon).

DavecUK

gobucks Glad you have it sorted

-Mac

gobucks . I haven’t stared at it all day, but I’ve walked by it maybe a dozen times and it’s always been within range.

Giphy - Arnold Schwarzenegger Reaction GIF

dndrich

Glad to hear it. This is a great machine.

Boren

Is there a way to mod the Elizabeth hot water knob to be used for flow control, similar to the Slayer Mod for the Breville/Sage Dual Boiler? The Elizabeth is otherwise a more attractive machine.

DavecUK

Boren I don’t believe so because of the fairly unique programming for hot water

MediumRoastSteam

Boren Is there a way to mod the Elizabeth hot water knob

Hot water knob?????

Boren

Ah, good point. I see it only has a steam knob. What happens if you open it during espresso extraction?

MediumRoastSteam

Boren - nothing. It’s a dual boiler. You’ll get steam, and you can steam and brew at the same time.

If you go to “About” in this forum, there’s a link to many coffee machine reviews, including the Elizabeth, in great depth. You might want to take a look. 😊👍

Boren

Interesting. So I finally have some justification for owning two single-boiler espresso machines over a dual-boiler one :-)

gobucks

-Mac LOL. Pretty accurate. Anyway a few days in, so far, so good. While I can’t explain the exact mechanics of it, it def seems to be related to running the steam boiler hot. At 130C I have no issues, and it’s plenty of steam.

MediumRoastSteam

gobucks - out of curiosity, in advanced settings, did you remove the steam boiler temperature offset? That’s Es and should be set to 0. Are you also using Dave’s settings for the steam boiler at least?

Settings here: https://sway.office.com/S5J4d9Jp4Y9LdVFx

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