Bezzera Strega TOP AL Lever Espresso Machine
- 1,939.7€1,789.7€
Bezzera Strega TOP AL Lever Espresso Machine
STREGA
Strega model combines the modern features of a coffee machine of the twenty-first century, with the traditional lever system that guarantees optimal extraction of coffee flavours, delivering creamy espresso following the italian espresso tradition.
STREGA TOP AL
It works with a vibration pump operated by an electronic that automatically adjusts the boiler level.
Before coffee delivery the pump fills the lever group providing a pre infusion between coffee and water.
During delivery the pump stops, and the pressure in the group unit is developed by two springs that guarantee a steady supply and the best oil extraction from the ground coffee.
The group is heated by an heating element that ensures the group thermostability.
MAIN FEATURES
Electric heating
Automatic boiler water supply
Automatic blocking of heating element in case of lack of water in the boiler
Water tank and vibration pump
The Bezzera Strega is an old school lever-style espresso machine that pays homage to the very first espresso machine invented by the company’s founder Luigi Bezzera all the way back in 1901. Ever the innovators, though, Bezzera takes inspiration from a classic lever machine without getting stuck in the past. They’ve integrated both a hydraulic spring and vibration pump to ensure even pressure and offer control over pre-infusion.
The Strega was intimidating to some of us, and it does take practice to get the process down, but, the adventurous among us found the Strega to be as fun as it is capable. As a heat exchange machine, it is capable of brewing and steaming simultaneously once you’ve got your shots down, and it can even be plumbed directly into a water line.
Bezzera’s specially designed group head electronically heats up to make sure the brew water is never shocked by a cold component, though it will need to be flushed between uses, as the group can heat up a little too much. The Strega allows you to step back in time and experience what it’s truly like to pull a shot.
Using the Strega is tricky at first, but, once you get the hang of it, it’s totally worth it. One of the key benefits to brewing with the Strega is the unique way in which it controls both temperature and pressure. The high temperature of the copper boiler helps to properly heat the puck for a full extraction while the stored heat in the lever group allow for slightly lower finishing temperatures that prevent over-extraction.
Similarly, the pressure produced by the machine trails off as well. The pump provides an initial 11 bar followed by the lever spring that starts around 9.5 bar and tapers to about 5.5 bar at the end of the shot. Remember to guide the lever up, because it will snap up quickly, and, we can tell you from experience, it hurts.
For milk drinks, the Strega can produce roughly 45 seconds of steam time before needing to recover. The steam wand features a commercial style 4-hole tip that speeds up milk frothing and can require a bit of a learning curve for those who aren’t used to steaming so quickly.
A good, traditional lever-style espresso machine is one of the most enjoyable ways to pull a shot, and the Strega happens to be a great one. The copper boiler helps with temperature stability and the manual pressure profiling lets you experiment with your shots and get unique results.
As opposed to modern push button or toggle brewing, the Strega is a throwback to espresso yesteryear with its traditional lever group. Assisted by a pump, the machine pre-infuses and brews by pulling down the lever and gradually releasing it. This style of machine originated the concept of pulling a shot.
Most machines deliver constant pressure over the course of a brew cycle, but the Strega’s lever and pump design allows you to modify the pressure manually while brewing the shot, simply by holding and releasing the lever. Regular use gradually tapers the pressure from 9.5 to 5.5 bars as the lever spring rises back to the top.
The Strega’s group head is electrically heated and designed for maximum temperature stability. The group head is heated by two dedicated heating elements and controlled by a thermostat. The dual elements help to provide even heating to the group head to aid in maintaining temperature stability.
Bezzera is one of the only espresso machine manufacturers to not only assemble its own machines in house, but design many of their own components and assemble those, too. So, rather than buying components externally and designing their machines around them, Bezzera thoughtfully designs each element, bringing them together into a beautiful whole.
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App Connectivity
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No
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Boiler Configuration
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Single-Boiler/Dual-Use
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Number of Boilers
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1
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Boiler Features
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Brew & Steam Simultaneously,Rapid Steam
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Brew Boiler Auto-Fill
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Yes
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Brew Boiler Heater Location
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Internal
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Brew Boiler Insulation
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No
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Brew Boiler Material
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Copper
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Brew Boiler Orientation
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Horizontal
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Three-Way Valve
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None
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Back Flush Capable
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No
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Brew Group Material
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Chrome Plated Brass
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Brew Group Size (mm)
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58 mm
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Brew Group Type
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Sprung Lever
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Brew Boiler Wattage
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1450
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Recommended Application
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Home / Residential
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NSF Certified
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No
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Controls and Additional Features
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Power Light
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Pressure Gauges
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Brew Circuit
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Type of Controls
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Lever
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| |
Cup Warmer
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Passively Heated
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Drain Line Adaptable (Plumbable)
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No
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Drip Tray Capacity (oz)
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24 fl-oz
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Drip Tray Cover Material
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Stainless Steel
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Drip Tray Material
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Stainless Steel
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Removable Drip Tray
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Yes
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Portafilter Baskets Included
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Double,Single
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Frame Material
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Steel
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Programmable Grinding
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Single
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Housing Color
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Stainless Steel
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Housing Material
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Stainless Steel
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Recommended Water Filter
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No Filter Required
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Depth (cm)
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45
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Height (cm)
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74
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Weight (kg)
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31
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Width (cm)
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33
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Bottomless Portafilter Available
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Yes
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Filter Diameter (mm)
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58 mm
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Portafilter Handle Material
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Plastic
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Portafilter Material
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Chrome Plated Brass
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Number of Portafilters Included
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2
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Ground, E.S.E., Pod and Capsule Compatibility
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Ground Coffee
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Portafilter Type
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Commercial Style
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| |
Portafilter Diameter
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58 mm
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Adjustable Brew Pressure
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Yes
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Pump Pressure (Max. Bar)
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15 Bar
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Pump Type
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Vibration
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Pump Wattage
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52 watts
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| |
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Steam Boiler Auto-Fill
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Yes
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Steam Boiler Heater Location
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Internal
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Steam Boiler Insulation
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No
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Steam Boiler Orientation
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Vertical
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Steam Boiler Volume (L)
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1.9
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Steam Boiler Vacuum Relief Valve
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Yes
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Steam Boiler Wattage
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1550 Watt
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Steam Wand Features
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No-Burn,Swappable Steam Tips
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| |
Steam Tip Hole Count
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2
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Steam Wand Material
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Stainless Steel
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Steam Wand Movement Type
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Fully Articulated
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Steam Wand
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Commercial Style
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| |
Water Reservoir Access Location
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Top
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Water Reservoir Capacity (L)
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3.8
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Water Reservoir Material
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Plastic
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Water Source
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Reservoir and Water Line
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Maximum Incoming Water Pressure (PSI)
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29 PSI
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