*For home use only. No exceptions.
360 Views Video of the Elektra Semiautomatica
*NOW WITH WOODEN HANDLE, Update Jan 2020.
If you want a unique espresso machine that produces amazing espresso, look no further. Elektra is well known for the beautiful appearance of their espresso machines, and the Elektra MicroCasa SemiAutomatica certainly lives up to this reputation – it is a true work of art. Each machine is handcrafted from some of the finest materials. This is a machine for someone who appreciates the handcrafted feel over products churned out by automated machinery on a mass scale. It is durable, efficient and delivers a great espresso experience.
It has a brass eagle placed on the dome with wings up and has three red switches for power, boiler refill and coffee brewing. The durable brass boiler provided dry steam for frothing milk and the easy top refill option ensures continuous delivery of water.
This machine is designed to make great espresso and perfectly steamed milk with its durable brass boiler, unique heat exchanger system and easy to use controls.
Video: Image Slideshow
Key Features
Brass Boiler with Heat Exchange System
The Elektra Micro Casa Semiautomatica heat exchanger system is designed to maintain the temperature for brewing for delivering the best flavor. This system, in combination with the 2 liter brass boiler, also ensures the production of dry steam that is essential for the best micro foam.
Controlling switches
Elektra Espresso Machine has three red switches – one each for power, coffee brewing and boiler refilling.
Aesthetics
Beauty is a high priority for Elektra and this machine is arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing espresso machines on the market today. The individually, hand crafted brass eagle situated on the dome of the machine adds a touch of amazing elegance to this home espresso machine.
Machine stability
In order to ensure stability of the espresso machine on the counter top it is designed with a 10 inch, large round base that keeps it safely in place and prevents tipping.
Vibratory Water Pump
The Semiautomatica is equipped with a vibratory pump that delivers water to the grouphead and ensures the boiler remains full.
Water Level Site Glass
The espresso machine has a built in water level sight glass for easy monitoring of the level of water in the boiler so that it can be refilled in a timely manner and prevent the machine from running without water.
Boiler Pressure Relief Valve
The boiler of the Elektra espresso machine is equipped with pressure relief valve to release excessive pressure build up.
Steam Wand
The steam wand is extended away from the boiler to prevent operator’s hands from touching the boiler while handling the wand. The machine has great steam pressure and can make great microfoam.
3 Way Solenoid Valve
The espresso machine has unique pressure releasing system to ensure that there is no espresso explosion. It is provided with solenoid valve that helps relieving pressure in the grouphead when the espresso extraction is finished and also during the time of removing the portafilter handle.
Water Reservoir
The water reservoir of Elektra espresso machine can be easily refilled from the top, making it easy to provide continuous delivery for brewing and steaming. The machine doesn’t have to be switched off for refilling as is required with other espresso machines.
Heating element
The machine has an 800 watt armour plated heating element that provides efficient warm up and operating functionality.
Finish
This model comes with beautiful sleek chrome finish that is durable and long lasting. There is also a Copper and Brass version available.
Portafilter handle
As of Jan 2020, the machine now comes with a wooden portafilter handle.
Pressure Gauge
Easily monitor the steam pressure in the Micro Casa Semiautomatica’s boiler by looking at a needle on the espresso machine’s pressure gauge. Extract at the ideal temperature when the needle is pointing to the green zone.
Power Supply
Requires a power supply of 110 volts, 60 Hz and 15 Amp
Boiler Capacity
The durable brass boiler has a capacity of approximately 67 Oz equivalent to 2.0 liters.
Dimensions
23 inches (58 cm) in height, 10 inches (26 cm) in width and 10 inches (26cm) in depth.
Weight
The machine weighs 31 pounds
Country of Origin
Elektra espresso machine is produced in Treviso, Italy
Warranty
Two years parts and labor warranty limited to the manufacturing defects only.
Video: How to Drain the Boiler on the Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica
PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS
Buyers Guide for the Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica
Jim Schulman of Home-Barista.com has done an outstanding professional review of the Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica. The review is very detailed and covers the following topics:
- Introduction
- Espresso Performance
- Steaming Performance
- Materials and Workmanship
- Conclusion
- Appendices
Detailed CoffeeGeek.com Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica Professional Review
Mark Prince of coffeegeek.com did a very thorough review of the Elektra Semiautomatica several years ago and is still a trusted source to this day.
Topics of the review include the following:
- Introduction
- Overview and History
- Specifications
- First Use
- Operation
- Maintenance
- Performance
- Comparisons
- Long Term
- Conclusion
NOTES AND WARNINGS
- Warranty Note: Please note that it is very important to use 'softened water' in these machines, as well as all espresso machines. Hard water will cause these machines to malfunction, and Elektra will not cover the parts warranty due to hard water. In addition, it is extremely important to run the a leva and Semiautomatica machines with water at least 25% full in the sight glass. Running these models with a water level lower than this can cause heating element damage which will not be covered under warranty as this is not a manufacturer's defect. If you return the unit with a damaged heating element, you will be charged for the repair, and the repair charge will be deducted from the credit.
- The exterior color, which includes a clear coat finish, will naturally change as each each Elektra machine ages. The inside of the water reservoir will discolor with the use of hard water (high in magnesium and/or calcium) or distilled/purified water. These items would not be covered under warranty as they are not considered manufacturer's defects.
- The water in the boiler is not used to make coffee. The water to make coffee comes directly from the reservoir and passes through a pipe in the bottom boiler for flash heating. If cold water passes through this pipe, the change in temperature will cause the boiler water (sight glass) to fluctuate. The only time the water level in the sight glass should change is when
a) the steamer is used and the water level drops, or
b) the red button on the left hand side of the base is depressed and held to refill the boiler. - There is a safety feature on this machine when water is not pumped into the boiler on initial startup. If this isn't performed correctly, the safety kicks off and the machine will have to be reset. On the bottom of the machine underneath the yellow cap there is a reset button for the safety thermostat.
- Paint remover can be used to remove the paint from copper and brass parts. Elektra uses varnish to paint the parts.
- To learn more about this espresso machine, read Home-Barista.com's Buyer's Guide to the Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica.
- This machine is for home use only.
- CAUTION: ALL SURFACES ARE HOT AND CAN CAUSE BURNS
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Warning: Before plugging the machine's electrical cord into the electrical outlet, please make sure the power switch is in the 'O" (visible) for off position. Fill the top water reservoir before powering on the machine via the power switch. It is important to depress and hold the boiler refill switch on the left side of the machine immediately after powering up the first time. The sight glass needs to fill up to the 75% full mark before releasing the boiler refill switch. The sight glass needs to be filled a minimum of 25% at all times during the operation to avoid damage to the machine.