Elektra MicroCasa SemiAutomatica Copper/Brass ART.SX

Video: 360 Views of the Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica

 

One year manufacturer's warranty PLUS one year extended warranty.

NOTE: For home use only. These machines are hand crafted and may have slight indentations or surface "blemishes" that add to uniqueness of the machine. Please also review Notes and Warning section.

Established by the Fregnan family in 1947 in Treviso, Italy, the Elekta Company has created a lasting legacy of designing gorgeous machines that produce outstanding espresso. They believe in creating espresso machines that have attributes that are both modern and traditional. The Micro Casa Semiautomatica is a perfect example of one of these machines – it’s design is truly elegant and still has all the latest technology to provide great performance. As evidence of their technological advancements, the Elektra Company owns over 25 patents on espresso machine and equipment innovations. Users of this machine say the espresso it brews and the micro foam it creates are second to none.

 

Key Features

• Appearance – beautiful, long lasting chrome (or including a copper and brass finish depending on model) finish with beautiful Elektra Eagle as a crowning emblem on the dome of the espresso machine. See photos for a complete idea of beauty!
• 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.
• Boiler pressure relief valve – To prevent boiler damage and for safety, the boiler is equipped with a pressure relief valve and safety thermostat.
• Brass heat exchange boiler – The Micro Casa Semiautomatica has a brass heat exchange boiler system that is designed for enhanced water temperature stability – something that is critical in producing the best espresso. The temperature stability that the boiler system provides is also ideal for producing dry steam that is needed to make the best micro foam.
• Three way solenoid valve – relieves pressure and dries out coffee after espresso extraction. This helps reduce dripping and allows users to make additional shots more easily.
• Water reservoir – 2 liter (67 ounce) reservoir that can be easily refilled (manual switch for boiler) from the top for continuous water delivery for brewing. Machine does not have to shut down like hand lever models do.
• Portafilter – High quality portafilter with beautiful wooden handle. 58mm filter basket size.
• 800 watt heating element – Armor-plated
• Unit stability – With a large, round, 10 inch diameter base, the Micro Casa Semiautomatica is designed for stability on your countertop.
• Water level sight glass – indicates water level in boiler.
• Semi-automatic / pump operated espresso machine – pump delivers water to the grouphead and refills boiler. Semi-automatic system allows users to control the volume of water used for espresso shots.
• Easy to use controls – With one switch for power, one for brewing and one for boiler refill, the controls on the Micro Casa Semiautomatica are designed for ease of use. For steam control, the espresso machine has a twist knob that allows users to quickly turn the steam on or off.
• Only assembly required is the attachment of the steam wand
• Warranty: Two year parts and labor limited to manufacturers defects
• Power: 110 volts only, 60 Hz, 15 Amp
• Measurements: 23" H x 10" W x 10" D (58cm H x 26cm W x 26cm D)
• Manufactured in Treviso, Italy
• For home use only

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

Videos from Users and Reviewers

Tutorial on the Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica

Nice video of a user showing you the machine and how to operate it.

 

Elektra Semiautomatica – the Perfect Espresso

This is a short video that shows the Elektra Semiautomatica producing a great shot of espresso. It’s not an informational video, but it’s always nice to see a machine in action before you purchase one.

 

The Elektra Microcasa Espresso Machine in Use

Beautiful footage of the espresso machine and the espresso it produces.

 

Notes:

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.

CAUTION: ALL SURFACES ARE HOT AND CAN CAUSE BURNS

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.