Bezzera Strega Top Al hand lever espresso machine

Bezzera Strega Top AL hand lever espresso machine

The Bezzera Strega Top is a real dual-circuit hand lever espresso machine with a professional brewing group and perfect workmanship. A technical and visual treat for all espresso lovers. They are indispensable in Italian espresso bars: large and impressive hand lever espresso machines. What began in the 1960s with legendary machines such as the Faema President still impresses espresso lovers today. Thanks to the constant pressure build-up of a strong steel spring and the specified water volume, every espresso dispensed in the lever brewing group is very consistent. After a short period of practice, even beginners can make a first-class espresso.

Tradition and professional dual-circuit technology

The Bezzera Strega Top is a star just by its looks, with its solid chrome-plated brass lever brewing group. The Strega Top is also impressive on the inside. Professional dual-circuit technology with a large 2.0 l boiler offers high power reserves and temperature stability to produce dry steam and, at the same time, to bring the fresh water from the 4.0 l water tank to the optimal brewing temperature via the integrated heat exchanger in a separate water circuit.

Pre-infusion through the vibration pump

An absolute Bezzera innovation is the pre-infusion through the vibration pump when using the water tank. When the lever is pulled completely, the vibration pump is activated and actively pumps water into the brewing chamber. As soon as the first drops appear from the portafilter, the ground coffee is moistened. Now the lever is released, the pump switches off and the water in the brewing chamber is continuously pressed through the portafilter by the pre-tensioned spring pressure, completely silently. This always happens with the same pressure and cannot be compared with Pavoni lever machines, which can be found in many households. There, the pressure is generated by the operator himself and a good espresso is more a matter of chance than the rule.

water tank or permanent water connection

The Bezzera Strega Top can be operated with the 4.0l water tank or directly with the permanent water connection. If the water tank is used, the vibration pump takes over the filling of the boiler and brewing chamber. When switching to the permanent water connection, the filling is done by the existing water pressure of the supply line.

How the lever espresso machine works

In hand lever machines, the brewing pressure is built up by a piston in the brewing group. The piston is moved between the resting position and the working position using the hand lever. In the working position, water flows into the brewing group, and the movement back to the resting position extracts the espresso. Both the control of the water inlet and the pressure build-up are done manually.

Once the machine has heated up, the water tank is full and there is ground coffee in the portafilter, you can get started. Pull the lever of the brewing group down with a little force, the piston of the brewing chamber opens and is filled by the vibration pump. The hot water now moistens the ground coffee in the portafilter (pre-infusion). Release the lever and the high tension of the spring causes the water to be silently pressed through the portafilter by the piston. The fact that you can't hear anything once the vibration pump has filled the brewing chamber makes the preparation a real experience. The barista is still the focus here and the status is displayed at all times via the position of the lever. The result is a great espresso.

The Bezzera lever brewing group

The solid chrome-plated brass lifting brewing group weighs a whopping 9 KG and has a separate brewing group heater. We already know this from Bezzera, e.g. the BZ09 or the Duo. Thanks to this additional heating, the Bezzera Strega Top reaches operating temperature after around 20-25 minutes - without it it would certainly take at least 60 minutes. The additional heating also ensures increased temperature stability - which is particularly important when making several extractions in a short space of time. Stable pressure thanks to the pre-tensioned springs and high temperature stability - this makes the Strega an extremely reliable tool for the ambitious barista - but after a short introduction, any coffee lover can conjure up a good result in the cup.

Craftsmanship quality from the Milan espresso machine manufacturer

In 1901, Luigie Bezzera patented the first pressure-controlled espresso machine, which also created a decent crema on the espresso. Since then, first-class machines have been developed and built by hand in the Milan espresso machine factory. Almost all parts of the Bezzera machines are manufactured in-house. The high level of craftsmanship, a constant innovation process and, above all, the independence due to the very high level of vertical integration in production ensure the best processing quality and an exceptionally long service life.

Special features of the Strega Top hand lever machine

• 1 solid chrome-plated lever brewing group made of brass
• Dual-circuit technology with thermosyphon and heat exchanger
• Simultaneous espresso and steam extraction
• Water tank operation or fixed water connection selectable
• Perfect workmanship
• housing made of stainless steel ANSI304
• copper boilers and pipes
• LED lighting
• pressure gauge for boiler pressure
• cup rack heated by boiler waste heat

Conclusion

A high-quality professional espresso machine with an impressive appearance and very good workmanship. The lever technology is supported by the innovative dual-circuit technology and makes the Bezzera Strega Top an absolute favorite for the barista. Whether at home, in the office or in sophisticated restaurants with occasional espresso needs - this machine attracts everyone's attention and brings the real Italian espresso culture to life when in use. Last but not least, we are convinced by the perfect result in the cup! If you have space (71 cm installation height with lever) and like an elegant piece of Italy, you will quickly be happy with the Strega Top.

scope of delivery

• Bezzera Strega Top espresso machine
• Portafilter with double spout with 14 gr. sieve
• Portafilter with single spout with 7 gr. sieve
• Flexible water inlet hose 3/8"
• plastic tamper
• cleaning brush

Service & Workshop

As a Bezzera specialist dealer with our own workshop, we are there for you even after the purchase and after a longer period of use. Whether it is a water filter system, accessories, spare parts or regular overhauls - please feel free to contact us.