Summary of "New Budget Champion? : Alm Kopi Direct Lever Review"

Product Reviewed:

Alm Kopi Direct Lever Espresso Machine

Main Features:

Type: Direct lever espresso machine with a 58mm portafilter.
Temperature Control: PID controlled with a large external PID box for granular temperature management of the brew chamber.
Heated Group: Actively heated group head, similar to the Flare 58, allowing precise temperature control.
Large Brew Chamber: Can hold about 110-120g of water, enabling larger shot volumes (up to roughly 1:5 coffee-to-water ratios).
Lever Design: Comfortable, large handle with a ball joint piston allowing a bigger range of motion and easier pull compared to the Flare 58.
Build: Primarily aluminum body with stainless steel components; robust and heavier base options available.
Pressure Gauge: Comes with an angled pressure gauge filled with synthetic oil to reduce needle vibration and provide accurate readings.
Accessories: Includes an 18g basket (with compatibility for aftermarket high extraction baskets), a tamper with a comfortable grip, and multiple base options (wood and stainless steel).
Pre-infusion and Pressure Profiling: Allows for manual control of pre-infusion pressure and descending pressure profiles.
Capacity for Larger Shots: Larger chamber allows extraction of longer shots typical for lighter roasts (e.g., 1:5 ratios), which is challenging on other lever machines like the Flare 58.

Pros:

Granular PID Temperature Control: More precise than the Flare 58’s three preset temperature settings.
Large Brew Chamber: Supports longer shots and higher volume extractions favored by enthusiasts of lighter roasts.
Ergonomics: Easier to pull down than the Flare 58 due to the ball joint piston and lever design.
Build Quality: Solid and robust with a heavy base that prevents tipping.
Pressure Gauge Quality: Oil-filled gauge reduces vibration for more stable pressure readings.
Price: Approximately $600 retail (often found cheaper, e.g., $527), about half the price of comparable machines like the Odyssey Argos (~$1100).
Compatibility: Fits standard 58mm baskets and accessories.
User-Friendly: PID box allows temperature adjustments and the machine heats up quickly (around 5 minutes).

Cons:

PID box Size: The external PID controller is bulky and may deter some users who prefer integrated controls.
Build Material: Mainly aluminum rather than full stainless steel, which may affect durability and frame rigidity.
Frame Flex: Some wobble and flex in the frame and lever mechanism due to the ball joint piston; theoretically could affect extraction consistency.
Shot Collar Design: The lip fitting inside the basket causes an indentation, which is considered a design flaw.
Lever Handle Contact: The lever can scratch the chamber if pulled all the way down forcefully.
Tightening Required: Some parts (e.g., screws on the PID box) needed manual tightening out of the box.
No Steam Wand: Unlike some competitors, this machine does not have a steam wand or boiler for milk frothing.

User Experience:

The reviewer found the machine enjoyable and user-friendly, especially appreciating the temperature control and shot capacity.

Pulling the lever is easier and more comfortable than on the Flare 58.

The ability to pull longer shots (1:5 ratio) works well for lighter roasted coffees.

Temperature readings from the PID box are not perfectly accurate due to probe placement and heating unevenness, but users can compensate by dialing in recipes.

The reviewer gave a 10/10 rating among home direct lever machines, calling it his favorite direct lever.

Minor aesthetic and mechanical nitpicks did not significantly detract from overall performance.

Comparisons:

Flare 58: The Alm Kopi is positioned as a potential successor or competitor to the Flare 58, offering PID temperature control vs. Flare’s 3 preset temps, larger water capacity, and easier lever pull. The Flare 58 is still considered an excellent machine but lacks some of the Alm Kopi’s granular control and capacity.
Odyssey Argos: The Argos is more expensive (~$1100) with integrated PID and steam wand, Bluetooth connectivity, and spring lever options. The Alm Kopi is a more budget-friendly alternative focusing on direct lever simplicity.
Super Cop & MHW 3 Rmer Sonic: These are other competitors but considered less cost-effective or lacking features like actively heated groups.
Cafe Lot Robot: A different type of machine, not directly comparable.

Additional Notes:

The reviewer recommends investing in better coffee, water, and grind quality over upgrading from a Flare 58 to the Alm Kopi.
The machine is recommended for users who want a direct lever with precise temperature control and larger shot capacity at a competitive price.
The reviewer was introduced to the machine through a Facebook group recommendation and