Espresso gearheads: ‘Pressure + Flow’ demos of Strada EP hit L.A.

The U.S. division of La Marzocco, the Italian espresso machine manufacturer founded by the Bambi family, brings its “Pressure + Flow” tour to Los Angeles this month. On Feb. 13, La Marzocco will offer hands-on brewing lessons on its flagship Strada EP, which some called a game-changer and “the most advanced espresso machine on the planet” at the time of its unveiling.

Most espresso machines extract coffee at a set pressure of 8 to 9 bars (or atmospheres), but the Strada EP is capable of continuously variable extraction between 1 and 12 bars with computers and microcontrollers that adjust the speed of the pump motors rather than the barista having to do so by hand -- and then having to replicate it for each extraction. Pressure profiles can be recorded in the machine’s memory system -- and it can even auto-correct for slight mistakes. Not to mention its gear pump system and membrane pentiometer ....

La Marzocco USA’s Pressure + Flow four-city tour -- free and open to anyone who registers -- includes demonstrations and presentations on various coffee topics and hands-on experiences with the Strada EP.

During the “Pressure” session, hear about the development of the Strada EP and what La Marzocco has learned about brewing coffee on the machine.

The “Flow” session tackles water science and the interaction of coffee and water, with information on how to test water and make informed water conditioning purchase decisions.

The “Espresso Machine Loveline” session will be hosted by a special guest in each city, with answers by La Marzocco USA’s Scott Guglielmino. Bring any and all questions.

Here’s the schedule of events:

10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.: Pressure -- Guided hands-on learning with the Strada EP (session content presented twice).

2 to 2:30 p.m.: Ryan Willbur describes how the Strada EP came to be, then demonstrates how to brew coffee on the EP.

4 to 5 p.m.: “Espresso Machine Loveline”

5:30 to 7 p.m.: Flow -- Water science 101 with comparative espresso tasting featuring waters from around the U.S.

Wednesday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Register online. Siren Studios, 6063 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood.

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