Londinium Vectis - https://londiniumespresso.com/store/i...

Is the Londinium Vectis the perfect entry level spring lever espresso machine? There were definitely some surprises under the hood... lets dig in.

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NOTE: I’m sure I will have some deep divers looking for more detail on those wild temperature specs I pulled.

I ran this test using a Scace 2 device and calibrated digital thermometer. When running the temp test, the procedure was as follows:

1. Let the Scace preheat in the machine
2. Preinfuse for ten seconds, then pull a shot
3. Wait ten seconds.
4. Preinfuse for ten seconds, then pull a shot. Take measurements during this pull
5. Repeat in 20 minute intervals.

I had the Pstat on the Vectis was set to cycle between 1.1-1.2 bar and 1.3-1.4 bar.

On all tests there was a consistent 15-20 degree F drop over the course of the shot. The results of the test were as follows

From turning the machine on
- 20 Minutes - temp peaked at 195F
- 40 Minutes - temp peaked at 205F
- 60 Minutes - temp peaked at 217F
- 80 Minutes - temp peaked at 224F
- 100 Minutes - temp peaked at 227F
- 120 Minutes - temp peaked at 230F
- 140 Minutes - no change from previous test (point of stability)

A couple thoughts. As I mentioned in the video, even though this SEEMS really strange, the results were favorable, particularly on light roasts. The only time I felt like I was not getting as good of results at full heat was when pulling decaf or darks - I drink primarily lights and mediums.

These temps could be lowered by adjusting the PStat - if you drink primarily medium/darks I would suggest lowering the PStat.

Is this overheating? Some would say so and by the numbers, maybe it is. But, the coffee was consistently forgiving and fantastic.

I think one important thing to take away from these results is to know that you are going to have some differences in performance between a 20 minute warm up vs when the machine has been on for 2+ hours. However you end up using it, I would suggest being consistent in your warm up routine.

Regarding pressure, these measurements were taken post seal change with the newly designed greaseless seals. Prior to the seal change my measurements were about 1 Bar lower (5.9 bar). Im not sure if this was due to a slow leak or additional friction from the greased seals. The piston was much stickier in the group with the original greased seal design.

0:00 - Intro
1:23 - How Levers Work
2:24 - Advantages of Spring Levers
2:46 - What Sets Vectis Apart
4:01 - Workmanship and Price
4:41 - Features
5:36 - Wait.. Really???
7:12 - How to Tweak the Vectis
8:11 - Why You Should Look Elsewhere
9:08 - Updated Parts
10:03 - Of Two Minds
10:59 - The Wife Test
11:29 - The Verdict