The Best Hybrid Lever?: ACS Vostok Review

[@LanceHedrick]

Would be awesome if you could hit that like! Anything helps boost the videos in the ole algo. Also, if you have questions about my calling the machine a bastardized dipper, please check caption for explanation!!! Cheers and looking forward to chatting below!

[@knumph]

I love the technique videos. I love the tiramisu tasting videos. I love videos that dive into history. But nothing bangs like a gear video, I do not care if I’m not in the market.

[@LanceHedrick]

Haha! I love making them. Thanks for watching!

[@44Bigs]

This video answers so many questions I had. I love these modern lever machines with heated groups and short warm up time. But I could do without the tiny screens on the front. I want this machine to last me a lifetime and these electronics won't last and probably won't even be available in ten years.

[@ChristopherJiongo]

My Vostok was delivered last Wednesday, stainless steel with olivewood. I was VERY FORTUNATE to have a ACS vendor 1 - 2 hours away that is located out of Richmond, VA. The wooden crate it came in, the gorgeous accessories box (btw, does anyone know what portafilter is compatible with this? Any other accessories?), and the beautiful look and presence of the Vostok, GOT DAMN!!!! I haven't had time to use it yet, school work comes first, and I'm still looking for accessories, baskets, tampers, ect. Great video as well, Lance! I'm going to make sure I know this machine inside and out before I operate it.

[@zach1abbey]

Open to sharing where you purchased from?

[@radoslavkostresevic1420]

Hi, can you share your thoughts after 6 months using this machine?😁

[@alexwilson27]

Gotta say, I think I appreciate these reviews for ultra high end gear more than the more accessible stuff, because I know I’ll never own this. I probably won’t even get to see one, much less use one. But now I can know about this machine as in depth as I know my own and I feel more educated about the industry as a whole. These videos bridge the gap for those of us who can only dream of these machines!

[@blackbirdmanf]

About the safety system, be aware that the grouphead needs to be filled with water to work. So if you let the lever slip while pulling it down to start the shot but the grouphead hasn’t filled up yet, it could still slam quite a bit.

[@LanceHedrick]

Absolutely

[@gmeincoronato5807]

Great review! As a Vostok owner, i can just affirm everything you said! Thank you for your time and effort!

[@jacobburgin826]

I have the ACS Evo leva and love it for its simplicity. The water res could definitely use some tweaking though 😅

[@Phobosandpanic]

Great video! There's just something so satisfying with lever machines. Also I'm pleased to tell you that you've just reached a new demographic of viewers! My 3 year old got very interested when she heard you singing Let It Go. Now just find a way to work a Disney song into every video and you'll have millions of views per video in no time at all!

[@stevemb0]

Excellent review. I have the ACS Evo Leva 2 and the Evo Leva 1 which I use both at a Farmers Market in London. Both produce the same fantastic coffee but the stop shot by pressure is so useful in a commercial setting as no need for scales plus it avoids having to remove the cup with one hand whilst steaming with the other. The body with these levers is impossible to replicate with any machine, even the Decent

[@AndrePerron-t9q]

Great review! Would love to hear your thoughts on the ACS Minima. Thanks for all the great explanations!!

[@tango4]

BANG! it goes up slowly

[@khungreen9773]

Incredible machine and engineering. Would be nice if they made the buttons and display slightly bigger.

[@mattscarf]

The best part of this was Lance singing Let It Go. I’m done for the day 👍

[@softbeak8333]

Lol good for you I can't stand his singing in the videos lol 😅

[@carlossanches4727]

Nice review, question which one is the one behind you?

[@jasonlinn]

Which darker roasted specialty coffees have you been enjoying recently?

[@alifalamarzi686]

Hi there Lance, I am getting the smaller version of from ACS, I asked them about if i can change the max pressure from 10.5 to 8 and they said it is possible. I was wondering wat would be your take on it?

[@LanceHedrick]

Sure! You can do that, no worries. It would be very difficult to switch back if ever you wanted the higher pressure spring, though.

[@alifalamarzi686]

@@LanceHedrick difficult in terms of installation? How will effect the taste of the cup?

[@dudewuttheheck]

I have this exact machine with the lower pressure spring that hits 8 bar. I've been very pleased with it, especially for lighter roast. I've also talked to an owner who has tried both springs and he said he vastly preferred the 8 bar spring for lighter roasts. Less harsh/bitter. You could also switch back fairly easily, especially with help on forums from guys like DaveC who know this machine extremely well.

[@crashandrise]

Wake up babe, my opinion on ACS Vostok just dropped

[@LanceHedrick]

hahahahahaha! love this.

[@softbeak8333]

​@@LanceHedrickif you click on translate your comment to English it takes off one "ha" lol

[@ShayanGivehchian]

​@softbeak8333 that's hilarious. Like that one ha is too much for an English man

[@thegooddoctor7898]

Got here 48s after upload, this is a good day!

[@LanceHedrick]

super quick!

[@lazatroncic]

Great! What are your thoughts on Bezzera Strega?

[@bryguy102]

He keeps teasing with the machines in the background.

[@ZetaZanKa]

I have a question, if I use a heightened 58mm basket and increase the amount of powder, will it also work?

[@radoslavkostresevic1420]

What do you think about the commercial use of this machine? A few hundred coffees per day over time, how would it affect?

[@deanstainbrook2839]

Is there a retailer that you recommend? I looked to see if you included a link but I didn't see one.

[@EphemeralTao]

That beast is definitely far too big for my kitchen, but I'm considering moving up to the ACS Vesuvius Evo Leva at some point in the future, which has a lot of the same features in a considerably smaller package. Meanwhile, I'm most likely going to pick up the Odyssey Argos shown early on in the vid. I'd also prefer if the Argos had a 54/55mm portafilter, but it looks like it punches well above its weight otherwise.

[@doomdwarf-gb2nv]

When are we getting a gaggiuino update?

[@hot_wheelz]

That lever might have a slow return to its starting position but there's still a point where it first begins the return stroke where its under full spring pressure before what is essentially a shock absorber can kick in and decrease the rate of travel. So, yes, safer than a traditional level espresso machine, but if you're the right height and in the right place at the wrong time you're still going to be taking a trip to the hospital.

[@LanceHedrick]

That's fair. There is a small area where it is under full pressure. But like you said, would have the be the perfect height and let go of it immediately at the bottom in order for an issue to occur. I think this will solve vast majority if potential risk

[@DaveCorbey]

That's because the system is designed primarily to protect from the portafilter unwinding and coming off, then the lever will come up slowly from that moment. If you do it on an empty group...then the air in the system and no pressure built up will allow the lever to come up fast for the first 30% of it's movement, but it will still help and definitely limit any damage caused by the lever thwacking back against it's stop. Of course to demonstrate it really has to be done on an empty group, as no one wants to try and make the portafilter unwind.

[@LanceHedrick]

Thanks for the comment!

[@adrianmichaelsmith]

So don't stand In the wrong place. Simplz. If you cross the road with a car heading towards you you may get injured. Just use it correctly and there's no issue even without the safety system fitted.

[@arendhav]

Does the drip tray in this machine have a drain?

[@sassanada]

Help, i liked before i finished watching and then Lance graced us with a song....and it doesn't let me add additional likes. 😭

[@scotthep]

Having had both the Nurri and now the Vostok I can't agree with your summary more. I love the looks and the tactile feature of the Nurri better. But the workflow of the Vostok just works much better for me and seems less "involved". I also completely agree with your dislike of the drip tray and water reservoir. Plumbing in the drip tray did alleviate that somewhat however. I do look forward to the ability to easily flush some water through the group with a paddle or lever if they release that in the future. When I reached out to support about it, they mentioned I could just pull that lever back behind the group to engage the pump as a means to achieve the same thing...just not quite as easily as the paddle on the Nurri.

[@TheSwoon69]

Was looking at this recently. Just bought my Profitec pro 800 instead about 3 weeks ago. Dont think i will ever upgrade again, pro 800 is just perfect

[@LanceHedrick]

Great lever! Standard dipper. Should be very happy with it! Really well built.

[@davelasker]

If you had to choose between a Vostok and a similarly priced semi-auto machine, which would you buy? If the latter, which machine would it be?

[@atpaintball3235]

if you have to choose, vostok or nurri ?

[@ronaldorodan8762]

Any Vostok owner: How do you get rid of the on/off timing? I was playing with the settings and stuck with having the machine pop up once a week at the (any) time it’s set.

[@marcoslo00063]

Will you be reviewing the new KitchenAid semi auto expresso and grinder machine? I heard it might matchup with the Breville and other entry level.

[@Natalia-f6j]

I didn't realize your last review was pre-production, then spent a while wondering why it's not available. Is the Vostok now available to purchase? The Vesuvius seems like more money for no gain.

[@LanceHedrick]

Yeah! You email them for a quote

[@blackbirdmanf]

I got a Vesuvius because of the dimensions (a bit smaller) and price point. Internals als mostly the same as I understand with the dosing system. love it!!

[@gmeincoronato5807]

The Vostok ist more expensive than the Vesiuvius

[@espressoarabic]

@lance what's in your opinion best home use lever machine now? Under $6k ?

[@adrianmichaelsmith]

Sorry I'm not lance!! But for me the Evo leva V2 is superb.

[@HuibNederhof]

Don't understand well why you put the grouphat temperature lower then the brewboiler. If you want 92degrees C water on the puck, what is the temperature of the brewboiler you put on the PID and which temperture on the grouphat?

[@LanceHedrick]

Ok. I make brew head cooler so it will suck out heat as the extraction continues to more closely replicate a descending temp profile. So brew water is hotter. If group was hotter then the temp will increase as it passes thru.

[@hvgotcodes]

Great video, can't wait for your CT2 video....

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you! Couple more weeks for that one

[@hvgotcodes]

@@LanceHedrick how do you recommend brewing Onyx Tropical Weather on one? :)

[@r.124]

it sure looked to me like in that huge jerk the lever made before going up slowly that it could still crack you in the face

[@BensCoffeeRants]

7:30 By turning the group brew temp lower your likely basically disabling that feature, unless for some reason it temps fall too low. Is there a benefit to having a declining temperature profile rather than having a steady or inclining profile? Or people just like to do declining to replicate the typical lever style espresso? I'm sure people with Decent and similar temp profiling machines have experimented with this. I thought I remember hearing a a steady temp was supposed to be ideal. For the pre infusion pressure @ 11:30 I'm seeing the pulsing really makes it jump up and down.

[@matthewhoffman6868]

John Buckman of Decent says that he prefers declining temperature profiles.

[@Yousefbe]

It would be great if you do comparison between it and the nurri

[@cbeenhackker]

Great video! Thx Did I miss the pricing of the machine?

[@akosamotako]

4,5-6 K USD, depends on addons and customs :)

[@kaipaulcarter]

Where can I find that shot mirror?

[@scider2]

Is that a vintage Faema in the background??

[@juangallegoooo]

LET IT GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LET IT GO

[@crashandrise]

Haven't even seen the video but i know I love it

[@LanceHedrick]

hope you do!

[@Pimplaren]

Glad i found ur channel! really nice! been using my PP800 for last 5 years and really happy with it :) would be cool if you got ur hands on a Pro800, Bosco or Londinium r24 to review! thanks for all the good tips and fun times // Oliver in Sweden

[@Alex-zv4oc]

He can also sing. 🎉

[@thodgson13]

Should i order a two group right now before everyone else floods their website or take my chances trying to find a deal on a LM or KVDW at SCA this weekend? 😅

[@LanceHedrick]

Hahaha! Really depends on what you're looking for (presumably for a Cafe?)

[@thodgson13]

@@LanceHedrick yep! A small one. Knowing me I should probably just wait so I don't get fomo

[@tarekz9992]

Please get your hands on a ACS Falcon I 3 PID, heated E61 group head! Edit Anyone wondering Nurri or Vostok, get the Vostok. The knob pressure adjustment on the Nurri is a joke. ACS is far easier to use and more reliable.

[@WillardTurner]

Bill Murray wearing a Vostok making espresso on a Vostok. Make it happen!

[@LanceHedrick]

Omg if I could get in contact with Bill Murray, I'd faint.

[@alanhamacher7263]

Wow, that thing is huge! And over 100 lbs?

[@espressoarabic]

Whats the differemce between this and the evo leva 2 ?

[@cuprajake1]

the case

[@Phil_OG]

Great review! When you talk about all those different designs of the group heads etc. it would be great if you could show some pictures or even animations to get a better understanding on how the machines work. Maybe that could be something for the unfiltered Lance.

[@fvgoya]

I wish we could have this type of machine here in Japan 🇯🇵 😭😭😭

[@johnmcdairmant3498]

You know what we want: a 30 minute standalone or act 1 of a coffee opera.

[@mikemutter7174]

Thanks!

[@paulmarks7185]

You should open a singing barista bar.

[@angrymurloc7626]

The singing is soooooooo good 🥰🥰🥰🥰🐇 I love this channel a normal unhealthy amount

[@UltiMogr]

My Gaggia Classic has a build in "descending temperature profile" from factory

[@Girvo747]

Lmao I feel that

[@lIlIlIllIlIlIlIIl]

That‘s such a dope shirt Lance, looking cool as hell

[@LanceHedrick]

thank you so much!

[@paulforbes3239]

Lance sings accapella! Encore! Encore!! Encore!!!

[@LanceHedrick]

haha! I drop it on occasion hahaha

[@NicholasWinecoff]

what's the machine in the background?

[@nissanguy16]

Faema Marte

[@djmanosv]

whats the price

[@Hm-mn3ip]

lance will you ever do a review of the 9barista?

[@LanceHedrick]

Yes!

[@mynameisori5214]

Hi lance! I recently discovered your channel and I'm having a blast. Keep up the great content and have a great day😊

[@LanceHedrick]

Heck yeah! Thanks for joining along! Hope you brew something tasty

[@DigitalicaEG]

The worst KZbin comment trend: “wake up babe, XXXX just dropped YYYY video” .

[@NA26626]

Hey Lance! Thanks for all the helpful information, you’ve really helped me on my coffee journey (most recently to a ZP6!)

[@LanceHedrick]

Heck yes! Stoked you got the zp6 and hope you love it!

[@Avatar711Wizard]

Dome fill and unbroken crema. Lance. Teach the others for they are not aware.

[@NotNoord]

Ah, so that’s the “Vastik” you mentioned earlier 😂

[@LanceHedrick]

Probably mispronouncing. Ah well lol

[@NotNoord]

@@LanceHedrick Yeah, it should be pronounced with the “o” instead of “i” ;) And taking the moment from the “lesson”, want to say thank you for your work!

[@theor4343]

Do you have any experience with the sworks step down basket?

[@matthewhoffman6868]

I use a Sworks step down basket with my 2016 Londinium 1. On certain beans, I like it very much, particularly medium-dark roasts.

[@sparker_87]

I love it when you sing

[@cgirl111]

I'm never going to spend 7500 bucks US on a coffee machine but I was wondering, their site says the machine draws 2400 watts. I don't believe American home circuits can provide more than 1500 over 120 volts. If the load is purely resistive it works out to 20 amps and at a .8 power factor it's 25 amps. How does this work?

[@cuprajake1]

for the us market i believe it alternates the boilers - but double check with acs

[@EphemeralTao]

That's if you have the default standard 15 amp circuit. Some US houses have 25 amp circuits available, although it's more common in commercial settings. If you have the money for a Vostok, then you probably have the money to pay an electrician to drop a 25 amp circuit to your kitchen. 🤣

[@cgirl111]

@@EphemeralTao All homes here is the US have 240v circuits available and it's mostly used for the oven/cooktop. Using 240v 2400 watts at .8 power factor 2400w works out to 12.5 volts. Since the video unit is plugged into a standard outlet I assume something else is going on either with the spec sheet or the machine.

[@EphemeralTao]

​@@cgirl111 US 240v circuits are NOT the same as European 220/240v. US 240v circuits are "full phase" circuits, that is, they consist of two 120v hot lines and a neutral; and all AC power is 60hz. Euro power is 220v split phase at 50Hz. You definitely cannot run a European or high-wattage commercial appliance off it without an expensive convertor. What you're seeing is probably a 110v 25amp circuit. These are *very* common in US commercial kitchens; and less so in US homes, but not unheard of. They look nearly identical to standard 15 amp outlets, with one small exception in plug orientation -- the neutral blade is turned 90 degree from the hot blade. 110v 25amp sockets are reasonably safe for common 110v 15amp appliances and will easily accommodate both, since the appliance will only pull as much current as it needs. I don't know why they're not more common.

[@adrianmichaelsmith]

If it's the same firmware as the Evo V2 and I think it is then if you go to the function menu F6 is set to 0 to allow both boilers simultaneously and set to 1 for brew boiler priority and set to 2 for steam boiler priority for you guys with less power available. 😎 Normally set to 0 for both or 1 for brew priority.

[@tomekwooszyn7430]

I'm watching it only for you Lance. You always cheer me up so it's worth it, even if Vostok is way out of my budget hahhaha

[@FatNorthernBigot]

More and more, espresso machines are starting to look like steampunk cosplay enthusiasts.

[@Skfkf1393a]

Acs vs nuri which one?

[@LanceHedrick]

I go over them both in this comparison. Boils down to which you'd prefer based off what you know. Similar group and temp control/stability. For me, it would boil down to aesthetic, brand trust (for quality), and whether I want more automated or more manual

[@scotthep]

I tried the Nurri first and had quality issues. I ended up with the Vostok and love it. Knowing what I know now, quality issues aside, I prefer the Vostok....if you have the room.

[@coffeepanther42]

As a casual watcher, the intro that jumps into a lot of technical jargon and lists of machines “you also have pump driven, such as this and this and this”, without actually letting me know what’s interesting to watch about the video to keep me hooked, is a little off-putting. Not that it’s a bad video, but just commenting in light of the request for feedback.

[@huntercaron]

nice

[@LanceHedrick]

thank you!

[@philrob4468]

Damn… I need this … I was thinking of saving for the nurri but it’s so much money …. I think this looks like the answer… love the look too… or do I just do profitec 800… why is this so hard lol

[@RavenSWE]

Isn’t this roughly the same price as the Nurri?

[@philrob4468]

@@RavenSWE couple g’s difference where I’m from

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

The lowest dose I have been able to go and reliably get a nice shot with 58mm portafilter basket is 14g. I thought my house was big, but that machine would not fit. I like the way this lever works - I think the volume control on my stereo should be controlled by a lever and a spring instead of a rotary dial, way better.

[@jpk.mp3]

this is crazy

[@LanceHedrick]

truly.

[@pranadistribution6033]

Great Review (as always). Ordered a Stand Art mag. Thank You!!

[@wizzyy9047]

yeahh

[@LanceHedrick]

yesssss

[@iafan3997]

Lance, need to get your hands on the KVDW Spiritello when it's released.

[@PaoloItaliano-k9v]

Price 17,1k €. Totally insane!

[@cheekster777]

Thank you Lance.

[@flipper2gv]

Thoughts on the Proftiec pro 800? I don't remember you mentioning it.

[@Dotes111]

At the start, you mention that you prefer grinding coarser for espresso. That makes tons of sense, but how does that fit into the context of some of the faster flowing baskets (which often force one to grind a bit finer)? Could it be that the effects of smaller portafilters are also mediated by slower-flowing baskets (in addition to them being deeper with less exposed surface area)?

[@MrMartyn1212]

Lance,it’s like 5grand 😮

[@LanceHedrick]

Something like that. They say to reach out for a quote. But yes, around 4-5

[@scotthep]

With options and shipping mine hit well above 6K in USD. The safety system, wood panels, and other wooden accents are all extra.

[@brentwalker8596]

Nice full voice to falsetto transition. Almost as smooth as your espresso shots.

[@nissanguy16]

Making me want to sell my Strega

[@LanceHedrick]

haha! Strega is awesome! I need to buy one instead of using one at every trade show I go to.

[@nissanguy16]

I must say, I honestly haven’t had a bad shot from it as long as it’s flushed a bit on anything darker than light. Strega would be a nice addition to your ‘machine museum’ for the og hybrid.

[@LanceHedrick]

def would. that vibratory pump cutie pie is something i've been eyeing, for sure.

[@nissanguy16]

@@LanceHedrick 😂 man, I almost choked laughing. I just want the valve, cartridge pid, and that lovely steam wand. But if it’s worth $2.5 -3k USD more and the negatives.. I’m not sure.

[@ptarh404]

Making me want to sell my Strega and buy a Cremina. This thing misses all the things which make a lever great.

[@davidrogala7597]

cool!

[@adammurphy188]

Spoke with Maria for a little while and was so close to buying one earlier this year, love the features but I just drink espresso and couldn’t justify the extra steaming firepower I would not use so I ordered CT2 but still dream to play around on a modern LSM spring lever someday

[@LanceHedrick]

Ct2 video coming soon-ish. Lovely lever.

[@catholicjoe]

Great review!

[@user-gk1nt6sm2z]

Nice impression of opera

[@jeffjones6667]

Cool machine, do like looks Nurri better. Still do odsy or vectis regardless of features or tempiture games. Sworks or wasted basket to solve 54 vs 58. If your going to spend over 3k on machine just get Decent in my humble opinion. Nobody else covers details like this guy , so thank you Lance

[@benjaminbutton3476]

Lapera review incoming?

[@LanceHedrick]

I wish

[@TilmanBaumann]

Am I wrong for getting irritated by people saying a fourth instead of a quarter?

[@india1422]

Are you British? I am and yes, it’s aggravating.

[@orionmunoz3968]

In his lever era!

[@LanceHedrick]

Always hahaha!

[@lefty77713]

Looking at this thing and then glancing over at my Cafelat Robot is hilarious, considering they're both "lever" machines.