Order within 18h 16m 48s for delivery Friday 19 June
All Colours: 6-8 week delivery.
The Bezzera Strega AL is a lever espresso machine that combines the theatre and control of traditional lever brewing with the reliability and features of a modern commercial machine. Built in Italy by one of the oldest names in espresso — Bezzera has been manufacturing since Luigi Bezzera’s original 1901 patent — the Strega is a genuinely distinctive machine for cafés, specialist venues, and serious home baristas who want full control over extraction pressure and timing.
Unlike pump-driven machines where pressure is fixed, the Strega’s spring-loaded lever system creates a natural pressure curve as the springs engage during extraction. This allows the barista to influence pre-infusion time and pressure profile with each shot, producing espresso with a character that automated machines simply cannot replicate. The result is typically richer body, more developed crema, and greater shot-to-shot expressiveness — making the Strega a popular choice for venues that want to offer something genuinely different.
The Strega is available in three plumbing configurations:
“S” VERSION — With Reservoir
The vibration pump is operated by an electronic control that adjusts the boiler level. Before coffee delivery, the pump fills the lever group providing pre-infusion between water and coffee. Once the lever is lifted to begin extraction, the pump stops and pressure is created by two springs that guarantee steady pressure and optimal extraction of coffee oils.
“R” VERSION — Connection to Water Main
An electronic system controls the probe which automatically regulates the solenoid valve for water refill in the boiler, loaded with the pressure of the water main (minimum 2 bar). The group chamber is filled by water main pressure when the lever is pulled down.
“TOP” VERSION
This version allows use with a water tank or direct connection to the water main. It is equipped with a professional pressostat. The heating element in the group ensures greater temperature stability — the most versatile and thermally stable option in the Strega range.
Key Features
- Spring-loaded lever system for manual pressure profiling and pre-infusion control
- Heat exchange boiler for stable brewing and steaming temperatures
- Electrical heating with automatic boiler refill
- Automatic electrical cut-off with empty boiler
- Boiler pressure gauge
- Full barista control over espresso shots
- Available in S (tank), R (mains) and TOP (tank or mains) configurations
- Weight: 30 kg | Colour: Stainless Steel
Available from ADS Coffee Supplies
ADS Coffee Supplies supplies and supports the full Bezzera range, with professional installation and barista training available as an optional extra. Our CoffeeSafe accredited engineers provide ongoing service and maintenance. Equipment leasing is available from £1,000 for eligible limited companies. Contact our team for advice on the right Strega version for your setup, or browse our grinders to complete your setup.
If your delivery is urgent please call for an estimated delivery time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Bezzera Strega S, R, and TOP versions?
The S version uses an internal water tank and vibration pump — the simplest option, requiring no plumbing. The R version connects directly to a mains water supply (minimum 2 bar), with an electronic solenoid valve regulating refill automatically. The TOP version is the most flexible, supporting both tank and mains operation, and includes a professional pressostat and a heating element in the group head for superior temperature stability. For commercial venues, the R or TOP versions are generally preferred.
Is the Bezzera Strega suitable for a café?
Yes — the Strega is used in cafés, wine bars, and specialty coffee venues that want to offer a traditional lever espresso experience as a point of difference. Its compact single-group footprint means it can sit alongside a main production machine or serve as a dedicated lever bar. Pairing it with a precision grinder is essential for getting the best results from lever brewing. Talk to our team if you’d like advice.
How does lever brewing differ from a standard pump machine?
A standard pump machine delivers a fixed pressure (typically 9 bar) throughout the extraction. The Strega’s spring-loaded lever creates a natural declining pressure curve — high at the start of extraction, tapering off — which is the traditional pressure profile of Italian espresso. This produces espresso with distinctive body and crema character. The barista also controls pre-infusion time by how long they hold the lever down before release, giving greater shot-to-shot control than most automated machines.
Can I lease a Bezzera Strega?
Yes — equipment leasing through Shire Leasing is available on orders over £1,000 for eligible limited companies, with terms of 2–5 years. Contact us for a leasing quote.
