IKAPE Alkaid hand crank espresso machine in black, side view with crank, pressure gauge and E61 group

IKAPE Alkaid Hand-Cranked Espresso Machine, E61 Group

The IKAPE Alkaid is a hand crank espresso machine: the crank turns a lead screw that drives a piston to 9 bar, and a pressure gauge shows the pressure as you turn. The E61 group head takes E61 portafilters and 58 mm accessories. There is no electric heating; you preheat the group with hot water.

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A crank and a lead screw drive the piston

The IKAPE Alkaid is a hand crank espresso machine with an E61 group head. The crank drives a lead screw, and the gear ratio multiplies the force of your hand into extraction pressure. IKAPE states that a slow turn with little force reaches 9 bar and keeps the pressure stable, and that the method makes a single shot of espresso.

Read the pressure on the gauge

A pressure gauge shows the extraction pressure in real time while you turn, and you set the cranking speed by the reading. IKAPE says the pressure typically changes noticeably after about six full turns of the handle. Keep the speed steady and do not crank too fast. The speed is hard to control at first, and IKAPE notes that it becomes easy with practice.

An E61 group head, preheated with hot water

IKAPE fitted an E61 group head, so the machine takes E61 portafilters and 58 mm coffee accessories. It has no electric heating. You preheat the group head by adding hot water to it before you brew.

Piston stop and drip-free finish

As you crank, the piston moves down through the group and applies the pressure. When you feel a clear rebound, the piston has reached its lowest point. Turning the handle counter-clockwise retracts it and draws the water left in the group back up, so it does not drip when you take the portafilter out.

Who it is for

IKAPE recommends the Alkaid for people who already use a home semi-automatic machine, because you set the grind size, the pressure and the water temperature yourself. IKAPE advises against pre-ground coffee and recommends grinding the beans at home.

How to use it

Preheat the group head by adding hot water to it.
Grind the coffee fresh, dose and tamp it in an E61 portafilter, then lock the portafilter in.
Turn the crank slowly, watch the gauge and keep the pressure steady through the shot.
When you feel the rebound at the bottom, turn the handle counter-clockwise to retract the piston and draw the leftover water back up.
Take the portafilter out, put a milk pitcher under the group and pull out the plunger to release the suction, so the remaining water drips into the pitcher.

Materials and care

Fit the white O-ring seal when you install the pressure gauge. IKAPE states that without it the machine builds no extraction pressure. Flush the group with hot water after each session, keep the piston and the screw free of grounds, and dry the machine before you store it.