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CG: The Argos is unique in that it can be converted rather easily from a direct lever system to a spring lever system; was that the design goal from the start?
Ainsworth: No. Somewhere throughout the initial concept sketches and ideation I recognized that this could be possible. While it took some design iteration to get it right, I was excited when it worked out as I think it’ll be a really unique option to make the machine more versatile for both beginners and experts alike.
CG: What are the benefits in your mind to a spring lever espresso delivery system?
Ainsworth: A spring lever is simple. You pull the lever to compress a spring, release, and you’re done. The extractions are very consistent and always produce a smooth declining pressure profile.
CG: Same question about the other delivery technology: what are the benefits to a direct lever system, where your hand is the “pump” as it were?
Ainsworth: Pulling a direct lever definitely has a learning curve at first – it can be difficult to get a nice and consistent extraction. For those that like to experiment, it’s nice to customize your pressure profile based on the type of bean or roast that you’re using. It’s a fun process of varying pressure in order to create that perfect shot.
CG: For you, working with this machine for a while now, what’s your preference? Spring or Direct Lever?
Ainsworth: I personally enjoy the direct lever experience. While noticeably more difficult to get right, I enjoy perfecting my technique and feeling the actual pull as the shot extracts.
We’ve also got an Argos companion app for both iOS and Android which pairs with our wireless bluetooth pressure transducer, which is an add-on item, to plot extraction pressure in real time. As an engineer I have to appreciate the hard work that both my UX Designer and Developer put into this app which really adds to the whole experience.
CG: Who is the ideal customer for the Argos espresso machine?
Ainsworth: It’s meant for the novice and expert alike! The ideal customer could be anyone just getting into espresso or specialty coffee or the advanced home barista that wants to add a fun modern looking machine to their collection.
CG: You opted to go with a 58mm filter basket design which historically hasn’t been used much in home lever espresso machines; any challenges in that regard vs the usual 49mm or 51mm piston and portafilter designs we see on Elektras and Pavonis?
Ainsworth: I liked the idea of having a broad range of off the shelf 58mm products. While the machine ships with a high quality shower screen, basket, and all stainless steel portafilter, many users may already own nice competition baskets of different sizes, precision tampers, levelers, funnel, et cetera, which I wanted to be compatible with the Argos.
CG: Any challenges in incorporating a PID temperature control to the boiler?
Ainsworth: No significant challenges other than not being a controls expert. The circuit board was designed with the intent of running PID controls so the integration was simple. Once I got the help of some professionals, it’s become a fun task of tuning and optimizing the control logic and watching the progression of the machine’s response and stability to each change.
CG: The Argos is designed to have key elements, like the steam wand, installed on the left or right handed side. As a left hander, I appreciate that. What challenges did this present, if any?
Ainsworth: It really didn’t present any challenges which is exactly why I wanted to offer this option. I’ll have steam lines pre-bent and sent to me so I just spec them to be bent one way or the other and swap sides between the steam wand and temperature knob (located in the same spot on either side).