The Nockit is a very unusual espresso machine....one could call it an espresso maker.....we would best describe it as an automated single shot moka pot. We have limited information on this machine, though we have been told it is Austrian in origin....we do not wish to be presumptuous and present ourselves as Nockit experts, but this is how the machine works..... The Nockit is a 220 volt 700 watt machine with a pressureized portafilter, quite small basket (about 40mm), and a very intriguing lever out the side of the machine. The body is aluminum, the group is cast aluminum and the kettle is stainless steel. Inside the body of the machine is a small brass reservoir surrounded by the heating element. Inside the kettle are two small standpipes which lead into the lower chamber. It has an on/off switch and a pilot light. The lever serves to pull down an armature in the kettle which by the use of rubber discs seals the two standpipes, thereby closing the small boiler. The boiler holds 30ml or about 1oz of water, while the kettle holds about 3/4 liter. When the lever is depressed, and the small boiler is sealed, the entire 700 watts of power is concentrated on this small vessel and the water is ejected under pressure through the group. There is a spring valve in the group which seals the group vs the boiler until the pressure is great enough (and when you calculate the volume and heat involved that pressure gets very high very fast) to infuse the coffee in the portafilter.....and remember the pressureized portafilter......there is a ball and spring in the portafilter spout which further restricts the flow of the hot water. The shot is made by preparing the basket with coffee, locking in the portafileter, and holding the lever down until there is a great hissing and dripping and eventually the 30ml of coffee is produced followed by a great hiss of steam through the portafilter signaling that the shot is finished. Now, when you release the lever (remember that very small and very hot boiler is now empty and the water on top is getting hotter and hotter) the little boiler instantaneously fills and there is an explosive KNOCK sound, and of course a lot of steam furious rumbling sounds, and the Nockit is ready for another shot. We have yet to master the Nockit as there must be a way to control the temperature profile and grind, tamp et al but it is a very unusual and intriguing vintage espresso machine, and fun as well! Hope these parts help bring yours back to life. |
