Olympia Express Cremina SL – Spring Piston Lever Machine, Made in Switzerland
You place your hand on the lever, pull it up – and then something happens that no other machine of this size can do. The lever moves steadily and slowly upwards as if by magic. A compression spring in the brew group takes over what your shoulder does with the classic Cremina: building up consistent brewing pressure throughout the entire extraction. You watch the manometer, you observe how a perfect espresso flows from the bottomless portafilter into your cup. Again and again, with the same precision, without the daily condition of your hand determining the result.
The Cremina SL combines the tranquility of a manual lever machine with the simplicity of a semi-automatic. It is the lever machine with a significant plus – for everyone who has a soft spot for purely mechanical extraction and doesn't want to leave consistent quality to chance. Built in Schwanden, in the canton of Glarus, by Olympia Express. Never before has a brew group with a compression spring been used on such a compact machine.
What makes the Cremina SL special
Spring-actuated brew group – consistent pressure without barista skill
The completely redesigned brew group is the heart of the Cremina SL. A compression spring in the brew head ensures consistent brewing pressure throughout the entire extraction. You lift the lever, tension the spring, and then the mechanics take over. Water flows through the espresso powder at a constant pressure, regardless of how you're feeling today. This consistency is the fundamental difference to the classic Cremina – and the reason why the SL is the answer for many to the question: How do I get lever character with semi-automatic reproducibility?
Higher boiler pressure, more reserves
The electrically heated, top-fill stainless steel boiler has a capacity of 1.8 liters and is sufficient for approximately 20 cups of classic espresso. Boiler pressure factory set to 1.1 to 1.2 bar – significantly higher than the classic Cremina (0.7–0.8 bar). Brewing temperature 92 °C in the brew head. The higher boiler pressure provides more thermal reserves for consecutive shots.
Swiss materials, compactly packaged
Brew group made of brass, chromed and highly polished. Extra long steam wand and steam nozzle made of stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning. Front part made of highly polished stainless steel, stainless steel frame and cladding with a particularly durable powder coating. Top cover can be used for pre-heating cups, drip tray and drip grid are removable. Available in several color variants.
All features at a glance
Manual lever espresso machine with spring-actuated brew group for consistent brewing pressure. Brew group made of chromed brass, highly polished. Heating boiler 1.8 liters stainless steel, top-fill, sufficient for approximately 20 cups. Boiler pressure 1.1 to 1.2 bar, brewing temperature 92 °C. Extra long stainless steel steam wand. Top cover for cup pre-warming, removable drip tray and drip grid. Compact footprint with lever folded in.
At a glance
| Type |
Manual lever espresso machine with spring-actuated brew group |
| Brew Group |
Chromed brass with compression spring in the brew head |
| Heating Boiler |
1.8 L stainless steel, top-fill |
| Boiler Pressure |
1.1–1.2 Bar (higher than Cremina) |
| Brewing Temperature |
92 °C in the brew head |
| Brewing Pressure |
Consistently generated by compression spring |
| Steam Wand |
Extra long stainless steel steam wand |
| Housing Material |
Highly polished stainless steel, powder-coated stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) |
20 × 27 × 38 cm (with lever 47 × 49 cm) |
| Weight |
13 kg |
| Power Supply |
230–240 V / 50 Hz, 1000 W (alternatively 120 V / 60 Hz / 850 W) |
| Cable |
160 cm |
| Scope of Delivery |
Funnel, portafilter, 1- and 2-cup spouts, 1- and 2-cup baskets, tamper, owner's manual |
| Origin |
Schwanden, Canton Glarus, Switzerland |
Who the Cremina SL is made for
The Cremina SL is for everyone who wants lever aesthetics without defining every shot with their own shoulder. It's the answer for people who appreciate the mechanical experience but don't want to think about the right pressure curve at seven in the morning. It's also a statement – the lifestyle of a lever machine remains, the upward movement of the lever is its own little ritual. If you want full control in your own hand, check out the classic Cremina. If you want spring power and consistency, this is the right place. Our opinion is one of many.
Accessories that fit the Cremina SL
With an SL, you harness the full potential of a consistent brew pressure curve – this demands a precise grinder. Affordable and great: Varia VS3. Premium grinders: Weber Workshops EG-1 or Option-O Lagom. For hand grinders: Comandante C40 or Timemore Sculptor.
Scales: Normcore Collection for the affordable route, Acaia Collection for premium app integration. Tampers, puck screens, WDT tools, tamping stations: Normcore affordable, Weber Workshops at a premium level. Consultation tool for selection: Coffee Machine Comparison and Consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Olympia Express Cremina SL
What is the difference between Cremina and Cremina SL?
The classic Cremina works purely manually – you generate the 9 bar brewing pressure with your hand on the lever. The Cremina SL has a compression spring in the brew group that consistently generates this pressure for you. Boiler pressure SL 1.1–1.2 bar, Cremina 0.7–0.8 bar. Result: The SL delivers reproducible shots without barista skill, the Cremina delivers the full craft experience. Both are legitimate paths.
Where is the Cremina SL built?
In Schwanden in the canton of Glarus, by Schätti AG Metallwarenfabrik. Olympia Express produces by hand, in its own workshop. Made in Switzerland in the strict sense.
What footprint does the Cremina SL need?
20 × 27 cm with the lever folded in. With the lever extended, the depth increases to 47 cm and the height to 49 cm. Plan for corresponding space upwards and backwards on the counter.
Where can I buy or see the Cremina SL live?
Online via coffeecoachingclub.ch with delivery in 2–4 working days to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. On-site in our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44, 3011 Bern) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b, 8050 Zurich). Click and Collect possible. When purchasing a coffee machine from CHF 1500, a free 60-minute private barista course in Bern, Zurich or online is included. Financing possible.
Who services a Cremina SL?
Maintenance and repairs through Olympia Express in Schwanden or through authorized Swiss service partners. Spare parts are available long-term from the in-house workshop.
Which beans are suitable for the Cremina SL?
From our coffee roastery: For the vast majority, we recommend Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight – dense, chocolatey, well-rounded. The constant pressure curve of the SL extracts medium roasts with caramel notes particularly beautifully. For maximum body without acidity, the Very Nutty. For the curious who enjoy fruity profiles, the Wild Peach – the SL's consistent extraction allows complex aromas to stand beautifully side by side.
Roastery Tip from our Coffee Roastery
The SL is the machine for everyone who stands in front of the Cremina in the showroom and thinks: Beautiful, but at seven in the morning I don't want to think about my pressure build-up. We note that the SL particularly shines with consecutive shots – the higher boiler pressure provides thermal stability, the compression spring provides mechanical consistency. This is not better than the classic Cremina, it's different. For beans, we stick with Cozy Chocolate for everyday use. If you want to consciously experiment, you can play with Wild Peach – the SL allows fruity notes to come through particularly beautifully. Every shot remains unique.
