PeterRolf Junior Member Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Vancouver CANADA Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Pavoni EuroPiccola
Posted Thu Jul 17, 2008, 2:22pm Subject: Pavoni Europiccola EP-8 Steam Release valve... steamy noisy or no steam ???
I just purchased my dream, a Pavoni Europiccola in chrome. I say my dream because it is the same machine my father had back in the 70’s before Espresso drinks became fashionable in North America.
Yesterday I set it up and followed the instructions to “commission the machine”and later made my latte (steaming milk a dream, but I’ve got to work on the espresso art…).
On my father’s original model which I think had 2 switches on the side I have memories of steam pouring out the Release valve all the time. On my new machine, noisy steam came out of the valve for 2 seconds when I “commissioned” it, then I think I heard what sounded like it closing. Now the machine is quiet even though it reaches pressure (per the green light going out). Is this expected with the newer versions of the machine.
To see if I could answer this I watched some youtube clips and it looks like the older one definitely was steamy and noisy, and the new version is quiet and steamless?????
I’m not sure it it’s related, but when I went to pump the espresso it took way more effort (200 pound hockey player nearly defeated by piddly coffee maker kind of effort….) than I remember to get the lever down. However, I think that could be the grind of the coffee…..not sure…
samgiles Senior Member Joined: 1 Oct 2007 Posts: 39 Location: New Zealand Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Pavoni Europiccola Grinder: Rocky DL / Zassenhaus 238...
Posted Fri Jul 18, 2008, 4:12am Subject: Re: Pavoni Europicolla EP-8 Steam Release valve... steamy noisy or no steam ???
Congratulations on your new toy. I love mine. Sorry I can't comment on the newer Europiccolas but I can confirm that the older 2 switch ones (pre-millenium) do release plenty of steam from the release valve. Someone with a millenium model? If you're having too much trouble pulling the lever then your grind is probably too fine. Try loosening up on your grind or tamping very lightly. You should feel a reasonable amount of resistance but you shouldn't have to get help pulling it :) Also, ignore the instructions that tell you to raise the lever and wait for the first few drops to come from the PF before pulling the lever. If that happens, you're grinding too coarsely or your beans are very stale. Best
mayhew Senior Member Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 118 Location: Pittsburgh Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Pavoni Europiccola Grinder: Baratza Maestro +
Posted Fri Jul 18, 2008, 1:27pm Subject: Re: Pavoni Europicolla EP-8 Steam Release valve... steamy noisy or no steam ???
The older models had two switches; a high for steaming (and to get initial pressure up) and a low for normal operation. The PRV let you know when the machine was ready.
The Millennium models have a pressurestat that turns the boiler off when the correct pressure is reached. Do make sure to open the steam wand once after the green light goes off to bleed off false pressure.
It sounds like your espresso is ground a bit too fine.
stefano65 Senior Member Joined: 30 Oct 2004 Posts: 638 Location: Eugene OR Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Vibiemme,Elektra,Isomac,... Grinder: Macap,Cunill, Isomac Vac Pot: not Drip: not Roaster: not
Posted Wed Jul 23, 2008, 4:26am Subject: Re: Pavoni Europiccola EP-8 Steam Release valve... steamy noisy or no steam ???
The "new style" has a pressurestat and an antivacum valve similar to commercial unit it will hiss while pressure it's buiding up then the valve will pop up closing the steam out of it
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