appgap Senior Member Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 49 Location: VT Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: La Pavoni Europicolla Grinder: German Hand/Breville Aroma Drip: Philips Senseo
Posted Thu Sep 6, 2007, 10:17am Subject: Opinions on La Pavoni machine for a relative newbie.
Hi all. Thanks to you all I now am spending much more money supporting my espresso habit. Intelligentsia beans instead of canned Lavazza and grinding my own instead of preground - and I love it. I am making do with my Breville Cafe Roma which works fine and I enjoy it's product but you all have convinced me that I am missing out on espresso nirvana with that machine. I have looked at the La Pavoni machines mainly because I really like their looks and the reviews were all pretty solid. I've also read a few previous threads on them but was wondering what the current concensus is - if there is such a thing - on them for someone new to the game. Any thoughts appreciated. Alternatively if there are other similarly priced units that people particularly like/recommend for someone who does not make espresso for large numbers of people but loves what he/she makes.
Teme Moderator Joined: 7 Jan 2005 Posts: 1,180 Location: Finland Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Marzocco GS3 Grinder: Mahlkönig K30 Vario
Posted Sat Sep 8, 2007, 4:02am Subject: Re: Opinions on La Pavoni machine for a relative newbie.
appgap Said:
Hi all. Thanks to you all I now am spending much more money supporting my espresso habit. Intelligentsia beans instead of canned Lavazza and grinding my own instead of preground - and I love it. I am making do with my Breville Cafe Roma which works fine and I enjoy it's product but you all have convinced me that I am missing out on espresso nirvana with that machine. I have looked at the La Pavoni machines mainly because I really like their looks and the reviews were all pretty solid. I've also read a few previous threads on them but was wondering what the current concensus is - if there is such a thing - on them for someone new to the game. Any thoughts appreciated. Alternatively if there are other similarly priced units that people particularly like/recommend for someone who does not make espresso for large numbers of people but loves what he/she makes.
The Pavoni lever machines (which I assume you refer to) are capable of great espresso. In addition to their pleasant looks they have a the added benefit of compact size and mechanical simplicity. There isn't much that can go wrong. Having said that, learning to use a Pavoni properly takes a bit more effort than pump driven machines and you will need to replace the gaskets occasionally. You already seem to be aware of the overheating issues they have.
I had a Pavoni Professional and I liked it a lot. It didn't see much use, though because of the conivenience of my other machine at the time (an Andreja Premium). But I see no issues in having a Pavoni as an only machine, even for a newbie, if you are willing to learn and already have a good grinder (and access to fresh coffee).
As for alternatives, depending on your budget you culd also look at the Elektra Microcasa a Leva, the Pontevecchio Lusso or even a second hand Olympia Cremina if you want a lever machine. If a pump driven machine is an alternative, the Rancilio Silvia is the "usual suspect" but not a real looker in the same way as a Pavoni is. This is where the machines with a E61 grouphead come in...
Posted Sat Sep 8, 2007, 4:19pm Subject: Re: Opinions on La Pavoni machine for a relative newbie.
I have a La Pavoni lever sitting in my basement. It's a good machine but it doesn't suit everyone's lifestyle. I have a young child and the machine is very hot and easy to tip over. The machine also requires a certain amount of uninterrupted time which I don't have in the morning. The La Pavoni has many fans and rightfully so.
appgap Senior Member Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 49 Location: VT Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: La Pavoni Europicolla Grinder: German Hand/Breville Aroma Drip: Philips Senseo
Posted Mon Sep 10, 2007, 3:50am Subject: Re: Opinions on La Pavoni machine for a relative newbie.
Thanks all. If one of you would like to grant your graveyard machine a second lease on life drop me a line. I am still looking for that perfect pull and I'm wondering if my current unit will be able to give it to me.
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