Hi,

I am looking to buy my first time espresso machine.

I am an espresso drinker. Not really a ristretto type, short espresso will do for me (and when I am saying espresso, I mean proper espresso, the one like you get at gas stations on Italian highways). I seldom need to brew more than two shots. I do not care much for cappuccino (otherwise I would read old posts). I do care for optics and that somehow rules out Silvia. I have KitchenAid grinder that probably is not an ideal grinder for espresso.

I have narrow my choices to:

- Isomac TEA II, that I can snatch for 850 EUR ($1270)
- Elektra MC a Leva, that costs 870 EUR ($1300)
- La Pavoni Professional, that costs 500 EUR ($750)
- or I can hope to snatch old Caravel on Italian eBay for 100-200 EUR ($200-$300)

As of lever machine, I am not sure that I can apply constant pressure, so I guess I should forget La Pavoni. I prefer idea of spring operated lever. On the other hand, Elektra is much more expensive, and I am not sure if KitchenAid grinder is suitable match for Elektra. I cannot find any old Elektra on eBay, on the other hand there are plenty of LP's. I got feeling that I could eventually master Elektra, but I am not sure of LP.

From spiritual perspective lever sound like the right thing to do.

Isomac TEA sounds like a sure bet. And I can get Isomac TEA cheaper than Domobar.

What about Caravel? I like the design, and I am sure that soon or later one Caravel will appear on eBay. Not being able to produce foam is not an issue for me. But, is Caravel capable of producing as good espresso as other machines? Or not?

What do you suggest?

The Caravel can produce excellent espresso. If I did not want a major investment, that is the way to go.

Since I own the Caravel I'm a bit biased, however there are some extreme limitations to the machine that you should be aware of. First it looks like the no steam isn't much of an issue for you. Second is that it can make a ristretto really really well (probably one of the best machines in bang-for-buck in this area). It can also make some really nice double and triple pulls if you cram the basket full and tune your parameters for this. However, the typical "double" in one pull is well beyond its reach. I would much rather have 2 caravel shots pulled back to back than many other machines and with no need for steamed milk it makes this machine ideal for me. I would go this way first because of the grinder you have, I have found the Caravel to be pretty forgiving to grind inconsistencies, and it can even be fed pre-ground Illy by cramming the basket full.

If you are willing to upgrade the grinder first I would instead suggest the Elektra MCaL just to make sure that you don't want to make many shots in a row. Just about every lever has the problem of overheating and the MCaL isn't any different. However I have heard it makes a great shot that many owners come to love for it's uniqueness.

I wouldn't suggest the Pavoni to any beginner unless they are very very insistent. I tried it myself, and while fun for a while I eventually decided to move on. It sounds like you aren't really interested in this one anyway.

Isomac looks like a typical HX E-61 with a vibe pump (stainless boiler is nice to me, some other nice features). Personally I would want a rotary if I stepped up past a lever, but that's just personal. It looks like for your consumption of seldom brewing more than 2 shots that this machine is a bit overkill in the sense of always waiting for it to heat up. Levers heat up very quick and are suited more for this lifestyle IMO. However, if you decide that you'd keep this beast on all the time for hot water for other household uses, or put it on a timer so it's hot when you're usually home...it may not be a bad choice. Convenience like this is really hard to put a price tag on, and I wouldn't sell the hot-water tap short as a feature you'll never use. It has many uses and even the steam wand can boil water super quick and steam eggs and all sorts of things. Stuff you'd probably never realistically do with any lever or single boiler pump machine.

hi there!
i am looking to buy the isomac tea 2 and so i was wondering whether you decided on it in the end and, if so, are you happy with it?

by the way, where did you find such a cheap price (850euro)????

with regards,
Christopher

klemenv wrote:From spiritual perspective lever sound like the right thing to do.

I love this.
Anyhow, in some broader sense, I think pump machines' users and creators could feel offended.

On the limitations of Caravel - that really depends. But in general it is not so that it's somewhat more to pulling tiny shots; a decent double is possible if you do active preinfusion (small movements before pulling.)
Why I say it depends: because if you buy Caravel on ebay you can get either condition and baskets. If you only get one basket then you're limited.