I'm a beginner in home espresso preparation. Right now I use a Nespresso machine whose capsules are so expensive that a year of not buying it may subsidize a good prosumer machine. I want to buy a machine that makes a good espresso, reliable, and with good looks too. Two machines that appeal to me are the Pasquini Livia 90 automatic and the Salvatore E61 automatic. Any opinions about how these two compare?

I have a Livia 90 and have been using it for about a year, could not be more happy with it. No issues, is built like a tank and produces excellent shots.

At $2100-ish for the Salvatore, you've pushed into the high-end price range for pro-sumer machines. In that price range, I'd be looking at a plumb-in machine; perhaps something like the well-respected La Spaziale S1, or for less, a Quick Mill Vetrano, or one of the perhaps one of the Vibiemme, or even more modestly priced Quick Mill, Expobar, or Bezzera machines. In my opinion, the Livia is a nice machine, but I believe that there is comparable or better out there at the same price.

What grinder are you pairing it with? If you aren't already looking at the Vario / Super Jolly or better level, I'd forgo the flashy automatic buttons and spend a bit more on your grinder.

Haven't thought of a grinder at this time, but I'm going to check your suggestions. Thanks.

Intocable wrote:I'm a beginner in home espresso preparation. Right now I use a Nespresso machine whose capsules are so expensive that a year of not buying it may subsidize a good prosumer machine. I want to buy a machine that makes a good espresso, reliable, and with good looks too. Two machines that appeal to me are the Pasquini Livia 90 automatic and the Salvatore E61 automatic. Any opinions about how these two compare?

I have the Salvatore E61 lever machine with the plumb-in option. I purchased it over a year ago and I cant complain. It did take a little longer than the 6 weeks they said it would but it was well worth the wait. I also considered the pasquini Livia 90, Quick Mill and La Spaziale. Which one is better....... who knows really. Everyone says they like one more than the other. I chose Salvatore because everything is hand made, by someone who started out fixing espresso machines. So he has seen everything out there that works and doesn't work. Another thing that stood out was his reputation for making machines that last, most people refer to them as "tanks". The machine I have is "heavy". Lastly a six year warranty makes sense when your spend a couple thousand. If your concerned with the higher price tag it is a higher end machine. Most bands mentioned are nice machines but quality wise I have to say Salvatore goes the extra mile. Good luck

Thank you for your feedback Mr. Stewart. The 6-year warranty is definitely very attractive. I made up my mind and will buy the Salvatore machine. I think that the big names like Pasquini or La Spaziale should consider offering a longer term warranty.