I've been looking at the Livietta T2 and I keep hearing "make sure you get the older model made by Olympia." Is there something wrong with the current Pasquini Livietta T? And, who makes the current Pasquini Livietta T2? Pasquini or ??

Most every machine made by Olympia, even if branded as something else, is typically capable of making very good to excellent espresso, and can, if taken care of, last a lifetime. I own three machines made by Oly, and each is so solid that I know very well this to be true. Also, the Oly-made Livietta is, effectively, a Maximatic. And that means it has a very small-footprint, which is great in a kitchen where real estate is at a premium.

Not sure who makes the current version of the Livietta, and over time, I've seen good and bad about them. Seems there can be some quality issues, and I know that if you some searching here on HB, or on CoffeeGeek.com, you'll get all the info you could ever need.

One issue I seem to remember right away is that the new Livietta is a thermo-block design (someone chime in and correct me if I'm wrong), meaning that water is flash-heated (instead of being pulled from thermally-stable boiler). It's most always tough to get consistent water temps for brewing coffee, or steaming milk (usually very wet steam... bad), with thermo-blocks - though I'm sure there are exceptions.

I have never tried the T2 but I haven't heard very good things about it. Pasquini is its own company now with no relation to Olympia anymore. The thing that I see "wrong" with the new Livietta is that it is close to $800 and honestly I don't think it is worth that much ESPECIALLY when an "old" Livietta can be had on ebay in nice condition for a similar if not lower price. I would advise you to keep an eye out for an older model (90's and earlier) in nice condition (replacing a few gaskets/seals and a bit of cleaning/descaling is normal) and you are likely to be more content with the outcome for a good while. I have an '83 Livietta and I have been loving it! Easy to use, tons of steam power, great espresso and a simple machine with not a lot to go wrong. I am positive I would not be as pleased with the T2. Just my two cents.

To help you shop, the older Livietta is also known as Olympia Express Coffex (I have one and love it). These machines are so good one of the HB team members has one (Sherman) and writes that they tried it against an Elektra Semiautomatica and it produced espresso of the same quality, which is saying something. Jonny did a great restoration job on his. See: Pasquini Livietta restoration for first timer.

The design is simple, they make great coffee, they've got great build quality and they have powerful steaming.