Guys

I've succumbed to getting myself a vintage lever. Live dangerously I say, I do dislike general "what should I buy" type questions as that implies lack of research and effort, but here I find myself almost doing the same thing.

The 3 that have caught my eye are the Caravel (seem to be almost legend), the Bruni Brunella or the Peppina. I have currently a PV Lusso 2 and a Pav EP. My criteria are really as follows:

- ability to extract a shot quality that is possibly unattainable or unique as compared with my modern offering. Could be bring out sweetness or some SO balanced acidity. Almost like adding a string to my lever bow, rather than giving me the same string to play.
- temperature management. I dont need to worry about surfing, cool down techniques and that sort of stuff
- fun to use
- build quality
- ease to assemble, clean and service.
- styling (which I can see anyway - quite like them all!)
- availability!

The Caravel seems to be universally revered and is fully manual in the spirit of the Pavoni. The Bruni is intriguing as it seems to have a 45mm basket size same as PV, but not sure how deep these things are

Any other pointers/experiences much appreciated.

Did you want just espresso, or do want milk drinks as well?

-C

Ah should have made that clearer.

Just espresso. Just the pure stuff.

I realise that steaming may not be an option for these vintage machines, but that certainly doesn't bother me. I guess this is what helps keeps these machines nicely uncomplicated.

The Caravel ticks all those boxes best in my opinion, especially ease of servicing and cleaning.

But the PV is also a very nice machine.

If you're ever down Brighton way you're welcome to give my Caravel a try and see what all the fuss is about.

Cheers

Mike

+1. I own all three. Haven't spent a lot of time with the Bruni, but I believe the Caravel is the best of the three.

Hi Ziobeege

hperry wrote:+1. I own all three. Haven't spent a lot of time with the Bruni, but I believe the Caravel is the best of the three.

+ another 1. I too have used all three machines and continue to go back to the Caravel. Easiest to keep clean, maintain, beautiful symmetry, and the shots live up to the hype...considering the end result in the cup, it is a frankly one of the best values out there at +/- $250-350.

Bruni basket is interchangeable with Peppina as well as SAMA/PV 45mm. Caravel is a touch smaller 43.5 and deeper with a more conical shape. Also, just for reference, the Bruni and Peppina springs are similar in size (read: big), and are significantly bigger than SAMA/PV spring .

Tyler

Thanks all.

Pretty unanimous then. The Caravel is the one to watch for.

Michael - thanks for your kind offer. If I get down your way soon I'll pm you.

The Caravel is so straightfoward, but I've used neither the Peppina or Brunella. Do bear in mind the the Caravel has not the "solid" feel that I suppose a Cremina must. They are quite small and lightweight. That said, I do feel like the lever action during an espresso pull is very responsive, and not "flimsy". And I personally revere the design and materials.

Temperature management could not be more responsive, nor more replicable.

There are getting to be enough Caravels in the hands of HB folks that even sourcing baskets and portafilters has become a possibility.

Keep us updated when you find one!

PC

I'll have my Peppina in London (Bermondsey) on Sunday if you fancy trying one out. I love the shots out of it, in fact the reason I'm taking it down is to give a benchmark to someone I'm helping with their UKBC entry.

Thanks Stephen very kind of you. Sadly I'm away this weekend but your offer is appreciated. Nice to see there is one for the Peppina camp. A bit lever of vintage action sounds like perfect training for your mate! Hope he/she goes well.