To Chipman's questions about why one might seek out a lever instead of a pump.... I wanted to provide my thoughts on that.... I find the manual lever machine appealing in several ways but primarily I like the way the shots taste. Probably the main reason for this is that the manual lever gave me the...

You might want to read through the history some and the different generations discussed above. {link} presents a great overview; he also has restored machines for sale and has a great reputation

For that budget with steam it sounds like the La Pavoni Europiccola is likely the front-runner

i'm not clear on the differences between the two machines. Can you point me to a link that shows what variables i can program on each?

Hi, I thought I'm chime in on the Encore question. I drink espressos exclusively and have been using the Baratza Encore for a couple of years now with a La Pavoni Europiccola with good results. I use a digital thermometer, naked portafilter, and Baratza Esatto for weighing the grinder output. You ca...

I've been using mine for a couple of years now and decided i like its mobility now. I move it around the counter a lot pulling it out to brew and shoving back when not in use. I sometimes hold the knob but less so now. I was considering adding a weight plate from my barbell set

Tell us a bit more about your process. A video would help as well. How long to you let it warm up, do you have a temperature reading off the group head or from the espresso itself. How long do you hold the lever up... how long does it take to pull the shot from

I am happy owner of a La Pavoni Millenium but was wondering what others have found with earlier models of the Europiccola? I'm interested in getting one and comparing. I've only had shots that i've made from this one machine, and while i love them, I am curious. I think the models with the color bas...

i was really surprised recently by the acidity from one of the coffees I had bought. As a drip it was barely noticeable but undrinkable as any espresso I could pull using it. I think the mix was Brazilian and Burundi beans; the coffee was definitely a lighter than medium roast. So you if you want

I've been puzzeled by erratic channeling in the past so I modified my tamp and lift a bit. I tamp by wobbling the tamper in 4 directions then pressing and spinning. Then I lift the handle almost to the top before putting the portafilter in. I think this has helped as I am getting consistent results ...