Well, I am starting to think about my next machine, so I contacted Kees van der Westen to ask if he could produce a single-group spring lever (like a 1-group Idro) for me. Short answer was no, so I am now looking to find all the new commercial 1-group spring levers. I borrowed from the Commercial Lever Manufacturers? thread to find the companies from among those listed who advertise a single-group lever machine on their website.
Here's what I found:
Conti - nope
Brasilia - nope
Nuova Simonelli - nope
Izzo - Pompeii (available as 1-group) - thanks Rich
La Pavoni - Pub 1EL
Astoria - Gloria line has a 1-group
Rancilio - Classe 6 LE1

Among the ones I found, the LP Pub 1EL looks the most interesting for the home user. HB of course already has a thread dedicated to this interesting machine.

Anyone know of other new 1-group commercial spring levers, or where to find a La Pavoni Pub in North America?

I currently have a PV Export which I use at my cottage, so I am familiar with the PV group. I would rather have a 58mm spring lever with a monster spring for use at home. If I really cannot find a source for a new commercial 1-group that appeals to me, I might consider the 2-group Lusso. For now, however, I would like to focus on the 58mm (or similar) spring levers that offer some degree of thermal stability.

Mark

Izzo:

http://www.gruppoizzo.it/home.php?sez=13

How about this from Bezzera
http://www.bezzera.it/gifprod/high/ellisse_al1gr.jpg

The Rancilio can be purchased through 1st-Line -- check out the link.

The Pavoni PUMP model is also carried by 1st-Line, here; I don't see why Jim couldn't get the lever model for you.

Thanks for these additions. The Bezzera seems very nice. I'm a bit surprised that the Rancilio is over $4k, but that is just my ignorance of the prices of these commercial lever machines, I guess.

The volumetric pump on the Rancilio must be for automatic filling of the steam/hot water boiler?

Mark

zin1953 wrote:The Rancilio can be purchased through 1st-Line -- check out the link.

The Pavoni PUMP model is also carried by 1st-Line, here; I don't see why Jim couldn't get the lever model for you.

It would be nice if places like Chris' Coffee and 1st line could order 1-offs for us, but I will have to ask. The Izzo Pompei is an absolutely beautiful 1-group, and since Chris' carries the line, I might try both 1st line and Chris to find out if they can bring in a La Pavoni or an Izzo.

Hi,
FWW this could save a few bucks. This is a operator fill plumb in or bottle feed machine
There is a Conti Dealer rebuilt "Conti Prestina" ( ~1990)
HERE
Cheers
Richard / espressme
PS, Mine looks to be good for another many years!

Hi Richard, and thanks for pointing out the Conti Prestina. After seeing photos here on HB of what the insides of some used machines look like, I have become a bit fearful of the used market. I also don't really suffer from the need to upgrade too much, so I plan to get a machine that I can use and that is easy to keep in good shape for as long as possible. I think that lever machines fit that bill nicely, since they have fewer parts, and no electronics...to get in the way. So, I hope to be putting the first 20 years on whatever machine I get, myself.

By the way, at $1,300 for an 18-year old machine, I wonder how much it has appreciated in value? Not bad.

I was disappointed that Kees will not make a 1-group Idro. At whatever price it would have been, I'm sure it would have held its value pretty well over the years, as well as being a pleasure to use.

Mark