Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting here in the lever forum. As you can see in the title, I am considering a lever and am here for you to come to my aid. I currently have a Gaggia Espresso (almost 1 year old now) and it's working quite well. However, I've recently been toying with the idea of replacing it with a lever machine. I would ultimately like an HX or DB of some sort, but small size and good portability are very high on my list (the machine moves about 4 times per year). If I were to invest in a lever, I would (ideally) stick with it until its last breath, when it completely falls apart (seems like that takes quite a while).

These requirements have given me a few main options: the Pavoni EPC or Pro and the Gaggia Achille.

I have read quite a few threads about these and understand the differences. I am leaning towards the Achille because of the temperature control that I am missing out on with my current Gaggia. How did this crazy and expensive idea get into my head? The possibility of getting a refurbished Achille for significantly less than retail. Another option seems to be a demo EPC-8, also for less than retail.

Basically, my question here is: can someone help me justify this cost? Will dumping all of that money into this delicious hobby make a big difference from my current entry-level setup? Also, could someone comment on some reasons why the Pavoni is so much more popular than the Achille despite what seems like a much better feature set (from my perspective, but probably not for everyone)?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Lever machines can make different espresso that do pump machines. Will it be better? Taste is a very individual thing. I switched from an entry level Saeco to a lever 2 1/2 years ago, and I love the lever espresso. But I also love the lever experience, so its difficult to separate the two. If you've got the cash, and a little time to learn, lever espresso can be rewarding. I don't recall seeing any posts in the lever forum from people who regretted getting a lever machine, and switching back to a pump machine....

PC

The Gaggia Achille is a rather new lever machine design, compared to the small Pavonis, who have been around since 1961. It is, quite simply, more widely spread. I would surmise that this is the reason for it being more "popular".
Some reports of problems with the reliability of the Achille have been reported here. Maybe those problems have disappeared as Gaggia improves their product line, I couldn't say.

If I would buy my first espresso machine today, the Achille would be the one for me. I wanted a lever all along, but not one that I had to turn off after the first 3 cups. Instead, I went the pump machine route and used a VBM Domobar until I could find a H/X or double boiler lever machine suitable for home use. The Bezzera I have now is a H/X lever, and I am very happy with it. Don't plan on changing back to pump machine any time soon... must admit though, I am tempted by the Olympia Maximatic, for use when travelling, but oh, for the price of that toy...

Thanks for the replies. After reading through posts even more, I wanted to ask about the reliability issue and whether more recent buyers had experienced the leaks. Anyone?

While I am somewhat reluctant to go the refurbished route, it seems like the price difference could make it worth the potential hassle. This really looks like a great machine, and I think I'd enjoy using it. A bit more thought before I can actually pull the trigger here.

I really enjoy my Anita (HX) from a convenience stand point (leave it on all day...easy to maintain, etc...and darn fine espresso)...BUT
I LOVE the process of lever extraction. Hopefully, that will stay that way. When I hit it...truthfully not yet as often as I do with the HX machine, the results are delicious, and maybe a touch sweeter in taste than my shots from my Anita.
Don't look for 2oz doubles, especially with the Pavoni.
The Achille is a spring lever, while the Pavoni EPC 8 and Cremina are all manual.
Read up on both styles to see what appeals to you.
I am pretty new at this lever thing, but I am having a ball. The lows are lower, but the highs are higher!

IMAWriter wrote:The Achille is a spring lever,

Actually the Achille is also a manual lever. I think there is a full or partial review of it on HB.

The Elektra and Ponte Vecchio are the most common spring levers. Manual levers are capable of operating at greater brew pressures than do spring levers.

I once did a mini comparison of the Ponte Vecchio Export and the La Pavoni pro, and I concluded that I would be happy with either. The manual LP might be able to squeeze a little extra crema out of older beans, but it is more prone to overheat and more difficult to operate.

Ever since I got my lever machine the only thing I find more disrupting to my espresso experience than the sound of an espresso machine pump is the whir of an electric grinder motor.

PC

peacecup wrote:Actually the Achille is also a manual lever. I think there is a full or partial review of it on HB.


PC

I believe YOU are incorrect. Somebody please help!
Geesh, we sound like my kids



Edit...Jack, I'll search for Dave's review.

Edit again....My apologies...jack you are, of course correct. Non spring...duh. I think the fact it's an HX confused me. And, I've read that fine review of Dave's twice!

Achille is fully manual. No spring.

peacecup wrote:I think there is a full or partial review of it on HB.

There is a full review of the Gaggia Achille and over 200 posts from the Bench research. There's also lots of videos:

Yes, Dan. I found the review and corrected my incorrect response.
It is a beautiful machine.