Anyone do or see a good comparison of the pros and cons of modestly-priced (less than $600) lever machines? Opinions on what to look for? Where to buy? I'm looking to move to lever from an old Gaggia Coffee. Thanks.

The starting list of comparison candidates would be :

*La Pavoni Europiccola ( in her many variations)

*Cremina- catch as catch can on a for sale / fixer upper

La Cara-( La Pavoni really)

*Ponte Vecchio Export

Sama ( Now Ponte Vecchio)

Riviera-

*Elektra Microcasa AL-

La Peppina

*Gaggia Factory( La Pavoni really)

Microcimbali

Zerowatt- pretty rare Euro

Caravel-

(This list is omitting large format machines....)

*= the machines that are the more available and seem to get the most satisfied "personal" informal reviews...

The comparison will be skewed by some of your personal details and preferences, so tell us about those...... then the input will really fly!

Criteria: Best espresso. Rarely make milk drinks. Minimize variability in quality. Use just occasionally and generally for just myself (which is why it's hard to justify a higher price).

Jeff

P.S. With my Gaggia Coffee and home roasted coffee I make espresso better than what I can easily find now. Is it worth it to go with a lever machine?

JeffNYC wrote:Criteria: Best espresso. Rarely make milk drinks. Minimize variability in quality. Use just occasionally and generally for just myself (which is why it's hard to justify a higher price).
Jeff
P.S. With my Gaggia Coffee and home roasted coffee I make espresso better than what I can easily find now. Is it worth it to go with a lever machine?

FWW, Sometimes the Zen and Crema envy generated by levers are all it needs to make you want one. That said, They do make ( with devotion only second? to your partner' ) a glorious cup of brew! They do do the godshots but not immediately. Try one at a dealer that sells them. Then, if you like buy the demo for a discount!
My1¢
richard

Jeff,
Greg "mogogear" has provided you with a comprehensive list of lever machines, but before going machine by machine, I would make a decision between spring or manual action. They are very different animals with their own strengths and weaknesses.

I was thinking spring. What are the key strengths and weaknesses?

This thread has a good debate on the subject.


http://www.home-barista.com/forum...g-curve-t2747.html

Jeff,
I go back to the last part of my post before there everybody weighs in.... What are some of your preferences that you are aware of. i.e- espresso only drinker? coffee used- home roasted- fresh roasted mailed , number of drinks per day? space ? more than one person will be using it? Personal desire on the learning curve aspect( it is not a cruel curve - but one that does run some people off)

This will help us not blabber on and on and on... you get the picture

Espresso primarily
Infrequent use, one or two shots per day at most
I'm the only user
Home roasted (just started and learning)
Desire consistently good coffee, but I expect some learning (I'm getting very good espresso from my Gaggia Coffee now, it seems very forgiving)
Price sensitive, I just don't see justification for spending more than $500-ish

JeffNYC wrote:Espresso primarily
Infrequent use, one or two shots per day at most
I'm the only user
Home roasted (just started and learning)
Desire consistently good coffee, but I expect some learning (I'm getting very good espresso from my Gaggia Coffee now, it seems very forgiving)
Price sensitive, I just don't see justification for spending more than $500-ish

There are no new machines in your price range--unless you can find the odd close-out.

At the top of mogogear's list is the La Pavoni Europiccola; it meets all of your requirements and would be the easiest to find used on eBay; parts and service are still available. La Pavonis outnumber Ponte Vecchios and Elektras on eBay 500 to 1 --you could wait a very long time to find a used PV or a used Elektra and also win the auction. The other machines in mogogear's list are either hard to find, hard to find parts for, antiques, beyond your stated price even when sold pre-owned, or, as non-steamers do not meet your "espresso primarily" requirement.

Regards
Timo

P.S. What grinder are you using? You might consider a hand-grinder for about $75. High-quality grind.