Im interested in acquiring a La Pavoni, but still undecided between the Europiccola and the Professional. I understand that the Professional will have more steaming power because of its larger boiler. I usually make double cappuccino's (me, spouse) with my Silvia and have found no youtube video where they steam the milk for a double cappuccino (which is what, 9-10oz, 300ml?), just singles... Any thoughts?

I can't answer your question because I have a Professional and not a Europiccola. However, there are some steaming difficulties with the Pavoni that you may not be aware of, especially coming from the Silvia. The three-hole nozzle on the Pavoni isn't easy to get great microfoam from. Some people insert a toothpick or something similar to block two of the holes. One of the members here on H-B has created his own single-hole nozzles (Milk Frothing / Steaming on La Pavoni Europiccola - Modified Steam Nozzle). I haven't done either of these options yet, so my steaming is subpar for now.

If' you're already aware of this issue, then disregard this post.

Good luck with the Pavoni. Just don't put too much pressure on it when you push down on the lever.

SlowRain wrote:I can't answer your question because I have a Professional and not a Europiccola. However, there are some steaming difficulties with the Pavoni that you may not be aware of, especially coming from the Silvia. The three-hole nozzle on the Pavoni isn't easy to get great microfoam from. Some people insert a toothpick or something similar to block two of the holes. One of the members here on H-B has created his own single-hole nozzles (Milk Frothing / Steaming on La Pavoni Europiccola - Modified Steam Nozzle). I haven't done either of these options yet, so my steaming is subpar for now.

Good luck with the Pavoni. Just don't put too much pressure on it when you push down on the lever.

Hey SlowRain, I was aware of the steamtip issue and found that OrphanEspresso sells these too, 6.50 USD doesnt seem too much (although it's just a drilled bolt) and hopefully shipping wont be either

http://www.orphanespresso.com/Single-Ho..._2175.html

You wrote 'there are some steaming difficulties', are there others then?

Sounds like you're good to go then. At one time I think OE was even selling the nozzles made by brooklynshot, but I'm not sure who makes these. They should be fine if OE sells them. Are you planning on getting a chrome or brass Europiccola? I'm curious to know if anyone makes brass nozzles.

The only other steaming issue I've heard regarding the Pavoni is that the steam can be a bit wet. I've never steamed with anything else, so I can't comment.

I have a Europiccola that I've swapped out steam tips on (I got a single-hole one from Brooklynshot) and I'm able to steam upwards of 12oz without too much trouble. It is far from the highest quality microfoam, but I attribute that to my lack of skill rather than machine capacity, as it is the same quality I get when I'm steaming smaller volumes as well. The modification to the single hole was definitely a good one - there didn't seem to be enough power when spread over three, and my milk got exponentially better after that adjustment.

Good luck with your La Pavoni hunt!

Hoenen wrote:Im interested in acquiring a La Pavoni, but still undecided between the Europiccola and the Professional. I understand that the Professional will have more steaming power because of its larger boiler. I usually make double cappuccino's (me, spouse) with my Silvia and have found no youtube video where they steam the milk for a double cappuccino (which is what, 9-10oz, 300ml?), just singles... Any thoughts?

You would do better steaming with a Ponte Vecchio Lusso or Export, although I know that it is not the same type of lever.

My experience with the LP 8 cup is similar to other opinions here. Since 2003 nearly daily use. I made a two hole steam tip and gradually improved the foam quality. one month ago I went back to the three hole tip and somehow get good foam consistently in 8-10 oz milk. Latte hearts are easy and I've produced some lousy rosettas, too. It is much quicker using the 3 hole tip so I don't plan to go back. I just don't understand why it is so straightforward now. I have had the opportunity to steam with my two group CMA lever which works great for steaming. Maybe that experience has helped.

Like the others it is not the easiest tip to get used to. I did have one hole blocked for a while but have since removed it and just got used to using it. The Europiccola will comfortably make 3 8 oz double shot Capps or Lattes but by the third I do drop the portafilter under the sink tap to cool it a touch.

The Professional model apart from more presence on the bench will not really allow you to do more shots in a row than this due to the overheating issue so save the $$ would be my call.

Thanks for all the replies.

hperry wrote:You would do better steaming with a Ponte Vecchio Lusso or Export, although I know that it is not the same type of lever.

Yeah, I like the PV Lusso a lot but I am aiming for a secondhand to save costs, on our 'ebay' there are at any time a dozen Pavoni's and I have yet to see a PV.

SlowRain wrote:Are you planning on getting a chrome or brass Europiccola? I'm curious to know if anyone makes brass nozzles.

If I can find one, or perhaps buy a chrome version and swap it with a brass version later on. Why? Cause it'll match my grinder

That grinder's a nice piece of art!