Hi, Having read tons on this forum regarding levers vs pump, used vs new, modifications, newbs, nylon pistons, Fellini move, grinders, professionals, levers vs levers, aesthetics, wife's opinion ... I'm approaching information overload ... but I can't help myself. I don't know if I should attach a lever to my head or just crawl into a pump and activate the switch. I just cool my brain housing group with a cold towel and surf for more answers on the web. Stradivari 8 vs Europiccola 8 ... are the internals identical? It looks like these two are exactly the same with the exception of the visually artistic form of the Stradivari (depending upon subjective viewpoint). The only difference I can find is something indicating the Stradivari is more stable on the counter when pulling a shot. Thanks.

I read your post yesterday, but didn't have time to reply - nor did (do) I really have an answer - just speculation.

My guess is the only differences are cosmetic. The Stradivari really is nice looking, but it may be a bit over the top for some who prefer the classic looks of the Europiccola.

What I'd say is that if you're buying new, I'd look at other machines. While some have had luck with the LP machines, I think there are far better, and less frustrating, levers on the market. Though some may set you back more $, I think the extra money is worth it, and you'll be happy that you spent more in the long run (though you won't be completely aware of just how much happier if you never went down the LP route!).

I have an older Europiccola, a Cremina and a PV Lusso, and I'd guess the use of each is 1%, 49.5% & 49.5%, respectively. The Cremina and Lusso machines are easier to use and consistently produce superior coffee.

I remember looking in detail at the parts list a few years and couldn't discern any noticeable difference between the Stradivari and the EP. It is essentially the same machine, and not worth the premium IMO over the EP if there is one. Similar to the comment above my Pav is very much last in the pecking order in terms of use, sitting miserably behind my PVL and Caravel. That doesn't mean you couldn't pull excellent shots or have fun with it. You certainly could and it is a perfectly reasonable budget choice particularly if you are only pulling one or two shots a time. But I found far too often the focus was more about the machine rather than the coffee. That isn't how it should be.

Thank you both! Good sound advice that hits home. I believe I'll look into the PV Lusso and I'll keep researching the La Peppina. I've also been looking at the Pasq Livietta as I waffle back and forth. Bob, Do you find yourself utilizing your Livietta at all or has the Cremina and PAV Lusso completely displaced it? This really interests me.

Hi clynch, from a lever perspective I tend to go with RAS on this one. I also recommend you read this review if you haven't already. http://www.home-barista.com/ponte-vecch...mance.html. Then go to the lever smackdown.

The Pavoni is a marvelous little machine but for a first lever the Lusso, with it's spring lever and group removed from the boiler wins hands down. I've owned a few Pavs but, in hindsight, if I were to do it all again there would definitely be a Lusso in there early on. You can add a Pav later.

And if you would like a Roller parked in the coffee garage then a Cremina is about as good as it gets.

Maybe leave the Peppina for later when you might want a functional toy. I won't even mention the Elektra - okay so I did. Do you feel a headache coming on?

Drdreggs - Thanks, great advice. I will definitely put the Peppina on the back burner. I had the same thoughts. Very good concept in its design though. If I could go straight for the Cremina I would, but that$ not really in the card$ right now. Interesting you should mention the Elektra. I look at an $800-$1000 machine and my wife looks at me like I'm nuts. I surf the web and espresso forums looking for a machine thats a bit better than entry level and has the potential to astound me. The wife pokes her nose over my shoulder while I'm surfing to deliver her opinion on all this foolishness. What does she see and like? Elektra semiautomatica at $1800. "Thats what I'd get if I were you she bellows." I'm at a loss, completely dumbfounded. I'm trying to keep costs down by looking at the Pavoni or Lusso. Headache? Yup. Right between the eyes. The best thing for a headache, however, is caffeine. You did mention the Elektra. I assume you had the Microcasa e leva in mind. I know the Pavoni might not be the best thing for a noob. I take it the Elektra e leva isn't any better. On the forum , Elektra e leva users, LOVE their machines. For a noob, however, they have the same exact difficulties you would see when a new user starts on a Pavoni. Am I correct in that assumption or way off. If I'm correct and the Elektra might not be the best thing for a noob, I need to keep looking at the Lusso. If I'm wrong, a microcasa e leva might be doable, now that it has been blessed by the woman of the house. By the way, she will never use the machine. She will, however, expect her cup to runneth over ... provided I can pull a decent shot

I just read the specs on the Elektra. I see its a spring lever. That would make it easier to use than the Pavoni .... correct?

Spring machines can make achieving consistent results easier, but there is another element which is equally important: water temperature. Biggest issue for me with my LP is that it tends to overheat, and it's tough to know when it's "just right" for pulling a shot. Me being "the spring" isn't an issue.

Are the Elektras prone to the same overheating issues?

I'd like to defend la peppina a bit. Sure, she doesn't have the heft of other machines, but the components can take the stress, even though her spring dwarfs any other home-lever spring My ~50 year old la peppina has functioned reliably over the last few years and was frequently run all day and was used intensively. Furthermore, it is testament to her build quality and Felice Arosios genius that there are still so many around. She is definitely more than 'a functional toy'.