I finally stepped up from my dying Solis SL-70 to a new PV Lusso. Ordered from Vaneli's. They were quick and have been a pleasure to deal with so far. Since the machine is new and I am new to the lever world I thought I'd post my experiences as well as some issues I'm having.

First, the machine came double boxed without dings and in good shape. Vaneli's set the pstat to 1.2 atm and clearly tested the machine before sending it. I can tell because the boiler was nearly full and leaked out a fair bit during shipping. I waited 24hrs before plugging it in to make sure it was dry. Worked just fine.

Workmanship is ok. As noted in other posts, the fit and finish could be better. The only imperfection I noted was a small chip in the chrome on the cover. Also, since many have commented on the cheap plastic "Ponte Vecchio" name plate, Vaneli's also added a larger similar "Vaneli's" plate to the front. Oh, well. All in all I'm still pretty pleased with it.

My espresso habits are pretty simple. Each day, after work, I make myself a double cappuccino and make a hot chocolate for my wife. I had the system down pretty well with the Solis, but the PVL is a whole new animal. I have to rethink grind, dosage, tamp, preinfusion, and number of pulls. The comments on this board help a lot. I have gone from undrinkable to marginal to somewhat good. A way to go yet.

One area that has been particularly frustrating is milk steaming. Since both the cappa and the cocoa require steamed milk, each made separately and in somewhat small quantity, the pure steaming power of this machine overwhelms me. I can get 160 degree milk in seconds, but no microfoam to be seen. If I open the valve a little it does slow it somewhat but still churns the milk too hard to get it to stretch. I tried plugging two of the holes with toothpicks last night and was able to get the best pitchers so far. Is the tip removable on this? Has anyone modified their PV to a single hole in a more "permanent" way?

Anyway, I'm enjoying learning how to do this all over again, and for me, that's a key part of the fun.

The tip on mine is NOT removable, which is another small issue with the machine I've forgotten to list.

But, microfoam is not as far off as it seems. Try keeping the tip just under the surface, and tilting the pitcher. You may need to use larger volumes of milk for a little while. Whole milk is easier I think, and colder the better.

Also, 1.2 bar is high for my tastes, so if you find it so you can turn it down a bit - this will reduce the steam jet a little.

In my opinion the easiest way to learn is to dose on the fuller side, tamp firmly, and grind so that you get a nice small syrupy stream. If you're doing two pulls, the first may only be a fast drip. The whole process, 10 sec preinfuse, 20 sec shot = 30 sec. But don't worry if it goes 40. Others may suggest other methods.

Also, using the same type of beans for a several weeks, getting a fresh batch every 2-3 weeks, simplifies the learning process.

PC

Linthorn wrote:I can tell because the boiler was nearly full and leaked out a fair bit during shipping.

I can't help with the PVL, but does anyone else think it odd that they shipped the machine with a "nearly full" boiler? And, unless the lever moved during shipping, how would it leak?

At the very least, wouldn't it add to the weight in terms of shipping costs???

Just curious . . .

Cheers,
Jason

Thought it was odd myself. I imagine it leaked a few ounces of water based on the amount of water in the bag. Since I plugged it in I have noticed no leaking at all, so I guess it is fine. Maybe one of the valves was open (steam or water)?

I figure with say 2L in the boiler it adds 5lbs or so to shipping. Since shipping was free I didn't worry too much. The shipping label said 40lbs. The unit doesn't way nearly that much, so they probably don't care either.

I will be following this thread as I am also a recent convert to the PV Lusso taking the step up after my Gaggia Coffee boiler failed after over 20 years of service. This board has been invaluable in helping me make my decision and assisting me with technique.

I purchased my unit on December 8th from 1st line. It arrived the next day, double boxed, ding and dent free. I contained myself and actually waited 4 full days before I took the cover off to have a look at the guts and adjust the pressure stat down to 1.2 bar from the 1.5 it came set at. Mechanically it appears to be built very well and I can't say I share the concerns that members have voiced over the fit and finish. I I do wish that the site glass was better aligned as with the low water level light come on at the 3/16 level. The site glass is attached to the pressure gauge so aligning it would require bending several line some of which are already tight. Has anybody received a machine with the glass located properly?

For steaming on the Lusso I just keep the pitcher level.

Here are my instructions. First off, make sure the machine is up to full pressure—false pressure fully bled off, might take more than one purge.

With around 6-8 ounces of milk in the pitcher, and the thermometer, raise the pitcher so that the tip just touches the milk surface and open up the steam. At this stage you adjust the height of the pitcher to reach and maintain the sound of tearing paper. To maintain this you will have to continuously lower the pitcher ever so slightly, let your ear be your guide. By the time you have hit around 80 degrees you will have incorporated plenty of air, so raise the pitcher and let the tip go to the bottom in the center. Let it heat 'til you're done—I stop at around 140 degrees. Tap the pitcher on the counter, swirl, and pour out your microfoam.

shersh wrote:The site glass is attached to the pressure gauge so aligning it would require bending several line some of which are already tight. Has anybody received a machine with the glass located properly?

The site glass on the Lusso from the Smackdown is correct. Greg reported that the face of the brew pressure gauge on his 2-group Lusso wasn't perfectly centered.

My site glass is to the right of center in the window opening. But it looks centered from the operator's view.

If you don't like the plastic badges you can remove them easily—they peel right off. The badges lack class.

Finalmente, I think I'm getting a grasp of this lever business!

One of the better tips I've started to employ (was it from IMAWriter or peacecup? Thanks, whoever wrote it!) is locking in the PF after pulling down the lever part-way, just before the water starts to flow. This seems to reduce the risk of "puck-sucking" -- if I may coin a term. Woo-Hoo, I think the extractions have improved!

Grazie mille to all the HB Lever-Heads! Where would we be without you?!