My grandfather passed away recently, and out of his estate a few items were passed along to me. One of them is an espresso machine with a lever on it. My parents recognized this as something I would probably be interested in (and they were right) but even I'm still trying to figure out two things: 1) what make/model the machine is and 2) how to correctly use it.

In digging around on the net I ran across this site, and am hoping that someone can shed some light on this machine and perhaps offer some insights on usage and care for it.

The two images aren't great but give an idea of what the features on it. The electrical connection appears to be a 2 prong European style and my grandfather put an adapter to allow it to hook up to US outlets. The text on the front with the switch is 'minimo/maximo' which I'm guessing is a high/lo setting for the heater. Other than that the only markings are the 'la Cara' stamp on the front and 125v label by the cord in back.

There's a steamer on one side, as well as a straight tube that might be a pressure release? I can't imagine what else it might be as it is not in a convenient place to use for making espresso. The lever does not appear spring loaded in any way.

Looks to me like a La Pavoni Europiccola, re-badged by Thomas La Cara Ltd in San Francisco.

You can find a lot of information on the web. Some of it is confusing. The La Cara machines must have come from various sources - I see a "La Graziella" rebadge that's similar but not the same; I'd say this is identical to a La Pavoni, but lots of folks here know them better than I do (had one, but we gave ours away.)

You seem to be on the right track about the features of the machine. Ours had a single switch and a pressurestat, so someone else will have to confirm your surmise on operation of the two switches.

It looks exactly like in early La Pavoni Europiccola...there is a lot of information on how to use these. Just make sure you get a good espresso grinder, you'll need one to use the machine...it's very sensitive to how the coffee is ground.

It's hard to tell from the photos but it looks like a model with a 3 position switch with a pilot light over it. Minimo is low power, Maximo is high power and middle is off. If it's a 2 position switch off is when you unplug it...otherwise same as 3 position.

You slid into the right place for advice on that machine! I concur with the above. Sorry about your grandfather. He must have had a great palate for espresso!

Correct on the switch orientation (with light above), though it's only got two positions; easy enough to unplug it though when not using it.

Thanks for the feedback folks! Now I have an idea of what it is, that still leaves my other question and a new one to deal with.

What is the recommended best manual or unofficial guide for how to use this machine? And secondary to that - recommendations for a 'good' espresso grinder would be appreciated.

As an aside, I've made espresso before using a commercial Krups coffee pot w/ espresso function so I've got a basic concept of things. I get the feeling though that this one is to that one what a MCF is to a line cook (years of practice and finesse).

That red Kitchen Aid in the background was also passed along from his estate.

This guy gives you a overly long, decent explanation of how to use your machine


I am not saying I agree with 100% of what he is doing, but it will give you a good introduction to the use of that machine.

Hello Tigerknight
Congratulations with you new machine. I used to have a similar machine, read this thread about my restoration:
Waking up a vintage La Pavoni ...

I actually now regret that I sold it, I have had 5 different Pavonis, and this was superior of them all, very high quality build, and great steam properties.
You will probably have to change the gaskets (+ descale the machine), the first is more tricky than in the new pavonis, read my thread carefully and be welcome with further questions. The portafilter gasket is of another dimension than the new ones, so if you can preserve that one, do it.

Don't be surprised when you heat it up, excess steam will dissipate through the knob next to the steam arm, it is a very simple sort of overpressure valve, with a spring and a little ball that when not up to pressure is pressed against a small hole.

Good luck!

Ulrikmo

That is definitely a treasure. It will reward you with sublime espresso. Keep us updated!

PC

Very solid good looking Machine you have there. Maybe a Graciella/La Cara? The extra meat at the bottom of the boiler is a nice touch and addresses a design weakness of the Pavonis. Just saw this, it is your machine Waking up a vintage La Pavoni ...
My first Pav was also given to me, in my case by a friend who was leaving town. Don't pull this machine apart and change gaskets yet. For all you/we know your grandfather did this recently, same with the descale. Test drive it first. Some of the people on this site just love tinkering, and that is fine, but a fully operational espresso machine that doesn't need to be worked on is finer. I started with a hand grinder and it sounds like OE has a very good one for sale
http://www.orphanespresso.com/OE-PHAROS...636-1.html
which probably would look pretty good next to a Pav/similar.
(Barb and Doug if you are reading this, I may be thick but it was not clear to me what to click on for the price of the Pharos). ( oh there it is....I would put a link on the page I linked above though.)
Craigslist is also pretty good, I found a SJ for $150, and it has served me well. Don't buy a low quality grinder it is the same as throwing your money away.
Search Pavoni preinfusion, pavoni grind, pavoni temperature, pavoni overheating, if you want to read long discussions about the various ways to make espresso on this machine.