GeneHal,

To set the record straight, my machine is a powder coated Ponte Vecchio Export which costs $525 from The Good Coffee Company. It is not the chrome model which I think sells for $100 more or the chrome $700 Ponte Vecchio Lusso. Also, and most importantly, even though there is some data indicating that other PVs have had problems there is not enough data to say that they all do.

My understanding is that 1st Line and others are selling chrome PVEs and PVLs which look different than my machine and possibly could be differently made? 1st Line has a reputation of working with its vendors and has great customer service. Also Joe of TGCC told me that he intends to fix the problems with the group heads even if it means he has to travel to Italy to do it.

I thought it appropriate that I accurately publish my experiences with the PVE so that others like yourself could be informed and consequently make informed decisions.

Good luck
Geoffrey

Geoff,

Would it be possible for you to post a pic of your machine?
Thanks!
-Gene

GeneHal,

Sorry about the quality of the photos. But as you can see the Ponte Vecchio Export is a simple, functional machine, and I think quite elegant in a monolithic kind of way. The painted models apparently are available in many colors but, I prefer the black. What does not show is the drip tray is duplicated (they are interchangeable) on the black plastic top and serves as a small cup warmer. Removing the top cup warmer assembly reveals the top of the boiler with safety valve and fill port.

Cheers
Geoffrey

Last (I hope) question, Geoffrey... What would you estimate is the required pressure to move the draw handle down on the Export? And thanks for the pics!
-Gene

Must be 20lbs pressure at least to work pull the lever down (compress the spring). My 5-year old needs lots of help with it, and she's not allowed to do it alone, since the return force, if unmanaged, can be very dangerous.

PC

GeneHal,

I have never measured the force required to pull the lever. However, peacecup's number is probably very close. My 9 year old can pull the lever down with two hands, not easily but she can do it. As peacecup has written before the machine is very stable when pulling a shot and being able to start steaming milk as the last pull is running is a real bonus. I strongly endorse his warning about the return force which can be a real danger when there is no coffee in the porta filter to dampen the return! However, when there is coffee in the portafilter the handle returns slowly because of the resistance of the coffee to the water flow.

Cheers
Geoffrey