After reading few articles on that two lever machines, one question remains quite unclear: which of them perform the best espresso. Even if they differ from the style (more or less body), I still have doubts about Lusso espresso' quality.
As I plan to change my pump machine...

I still have doubts about Lusso espresso' quality.

I wonder why?

Choosing a machine is so difficult. Perhaps you are leaning towards a choice.

Can only one machine make good espresso? Of course, there can only be one best.

The only lever machines I have experience with are the Elektra MicroCasa A Leva (MCaL) and the Ponte Vecchio Lusso (PVL). My opinion is that even using the same blend or single origin (SO), the machines pull espressos of different character. The PVL is closer to the characteristics of my old E61/HX/vibe pump machine (IsomacTea). Heavier mouth feel, sweeter bias at the cost of more distinct flavors from the MCaL. Both IMO are capable of quality shots. It's more dependent upon operator vs. the machine. Best quality espresso difference between the Gaggia and PVL will probably be a personal choice.

Corto wrote:After reading few articles on that two lever machines, one question remains quite unclear: which of them perform the best espresso. Even if they differ from the style (more or less body), I still have doubts about Lusso espresso' quality.
As I plan to change my pump machine...

Stylistic (body) differences are superficial compared to the core differences, among them:

-- Lusso is a spring lever operating at ~6 bar and Achille is a manual lever operating at ...7...8...9...10 bar
-- Lusso has a vintage water draw and a vintage basket diameter (45mm) and Achille has a larger water draw and a 58mm basket
-- Lusso manages temperature for you with a passive thermosyphon and Achille requires you to control the temperature in a proactive manner by a flush regimen

Both are capable machines. You have to decide for yourself which machine makes espresso to your tastes and whether you prefer the simplicity of the Lusso's temperature management versus the relative complexity of the Achille's heat exchanger, a complexity that brings greater control over the temperature ... when you have mastered the flushing regimen.

Regards
Timo

Corto wrote:After reading few articles on that two lever machines, one question remains quite unclear: which of them perform the best espresso. Even if they differ from the style (more or less body), I still have doubts about Lusso espresso' quality.
As I plan to change my pump machine...

I have come to settle on the opinion that the 'versus' strategy is not a successful one when it comes to purchasing an espresso machine. Almost all the machines talked about here on HB are highly capable of delivering the best of what the user's skills and the coffee can offer, with interesting variations on a theme.

My suggestion is to get the machine that interests you the most, for whatever reasons.

Mark

The Gaggia will probably come closer to the taste profile from your pump machine. It will require more work on your part.

The PV Lusso will be easier to make consistent shots. Tamping on a spring lever is often less than on a manual lever.

Both will make great espresso.

Corto wrote:After reading few articles on that two lever machines, one question remains quite unclear: which of them perform the best espresso. Even if they differ from the style (more or less body), I still have doubts about Lusso espresso' quality.
As I plan to change my pump machine...

In my opinion it is a general and widespread misconception that there is something like a "best" or even "perfect" espresso. To my understanding this absolute claim is against the nature of coffee.

There is no objective best shot profile, bean, roast, grind, whatever the variables are - there is only a common sense of what an espresso is but within those boundaries lies the real joy of variety and nuances.

Nobody can seriously answer which (of the two) machines makes the best espresso, or - and thats a very different question - is capable of making the best espresso...

I'd like to conclude that each is potentially capable of doing so and while one might be more consistent, the other might have the potential to surprise you. Whereas one might produce safer results the other might be more challenging but also rewarding in good hands. And even if both machines were under the control of a barista with "perfect" control, the judgement of the result would still come down to personal taste and preferences.

Your question has been answered by others insofar as differences and potentials have been pointed out. Whats left for you is to either opt for certain features or to compare both over a long time and accept that you might change your repeatedly

Without much experience aside from the Europiccola i prefer manual over spring levers. I'd like to have an Achille some time because i consider it great design: to have a HX machine that cools the grouphead and draws fresh water.

Finally I just bought a Lusso, from bella-barista ( great service: quick, with 1kg beans from Jamaica).
Tomorrow I get cracking...

Corto wrote:Finally I just bought a Lusso, from bella-barista ( great service: quick, with 1kg beans from Jamaica).
Tomorrow I get cracking...

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Enjoy the new machine.

Make sure the beans were roasted within the past week. Otherwise, you'll be off to a very inauspicious start.

Regards
Timo

As someone who is undergoing the same internal debate as you regarding the Achille or the Lusso. I have decided (I think) to go with a two group Lusso. My reasons include 1. I am currently a manual lever user and want to try a spring lever, 2. I make enough espresso for friends that two groups sounds like a good idea, 3. and for some reason the tiny portafilter appeals to me

Having said this, I am not ruling out an Achille in the future Good luck with your decision!

-beans