A bit of lever action

[staylor]

The bottomless portafilter let me know right away that something was wrong on my first shot of the morning. I got cocky and had gone with an under-dosed load, some sloppy attention to distribution and an overall casual effort. Right away the stream observed out of the bottomless was horrible, though it might not have been recognized out of traditional double spouts.

In the cup the shot was way off and the image below shows why. I haven't seen a fracture like this for a long time, it was weird but good at the same time - an espresso quality reminder slap in the head.

Sorry about the lighting flare, Keegan was 'helping' me with the flash in remote mode. Getting a 6yr old to hold a flash head in the right direction and distance is always fun.



The second shot turned out much better after the slap in the head reminder. A 1oz 50/50 split between Dukundekawa and Senhora de Fatima.

[BoldJava]

Call this a "duh?"

In beginning my lever-quest (LQ), I have always assumed that the PVL is a flat, dull stainless steel.  Like this:



It wasn't until this morning that I realized it was shiny chrome, like this.  Humm...what was I thinking.  This has more eye-appeal:

[staylor]

The black handles are screw-off so you could go wood if you wanted.

The machine comes is coloured versions as well, I almost went with red, or you could have it custom sprayed any colour you like. I think the PVL is a bit utilitarian in style but as already discussed quite a few levers are.

Maybe so custom dancing goats on each side panel?

[BoldJava]

Maybe so custom dancing goats on each side panel?

Nah.  The chrome really picks it up compared to how I had it mentally categorized.  They could do so much with that drain screen to make the whole machine 'pop.'

B|Java

[staylor]

I agree, there's lots more they could have done with it and I don't think it would have cost a lot more money to produce a higher level of fit and finish.

[grinderz]

Handsome! The espresso machine is nice to look at, too.

[staylor]

He's all about the thumbs up right now.

[mp]

He's all about the thumbs up right now.

 :icon_thumleft:

[BoldJava]

Guy is selling this La Pavoni over at CG.  In reading many reviews, it typically gets good ratings but one constant criticism is how it jumps around.  The design creates a tendency for the base to move during lever action.  Watch as he puts his hand on the lever (turn down speakers, he doesn't have consistent volume)

Evocation Coffee's Spitfire Blend through La Pavoni Europiccola

$350

[Tex]

Guy is selling this La Pavoni over at CG.  In reading many reviews, it typically gets good ratings but one constant criticism is how it jumps around.  The design creates a tendency for the base to move during lever action.  Watch as he puts his hand on the lever (turn down speakers, he doesn't have consistent volume)

Evocation Coffee's Spitfire Blend through La Pavoni Europiccola

$350

Instability is an indicator of the grind being too fine. When I use my LP, I expect a bit of force on the pull, but nothing like that.

Here's how I use my Peacock.

[sontondaman]

I find the pavoni are very well built and will last much longer than most pump espresso machine. $350 is a good price!

[Warrior372]

That is a good price. It looks like a europiccola chrome w/ a black base. Do you know if it is an 8 cup or 16 cup model? Retail for each seems to be around $700 and $900 respectively. The nice thing about simple levers like the la pavoni is that not a whole lot can be go with them, so purchasing one used is pretty darn safe. As long as the heating element works, the p-stat is in good condition and the seals / o-rings are not ancient you should be good! That is a fair price too. Try to get them to ship it for that price .

Make sure they pack well around the machine. I always line the box with home foam insulation that is 1.5-2" thick, place the machine inside and then jam news paper or something compressible around the machine itself. A this side up note / fragile always help on the box too! Also, request it be shipped and insured through FedEx ground. I have never had a problem with them and they are very reasonably priced. I can not say the same for UPS and USPS who have each graciously given me 2 or 3 ravaged boxed with dented machines inside.

I have never owned a La Pavoni, but I have heard the same complaint that you mentioned above about the base being very light. I am sure that it takes a little getting use to, but I am sure you would find a way to work with it.

[BoldJava]

8C

[Warrior372]

$350 would be half of retail then. Have you asked how old the machine is, if they have ever had any problems with it, when the last time they replaced the gasket / o-rings was?

[Tex]

$350 would be half of retail then. Have you asked how old the machine is, if they have ever had any problems with it, when the last time they replaced the gasket / o-rings was?

Is it a post-Millennium model? That's when they switched from 49mm to 51mm portafilters and made some other changes. BTW: LP parts are some of the most expensive: portafilters are ~$150 and filter baskets are ~$35. Pricey!