La Pavoni Europiccola El Espresso Machine

My dad has had one of these machines for over 20 years and it is the most amazing coffee machine. If you are a coffee nerd this is well worth it and it 100% lasts a lifetime. There have been a few repairs needed but he just bought a limited edition second one. Also the customer service when buying a new one is absolutely amazing. They sent out a new one because of a tint scratch on it. Lovely folks and lovely machines.

A fantastic machine with a steep learning curve

I couldn’t be happier with the La Pavoni, but the caveat is that the learning curve is steep. After thinking I was doing everything correctly at the beginning and yet still pulling dishwater, I’m now at the stage where I’m more comfortable with the variables and I’m pulling good shots. The beauty of the La Pavoni though, is that occasionally everything aligns and you get the most fantastic tasting espresso you’ve ever had. And you’re not quite sure why. It’s elusive and brilliant.In terms of build quality, the Europiccola is excellent and built like a tank. Customer service from Alternative Brewing is also the best there is. Highly recommended.

A friend for life

I have had my La Pavoni coffee machine since 1994 and have replace some rings and a couple of other minor things but if it was a new electronic machine it would be so much more expensive to maintain. I absolutely love it and would recommend this machine. One of the best purchases l have made.

Brilliant introduction to lever machines!

I absolutely love this little machine.It's only taken me a couple of espresso shots to dial it in, although I have come from years of gradually upgrading machines, starting with the generic cheap Sunbeam unit about 20 years ago and now moving somewhat horizontally from a Rancilio Silvia to the Europiccola.As I mainly drink black coffee, this was a no brainer, and adds just that bit more fun and enjoyment pulling espresso shots first thing in the morning.Recommended for espresso drinkers out there, and you would probably benefit from having previous experience dialling in grind settings etc.

Great experience if you enjoy a challenge!

There is definitely a learning curve to this machine, it really forces you to dial in all of the variables to get a good shot out of it. Great learning experience! It is a very tactile experience. Definitely requires an upgraded tamp though.

Great machine

This machine is great! If you enjoy learning and adjusting variables to make a great coffee, this machine is for you. I can pull a very consistent 1:2 espresso every time. Milk steamer took a little bit to get used to.Would buy again/10

Great machine

My first experience with a lever machine and really happy with the results.High quality build, tasty results every time.Actually like the fact every coffee you make is a little different, but always enjoyable.Definitely not for people who want it quick and simple, you have to keep your hands on the wheel with this one. But that said, it's not too complicated and slow to get good results, especially after you've made a few coffees. You have to experiment for a while to get the results you want, then it's fairly straightforward. Definitely watch the YouTube tutorials if you haven't used a lever machine before, like me.The only reason I give it four stars and not five is the small puck. This machine is for making small volume cups, no mugaccinos from this unless ... MoreMy first experience with a lever machine and really happy with the results.High quality build, tasty results every time.Actually like the fact every coffee you make is a little different, but always enjoyable.Definitely not for people who want it quick and simple, you have to keep your hands on the wheel with this one. But that said, it's not too complicated and slow to get good results, especially after you've made a few coffees. You have to experiment for a while to get the results you want, then it's fairly straightforward. Definitely watch the YouTube tutorials if you haven't used a lever machine before, like me.The only reason I give it four stars and not five is the small puck. This machine is for making small volume cups, no mugaccinos from this unless you're prepared to press out three or four shots. Sometimes I would like a bit more out of each shot, but it's a very minor thing for me, I still love it.

La Paoni Europiccola EL

Long before you brew a cup of coffee this machine is a thing of beauty - a future family heirloom.It’s 1950s engineering, made of brass with big nuts and bolts, designed to be stripped down and serviced. Friends have been using the same machine for over 20 years.Despite scary YouTube demonstrations of people weighing coffee, it’s relatively easy to use and the La Pavoni instructions are easy to follow.I never make more than four coffees at once so it’s the right size for me. In any case it's quick to heat up. If you’re making more coffees you should take advice and consider the next model up.I like having all the variables to play with. I’m still experimenting - working out how to make a long black and double espresso. It comes with an unexpected bonus - a ... MoreLong before you brew a cup of coffee this machine is a thing of beauty - a future family heirloom.It’s 1950s engineering, made of brass with big nuts and bolts, designed to be stripped down and serviced. Friends have been using the same machine for over 20 years.Despite scary YouTube demonstrations of people weighing coffee, it’s relatively easy to use and the La Pavoni instructions are easy to follow.I never make more than four coffees at once so it’s the right size for me. In any case it's quick to heat up. If you’re making more coffees you should take advice and consider the next model up.I like having all the variables to play with. I’m still experimenting - working out how to make a long black and double espresso. It comes with an unexpected bonus - a cappuccino milk attachment that would obviously save on milk. I’m yet to play with that as the supplied steam wands work fine.Ordering and delivery were seamless.

Loving my La Pavoni

I had this machine for over a decade before moving to Australia. I was over the moon to receive this as Christmas gift this year. Not only the espresso tastes great, I have to say it is a pleasure making coffee with the machine in the mornings and ah, the machine is just so beautiful to look at on the kitchen counter. Absolutely love it