I have a Europiccola and if I do run out of water and I need to do more shots (this only happens when I have visitors), I just open up the steam valve to de-pressurize the boiler instead of waiting for it to cool down. It also means it comes up to temperature a lot faster.
Yeah that makes sense, I'd imagine as long as you unplug the machine first to ensure the element isn't on when you pour cold water onto it, you should be fine. I suppose in theory the cold water could cause thermal shock damage to the element, but in practice probably not. Cheers, Kev.
I have had a Europiccola for about six weeks now and absolutely love it! As you said it is all about the experience of making coffee and being involved with the process. I agree , out of the box the learning curve is quite short and you are able to get a decent espresso quite quickly however I would recommend if anybody is thinking of buying one to invest in either a temperature strip for the front of the group or a cheap and cheerful LED temperature sensor. Knowing the temperature of the group makes it so much easier to get repetitive results from the machine. It is such a fun machine to use that since I got it my Rocket Appartamento has not seen any use at all!
Cheers :-), yeah they're a great little thing, I can't claim the bragging rights for that idea though, unfortunately ;-), one of the guys on the La Pavoni owners group on Facebook created a La Pavoni branded hockey puck as a tamping mat a few years ago.
Had my Europiccola two weeks now, have not used my ECM Synkronica since. Waiting for a single hole steam wand tip to try out. If it improves my milk frothing results then the Europiccola is near perfect for my few coffees a day.
I just bought a stradivari to replace our 25yr old europiccola which got heavy use everyday for years... but finding the lever pull on new model is not as smooth and even as our older model. machine feels cheaper - especially the drip tray (came with a crack) and wooden cap (came with 2 cracks). I'll be restoring the old one and selling the new I think, although I might try changing the piston sleeve first.
Great video Kev. I'd always looked at lever espresso machines as being too complex but you've changed my view on that. It looked so easy to use and it's a great looking machine. One question, I know you've lots of experience with the bambino plus and smart grinder as an espresso making combo, how is the espresso quality in this manual machine compared to the bambino plus (sorry I know espresso taste is a very I individual thing)? I love my bambino plus but a few years down the line a manual lever machine could be interesting to switch to.
Thanks Keith :-). Yeah this and the Bambino plus are like chalk & cheese, generally speaking I'd say that the shot potential of the Europiccola rivals the majority of entry to mid level semi auto espresso machines. Note the word "potential", though, as getting the shot perfect is 50/50 art and skill with one of these, although to be honest I think you have to work quite hard with these to produce a shot that you wouldn't be prepared to drink. Also the Bambino plus is on a completely different level where convenience is concerned. Cheers, Kev.
Thanks Kev, very useful information. Thanks especially for the heat warning. I take it there's no problem with the weight of the thing and sliding about at all. I was surprised at how long it went on dripping what looked like proper strength coffee. Incidentally the coffee machine (Sage?) second from left on the screen is very shiny and reflects the back of your neck rather well, maybe rotate it 15º clockwise?
I've been using a La Pavoni since December 1987 and never once had a burn from it. The warning is well-made, especially if children are in the mix. But there's no reason you couldn't get away burn-free for thirty five years too.
Thanks Jim, there's a little bit of movement when locking in the portafilter, but not much, and you just get used to it. Yeah I've noticed that, it's very unhelpful for filming that all these manufacturers are so keen on using flipping stainless steel! ;-). Ta, Kev
I used to own one of these as well as an Olympia Cremina. No difference in the quality of coffee between the two and both machines are essentially structurally the same. You don't need pressure gauges. Very easy to learn.
I think the only significant change from previous models is the anti-rotation base. I doubt the group is 1mm larger, and the plastic piston was abandoned already long ago. I also think the base material remained the same: stamped plain steel (not stainless) plated.
I've spoken to Smeg UK today who have confirmed that the group is 52mm, and that the base is stainless steel, also that the boilers are now chromed brass. Cheers, Kev.
Well, a while after your video but I have myself a La Pavoni Europiccola! 😊 Regrets? Just a minor one. I wish I hadn’t bothered with the wooden handles - they are cheap stained beech. I recently got a lathe so turned myself some handles - much nicer. Quite a learning curve on the coffee making but made good progress. Recently got a bottomless PF from Tudor at Coffee-sensor, with a 20g IMS basket. Being able to see my extraction was painful at first but getting better. Overall, apart from Smeg not knowing their machines, it is fab and I am really pleased. Thank you so much - your review was one of the things that pushed me to getting one.
I live alone. At most I would pull one to two shots. This seems like it more than does the job, is a more tactile experience, and it's looks absolutely amazing.
Caught this at just the right time - thank you! Great video. I have been thinking of getting a La Pavoni for a few years, but I’ve been put off by reviews of the build quality; the plastic piston, and the chromed steel base which seems to rust easily. Your blog said the pistons were now brass and the base is stainless steel, but I spoke to and emailed Smeg UK (who now own LP) and they say they aren’t sure what the pistons are made of, but the bases are chromed steel, not stainless, though the portafilter is 52mm. I was about to order a Europiccola Lusso, but now I’m put off by their inability to know what their own machine is made from 😔 Where did you find the information? Thanks
@@Coffee_Kev Thank you. Just got off the phone with them: they are going to check with their ‘expert’ 🤞. Hoping it’s true because the rusty base and plastic piston is what’s been putting me off. Just seen your 9Barista review - excellent! I’ve had one since the beginning and love it (for one person, it’s ideal).
Hi Dyfrig, I've heard from them today too and they've confirmed all these details, the brass pistons (which I've heard from some viewers isn't recent news and I've been living under a rock, haha) stainless steel bases, and chromed brass boilers. Thanks for your kind words re the 9barista review :-)
@@Coffee_Kev Thank you - I’m waiting for them to get back to me. I’m ready to order one once I’m sure I’m getting those new features. So many used ones with rusty bases and therefore dodgy electrics. I’ve asked for a single hole steam tip (I think they put them on the Esperto models) - They probably can’t/won’t, but well, if you don’t ask … Thanks for your reply. I love my 9Barista but workflow for more than 1 espresso is silly. Tried a Flair pro; not to my liking, so I’m hoping the LP can do the trick. I’ve only just found your channel but I’m enjoying it. Great reviews.
@@Coffee_Kev Well, I heard back from them today. It’s like pulling teeth. The piston (assuming that is the same thing as the group head) is brass. The base is steel (who knows if it is stainless? - certainly not Smeg), and the drawer in it is plastic. Drawer?! And if I want I can buy an aftermarket single hole steam wand tip. I am going to pass until I can see one in a shop. Thanks for all your tips. Like the hockey puck idea. D
Nothing says La Pavoni like a useless plastic tamper! I’ve had them for years, my 1976 died so I upgraded to a Professional. Love them and may get a Europiccola soon.
Looked to me like the portafilter started to loosen off during that second pull... that happens to me when I used my ROK and I go north or 9bar.. its a horrible feeling seeing a portafilter start to unwind when you have the potential for hot water and coffee grinds to go everywhere :/
Hey there. I am looking forward to start with making Espresso at home and I never used a proper Espresso machine. As these manual machines aren't that expensive they caught my attention. Would you recommend them to a completely unexperienced user or do you have any other recommendation? There are just too many. 😅
I’ve just heard back from Smeg UK - they weren’t sure about the piston material, but said the filter was 52mm, the boiler brass and the base chromed steel. It seems they may not know what they are talking about.
Two thoughts: one, while it spoils the look in the instant, it shouldn't be hard to make an insulating jacket for the boiler for when it's in use, reducing the danger considerably. Second, because "barista" appears to mean "youngish able man" all over the internet, you haven't talked about the physical strength required to pull the lever down smoothly without sending the thing sideways, but it looks considerable and like it might be a barrier to anyone with hand/wrist/shoulder joint problems or just not enough muscle for the job.
I don’t think he’s using that much pressure, but I’m sure he’s aiming for something around 9 bars of pressure. There has been a lot of work lately that says you don’t necessarily have to use that much pressure. I went into a cafe last week pulled all their shots at 4 bars of pressure. The shots took longer to pull, but the results were very good. I would imagine the trick is to have a very consistent grind and a well prepped puck to maintain pressure that long without getting channeling.
I realize this comment is a year old, though I thought if you're still curious I may be of help. As long as you're a youngish able man, you shouldn't have any problems with the physical strength aspect. 9 bars is typically what you aim for, and as long as you don't have any hand/wist/shoulder or joint problems it's a relatively easy pull. Hope this helps!
Hey guys i have recently bought a 1994 La Pavoni Professional with Wodden Trim. The wood looks pretty Simmilar to this one. My only issue is, that id love a Bottomless Portafilter and mine has Spouts. I dont want to Order a Bottomless one with a Plastic or missmatching Wood Handle. Does anyone have any idea if and where i could buy one with matching Wodden Trim?
I have a Europiccola and if I do run out of water and I need to do more shots (this only happens when I have visitors), I just open up the steam valve to de-pressurize the boiler instead of waiting for it to cool down. It also means it comes up to temperature a lot faster.
Yeah that makes sense, I'd imagine as long as you unplug the machine first to ensure the element isn't on when you pour cold water onto it, you should be fine. I suppose in theory the cold water could cause thermal shock damage to the element, but in practice probably not. Cheers, Kev.
I have had a Europiccola for about six weeks now and absolutely love it! As you said it is all about the experience of making coffee and being involved with the process. I agree , out of the box the learning curve is quite short and you are able to get a decent espresso quite quickly however I would recommend if anybody is thinking of buying one to invest in either a temperature strip for the front of the group or a cheap and cheerful LED temperature sensor. Knowing the temperature of the group makes it so much easier to get repetitive results from the machine. It is such a fun machine to use that since I got it my Rocket Appartamento has not seen any use at all!
Cheers Edward, yeah temp strip is a very good call.
The ice hockey puck tip is a great one, Kev! I’ve just gone fully manual and bought a Cafelat Robot: a stunning machine, and great fun to use!
Cheers :-), yeah they're a great little thing, I can't claim the bragging rights for that idea though, unfortunately ;-), one of the guys on the La Pavoni owners group on Facebook created a La Pavoni branded hockey puck as a tamping mat a few years ago.
Had my Europiccola two weeks now, have not used my ECM Synkronica since. Waiting for a single hole steam wand tip to try out. If it improves my milk frothing results then the Europiccola is near perfect for my few coffees a day.
Cheers John, yeah they're perfect for some people. You're making some great espresso with it?
I would have hoped they would have solved the issue of how hot the external tank cover gets this day and age.
Cracking overview Kev. Am new to this, but you got me to part with 700 quid on the back of this. Cheers!
It is a beautiful machine, and it makes a great espresso ;-)
From what I have seen from your demo I like the fact you can get it out of the box and have a good tasing coffee without all the fiddling.
Hi Robert, Yeah there's not much set up to do.
I just bought a stradivari to replace our 25yr old europiccola which got heavy use everyday for years... but finding the lever pull on new model is not as smooth and even as our older model. machine feels cheaper - especially the drip tray (came with a crack) and wooden cap (came with 2 cracks). I'll be restoring the old one and selling the new I think, although I might try changing the piston sleeve first.
Great video Kev. I'd always looked at lever espresso machines as being too complex but you've changed my view on that. It looked so easy to use and it's a great looking machine. One question, I know you've lots of experience with the bambino plus and smart grinder as an espresso making combo, how is the espresso quality in this manual machine compared to the bambino plus (sorry I know espresso taste is a very I individual thing)? I love my bambino plus but a few years down the line a manual lever machine could be interesting to switch to.
Thanks Keith :-). Yeah this and the Bambino plus are like chalk & cheese, generally speaking I'd say that the shot potential of the Europiccola rivals the majority of entry to mid level semi auto espresso machines. Note the word "potential", though, as getting the shot perfect is 50/50 art and skill with one of these, although to be honest I think you have to work quite hard with these to produce a shot that you wouldn't be prepared to drink. Also the Bambino plus is on a completely different level where convenience is concerned. Cheers, Kev.
Thanks Kev, very useful information. Thanks especially for the heat warning. I take it there's no problem with the weight of the thing and sliding about at all. I was surprised at how long it went on dripping what looked like proper strength coffee. Incidentally the coffee machine (Sage?) second from left on the screen is very shiny and reflects the back of your neck rather well, maybe rotate it 15º clockwise?
I've been using a La Pavoni since December 1987 and never once had a burn from it. The warning is well-made, especially if children are in the mix. But there's no reason you couldn't get away burn-free for thirty five years too.
Hi Allan, unlike me, you are obviously not a complete and utter buffoon ;-). I don't think I'd ever make that mistake again, to be honest.
Thanks Jim, there's a little bit of movement when locking in the portafilter, but not much, and you just get used to it. Yeah I've noticed that, it's very unhelpful for filming that all these manufacturers are so keen on using flipping stainless steel! ;-). Ta, Kev
I used to own one of these as well as an Olympia Cremina. No difference in the quality of coffee between the two and both machines are essentially structurally the same. You don't need pressure gauges. Very easy to learn.
Cheers :-). I do like the look of the Cremina
@@Coffee_Kev Cremina is essentially a La Pavoni inside a rectangular box. Save your money it is way overpriced nowadays.
the title talks about big changes, but I don't see much explanation of them in the video. brass piston and different group size. anything else?
Chomed brass boiler - and wings. I lied about the wings.
The new base looks great!
I think the only significant change from previous models is the anti-rotation base. I doubt the group is 1mm larger, and the plastic piston was abandoned already long ago. I also think the base material remained the same: stamped plain steel (not stainless) plated.
I've spoken to Smeg UK today who have confirmed that the group is 52mm, and that the base is stainless steel, also that the boilers are now chromed brass. Cheers, Kev.
Well, a while after your video but I have myself a La Pavoni Europiccola! 😊
Regrets? Just a minor one. I wish I hadn’t bothered with the wooden handles - they are cheap stained beech. I recently got a lathe so turned myself some handles - much nicer.
Quite a learning curve on the coffee making but made good progress. Recently got a bottomless PF from Tudor at Coffee-sensor, with a 20g IMS basket. Being able to see my extraction was painful at first but getting better.
Overall, apart from Smeg not knowing their machines, it is fab and I am really pleased. Thank you so much - your review was one of the things that pushed me to getting one.
I live alone. At most I would pull one to two shots. This seems like it more than does the job, is a more tactile experience, and it's looks absolutely amazing.
It definitely, looks amazing , its a thing of beauty, It is a quirky machine with a learning curve, but very satisfying when you get it right!
The effort and process make the espresso mean something in addition to tasting nice, especially if you’re preparing for someone else.
Its a very satisfying machine to use Henry :-)
Great video, I e owned mine for awhile now and love it. Thank you!
Thanks, It is a beautiful machine!
Caught this at just the right time - thank you! Great video. I have been thinking of getting a La Pavoni for a few years, but I’ve been put off by reviews of the build quality; the plastic piston, and the chromed steel base which seems to rust easily.
Your blog said the pistons were now brass and the base is stainless steel, but I spoke to and emailed Smeg UK (who now own LP) and they say they aren’t sure what the pistons are made of, but the bases are chromed steel, not stainless, though the portafilter is 52mm. I was about to order a Europiccola Lusso, but now I’m put off by their inability to know what their own machine is made from 😔
Where did you find the information?
Thanks
Hi Cyfrig, this information re the brass pistons etc came directly from Smeg UK. Cheers, Kev.
@@Coffee_Kev Thank you. Just got off the phone with them: they are going to check with their ‘expert’ 🤞. Hoping it’s true because the rusty base and plastic piston is what’s been putting me off. Just seen your 9Barista review - excellent! I’ve had one since the beginning and love it (for one person, it’s ideal).
Hi Dyfrig, I've heard from them today too and they've confirmed all these details, the brass pistons (which I've heard from some viewers isn't recent news and I've been living under a rock, haha) stainless steel bases, and chromed brass boilers. Thanks for your kind words re the 9barista review :-)
@@Coffee_Kev Thank you - I’m waiting for them to get back to me. I’m ready to order one once I’m sure I’m getting those new features. So many used ones with rusty bases and therefore dodgy electrics. I’ve asked for a single hole steam tip (I think they put them on the Esperto models) - They probably can’t/won’t, but well, if you don’t ask …
Thanks for your reply. I love my 9Barista but workflow for more than 1 espresso is silly. Tried a Flair pro; not to my liking, so I’m hoping the LP can do the trick.
I’ve only just found your channel but I’m enjoying it. Great reviews.
@@Coffee_Kev Well, I heard back from them today. It’s like pulling teeth. The piston (assuming that is the same thing as the group head) is brass. The base is steel (who knows if it is stainless? - certainly not Smeg), and the drawer in it is plastic. Drawer?! And if I want I can buy an aftermarket single hole steam wand tip.
I am going to pass until I can see one in a shop. Thanks for all your tips. Like the hockey puck idea. D
Nothing says La Pavoni like a useless plastic tamper! I’ve had them for years, my 1976 died so I upgraded to a Professional. Love them and may get a Europiccola soon.
Ha Ha you can't beat a plastic tamper ...Not!
I love the Europiccola!
Let me know what you think when you get one.
Ta
Kev
Great Vid Kev. I think a La Pavoni and Niche Zero are in my near future. Shout out from across the pond!
Looked to me like the portafilter started to loosen off during that second pull... that happens to me when I used my ROK and I go north or 9bar.. its a horrible feeling seeing a portafilter start to unwind when you have the potential for hot water and coffee grinds to go everywhere :/
A+
Cheers Dave :-)
Hey there. I am looking forward to start with making Espresso at home and I never used a proper Espresso machine.
As these manual machines aren't that expensive they caught my attention.
Would you recommend them to a completely unexperienced user or do you have any other recommendation?
There are just too many. 😅
Did the basket change from 51mm to 52mm? If will need to get a new tamper and bottomless portafilter to update from my mid-aughts version.
FYI my Europiccola heats up a full 0.8L tank from room temperature to 1bar in 6mins40secs
Cheers, which do you have, millennium?
@@Coffee_Kev yes, post Mill model with 51mm basket
Brass piston was updated many years ago yet and current production machines have no brass boiler but stainless steel
I’ve just heard back from Smeg UK - they weren’t sure about the piston material, but said the filter was 52mm, the boiler brass and the base chromed steel.
It seems they may not know what they are talking about.
@@moose99moose until 2 years ago the boiler was made out of copper
Hi Claudio, according to Smeg UK the boilers are now all chromed Brass. Cheers
Are the water pipes inside silicone, plastic or metal? I'd really appreciate an answer from anyone who knows. 🙏🏻
Two thoughts: one, while it spoils the look in the instant, it shouldn't be hard to make an insulating jacket for the boiler for when it's in use, reducing the danger considerably. Second, because "barista" appears to mean "youngish able man" all over the internet, you haven't talked about the physical strength required to pull the lever down smoothly without sending the thing sideways, but it looks considerable and like it might be a barrier to anyone with hand/wrist/shoulder joint problems or just not enough muscle for the job.
I don’t think he’s using that much pressure, but I’m sure he’s aiming for something around 9 bars of pressure.
There has been a lot of work lately that says you don’t necessarily have to use that much pressure. I went into a cafe last week pulled all their shots at 4 bars of pressure. The shots took longer to pull, but the results were very good. I would imagine the trick is to have a very consistent grind and a well prepped puck to maintain pressure that long without getting channeling.
I realize this comment is a year old, though I thought if you're still curious I may be of help. As long as you're a youngish able man, you shouldn't have any problems with the physical strength aspect. 9 bars is typically what you aim for, and as long as you don't have any hand/wist/shoulder or joint problems it's a relatively easy pull. Hope this helps!
What is your daily coffee machine out of interest?
Hi Marc, Sage (Breville) Dual Bouiler & Niche Zero is my main home setup. Cheers Kev.
Hey have u tried this lapavoni with df64 grinder ?
I put 17 grams in.
Please dont cut the most important scene
Hey guys i have recently bought a 1994 La Pavoni Professional with Wodden Trim.
The wood looks pretty Simmilar to this one.
My only issue is, that id love a Bottomless Portafilter and mine has Spouts.
I dont want to Order a Bottomless one with a Plastic or missmatching Wood Handle.
Does anyone have any idea if and where i could buy one with matching Wodden Trim?
Hi Lukas, there is a La Pavoni users group on Facebook, they should be able to help.
Love my la povony professional.
Cheers Louis, have you got one of the newer ones?
@@Coffee_Kev 2021
??? and what EXACTLY is NEW with this model??? very dissatisfying reel....