Gail experiments with a La Pavoni manual lever espresso machine, trying different grind levels in order to extract the best espresso shot.
If you're starting your espresso machine research and aren't sure which is the best choice for you, this is a great primer and the basic differences, pros and cons of the different espresso machines based on functionality alone -- superautomatic, semi-automatic (with pressurized and non-pressurized systems), manual/lever, pod, automatic or capsule.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
@neofuturist23 ha - thank you! :) - kat
ReplyDeletei prolly won't make it to your shop .. but i enjoy your 'no fuss - just do it' videos !
ReplyDelete@ronnysizematters If this gives the best shot and most control over your extraction then I don't mind the extra work at all :)
ReplyDelete@Warrenff5 that's awesome! they're a great band for sure!
ReplyDelete@zildjiandrummer91 I was just about to say that. Love that band. My cousin plays bass and vocals in the band..
ReplyDelete@zildjiandrummer91 ha - good ear! - kat
ReplyDeletehey, loved hearing needtobreathe in the background in the beginning!
ReplyDelete@ooden A local roaster I've tried is Zoka - they have some great single origins. Also check out Seattle Coffee Works (they are unrelated to us) because they have awesome beans roasted in the Pike Market. Or check out Go Coffee Go which will deliver local/artisan roast beans to you from all over the country and try some different ones. Let me know what you come up with :) - Kat
ReplyDeleteHey ladies,
ReplyDeleteI've tried some of Velton's coffee and loved it! Are there any other roasters that you've tried and really liked? Thanks so much!
....While we're waiting to afford our first LaPavoni...We just watch others have all the fun on YouTube : (
ReplyDeleteFolks in Australia are glued to rBay.... waiting ...waiting..
One sold recently for about $300 US and it as in pieces!!!
Thank you for sharing with us
We are working up an Elektra one...may get some other models in the store and will do reviews as we do. :) - Kat
ReplyDeleteVery nice instructional video! I would love to see you review more lever machines such as Elektra, Ponte Vecchio, Olympia ... Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteIncredible for an introduction to the chrome peacock.
ReplyDeletethat's a lotta work for 2 tiny shots of espresso.
ReplyDeletei saw another clip and I just dont understand why the time the ground coffee is exposed to water is so short.
with other machines like the silvia next to this pavoni it's about 25-30 secs, so you get about that amount of coffee in ml.
with these pavonis you can only make single shots, that are hardly even a single expresso?
is there any advantage in using this machine opposed to the silvia? so far i couldnt tell.
Too bad about the Pavoni sneeze, which is when you grind too fine and the lever gets stopped mid-pull!
ReplyDeleteThe solution is to SLOWLY remove the portafilter from the machine, which lets the pressure off BEFORE it disengages from the group head.
The piston does not suck the water into the group head; the pressure of the steam in the boiler forces the hot water into the group when the raised piston uncovers a small hole in the group. That hole is connected to a tube which goes into the boiler.
Hey thanks Gail! I worked for Starbucks for quite a while and for our 15th year anniversary we get one of these!(customized with the company logo, of course). I received it 2 years ago and finally took it out of the box when I realized that I had not used a manual machine in years! After splattering grinds on my wall, counter and face, I think I finally got it! Your video clearly shows that indeed the perfect shot is a "work in progress"! Thanks
ReplyDeleteHey - your experiences with a commercial grade lever machine will be quite different. I learned on a Cimbali and not only is the action different (you pull down to engage the pressure and then release up) but it's much more consistent. Plus you have much better temperature regulation and large boilers on the machine you're thinking about getting, so the hassle/work involved with the Pavoni would not be an issue. Feel free to message if you have more questions. - Kat
ReplyDeleteGail, are you using this regularly in your shop? How is it going? I am in the planning stages of opening my mobile business. Thinking about getting a manual lever machine. (Mirage Veloce) Seems like this might be too time consuming when busy....but I like the quality control you have with the manual. but two groups might solve that problem. Decisions decisions!
ReplyDeleteGood video for only one reason, you need to play with grind and shot time. Tamping and amount and all the variables.
ReplyDeleteMy guess as to why the portafilter locks in reverse is because you can use it for leverage or to steady the pull. I believe they assume the user is right handy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips! Great feedback. :)
ReplyDeleteyou're not exactly supposed to lean on the lever while pulling the shot. You will generate a lot more than 9 bar if you do so.
ReplyDeleteit's better to pull the shot using about 30 pounds.
Also, to get more consistent results, let some steam escape from the steam valve before pulling the shot. wait for the machine to reach operating temp. again and then pull the shot.
Awesome! You'll have to let me know how it goes once you get it setup. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm thinking about getting one of these.
ReplyDelete@yellowspotlight Not sure what you're asking here - Kat
ReplyDelete@SeattleCoffeeGear I was wondering how I can sell the Breville BES860XL than the stylish machine she likes from nespresso
ReplyDelete@xoxoagi We do not carry it, so not sure. Sorry - Kat
ReplyDeleteHi(: I was just wondering what's your opinion on the new Tassimo from Bosch.
ReplyDelete@SeattleCoffeeGear Thank you very much for your answer.I will have to give this a serious thought as the MyPressi looks to be very cool :)
ReplyDelete@klarinetta I think that the MyPressi is a great option if you're not going to be steaming; unfortunately, they don't make things that are shot only -- although it could be argued that the La Pavoni manual/lever machines are close (but they suffer from temperature fluctuations). The stovetop and French press are just very different preparation methods and are going to taste much stronger than espresso because of that. Espresso is technically more delicate and sweeter - that is the goal. - Kat
ReplyDelete@klarinetta Would maybe something like MyPressi be more for me or am I just set good with my Bialetti Brikka ? I am a Coffee snob and a bad cup of coffee almost ruins my day(ok no really but it gets to my nerves pretty badly). I just had to ask as I live in Iceland and there is not much to choose from here and taste before you buy. And btw I drink something like 4oz of Brikka(to start the day) and 4-6 cups of regular coffee(French press or hand drip).
ReplyDeleteI've never tasted a coffee from a super automatic 500$+ machine that is near as good as from my Bialetti Brikka stove moka pot or even from a French press. Then again I get much best coffee from the semi-automatic ones but I'm not sure It's worth the money. I mean do they make machines without milk steaming mechanism and such to cut down cost as I and most of the people around me too never ever put milk,sugar,syrup or something like that in our coffee.
ReplyDeleteWell, these are very different machines. I think the Epoca will give you better steam functionality as you're working with larger boilers & more power. Shot-wise, they're both heat exchangers, so they'll be pretty similar...although the Epoca may be a little less temperamental, temperature-wise. - Kat
ReplyDeleteHi. Great vids. Which one, regardless of price, is the better one of the Rancilio Epoca ST1 or the Rocket Giotto/Cellini? Which one makes the best shot, and are the best at steaming?
ReplyDeleteThanks from Norway.
google search nespreso clitz
ReplyDelete@05clenharth Clitz? :)
ReplyDeleteSorry! Still working out the kinks of the new camera. - Kat
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think the cost can add up with the capsules over time, but it is very convenient. - Kat
ReplyDelete:S i can't hear Gail....put subtitles :D
ReplyDeletei gt an nesprso clitz and its realy good, it is kinda expensive
ReplyDelete