This machine is superb for almost any kind of coffee. Sometimes I like a strong espresso and sometimes I like a cold cafe sheccerato which is a cold coffee and is great. (To make it you simply get a shaker (like a martini shaker) and fill it with ice and a few teaspoons of sugar. Brew the coffee and while it is still very hot throw it in the shaker and shake it strongly for about a minute. The result is an ice cold frothy espresso, great for warm days - forget Starbucks imitation stuff, this is much better).

As other people have said, it takes a little bit of time to get it right. Typically I've found that very thin grains are not the best to work with, something between your typical Illy coffee grain and the larger cheap grains usually works well. It take a bit to get used to, but once you start to get a hold of the whole concept it works superbly well. Frankly, even when you do a poor job the coffee is still good.

In addition, my parents have had this item for about five years and have not had a single problem. It's extremely easy to clean and if you are in a rush it's also a great machine since it loads so quickly and easily.

Also, if you are running out the door you need not wait for the water to completely heat up. You can run it after just a few minutes (of course your coffee won't be as warm, but it doesn't have to heat up completely in order to use it). For those quick out-the-door mornings, this is great. You won't have the best espresso in the world, but you'll still have one that beats just about anything.

I've been through about three [price range] machines in the last few years and they all broke or just didn't taste right. ... You have to be able to taste the difference between good and bad coffee to enjoy this machine. If you don't you probably won't enjoy this machine as much. In other words, if Folgers Instant coffee tastes good to you, move along.

It's also worth getting good coffee for this. ...

In the end, if you are looking for a high-quality product that makes high quality coffee, this is a great choice.

48 of 53 found the following review helpful:

Horrible Service and Warranty Issues  Dec 19, 2005
By D. Gasparetti "Where's the Coffee?"
Manual machines, without question,produce the best cup of espresso. I have owned them in the past, and recently purchased a brand new La Pavoni. The machine arrived broken. I could not even get one cup of espresso. I called thinking that La Pavoni would have me send back the machine and replace it. WRONG. I was told that this was not allowed, and the only option I had was contact one of there US Service Agents and arrange to have the machine sent to them for repair. Even then they indicated that the repair expense would be my responsibility.

At this point what do you do? So either I keep the machine as a useless decoration, or concede and try to fix it.

I tried the three numbers they provided. About 10 days have gone by, and I have called each number numerous times to no avail. You never reach a real person. Only a tape recording informing you that they would contact you as quickly as possible.

So, yes, a manual machine is the best, but La Pavoni warranty and service is horrible. If you want a manual, try a different vendor.

Don

35 of 38 found the following review helpful:

Built to last  Sep 09, 2001

After wearing out three Krups minis and one DeLonghi automatic-pump machine, I wanted an espresso maker that would last a while. The La Pavoni Europiccola was much more expensive than any of my previous machines, but with its manual pump mechanism and solid construction, it was worth the price.

It's great looking -- more chrome than a '59 Coupe De Ville -- and it makes great espresso, with lasting crema and that wonderful espresso taste that comes only from water held at exactly the right temperature (just under boiling).

I did have to spend some time experimenting with different grinds and blends of coffee to get the right combination. Correct use of the manual pump also requires some practice; my first few attempts went down the sink after I tasted them. An hour or so of playing around was enough, however, and I can now have professional-quality espresso, at home, any time I want. I highly recommend this machine to anybody who's serious about good coffee.

23 of 26 found the following review helpful:

One arm bandits are best  May 04, 2001
By S. Waltzer
The one arm bandit mechanism that pumps the steam through the grounds is the only way to go. It is for people who like to drive stick. There is no pump mechanism to break. Periodically the filter screen will become clogged or the grounds too fine and you will struggle to pump it through. It is far better than having the pump motor burn out. After a bit you will figure the right degree of fineness from the local coffee store that mills your blend. It is much superior to the machines that use only the Nestle blister packs, which limit the type of coffee you use to their own blend. The steam mechanism works best when the boiler is full. This is also a way better price than I found anywhere else including a restuarant supply shop that sells only espresso machines. Blow out your steam arm after each use, just a little spritz. It keeps milk from being sucked into the pipe in normal usage and eliminates the momentary clog. The Pavoni is the best of the one arm bandits still imported into the country. Very solid. Makes a joke of the cutsey German machines. It is heavy and will live on your countertop for the rest of its and your natural life.

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