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  • La Pavoni Gauges

    Hey fellow snobs,

    I'm looking at getting a new La Pavoni in the next month or two. I'm trying to get my head around the different models, their pro's/con's, and the modifications I could do.

    One thing I haven't been able to understand is the two gauges that I've seen on machines: a boiler gauge, and a brew pressure profiling kit(?).

    Can anyone enlighten me on what they are and how I'd benefit from them?

    Cheers
    Daniel

  • #2
    If you're looking to choose between the europicola and professional, i'd go withthe professional. The only la pavoni that comes with a brew pressure profiling kit, is the Esperto ($$$) their flagship model (also comes with IMS baskets). It's not necessary, but only nice to know what pressure your puck is at, if you can justify the cost then go for it. Aftermarket ones are available and can be installed on any la pavoni but they cost a fair bit too.

    I recommend and use the pro as it's got a bigger boiler (x2 size, 1.6L vs 0.8L) and boiler gauge, when I started out I didn't have any idea when to be able to pull a shot or how to bleed false pressure, or know when the boiler is at pressure. A very handy tool to have when learning otherwise i'd be very lost, you'd definitely want this. It can be installed on a Europicola as well for relatively inexpensive $. But the main advantage of the pro is the boiler size, the only real reason i'd see the Europicola useful is if you need a quick warmup time due to the smaller boiler - but then again probably by only a few mins.

    If you do buy new, i'd consider the stradivari due to the newer grouphead, I think it's got better heat management, but keep in mind if you want to install a PPK in future you need to replace the curved lever with a straight one (will be supplied - also see the esperto). Other than that it's just plastic vs wooden handles and chrome vs brass. Also, if you're deadset on getting a PPK anyways, just get the esperto, it'll be much more cost efficient to pay it up now than to do the upgrade later.

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    • #3
      The Professional model has a larger boiler and a gauge above the sightglass. This gauge shows the boiler pressure and this is a fair gauge of temperature in the boiler. This pressure is set by a pressure stat device under the machine which turns on and off the heating element/s. Some earlier La Pavonis have two heating elements and two switches on the base.

      As standard no La Pavonis have a group pressure gauge to display pressure while lowering the lever and running a shot. I haven't seen a La Pavoni with a group pressure gauge fitted but it would be pretty neat.

      There is another handy mod/accessory which is a stick on LCD strip which is put on the group so you can temp surf to hit around 93 degrees before you pull a shot.

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      • #4
        You legend! Thanks for the detailed response.

        Just for laughs, how much does a PPK generally cost?

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        • #5
          Originally posted by c0alJK View Post
          The only la pavoni that comes with a brew pressure profiling kit, is the Esperto ($$$) their flagship model (also comes with IMS baskets). It's not necessary, but only nice to know what pressure your puck is at, if you can justify the cost then go for it.
          Great post! I didn't know there is a Esperto range. A quick google suggests that the price is justifiably higher than the professional but not that unreachable. I have always wanted a La Pavoni. Now, I am practically salivating!

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          • #6
            Originally posted by noddy167 View Post
            You legend! Thanks for the detailed response.

            Just for laughs, how much does a PPK generally cost?
            Not sure if I can link sites or not but the only ones ive seen are available from europe so you'd need to get them shipped. 200Euros before shipping, i'll PM you.

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            • #7
              Originally posted by lancruiser View Post

              Great post! I didn't know there is a Esperto range. A quick google suggests that the price is justifiably higher than the professional but not that unreachable. I have always wanted a La Pavoni. Now, I am practically salivating!
              Between models not that much price difference, but I think they are quite expensive brand new! Not far off from a good pump machine.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by c0alJK View Post

                Between models not that much price difference, but I think they are quite expensive brand new! Not far off from a good pump machine.
                As lever machines go, they are a bargain. Do you know if the Esperto group head still overheats with back to back brew?

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by lancruiser View Post

                  As lever machines go, they are a bargain. Do you know if the Esperto group head still overheats with back to back brew?
                  Absolutely, all of them will eventually haha. With the professional I get about 3 shots max. before needing to turn off or lower the temp down with a cold cloth, not that you'd want to make 3-4 cups regularly anyway. I haven't used the new group but I have heard they are a bit more temp stable.

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                  • #10
                    I personally recommend getting one in sad shape for next to nothing like I did. I bought mine for $170 in Really bad shape. And fixed it up (read modified almost beyond recognition). I would also personally recommend the smaller boiler as the main obstacle with the Pavoni is heat management and as I cool the machine down between shots (or the group will be too hot to cool the boiling water down to brew temps) I prefer the smaller one as it both heats faster and cools quickly.
                    Attached Files

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                    • #11
                      Looking good, I also definitely recommend 2nd hand if you have the time and a bit of patience for fixing it.

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by 211bma View Post
                        I personally recommend getting one in sad shape for next to nothing like I did. I bought mine for $170 in Really bad shape. And fixed it up (read modified almost beyond recognition). I would also personally recommend the smaller boiler as the main obstacle with the Pavoni is heat management and as I cool the machine down between shots (or the group will be too hot to cool the boiling water down to brew temps) I prefer the smaller one as it both heats faster and cools quickly.
                        Is there a build thread somewhere for this?

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by 211bma View Post
                          I personally recommend getting one in sad shape for next to nothing like I did.
                          Sure thing, let me know the source for an abundance of dirt cheap La Pavoni's and I'll go and buy all of them.

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                          • #14
                            I was just patient, like I said this one cost me $170, before I bought all the extras.

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by c0alJK View Post
                              If you do buy new, i'd consider the stradivari due to the newer grouphead, I think it's got better heat management, but keep in mind if you want to install a PPK in future you need to replace the curved lever with a straight one (will be supplied - also see the esperto).
                              Sorry to resurrect an old thread for my first post, but this is the only place on the internet I've seen so far mentioning being able to upgrade a Stradivari with a gauge on the group head. I really don't like the curved lever, so if this information is accurate, it would be a good fit for me (as I don't like the gaudy bird of the more expensive models). How can I confirm if this is the case or not?

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