Elektra Micro Casa a Leva vs La Pavoni for a beginner

[NickAtNite]

Hello,

I'm new here, referred by a member who spoke very highly of this site.

I'm interested in getting my first real espresso machine and would like to go with a lever model. I've been reading some reviews, and was thinking about either the Elektra Micro Casa or a La Pavoni. I was hoping that somebody may have tried both and could comment and/or recommend one of the two for a beginner. I know there is a bit of a learning curve associated with levers, but that is going to be part of the fun for me. If this topic has already been extensively discussed I apologize for the repeat.

My reasons for choosing these two is mainly price. I'd like to stay close to the $1000 price point. La Pavoni has several models below that, and I've seen the Elektra refurbished for $900 as well.

I know these models, particularly the La Pavoni, tend to show up for sale somewhat regularly. I am a bit hesitant to buy a used machine, however, seeing as I know very little about them. If you think I should go the used route to save some cash, however, then I'm all for that

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time

-Nick

[jspain]

Nick,

Warrior is the espresso machine guru around here and will give great insight! Milowebailey, Yakster, Staylor, Tex are all go to users with great experience and have tried many machines. I'm sure they will chime in!

I have a Ponte Vecchio Lusso and LOVE HER. My wife is jealous. She runs about $1050 delivered new.

Good luck on your adventure. Keep plugged in here at GCBC. You'll get great advice. Don't listen to B/Poocher......

[mp]

Nick ... have you considered an older commercial lever needing some work for an inexpensive price. Larry rebuilt an Astoria and says the shots it pulls are second to no other of his lever machines.

 

[Tex]

I used a La Pavoni Europiccola for ~15 years before I bought my first Gaggia semi-auto. I didn't even have a grinder back then, buying my pre-ground coffee through a friend in Italy. Even so, I made pretty good coffee for the times (pre Starbuck's). And the LP taught me a lot about making espresso - distribution in the puck, tamping, how pressure relates to the process, etc.

So I'd say definitely get a Europiccola as a first espresso machine! But make sure you get a grinder that's up to the task, or you'll never get the LP to perform well.

As for buying used vs. new - I wouldn't worry about it. The LP lever machines are the epitome of simplicity; essentially being nothing more than a boiler & group. Get one that has good chrome and no rust, then take it apart for cleaning, and to discover how it works; then enjoy learning how to use it.

They're a blast!

edited: The one thing you have to watch for when buying a used LP is missing pieces. LP lever machine parts are very expensive, among the highest priced parts on the market.

[bbqbeans]

Tex is right...the grinder will make all the difference between ok shots and great ones.

Being the proud owner of a La Pavoni, I might also add that if you plan on sharing your espresso with family or friends, seriously consider going for the Professional model as the boiler holds significantly more water...meaning you won't have to stop, power off, and refill after only 2 or 3 drinks.

[NickAtNite]

Thank you all very much for your thoughts.

I understand the importance of having a proper grinder.

It also sounds like people have much more experience with the La Pavoni than than Elektra. Which is not only telling, but also means that it would probably be much easier to get advice about use and maintenance

In terms of a used one, what would you recommend? I see they are available regularly on ebay, but since I know nothing about them I'm not too confident on going that route. I did see some for sale here recently. Would do you think I should do? Just buy a new one or one thats already refurbished?

[milowebailey]

All levers require maintenance so you'll need to get to know any machine you buy or pay someone to maintain it.

If you can change a tire and oil on a car you can work on a lever.

The Sama for sale here: would be a good starter machine.  It needs seals and that's basic maintenance.  No better way to know your machine than start with one that needs seals.   Just my 2 cents.

[donn]

It also sounds like people have much more experience with the La Pavoni than than Elektra. Which is not only telling, but also means that it would probably be much easier to get advice about use and maintenance

I wouldn't put much stock in it, really.  If the Elektra users are fewer, then we may say they're more discriminating (or more affluent.)  If you like the Elektra (and can afford it), don't sweat it, there will be plenty of advice available.

I suppose you have noticed that the Elektra has a spring, and the La Pavoni doesn't.  That's the big difference.  On a spring machine, you pull the lever down to compress the spring, then release it and watch the pour.  This is how commercial lever machines work, also.  I don't know if the Elektra's spring lever can be driven backwards, to assist the spring, or if it's a cam system like the commercial levers;  that's interesting because if you grind too fine and the piston is just about stuck, you might be able to get out of a jam by pushing the lever.  Anyway, some people think the spring lever system gives the best results, though not everyone agrees.

The worst thing about both is overheating.  That's the only reason I can think of why a big commercial machine could give you better results.  (I have one, it likely isn't worth it in my opinion.)  The best results in a domestic machine come from an unpressurized system, like the old Caravels and such, unfortunately made no longer.