 Barista |
| Review Date: November 3, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Doris G, |
La Pavoni PA-1200 Napolitana Stainless Steel Automatic Espresso Machine
This is my third machine in 12 years. My first machine was a Krups Novo with a thermal heat block and a back pressure or modified filter holder. My second machine was a Starbucks Barista with a stainless steel boiler but also with a back pressure filter holders which produce a simulated espresso. The La Pavoni Napoletana is the real thing. You can't make or buy a better espresso.
This is an excellent espresso machine for the starter or the advanced barista. Heats up quickly and the heavy brass boiler, brass head and filter holder keep the machine ready for use. Consistently pulls espresso with a nice crema. The steam function provides plenty of steam to whip up thick frothed milk for cappuccinos. The grinder is easy to adjust maybe a little loud and holds enough beans for about 14 shots. The grinder isn't centered over the filter so you need to hold the filter tipped towards the back to keep the coffee in the holder. The machine is solid stainless steel, the drip trays are plastic but good enough. The reservoir holds 3 liters and is a little tight to remove and replace. The pump supplies plenty of pressure. I use the grinder setting between 5 - 4 depending on the bean.
Note: If you want a real espresso machine stay away from the machines with thermal heat blocks or steel boilers and any machine that uses a back pressure or modified filter holders isn't going to make a real espresso.
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I Love This Machine!!
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| Review Date: May 31, 2008 |
| Reviewer: J. Conlon, |
I knew I had to have an espresso machine after using a friends Starbucks Barrista but that machine proved hard to find... guess it's discontinued, so I opted for a Starbucks Serena which was a huge disappointment!! I promptly returned the Serena and ordered the Napolitana instead.
I went out to meet the UPS truck, and as I signed for my new machine, the UPS lady let the box tumble down the stairs of her truck and onto the ground..urgh!!
I eagerly unpacked the new machine, plugged it in, followed the directions to prime it, got steam...but no pump!! I was so disappointed!! I started to fill out the Amazon return form, but decided to sleep on it. The next morning I pulled out a screw driver, thinking that something had jiggled loose from the poor UPS handling, and after removing 2 screws and carefully prying the top off, I found that the wiring harness had slid off the pump. I pushed it back on, marveled at the simplicity of the parts inside, and had it put back together and brewing great espresso in 5 minutes (I don't know that I would recommend doing this, as I probably voided the warranty, but who's going to know :) ).
I brewed a great espresso the first time I used the machine, and am getting a little better with each one. I like the fact that I can make adjustments with the grinder, and adjust how much pressure I use with the tamper, and thereby have control over the quality of my crema, and the strength of the coffee. Even though I am a novice barrista, I like the fact that this machine allows me to learn and get better.
The quality of the machine seems excellent. The stainless steel looks great and is easy to clean. The portafilter is heavy and stays hot for a long time. The steam frother works great. The grinder is noisy, but I've never used one that wasn't. I look forward to using this machine for years and years. |
My review of La Pavoni
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| Review Date: April 29, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Mark. O, Seattle, WA |
| Well, I have this Espresso Machine for 3 weeks now, this machine is very well build, coffee grinder is a little off center, you have to keep it eye on it so you do not spill any coffee while grounding, it does take a little used to it, but once you get your grounds making espresso was a breeze, steaming milk was quick and efficient, what else can I say? cappuccino never taste so good, oh yes one more thing, good buy Starbuck, in 3 months this thing will be paid in full. Thanks |
Pull a great cup of espresso
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| Review Date: January 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Oddball, Orygun |
| I could not be much happier with this purchase. The espresso is great. I don't use the frother - just remove it an use it old-school. The built-in burr grinder suffers one shortcoming...the switch is set a tad too far in. You'll figure it out ... the built in tamper is handy. Having an adjustable burr grinder will get you pulling commercial style cups in short order. Just experiment and enjoy as you get closer and closer to your favorite cup. Every espresso maker is going to have plusses and minuses. The minuses here are few and immaterial. Buy it. |
Best total value
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| Review Date: December 14, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Elizabeth J. Doyle, seattle, wa |
Having used a roomate's decent Starbucks Barrista for a year, then suffering through a horrible Krups model (which I returned in disgust), I knew that when I finally got around to buying an espresso machine, I wanted a quality machine at a reasonable price. A strong pump and good innards are required to make an espresso with beautiful golden foam. I adore cappucino so require a good steamer that makes excellent foam. And I didn't have an espresso grinder (but know that proper fine grind is CRITICAL). No one knows coffee like the Italians, so buying one made there was also preferable. As I did my research the LaPavoni Napolitana fit all my requirements.
I am completely and utterly besotted with this machine! It is perfect for those looking for a quality machine without breaking the bank. As far as I'm concerned the makers didn't skimp on any essentials. Right from my first shot, this machine brewed the perfect espresso. It's very easy to learn and use. Also very easy to maintain and keep clean.
Also, disregard the comments about the water reservoir being difficult to remove and refill. Mine was absolutely not difficult to remove and I'm a 100-lb-weakling type! I HIGHLY recommend this machine to anyone considering purchasing one. Every shot is perfect. I am addicted beyond all description, but it matters not, as I'm always a few short steps a way from a affordable, quality crack... er, espresso! |
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With so many types of Espresso makers available on the market today it really seems to be a problem for a person to decide which model to choose. Some of the various models are piston driven, steam driven or pump driven. Also, there are manual and automatic models. Speaking about automatic, they can be semi-automatic, automatic and super-automatic Espresso machines. In order to find the most appropriate Espresso machine you are recommended to check what the main differences between all these models are.
