La Pavoni:
How to use a La Pavoni "Professional" Espresso
Machine
How the Obsession Started
Over the years, after playing with various commercial machines, and owning different pump machines, I fell in love with the idea and design of the chrome La Pavoni. From the chrome body to the bakelite filler cap, it is a beautiful example of retro-futuristic industrial design from the early 1960’s. It is rumoured by some that it was designed by the famous Italian architect Gio Ponti. Not only can I not confirm this, but I’ve also been told that this is unlikely. So, if anyone knows for sure, please e-mail me.
Yes, there are superautomatic machines that will produce decent espresso these days. I actually played with one today! However, the simple mechanical nature of the machine forces you to slow down and think about each operation. The machine is a finely tuned instrument and you are in control of all aspects of making or breaking the shot. For me this process makes the act of pulling a shot a more pleasurable (and initially humbling ;-) ) human experience...a nice daily ritual. This machine may not be for everyone, but I knew I had to have one! The Holy Grail of "java-enhanced" Propellerheads!
I purchased a chrome La Pavoni Professional from Tom of Sweet Maria’s. The machine is professional only in name. The real difference from the Europicola is that it has a larger capacity boiler and a pressure gauge. After waiting for what seemed like forever (real time was only a few weeks) for the machine to go from Columbus, Ohio to the Great White North, it arrived on a Tuesday morning. You wouldn’t believe my excitement as I picked the machine up from the postal station.
After setting it up following the instruction manual and running through the "break in" process, I ground up some espresso using my Cuisinart Coffee Bar burr grinder and tried pulling a shot. Guess what? It worked…but what came out on the other end was an insipid, watery brown liquid without any crema. I tried again, and the same thing. Went through the manual’s troubleshooting section and the same thing. Tried surfing for the answer...another attempt…and the same disgusting brown liquid.