Pavoni Cellini Classic

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Overall

#318 in

Espresso Machines

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score40% positive
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Last updated: May 25, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconEspresso-Newbie
3 months ago

I have the La pavoni Cellini Classic (the one you’re thinking about is the mini cellini). Mine is a HX but yours is a single boiler so you’ll have to wait after pulling your shot to steam milk - 30-60 seconds I believe. I couldn’t be happier with mine.

3 months ago

No issues at all. Backflush with water every few days and with cafiza every couple of weeks. I haven’t yet greased the cam and inside the grouphead mechanism (I should , I’m being naughty). I use Waitrose bottled water and my scale has been practically nothing up to now (by checking what’s called the mushroom every few months). Can do back to back shots no problem but can’t say of course if that’s the same with the mini. Maybe search the sub for Cellini mini and see if others have mentioned that ? I can’t see myself wanting to get a new machine anytime soon despite it not having a PID (at least mine doesn’t). It’s really not an issue for my use - flat whites. Really happy.

Reddit IconSasha_Jones
about 2 months ago

**What I'm after in terms of coffee and machine** \- Making 2-3 espresso drinks, generally in the morning. I use plant milk although I do not always use the steamer to heat it (sometimes I use the microwave, is just quicker, less cleaning) \- Prefer a quicker heat up time \- Prefer an aesthetic that is not the square, box-y stainless steel look, if possible, and a smaller footprint \- Already have a Eureka Libra grinder I bought on sale \- I would say I'm maybe medium-level ability and confidence with coffee-making. I'm not a beginner and not expert, definitely open to learning more but I'm not into onerous workflow either so I do prefer machinery that makes it easier and smoother for me to achieve consistent results without thinking too much \- Previously owned La Pavoni Cellini Classic and Eureka Speciality, so that's what I'm used to \- don't change beans too often, I will stick with one I like, prefer darker roasts, but I will try different beans at times, I'm not religious with the one bean lol **Rundown of machines I've looked at** I've just been to look at a **Nurri R type**, in person after seeing them online. They have the vibratory pump model in stock at around $AUD3200, and can get in the rotary model which sits jut below $5000. I looked at these because I liked the aesthetic and they seem in line with other Italian espresso machines quality-wise. While there I saw a **LeLit Bianca** rotary model demo'd and being picked up, they are also around $AUD5000. Also liked that aesthetic. And, yes it was quiet! Since I am looking for aesthetic as well as good espresso-producing, the owner recommended some retro-looking machines they are getting in, as a possible choice. This is a **Quick Mill Stretta**, around $AUD1500, which looks great but I know nothing about these machines and I gather it probably has less features, being at a lower price point. (I am about to google this right now.) Having had a La Pavoni Cellini Classic before, I had also considered the Cellini Mini, as the smaller footprint is desirable but I know it doesn't have PID which I understood as desirable. **Questions I got** I got questions. First off, does the vibratory pump model Nurri R type have PID? Does anyone know? I had seen it listed online as having PID but in the shop the guys insist it does not (however the rotary model does). How much difference does having a PID really make.. for one person making like 2 coffees? How much difference does rotary make over vibratory, and also do they hold resale value better? **Overall focus question** Overall I am trying to weigh up how much it is realistically worth spending. While I am considering machines across a wide price range, I feel like spending the money on a machine with the rotary would be overkill, but I'm after help with determining what features really matter for what I'm after Thank you so much for any help

Reddit IconMyCatsNameIsBernie
5 months ago

It will have to be a manual lever such as Cafelat Robot or La Pavoni Europiccola. Even $6000 La Marzocco machines use plastic for the water tank and cold water lines feeding the pump, as does the Cellini. Better quality semi-auto machines such as Cellini are all metal for the water lines and components that are hot or under pressure, but you can't avoid plastic in the water tank and in the water lines feeding the pump. If you are OK with this, there are better alternatives to the Cellini, which is traditional a HX machine using 25 year old technology.

5 months ago

HX is the brewing technology that is used in the Cellini and other espresso machines. It isn't directly related to use of plastic. HX technology has evolved considerably in the past 25 years, and HX machines such as Profitec Jump or Lelit Mara X are much more technologically advanced than the Cellini, and have better temperature stability. However, all semi-auto machines with pumps, such Cellini, use plastic water tanks, and plastic water lines to connect the tank to the pump. The only way to avoid that is to go with a manual lever machine that lacks both a water tank and a pump.

2 months ago

Modern E61 dual boilers do not require flushing. The traditional HX machines like La Pavoni Celina still do require flushing. Synch II has an electrically heated group which makes it much more temperature stable. It also gives you the option for flow control which doesn't exist on LM. If you are in love with LM but want to save money, get the Linea Micra instead. For most home users, the Micra makes more sense than the Mini.

Reddit IconAndrewOBW
6 months ago

This is probably the best value for money setup you'll find for a machine and an electric grinder. I've got the CF64V (different model from the same company). A hand grinder such as 1zpresso will save a fair bit of money for excellent quality, but it depends on if you want to go to the extra effort. In the same way, a manual lever espresso machine will get you better espresso, but definitely a steeper learning curve. I went straight in for this with a second hand la pavoni from eBay, and got a service kit for it (not a difficult job to do). With a few upgrades, I'd say it's the best value machine with end game potential for most people, but definitely harder to master.

about 2 months ago

https://preview.redd.it/q8r6p3yegcsg1.jpeg?width=2304&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c928b61fc822b69b9c793b93907937521e8edd7a Hard to beat a La Pavoni!

Reddit IconBazyx187
5 months ago

Yes. Coming from a lever lover. The robot is fantastic, as is the flair pro, also love la pavoni in case I have someone else who wants milk.

8 months ago

Levers give you everything you want in a fancy high end machine like blooming shots, pressure control/water debit, temp control... etc. Downside is that unless you get a spring lever, most fully manual levers don't have boilers so no steaming without a separate device/machine. I love my flairs, my pico, but my La Pavoni really is nice, it's convenient to have the steam with it to make caps/lattes

Reddit Iconbeachguy82
2 months ago

You just need a second machine ;) I have a La Pavoni which heats up in about 7 minutes I use if I want an unexpected espresso late afternoon.

Reddit Icon_coffeeblack_
3 months ago

la pavoni. best machine ever. never once wanted to upgrade

3 months ago

i think you're insane (respectfully) la pavoni is way better than my robot

Reddit IconCornettoAlCioccolato
8 months ago

The Flair workflow is a pain, especially when making multiple drinks. I have one and a La Pavoni and the Flair only gets travel use. (Edit: Didn’t realize the 58 has a more “normal” workflow than the classic Flair). I bought my mom a Bambino Plus + Sette 5 years ago and she absolutely loves the setup. The machine hits a real sweet spot as a step up from a Nespresso, as the instant heat is EXTREMELY practical for exactly your use case (early morning pre-coffee caffeination), to the point where I’m shocked that nobody has really nailed that in the “step-up” machines. There are better grinder options today, and you have some choices with the machine (you can find a second-hand La Pavoni around that price range, or any of the options you listed). If I were to swap pieces of my setup for my mom’s, I’m fully confident I’d get a similar (or perhaps better) shot out of her machine with my grinder, but the gap between her Sette and my Mignon XL is serious (though the price sweet spot may be somewhere in the middle).

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