Esperto Edotto (LPLESE01EU)

Who are these guests? A traditional La Pavoni/Lever could be part of the Italian experience.

Rocket is where I will go, if I upgrade. My La Pavoni lever is unlikely to need a full replacement though.

You need to budget for the grinder too. That would be more important. Assuming a hand grinder similar to the KINGrinder k6 ($100$), that leaves enough for a second hand la pavoni. It’s tiny and as retro as they come. That said, it is jumping off into the deep deep end of espresso with a steep learning curve. It won’t be very reproducible to start with (shots will vary from sour to bitter). But if a super auto will suit you, you should be able fine with the less than stellar shots while you learn.

Lever machines can be a lot of fun, and for light use a la pavoni is perfectly fine. Most other lever machines at this price point don’t have a steam wand.

Yes exactly. Best case you get a stand alone milk steamer, or alternatively look at a frother like the nanofoamer. Both relative expensive options considering La Pavoni exists. The la Pavoni is not without its quirks, but if manual appeals to you and you don’t expect to make multiple back to back shots it could be close to perfect for you. Even better, there is a healthy second hand market for these machines as well.

I have a La Pavoni and it's a simple way of making good espresso, but it does require a lot more attention. You get more control but consistency is your responsibility.

I would treat decaf like caffeine coffee, Water temperature, and it's consistently, has a big impact on taste. I view PID functionality as extremely helpful, but not essential. I massively appreciate the superb temperature control on my La Marzocco, but also make great espresso on my 30+ year old La Pavoni lever, which thinks temperature is optional.

Exciting new venture!! I have owned two vintage machines that were refurbished and loved them both! First I would start narrowing down what your set up would look like. Some machines need to be hooked into a water line some have their own tank that you fill and feeds into a boiler, some you power off and fill the boiler directly. Counter top/personal use: Find something that has a water reserve instead of a single boiler that you need to refill. My lever machine (pavoni) didn't have a reserve and I would have to power down the machine, let the steam off, then heat water, then refill the boiler, then get back up to temp - every 3-4 baskets. It was fun to work with a lever machine and something that felt so vintage, I had a lot of control on presoaking and pressure so I could, "play" with the extraction. You can find one that isn't a single boiler/reservoir if you want that level of control but may not super user friendly unless you want to geek out at an extreme level. Currently I use a Pasquini Livia 90 and not having to work so much to get it up to temp, and not having to power down to refill feels like luxury now! Downside is I have less control over how long it presoaks, but it is consistent and pulls some fantastic shots if the grind and tamp is dialed in. IMO unless I am going to the highest end of new machines I would look for refurbushed machines for sale. Those old machines were built with old tech and those group heads look like they would be a piston in a car. They can handle heat and pressure like nothing else! It is built to last forever and if you take good care of it should last you a long time before needing to replace anything. I like the heavy, massive metal, vs the plastic and cheap feeling material of modern day counter top machines that some friends of mine have gotten. Avoid Ninja, Breville, and brands that you would see in a box store. Do NOT get a combo machine that has a grinder built into it. They inevitably break and you'll be getting a new grinder anyways. Commercial level: I worked on a Marzocco when I was a barista as a kid and those industrial triple or quad group head machines will always produce so much thermal mass and consistency - if you want something at that strength go for it! Just know that you will like need a dedicated water hookup and it's own dedicated electrical line. It takes a long time to get up to temp so turn it on the night before or leave it on 24/7. Unless you wanted to for some reason I don't think this is your best route. TLDR: Honestly, I think for what you are looking for I would look for a machine that you fill the tank, and pass on the industrial level machinery that requires a water line hookup. Here are some good options for something newer: Espresso Machines – Clive Coffee https://share.google/LqscZXK9OL1Ds2gb4 Somebody who has experience on these machines or knows more about specs than I do could give you a more detailed response on these specific options. Don't get something that has a grinder and extractor in the same machine.

Vintage espresso machines are hard to come by especially ones that are already refurbished. I would talk to local coffee shop owners and see if you can find someone who has one as a collector's piece, or can get you in touch with someone who sells them. Look on FB marketplace, etsy, or especially Craigslist, they likely won't be in consumer shape but any coffee shop owner should be able to get you in touch with their mechanic who could help you refurbish one. I got mine from a friend of a friend who finds old machines on FB or Craigslist, then repairs them. He sells them at his cost to make home espresso accessible to anyone. It is a hobby for him so my machine was about 500.00 and came in great working condition. Not sure what your timeline is so maybe new is a better option for you? New Machine: Lelit Bianca V3 Espresso Machine – Clive Coffee https://share.google/a0PWenbtSOkw4m8Oq I have no personal use with this one but if I was getting a new machine this is what I would go for - or something similar. That flow switch will give you more control on presoaking and full extracting if you want to play with extraction timing. Grinders This video is super helpful for some grinder options. Source: YouTube https://share.google/L7CUFlkT0o4hG8HXd My grinder: I have a Tuni G1 - it is a decent middle road grinder. It works for me, if you try to go too fine depending on your beans it caps out on its ability, my grind was still able to be dialed in and makes some fantastic shots. I've only had it a couple months but so far so good. Previously I had a hand grinder mounted to my counter with a crank wheel/handle. Very customizable and adjustable, but it was a pain. I am a little lazier now that I have my grinder dialed in at the right ammount of time. I don't weigh every shot input anymore like I used to but still consistently pull great shots. The G1 was a great addition to make my process more automated. HOWEVER, with your budget I would go higher end - maybe even commercial grade (Eureka, Sanremo, or marzocco are all great) You will likely have that grinder for the rest of your life if you go that route. I 100% prefer a single dose (grinds the specific ammount of time you set it to) vs something that fills a hopper with a doser. Less to clean and is a more streamlined process. I have worked with both kinds and would never go back to a dosing grinder.