La Pavoni Esperto Abile - my review.
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- La Pavoni group
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La Pavoni
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Dosing ring
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Normcore tamper
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Leveler
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Puck screen
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GRAZIE MOLTO PER TUTTI I VOSTRI SFORZI E DETTAGLI, SOPRATTUTTO NELLA VOSTRA SECONDA LINGUA
@@DominiquePoulin-sh9er not sure what it means but sounds nice 😛
Brilliant review. Jack - I have really really enjoyed your videos - thanks for taking the time to do this
Thank you! There should be another video coming by the end of the week.
Thank you so much for this great review. I was flirting with the idea of getting one, but you made me understand that I should give it a few more thoughts first.
Thank you for watching. It is a great machine and I use it daily but it might not be for everyone. On the plus side, I had some of the best espressos out of it.
I like your style, Jack. Thanks for the helpful review. It's good to hear from someone who loves the machine in spite of its drawbacks. Someday maybe I'll find one under the Christmas tree or something.
Thank you. It is definitely a great machine. Once you have it, you might want to see this video as well:
czcams.com/video/nJJiXN31Kc8/video.html
Thank you so much for this great and sincere review, really enjoyed watching it. Up till now I was not sure if indeed I "need" a La Pavoni, however now I know for certain :) La Pavoni should hire you! Cheers!
Thank you very much. Since then, I also bought the Decent but I still use my La Pavoni every morning b4 the gym. And I still love it.
Thanks for the review, really nice to see a honest review with real pros and cons. Just so you know, they call it stainless steel because it won't rust after getting wet. Normal steel has to be cleaned and dried after each use or it gets rusty, it's not to do with whether it gets dirty or stains on it.
Thank you! Yeah I kind of know it is about not rusting rather than being stain free but still, it takes so much effort to clean I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t complain. Are you planning to buy La Pavoni yourself?
@@mycoffeeshow111 Yes, thinking about it. I'm tempted by the Flair 58 as well, but I drink milk drinks so having the steam wand is a good factor. The 51mm limitation is a concern, especially if their tamper doesn't fit, but I love how it looks, I imagine it feels great, and if it makes great coffee then I may go for it.
@@davids9552 I really like my La Pavoni, great look and awesome coffee. The included tamper was ok, much better than what they supply with cheaper versions but the Normcore force tamper is simply better. I was thinking about Flair but I am not sure how easy it is to make multiple shots on it. You can get separate milk steamer if you go for it.
@@mycoffeeshow111 Multiple shots on the Flair 58 should be easy, there's no pressure build up like La Pavoni, and you can just bang out the puck and start again. What separate milk steamer would you recommend? I haven't seen any that are actually good.
@@davids9552 I never had a need to look for a steamer myself but lots of people use Bellman CX. Let me know which espresso machine you went for.
Thanks for this review of the La Pavoni Esperto. Very, very helpful!
Thank you!
Hey, I got the same machine and quite heavily upgraded it. After few months of experimenting can share a couple of things:
I really like my LP Esperto Abile purchased end of 2023 and espressos it makes even though each shot is pretty much unique even though am super precise with repeating the same processes and making only one change at a time. At the same time am a bit disappointed with the brand because after making these for sooo many years LP don't bother with much needed improvements in critical areas such as group's temperature control and allowing it to overheat thus force users to think about upgrades. I have added a mod called Bong Isolator to avoid overheating but, while it's good for those pulling 2+ espressos, it has created another problem namely now it takes a lot more time to bring the group to correct temperature rage (92-96 degrees C) for pull my first shot. About 40-60 minutes brings the group to maximum 65 degrees C then 250-400ml of water needs to be purged on average to get to 95 degrees C and I use quality bottled so a bit waste of water - think twice whether you really need this upgrade or control overheating (LP should really prevent it in case someone forgets to turn the machine off). I also added AirBuster because my lever was way too spongy no matter what techniques I used to pull shots including lifting it up before attaching porta filter.
One other thing worth to mention - be careful with using cleaning products. I got a Puly Caff Baby Cleaner and Descaler Powder 1 package of 25 grams that's apparently made for the purpose of cleaning motor and boiler machines. After descaling it with it now my boiler is quite badly stained inside. I contacted an expert and he initially though it's because the boiler is made of brass but then said 2023 should be stainlessI. I kept taking many photos of the inside of the boiled in order to track how quickly the scale build up - it looked much better before the clean and now is stained or rusted inside (the stains are brown and yellow-ish colour). I have pre and post clean photos if anyone's interested.
I also had to buy a new tamper because the one that's included is only good to show off on a shelf so is the expensive eagle that would happily get rid off for a discounted price. Another cheap upgrade is a digital thermometer which is much better than the unresponsive temp sticker strip - this is LP's upgrade? I also replaced the OEM steam release valve with a B-Push steam valve (it's just a convenience whim), single hole steam tip with stainless long extended one and group's plastic sleeve jacket with a brass one (no more plastics!). Overall, spent about €530 on essential upgrades or more on tools / consumables so it's a pretty expensive machine in the end and now need to drink about 1000 espressos (about 3 years of one double each morning) to recover the money. However, this hobby and learning journey most importantly taste of real espresso is well worth it! Other espressos from fully automated home machines or even pro coffee shops now seem very dull and rather tasteless in comparison + any bad espresso can easily hide in milk. The next level will be sourcing single origin and roasting my own beans - any recommendations? :)
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. You are right, LP hasn’t really changed much for a long time and they could/should improve few things. As I noticed, those italian companies are very reluctant with making changes.
I recently sold my machine as I was not using it enough. Because each shot is slightly different I couldn’t use it for comparison videos. Still, I miss it a lot.
Nice video Jack... I am also dealing with elbow tendinitis and it's amazing how one little ligament can make your whole arm useless... Hopefully this week I get a shot and it goes away for a bit... best of luck my friend.
Thank you! It comes and goes. In a real life I am a sports therapist and every day I use my hands to treat my clients and sometimes my own body has enough. But I have to work to be able to get new coffee gadgets!
I like the look of it, old clunky, old fashioned and well made will last years, will definitely buy one.
You will enjoy it. Which machine do you have now?
@@mycoffeeshow111 I have a Gaggia classic been using it for 12 years makes lovely espresso and still works fine, will give it to my brother when I get my La Pavoni.
@@mrwarblunt let me know how you like La Pavoni vs Gaggia when you get it.
Thanks for the video Jack. To keep the group head temperature in check you can maybe install a bong isolator between the group head and the boiler. It doesn’t look pretty but it works really well in my experience with the Europiccola model.
Thank you. You are right but I am not a DIY person. What I would like to do though, is to bring the plunger a bit more up so I would have more water in the chamber.
Yes, I would also like more water for a longer shot. Is it possible? The bong isolator is actually quite easy to install, you just unscrew the two bolts at the group, place it in (it’s just a bit of plastic which separates the metals) and tighten them up again.
@@timmyjackson3115 I have seen some videos where they did adjust the plunger up but I am hesitant to try that myself.
Drip tray definitely seems nicer than the one on the La Pavoni Europiccola, it slides around like the plastic bottom part isn't really designed to sit in the machine. I got magnets in mine so it feels a little more stable.
This one can slide a little bit but so far it hasn’t been a problem.
Great review! Thanks!👍
Thank you for watching!
nice machine,the look is very unique. The only thing I don't like is the eagle at the top, but that can be removed without losing any function
Thanks. The eagle as you said is not paramount. You can even sell for good few pounds. Having said that, it helps to keep the downward pressure when pulling the shot.
Really appreciate your videos Jack! Thanks. I have a Picopresso but was looking into getting a cafelat robot- have you ever used it? Would love to hear your thoughts....
I am between the robot and the flair...
Thank you for watching. Never had Robot but heard many good things about it. At some point I had Flair Pro 2 and some of the shots were mind blowing. I still have Picopresso - will take it for holidays and record something about it.
Hey Jack, try doing the Fellini move and moving the handle back up for a second pull. I'm able to get 20 to 21 grams in and around 60 grams out. I'm not always able to get that much but I'm at least able to get 40 out.
Thank you for advice. Some say that second pull shouldn’t be done. I do mini fellini and sometimes it helps.
@@mycoffeeshow111 fair enough. I've had pretty good results from doing it. Oh and if you want to increase the group head temperature. Try moving the lever up and down multiple times. Don't go all the way to the top and not all the way to the bottom but just in between its range.
Thanks for the review! Would you say this machine pulls a BETTER shot than the standard LaPavoni Professional or the Stradavari?
Thx for watching! I wouldn’t say that. It just makes your shots more consistent and comes with better accessories.
Kinda wish I went with the Esperto Abile, but I had a fantastic deal on a Professional, sub 1k$ CAD (worth a little bit over 1.2k$). Upgraded it with IMS everything. Will get wood handles some day. No real interest in the eagle, especially after your comments. Not sure about the group head pressure gage. You are so right saying it's hard to pull a bad shot!
La Pavoni are great. If you are happy with your shots you might not need pressure gauge but it helps to be consistent and also to try different pressure profiles. Anyway, enjoy your machine!
@@mycoffeeshow111 yes, getting up to play with my LP every morning is a real joy! Love your videos, keep the good work Jack!
@@yandeslongchamps thank you for watching!
Now I want one 😅
Are you not happy with your Piccolo?
16:00 😂
😜 wow you watched for that long? According to my statistics people hardly ever go over 5min
When you said you burn yourself several times...i was wondering if you have scary sharp knives? Lol
Mine are hand forged Japanese, so...cut to the bone, sharp! Lol
Im receiving La Pavoni Abile today!
Congratulations!
I still have a scar visible after my last accident. I also have a set of sharp knives but mine are Chinese so possibly not as sharp.
Have a look at this video if you haven’t already: czcams.com/video/dC4ZGRKSgQg/video.html
Hi Jack!!! Nice video, I am thinking to buy one this model La Pavoni machine but i am not sure whether to buy La Pavoni or Lelit Bianca, watching this video my fear about the issue of over heating this machine because i have 2 kids at home. Which do you recommend? Thanks
Hi, La Pavoni definitely not kids friendly but much smaller than Bianca so you can put it where they can’t reach. It is a bit more tricky to find space for dual boiler. Apart from that, La Pavoni can be ready in 5-10 min , Bianca in half an hour. And there is maintenance- La Pavonis can outlast most dual boilers. Bianca will offer you more flexibility in terms of shots you can pull. You need some physical strength to pull multiple shots on La Pavoni. And so on. Let me know which one you choose
@@mycoffeeshow111 Hi, to be honest as you said, La Pavoni is not only about beauty and tradition but its something else about feeling, the first time i heard about La Pavoni was Watching a movie called The Talented Mr Ripley, this has been a long time ago. I had a Barista Express which i didnt like, now i have a Flair Espresso Pro i really enjoy it. I have my coffe bar in my living room and i really afraid about overheating this machine where my kids stay most of the time. For you in terms of espresso, which one pull the best shot? Thanks again
@@vivianefumero2991 looks like you already decided ;). Forget about the kids, my son only touched it once and he will remember the lesson.
I remember La Pavoni from one of the old James Bond movies.
Ideally I would recommend to have both semiautomatic and La Pavoni.
I have one video about that. In short I really like shots from La Pavoni
czcams.com/video/IBg6EJ_sjhs/video.html
Hi Jack, thank you for this review, it's so helpful, everything you dislike and like it's math to me. I really don't like the temperature sticker. Have you tried a coarser grinder setting to get more coffee out? Feel the triple basket a bit useless if it cannot make at least 1:1.5..
Thank you for watching! I am planning to do a video comparing 15 and 20g baskets. Grinding coarser for turbo shots could be a good idea but otherwise I like those long slow shots that take minute or so to fully develop interesting tasting notes.
Thanks for the review! Hopefully i get one tomorrow 2022 for 700€ along with a La pavoni coffee grinder for 350€!
Thank you for watching. Congratulations! I didn’t know La Pavoni makes grinders as well. Let me know how you like them
@@mycoffeeshow111 I didn’t either. Not too much research but its called:
La Pavoni Cilindro LPGGRI01EU
Both of them for 1050€ total should be a bargain :)
@@Johanlob1 the price is really really good. I will have to check that grinder.
@@mycoffeeshow111 had to open the grinder up, the model came this year and it has a eureka logo on the grinder plates. Im having issues with the pressure currently when pouring the shot. The lever just gives in and doesnt provide resistance. Im using both the 20g and the 16g volume cup
@@Johanlob1 hi, the first thing I would do is to grind finer until you feel resistance when pulling a shot.
I miss your long clips, full of details and without visual effects. Do you still have this espresso machine? Maybe you still have time to test your new grinds with him.
Thank you. The problem with those long videos is that I can see the detailed numbers and average viewer only watched like first 3min.
I put La Pavoni on EBay but nobody wants it.
It is a great machine to have but not for the comparison videos as there are always some volumetric differences shot to shot, even with the same grinder.
@@mycoffeeshow111
I understand you perfectly. There is an extremely small group of enthusiasts who appreciate such products. Most viewers just want the bottom line "which is better?" not the back story.
Hi could you please tell me how long can i make one coffee after another, how long do i need to wait? Thanks
Sure. Well I don’t measure it with stop watch but after I pull the shot I leave portafilter in the group head because it is under pressure. Then I steam milk. When small cup of milk is ready, you can usually pull another shot. If I am desperate, I can slowly remove the portafilter after let’s say 30sec but do it too fast and you end up with a big mess.
Regards
Great video!
Thank you for watching!
Thanks for the review Jack! I recently got my Esperto and although I like the machine a lot, I too think the lever fork is poor. Mine has lots of play and has started to wear the chrome finish off the right side of the group head. You mention some scratches in your review; how bad is the rubbing on your machine?
Hi, thx for watching. Yeah, the chrome around where the chrome is connected came off, but there is a hard metal underneath so I don’t worry that much. I tightened up the screw a bit and every now and then apply some lubricant there. I would also recommend to consider using teak oil to protect the wooden parts.
Enjoy your coffee!
@@mycoffeeshow111 thanks for the fast reply Jack! At least it’s not just my machine then! I’ll be working with my engineering friend to find an improved solution to fork play. I’ll keep you posted. Keep up the great video content on ‘my coffee show’!
@@reubenhumphreys6039 Thx. Some viewers mentioned teflon bits attached to the sides to eliminate friction.
Bellissimo! Great information, you're pushing me to commit and get one Can you tell me, what is the inside of the boiler material? Is is copper or stainless steel?
Hi, thank you. It is a great machine- you will have lots of fun with it.
Well, I can’t be 100% sure but I checked description and it says the boiler and the group head are nickel plated solid brass. Definitely lots of stainless steel but I don’t think there is any copper in this model.
@@mycoffeeshow111 ok, even the inside of the boiler?
@@luigiporpora8322 inside to me it looks like steel but I don’t want to scratch it to check what is underneath.
@@mycoffeeshow111 ok, thanks again!
Thank you for the review! I have a question, I heard there are some things you can do to get more pressure in the group head (to get to 9 bar). Do you know of this? Or what do you do to get a shot with 9 bar?
Thank you for watching. I am sure there are some tricks to increase the pressure in the boiler but I am happy as it is. As long as the grind settings are correct I have no problem getting to 9-10bar. You can try to grind finer. In the description I put a link for La Pavoni group on FB where you can find all the answers.
@@mycoffeeshow111 Thank you for responding! I will join the FB group! Thank you so much! :)
Hey Jack - How long did it take you to pull consistently very good (not perfect) shots? I’m interested in buying a La Pavoni and I don’t mind a learning curve but I hear stories of people that struggle to pull consistently good shots for months after buying. I’ve owned a semi-auto machine before but I have no other espresso machine at the moment, so whatever I buy will be my daily driver.
Hi, I would say a week of trials and errors b4 you will be confident in using it or 7 days with some help from my videos 😛.
Nylon or brass shims on the fork
Originally it is mostly brass but nylon or teflon would make sense.
Out of curiosity, Jack, did you consider any lever machines other than La Pavoni? If so, how did you make your choice?
Well, I always wanted La Pavoni. I saw this model during London Coffee Festival in 2021 and I knew I want it. Since then I also got Flair Pro 2
@@mycoffeeshow111 OK, thank you. I've been using a Flair (1st model. Classic?) and really enjoy it. That's why I'm getting interested in lever machines.
@@rsnidjik lever machines can produce some of the best tasting espressos.
Have you seen the video I uploaded today?
czcams.com/video/pY_B-HMGt7Q/video.html
Can releasing the steam...and therefore the pressure, be done?
Not that easy.
@@mycoffeeshow111 Ahh, my friend, yes releasing pressure by releasing the steam does work quickly!
@@dammitman1664 thx for the info!
What mirror do you use to watch the flow out of the naked portafilter?
To be honest I am not sure where it was bought. I stole it from my wife and we constantly fight over it. When I record videos I can see everything from IPhone camera on my TV.
Where is a good place to find information on maintenance for these? I don't want my $2000 investment ruined by something stupid like not using the correct water
Well, it is a robust machine but obviously you need to take care of it. The best place to ask would be La Pavoni group on FB. I put a link in the description.
What happened to the first one?
To my first espresso machine? UPS destroyed it and then lost it.
Remove the eagle when using!
Eagle will stay there forever. Although it should really be a peacock instead.