Note to self: NEVER throw an appliance away before checking eBay. When my last la Pavoni PC-16 literally blew a gasket after 20 years of heavy use, I tossed it. Who knew it would be very easy to find someone to fix it on eBay? Anyway, I needed another machine. New ones average more than $800 at discount, so checked on eBay and found this one for roughly half that. The PC-16 is durable and aesthetically pleasing. It will fairly quickly heat enough water for 16 shots of espresso (PC-16 ....duh). The steam 'thingie' quickly foams milk, although there is a bit of technique involved. The sight glass lets you know when your water level is getting low and it's time to bleed off the steam and refill the boiler. WARNING: the boiler gets hot (another duh!) so be careful when refilling. The pressure gauge lets you know when you're ready to start brewing. My PC-16 has a chrome finish which is very easy to maintain; the brass finish ones do tarnish. The machine does require some minimal maintenance; ever noticed how the barristas at Starbucks wipe the steam thingie down after every cup of steamed milk? It will eventually clog if not cleaned regularly. Of course you do have to reload the coffee grounds after every two shots of espresso. Suggestion: I prefer Kimbo coffee from Italy; it's easy to find on the internet (we used to have to beg Italian friends to ship it over for us). I find it easier to foam 2% or nonfat milk. But I'm no expert. Final notes: the only thing easier than using your la Pavoni PC-16 is going to Starbucks, but who wants to drive to Starbucks in your bathrobe for the wake-up espresso? The Starbucks "experience" will be recreated in your home when you fire up your PC-16 at your next dinner party. FINAL WARNING: when you do fire it up at a dinner party, be prepared to have somebody working full-time making capuccino! Maybe you could hire an off-duty cutie Starbucks barrista?Read full review
I won't waste words here, this is a product where you get what you pay for from the manufacturer. If you want the smoothest espresso from a low maintenance, timeless espresso machine, this is the machine for the job. Its not a convenient breville or cuisinart or any other bed bath and beyond/williams sonoma 'pro-mercial' machine that will burn out after 4 or five years of use. With practice and patience, this will deliver the smoothest espresso pours for years and years. The design has been in production since the 1960's and parts are in abundance online. I would classify this as the AK47 of espresso machines. Even Frankenstein machines with parts salvaged from half a dozen different machines and time periods still seem to work just fine amazingly. You can't go wrong with one of these if you know what your doing. If you just want a random espresso on the weekends and don't want a lot of hassle, I wouldn't get one of these. There is a learning curve with these machines. Watch some youtube videos and learn the methods before purchase.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Hands down, best manual espresso machine and a beautiful work of art. Don't let the simplicity of the machine intimidate or fool you, this is one easy machine to use and you will never spend $$$$ at the local $t@r&ucks or coffee shop for an espresso or cappuccino. Maintenance is super easy also and this thing should last for years. Buy a used one first to test out your skills and step up to a new one if you want to spend the extra $$$. Make sure you use good espresso grinds tho.
Totally manual machine. Can make great coffee. Making coffee with it is a production but the results are satisfying when you get it right. Not for anyone wanting to get a cup and run.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
You will also need a quality tamp, a good burr grinder, and a single hole steam tip to fully enjoy this machine.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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