La Pavoni Professional PBB-16 Espresso Machine Review
La Pavoni has a rich history dating back to 1902 when Desiderio Pavoni’s invention of the first espresso machine for bar was patented. Since then, La Pavoni has rolled out several machines that are so well made major changes haven’t taken place since the mid-1970s. The La Pavoni Professional rolled out in 1974.
Price: $829 $1059
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La Pavoni Professional PBB-16 Espresso Machine Review
If you’re like me, you enjoy an authentic Italian espresso. It’s not always easy to come by without taking a trip to Venice or visiting fine restaurants and coffee bars. The Professional gives you the opportunity to pull excellent espresso shots right in your own kitchen. We’ve provided the following review that highlights the features of this fine machine, along with consumer reviews.
Design
If something’s not broken, don’t fix it. That’s pretty much the story with so many of La Pavoni’s machines, and the Professional is no exception. The design is exquisite — both in style and the way that it works.
On the outside, the machine is decked out in chrome and sits on a black painted base — this is not the same for all Professional models, however, as some are decked out in different outer materials. The chrome is highlighted by black accents on the handles and knobs.
The lever is a strong presence on the machine as it sticks out over the spigots quite far. It doesn’t take away from the style, however, but adds to it in a way. There is a double spigot.
Technology
You control the espresso you’re making and even act as the pump as this a manual machine. You simply lift the lever to load the steam pressure then slowly lower the lever to pull your shot.
Inside the machine is a large, nickel-plated, solid brass 38 oz. boiler that will allow you to pull up to 16 2 oz. shots of espresso. You also have the choice of either a manual wand or automatic frothing adapter to steam your milk should you want a latte or cappuccino instead of an espresso.
The double spigot allows you to either make one or two shots at a time. The machine comes with single and double filter baskets, a measuring scoop and instructional DVD.
Features and Specs
- Large 38 oz, nickel-plated, solid brass boiler allows you to pull up to 16 consecutive shots if you wanted to
- Dual frothing system lets you choose how to apply your milk to your favorite milk-based coffee drinks
- Internal Thermostat lets you easily monitor the temperature of the machine
- Mounted pressure gauge lets you see the actual pressure you’re applying during the process
- Varying brewing capacity allows you to make either one or two cups at a time
- Single and double filter baskets come included
- Measuring scoop for getting the ideal amount of grounds for your desired flavor
- Measures 11 x 7 x 12 inches
- Weighs 14 lbs.
Want to read more customer reviews?
La Pavoni Professional PBB-16 Espresso Machine Reviews
Unlike many machines, the La Pavoni Professional scored an amazing, almost-perfect 4.8 out of 5 stars. All the reviews on Amazon were 5-star reviews except one — it was a 3 out of 5. The one semi-negative review was regarding the machine being so manual and the amount of work involved in pulling the perfect shot. One reviewer had had the machine for 12 years and pulled approximately 17,500 shots and it was still working like a “charm.”
What users are saying about the La Pavoni Professional Espresso Machine:
“It makes the best espresso I have ever tasted… We are coffee snobs (roast our own beans even!) and this machine is perfection.”
“I have owned this machine (8-cup) for over ten years and everyday when I make my morning cappuccino I love it more.”
“The flavor of the espresso it makes is exquisite, and the milk frothing is fast and perfect every time.”
actual customer reviews from Amazon.