La Pavoni PC-16 Professional Espresso Machine, Chrome

by La Pavoni

Product Features

• Professional-style machine
• Attractive chrome base
• Great steaming mechanism for cappuccinos
• Comes with detailed instructions and an instructional video
• Made in Italy

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16.1 x 14.6 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004S9GH
• Item model number: PC-16
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #70,492 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Perhaps it's not surprising that an Italian company such as La Pavoni takes its espresso and cappuccino very seriously. The detailed manual and video that come with this professional-style machine spare no small detail while guiding you through the espresso and cappuccino process. With proper equipment, La Pavoni argues, including very fine grounds and a state-of-the art machine, an espresso or cappuccino can be a work of art. Because cafe prices are rising and an improperly made espresso is indistinguishable from mud, it's worth investing the time and equipment required for a rich and truly satisfying espresso experience. For me, one thing that separates a barista-style cappuccino from many homemade efforts is the quality of the foam. The Europiccola produces foam with just right amount of frothiness, although the foam can also be controlled if you prefer less enthusiastic frothing. For top-quality cappuccinos, the machine should be descaled four or five times a year (descaling instructions are included). Made of gleaming chrome, this strikingly attractive machine should not be cleaned with abrasives. --Laura Cuthbert

Editor's note: This item may arrive with water inside from the manufacturer's pressure test. This is a normal occurrence and doesn't point to a problem with the machine.

Product Description

The la Pavoni Professional is a lever-pull espresso machine with a 38-ounce boiler capacity that makes sixteen 2-ounce cups of espresso - make one or two cups at a time. An internal thermostat controls the pressure. The unit also features a mounted pressure gauge, a dual frothing cappuccino system and a re-set fuse in case of overheating. Nickel-plated with solid brass boilers. Comes with an instructional video. About la Pavoni: Since 1905, craftsman have built each la Pavoni machine by hand using only the finest materials. Superbly polished chrome or brass finishes accent the highly efficient design. la Pavoni has set the standard for quality and style - stylish espresso machines found only in Old World cafes and now in your home or office. Each machine is designed to last for years..

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A machine for perfectionists!, February 8, 2008

By 

Claire Jordan "Filmmaker - "The Baroness ... (New Orleans, LA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

I have owned this machine (8-cup) for over ten years and everyday when I make my morning cappuccino I love it more. You can spend more for a machine that measures the coffee, tamps it, pulls the water through and steams the milk for you, but you can tip the kids behind the counter at Starbucks and they'll do the same thing. Making espresso should be a little art and a little science and this machine an impeccable balance of the two. If you aren't the kind of person who takes joy in mixing the perfect martini, making a risotto that whispers with flavor, or whipping a meringue to impossibly tall peaks, this probably isn't the machine for you.

The La Pavoni is for the person who will find tremendous joy in going to the lengths required to make a perfect cappuccino by hand everyday. (And don't bother using anything less than Illy Cafe coffee in it.)

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Could be a great machine, July 11, 2006

By 

C. D. Turner "c turner" (Brussels) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: La Pavoni PC-16 Professional Espresso Machine, Chrome (Kitchen)

I have had this machine for a number of years, the upside is great coffee, downside are:

1. Finish poor, rust soon appears in the crome, the only saving grace is that it is mostly occurs under the drip tray out of sight.

2. It is too easy even after bleeding the pressure, to pop one of the seals when changing the coffee.

3. Descaling can be a real pain.

In short, when it works, great, but this isn't a low maintance product, a bit like old Italian sports cars

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 28 years of service from my La Pavoni Professionale, January 16, 2011

By 

Douglas Almquist - See all my reviews

This review is from: La Pavoni PC-16 Professional Espresso Machine, Chrome (Kitchen)

I bought my La Pavoni in the summer of 1983 after high school. It was heavily used during college (especially finals week) and has made me superb espresso continually. This morning I made a spiced chai using it. I've been amazed with the quality of the unit. I unfortunately bought a model that had a brass and copper film that looked spectacular for about 8 months then began to peel off. It's now not terribly attractive but still pumps out amazing Java.

I estimate I've saved over $25,000 on espresso drinks while maintaining a level of quality beyond what one can get at Starbucks and similar cafes. Being from Seattle, there are now (finally) cafes and baristas locally that are passionate (neurotic) about making excellent espresso and I can't really match them, but to say the least, I'm very happy with my Pavoni.