La Pavoni Professional Espresso Coffee Machine pre millennium 1991-1993

La Pavoni Professional Espresso Lever Coffee Machine - pre millennium, made between 1991 & 1993. This is a 30 year old La Pavoni Professional, but based on the condition of the portafilter I would suggest that use has been very minimally before I had it, and if the average (before I had a play with it) was more than once for every year it has graced this earth I would be surprised. All of the grouphead gaskets/seals have been replaced inside the last month. The boiler has been descaled and as you can see from the shot inside the element is clean as a new pin.

It has the smaller M10 bolt in the portafilter handle (which is smaller than the newer machines with an M12) and it has the older style lever handle. It also has the the brass threads on the boiler cap.

As you can see (if you have studdied the last 2 photos, which you should) the area under the drip tray has some small pit marks in the chrome. Sadly it had been allowed to sit damp by previous owners and a small amount of rust had developed. I considered treating and coating the area under the drip tray, but the machine is so clean and the area so small I thought that this would be sacrilege.

Just keep the area under the drip tray dry on these and you won't suffer rust. Take a lazy lackadaisical approach to machine hygiene and let water sit underneath the drip tray and don't be surprised with the results. The machine is currently fully operational and working well, (see coffee brewed on the 19th Sept 2021 in the pictures), however the old maxim is as true here as anywhere else. You get out only what you put in.

Use freshly ground, quality beans, finely ground to the correct grade in a burr grinder. Allow the machine to heat up properly and pull the shot with the right pressure, you will get a good result. Scrimp on part of the process and results will vary.

Change the seals when needed (not for a while tho they have just been done). Please ensure you know what is involved with making a coffee with a lever machine. Watch'Live and Let Die' if you want to see how not to make a coffee!

Most importantly there is a safety valve on the top of the boiler next to the boiler cap and the steam wand. Steam will exit the boiler through this from time to time. This doesn't mean it is broken it just means it is venting pressure.

This is for your safety!! (If it sticks which it will at some point there are YouTube videos that will demonstrate how to resolve with the use of a wooden spoon). One final note, as I have said hopefully you have researched the operation of these little machines but 2 points of caution. The boiler gets hot, very hot.

Ensure that you don't touch it, and if you have kids keep them away! If you like your kitchen free from coffee grounds don't ever remove the portafilter straight after pulling a shot, ever, ever! Give it a minute, it will still be at pressure and if you remove, you will get covered in coffee grounds, as will your kitchen. Double 14g basket (I use 12g tho).

Grouphead brush (use this on the grouphead often). Not included is the shot glass. This is used to demonstrate operational nature of the machine and is not included in the sale, nor is the coffee (this was drunk). Please don't expect them to be in the box.

Fully insured (hence the cost). The item "La Pavoni Professional Espresso Coffee Machine pre millennium 1991-1993" is in sale since Sunday, September 19, 2021. This item is in the category "Home, Furniture & DIY\Appliances\Coffee, Tea & Espresso Makers\Espresso & Cappuccino Machines". The seller is "marshar5835" and is located in London.

This item can be shipped to United Kingdom.

• Number of Cups: 16
• Water Tank Capacity: 1.6l
• Power Source: Wall Plug-In
• Coffee Type: Ground Coffee
• Material: Chrome
• Item Depth: 29cms
• Heat up Time: 5 mins
• Bar Pressure: 0.7 - 0.8 atm
• Colour: chrome
• Brand: La Pavoni
• Type: Espresso Machine
• Item Height: 32cms
• Voltage: 230 V
• Model: Professional
• Type of Coffee Made: Cappuccino
• Features: Portafilter
• Bean Capacity: n/a
• Country/Region of Manufacture: Italy
• Components Included: Coffee Filters
• Item Width: 20cms
• Item Weight: 5 kg
• Power: 1000 W