What are some of the classic coffee machines?
Machines that have stood the test of time... simple & easy to use, designed with the aim
of producing great coffee?
Olympia Express Cremina:
Manual Lever Operation: Like other classic lever espresso machines, the Olympia Cremina is manually operated using a lever mechanism. This gives the user precise control over the pressure and duration of the espresso extraction process, allowing for the creation of a personalized and high-quality espresso shot.
Timeless Design: The Cremina boasts a timeless and elegant design that has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in the 1960s. Its polished stainless steel exterior, sleek lines, and compact footprint contribute to its aesthetic appeal, making it a standout addition to any kitchen or coffee bar. It's gathered over the years something of a cult following.
The company behind this masterpiece was founded in Switzerland in 1928 and initially focused on manufacturing commercial espresso machines. However, in 1961, they ventured into the domestic market with their first Cremina, which was essentially a rebranded La Pavoni lever machine. In 1967 they built a brand new lever machine. Many of these original 1967 lever machines are still in use today.
Build Quality: Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and using high-quality materials, the Olympia Cremina is built to last. Its robust construction ensures longevity and reliability, with many units remaining in service for decades with proper maintenance. It's also expensive.
Consistency: Despite its manual operation, the Olympia Cremina is capable of producing consistently excellent espresso shots once the user has mastered the technique.
Lever machines work using the force generated by the user pushing down on the lever, forcing water through the portafilter. When you first lift the lever, water flows from the boiler into the group head.
It's driven by the steam pressure coming from the boiler. You do this 1st step as part of the pre-infusion process. Keep in mind that the water when it leaves the boiler is 115 degrees C. This is too hot to brew coffee. It's temp should drop to around 80 to 85 degrees C. This is achieved by the group head design which acts as a heatsink. You need to practice how to control the temp. For example, you can increase the group head temp by lifting the lever and letting some boiling water through the head.
Heritage: The Olympia Cremina has a rich heritage and is considered a collector's item by many espresso aficionados. Its reputation for craftsmanship and performance has stood the test of time, cementing its status as one of the most iconic espresso machines ever produced.
La Pavoni Europiccola:
This is an iconic lever espresso machine known for its durability and classic design. Designed in 1961, the Europiccola mirrors a part of Italian design history. There is a Europiccola on display in the New York Museum of Modern Art as a design piece.
La Pavoni was founded in 1905 by Desiderio Pavoni in a little workshop in Milan.
Pavoni created the first ‘bar coffee machine’ in 1905. This unintentionally was responsible for the creation of the word ‘espresso’ due to the rate at which the machine was able to produce coffee – 150 cups of coffee per hour!
This little machine has been a fixture in homes and coffee shops since its introduction in the 1950s.
Design: The Europiccola is renowned for its iconic and elegant design. It features a polished chrome or stainless steel exterior, a classic lever-operated brewing mechanism, and vintage-inspired accents. Its timeless aesthetic has contributed to its enduring popularity among espresso enthusiasts.
Lever Operation: Like other lever espresso machines, the Europiccola is manually operated using a lever mechanism. This allows the user to control the pressure and duration of the espresso extraction process, resulting in a customizable and authentic espresso experience. Lever machines require a certain level of skill and technique to operate effectively, but many users appreciate the hands-on approach and the ability to fine-tune their espresso shots. There is a big learning curve (there are much easier machines to use).
Build Quality: La Pavoni is known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, and the Europiccola is no exception. It is built with high-quality materials, including brass and stainless steel components, ensuring durability and longevity with proper maintenance. The Europiccola's robust construction contributes to its reliability and consistent performance over time.
Versatility: The Europiccola is aimed primarily for espresso (though the manual claims other espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes). It's really designed to brew at a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio. With its standard steam wand, users can froth milk though is trickt to create creamy and velvety microfoam.
There are mods you can buy that claim to improve this.
Don't leave the machine on all day. The group head has a tendency to over heat.
Don't fill it with too much water (keep an eye on the water gauge).
The Europiccoloa featured in the 1973 James Bond film "live and let die"
In 2000, the Europiccola and Professionale grouphead was redesigned; these are called Millennium Models. Earlier versions are referred to as PRE-Millennium. If you're not sure which version you have, you can measure the exterior of your grouphead piston cylinder.
The PRE-Millennium is 50mm; Millennium is 60mm.
In practical terms this means that you will use different portafilter & tamper sizes for either machine.
The pre 2000 uses a two ear 49mm portafilter.
The post 2000 uses a two ear 51mm portafilter
Note that the official post 2000 metal tamper made by La Pavoni is 51.5mm
By 1974 technology had advanced & the first Euopiccola professional was introduced –
Design: The Elektra Microcasa a Leva is celebrated for its unique and elegant design, featuring a combination of polished chrome, brass, and copper accents. Its retro-inspired aesthetic pays homage to classic espresso machines while incorporating modern elements. The machine typically has a compact footprint, making it suitable for home use or smaller coffee bars. It's about 19 inches tall, 11 inches wide, & 10 inches deep.
The Gaggia Classic is another iconic semi-automatic espresso machine that has been a staple in home espresso setups for decades. Produced by Gaggia, an Italian manufacturer with a rich history in the coffee industry, the Gaggia Classic is celebrated for its simplicity, reliability, and the ability to produce high-quality espresso shots. Here's an overview of the Gaggia Classic:
The La Marzocco Linea Mini is a high-end espresso machine designed for home use, manufactured by La Marzocco, a renowned Italian espresso machine manufacturer. It's a smaller and more compact version of La Marzocco's commercial Linea Classic, retaining many of the same features and build quality. Here's an overview of the La Marzocco Linea Mini:
La Pavoni Professional:
By 1974 technology had advanced & the first Euopiccola professional was introduced –
Similar to the Europiccola, the Professional is another well-known lever espresso machine from La Pavoni, offering traditional espresso-making experience.
While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of design, features, and performance. Here's a comparison between the two:
Design:
The Professional features a larger and more substantial design compared to the Europiccola. It typically has a larger base and a taller profile, giving it a more imposing presence on the countertop.
With a larger 16-cup boiler it was also equipped with a pressure gauge.
The Europiccola in comparison has a more compact and streamlined design compared to the Professional. It typically has a smaller base and a shorter profile, making it a better fit for smaller kitchens or spaces. The Europiccola may have more vintage-inspired accents and details, contributing to its classic and timeless aesthetic.
Capacity:
The Professional generally has a larger boiler capacity compared to the Europiccola, allowing it to produce more espresso shots or steam more milk at once. This can be advantageous for users who need to make multiple drinks consecutively or for larger gatherings.
The Europiccola in comparison typically has a smaller boiler capacity compared to the Professional, making it more suitable for individual use or smaller households. While it may not be as well-suited for high-volume espresso production, it still offers plenty of capacity for brewing single or double shots of espresso.
The Professional has a pressure gauge & a larger steam wand for frothing milk. These features can provide users with more control and visibility over the brewing process, as well as enhanced steam performance for milk-based drinks.
The Europiccola may have a more minimalist design with fewer bells and whistles compared to the Professional. However, it still offers all the essential features needed for making espresso, including a lever-operated brewing mechanism and a steam wand for frothing milk.
The La Pavoni Professional typically commands a higher price compared to the Europiccola due to its larger size, additional features, and higher capacity.
In summary, the choice between the La Pavoni Professional and the Europiccola depends on individual preferences, budget, and specific needs. The Professional may be preferred by users who value larger capacity, additional features, and a more modern design, while the Europiccola may appeal to those who prefer a compact, classic design and don't require as much capacity or additional features. Both machines offer exceptional build quality, manual lever operation, and the ability to produce high-quality espresso shots.
Elektra Microcasa a Leva:
Elektra was founded in 1947 by Umberto Fregnan in Treviso, and is still owned by his family.
The Elektra Microcasa a Leva was born in the early 80s. The design remained essentially the same over the years, except for some minor cosmetic details, was and still is produced in only 3 versions: copper and brass (S1), chrome and brass (S1CO), chromium (S1C).
Design: The Elektra Microcasa a Leva is celebrated for its unique and elegant design, featuring a combination of polished chrome, brass, and copper accents. Its retro-inspired aesthetic pays homage to classic espresso machines while incorporating modern elements. The machine typically has a compact footprint, making it suitable for home use or smaller coffee bars. It's about 19 inches tall, 11 inches wide, & 10 inches deep.
The portafilter is 49mm.
Use about 14-16g in the double filter basket.
It takes about 12 min (with a heating flush) to
30 mins (without a heating flush) to heat up.
The brass boiler holds 1.8L of water.
Lever Operation: Like other lever espresso machines, the Microcasa a Leva is manually operated using a lever mechanism. This allows the user to control the pressure and duration of the espresso extraction process, resulting in a customizable and authentic espresso experience. Make sure you fully lock in the portafilter. Beginners may want to keep a hand on it after releasing the lever to prevent the portafilter from accidentally turning out.
Startup doesn't require purging air from the steam boiler (unlike the La Pavoni) because a vacuum breaker releases that during warm-up. Built for home use, the Microcasa uses standard household current and cannot be plumbed in.
This lever machine is purely analog and you'll need to experiment with "temperature surfing".
This is done by flushing boiler water through the group to heat it for lighter roasts or toggling off power to achieve lower temperatures for darker roasts.
Another way to lower the temp is to lock in a cooler portafilter.
Use a sticker thermostat to monitor the temp.
The Elektra is a spring lever, meaning that when you pull the lever down, it compresses a spring and the group fills with water. As the lever goes up, the pressure is then applied to the coffee puck, and you can control the infusion by preventing the lever going up and so on.
The Pavoni is the opposite: It is a direct lever. That means that you have to put the lever up to fill the group with water, and then apply pressure by pushing the lever down on the coffee. You can control the infusion by stopping pressing the lever down or apply more or less force.
The lever on the pavoni rests in the down position. On the Elektra, on the up position.
Lever machines require a certain level of skill and technique to operate effectively, but many users appreciate the hands-on approach and the ability to fine-tune their espresso shots.
Steam Wand: The Elektra Microcasa a Leva typically features a powerful steam wand for frothing milk, allowing users to create creamy and velvety microfoam for specialty coffee beverages such as cappuccinos and lattes. The steam wand is controlled manually, giving users control over the texture and temperature of the milk.
The Microcasa's maximum brew pressure (about 8 bars) is limited by the power of its spring. It has a slowly declining pressure profile (starts with 8 bars of pressure that declines linearly). You'll get a lighter body espresso in comparison to a fully manual lever machine such as the Olympia Cremina or La Pavoni Europiccola, which can deliver higher brew pressures by pushing the lever harder. A springed lever is however more consistent than a manual one because it eliminates pressure profile variability which will inevitablly occur when a human has complete control.
You control the preinfusion by holding down the lever to a count or watching for droplets to appear in the cup. I dont usually tamp hard. I think even distribution is more impt. I like my shot to run about 25 seconds.... though the exact timing is less crucial in a lever machine because its declining pressure profile helps prevent overextraction. Experiment with the grind size.
If you want a larger shot load the double filter basket to the max & re-cock the lever half way through its travel and release it again (the so-called "Fellini Move").
Rancilio Silvia:
The Rancilio Silvia is a legendary semi-automatic espresso machine renowned for its durability, performance, and reliability. Produced by Rancilio, an Italian manufacturer with a long history in the coffee industry (founded in 1927). The Silvia has been a staple in home espresso setups and small cafes since its introduction. The model is now in its 6th version. The first Silva was introduced in 1997.
The aesthetic is rather boxy, industrial and minimal polished steel.
The machine only measures 9.2” x 11.4” x 13.3,”
The model differences are slight as the designs have evolved gradually.
So if you want to know which model yours is, its best to check the year of manufacture.
Early Generation Rancilio Silvia v1 (1997 to 2005)
Rancilio Silvia v2 (2006)
Rancilio Silvia v3 (2009)
Rancilio Silvia v4 (2014)
Rancilio Silvia v5 / Silvia M / Silvia E (2016)
Rancilio Silvia v6 (2020)
It's built like a tank, with a robust stainless steel exterior and high-quality internal components. It's designed to withstand years of heavy use, making it a long-lasting investment for espresso enthusiasts. The attention to detail and craftsmanship are evident in every aspect of the machine's construction. It's a classic design
but a "harsh mistress". It takes skill to use properly.
Brewing Capability: The Silvia is a semi-automatic espresso machine, meaning it requires manual operation for both brewing and steaming. It features a single boiler system with a large brass boiler that provides ample heat stability for consistent espresso extraction.
The boiler takes 10 or so mins to heat up. The machine is equipped with a professional-grade portafilter and group head, allowing users to achieve optimal extraction and crema production.
Temperature Control: One of the standout features of the Rancilio Silvia is its excellent temperature stability. It comes with a commercial-grade brass boiler and a precise thermostat, ensuring that the water temperature remains consistent throughout the brewing process. This consistency is essential for producing high-quality espresso shots with balanced flavor profiles.
Steam Wand: The Silvia is equipped with a commercial-style steam wand for frothing milk. It offers excellent steam power and maneuverability, allowing users to create velvety microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes with ease. The steam wand is controlled manually, giving users full control over the frothing process.
There are no complicated electronics to be found here. You’ve simply got knobs, levers, switches, and two indicator lights that tell you whether the power’s on, and the state of the boiler. The Silvia requires some skill and practice to master. Pulling a decent shot takes practice, because you’ve got to “temperature surf.” Without the PID retrofit, the Rancilio Silvia has no brew thermostat, so you don’t have a good way to tell what temperature your shot will be when it hits your cup. The only way around that is to simply practice with it until you get to know the equipment.
Modifiability: The Rancilio Silvia is highly modifiable, with a vibrant community of enthusiasts who have developed various aftermarket parts and modifications to enhance its performance further. From PID temperature controllers to upgraded steam wands, there are numerous ways to customize the Silvia to suit individual preferences and brewing styles.
Gaggia Classic:
The Gaggia Classic is another iconic semi-automatic espresso machine that has been popular for decades. It offers a combination of simplicity, affordability, and quality espresso extraction.
The Gaggia Classic is another iconic semi-automatic espresso machine that has been a staple in home espresso setups for decades. Produced by Gaggia, an Italian manufacturer with a rich history in the coffee industry, the Gaggia Classic is celebrated for its simplicity, reliability, and the ability to produce high-quality espresso shots. Here's an overview of the Gaggia Classic:
Build Quality: The Gaggia Classic features a durable stainless steel exterior and high-quality internal components. While it may not have the same commercial-grade construction as some higher-end espresso machines, it is well-built and designed to withstand years of regular use. The machine's build quality contributes to its longevity and reliability.
Brewing Capability: Like the Rancilio Silvia, the Gaggia Classic is a semi-automatic espresso machine that requires manual operation for both brewing and steaming. It features a single boiler system with a large aluminum boiler that provides sufficient heat stability for consistent espresso extraction. The machine is equipped with a professional-style portafilter and group head, allowing users to achieve optimal extraction and crema production.
Temperature Control: The Gaggia Classic is equipped with a thermostat to regulate the boiler temperature, ensuring that the water temperature remains consistent throughout the brewing process. While it may not offer the same level of temperature stability as some higher-end machines with PID controllers, it still delivers reliable performance and consistent results.
Steam Wand: The Gaggia Classic comes with a traditional steam wand for frothing milk. While not as powerful or maneuverable as the steam wand on some higher-end machines, it still offers sufficient steam power for frothing milk and creating microfoam. The steam wand is controlled manually, giving users control over the frothing process.
User-Friendly: The Gaggia Classic is known for its user-friendly design and intuitive controls. It features simple switches and buttons for brewing and steaming, making it accessible to beginners while still offering enough flexibility for more experienced users to customize their espresso shots.
Affordability: One of the key advantages of the Gaggia Classic is its affordability compared to other semi-automatic espresso machines in its class. It offers excellent value for money, making it an attractive option for home baristas on a budget who still want to enjoy high-quality espresso at home.
Overall, the Gaggia Classic is celebrated for its simplicity, reliability, and affordability. It's a versatile espresso machine that appeals to both beginners and experienced users alike, making it a popular choice among home espresso enthusiasts.
La Marzocco Linea Mini:
While not as old as some other classics, the Linea Mini from La Marzocco has quickly gained a reputation as a top-tier home espresso machine, offering professional-grade performance in a compact form factor.
The La Marzocco Linea Mini is a high-end espresso machine designed for home use, manufactured by La Marzocco, a renowned Italian espresso machine manufacturer. It's a smaller and more compact version of La Marzocco's commercial Linea Classic, retaining many of the same features and build quality. Here's an overview of the La Marzocco Linea Mini:
Build Quality: The Linea Mini is built with the same attention to detail and craftsmanship as La Marzocco's commercial machines. It features a stainless steel exterior and high-quality internal components, ensuring durability, longevity, and consistent performance. The machine's robust construction makes it a long-lasting investment for home espresso enthusiasts.
Brewing Capability: The Linea Mini is a dual-boiler espresso machine, meaning it has separate boilers for brewing and steaming. This allows for precise temperature control and simultaneous brewing and steaming, resulting in consistent espresso extraction and creamy milk frothing. The machine is equipped with a commercial-grade portafilter and group head, providing optimal conditions for achieving perfect espresso shots.
Temperature Stability: One of the standout features of the Linea Mini is its exceptional temperature stability. It features PID temperature control technology, which ensures that the brewing and steam boilers maintain a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process. This consistency is essential for producing high-quality espresso with balanced flavor profiles.
Steam Power: The Linea Mini is equipped with a powerful steam wand for frothing milk. It delivers ample steam power and precision control, allowing users to create velvety microfoam for latte art and specialty coffee beverages. The steam wand is insulated to prevent burns and features a cool-touch handle for added safety.
User-Friendly Interface: The Linea Mini features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, with simple controls and a digital display for easy operation. It offers programmable pre-infusion and shot timers, allowing users to customize their espresso shots to their preferred specifications. The machine also has a built-in water reservoir, eliminating the need for direct plumbing and making it easier to install and maintain.
Design: The Linea Mini boasts a sleek and modern design that blends seamlessly into any kitchen or home espresso bar. Its compact footprint and minimalist aesthetic make it an attractive centerpiece for home coffee setups, while its commercial-grade performance ensures professional-quality espresso drinks.
Overall, the La Marzocco Linea Mini is celebrated for its exceptional build quality, temperature stability, brewing capability, and user-friendly design. It's a top-tier espresso machine that offers the performance and features of a commercial machine in a compact and convenient package for home use.
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