SStones Senior Member Joined: 24 Nov 2012 Posts: 234 Location: Canada Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Giga 5, ECM Giotto, Rocket... Grinder: Anfim Milano-Best Vac Pot: No :( Drip: Some $30 thing from Walmart Roaster: I buy pre-roasted.
Posted Sun Dec 23, 2012, 8:21pm Subject: Re: La Pavoni PA-1200
Since you're used to the larger-boiler machines, like the Rancilio Silvia and Gaggia Classic that are designed with a proper three-way brewvalve the Pavoni Combi Napolitini might feel a little cheap to you for a while. Why do you want a Combi? Did you sell your grinder along with your Silvia? If you already have a decent grinder, a grinder inside the espresso-brewer is superflous. My concern with this machine is that it really is a "First Machine", the one you buy your friend that likes espresso but isn't interested enough to get great equipment. Or, rather, a machine you buy for a summer abroad rather than lugging your huge, heavy espresso works from home along. When buying a low-priced machine, is it because you want to consider it disposable? If so, would you not be happier with a separate grinder and brewer so that when one dies, the other doesn't have a dead conjoined twin in its body? It is obvious that if you want a super-automatic that the grinder and brewer have to be together in the one body, but it it's not automated at all, it isn't needed. Remember the Amphicar? Sure it was a car, and it was a boat, but it was a terrible car and a terrible boat. All that said, you may quite enjoy this machine if it does what you expect of it. I am not a fan of "Valvolina" machines, the machines that use a springloaded plug above the group to avoid the cost of a proper three-way-brew-valve. My first opinion of a valvolina machine is "Well, it's fine for a disposable", but because of it's stainless steel housing it is more expensive than many well paired, disposable grinders and brewers. There is an IMAT version of that bodystyle. Clickable that is probably similar in price and certainly has a three-way-valve. I'll stop blabbing, now. I meant just a sentence or two to let you know that it isn't outstanding, compared to what you are used to.
I personally do not recommend purchasing a machine with an integrated grinder. You want to have the ability of being able to upgrade the grinder separately from the machine. The only time I'd ever think about recommending a machine with an integrated grinder would be if counter space was seriously restricted. Even then, Ikea is your friend.
timmangan Said:
I just sold my Rancilio Silvia and currently have a Gaggia Classic. I'm also thinking of getting another Silvia with the PID.
I'm confused. Why would you sell your Silvia, replace it with a Classic and then consider buying another Silvia w/ PID? What are you hoping to accomplish? A PID is not going to fix poor shots. All that a PID will do is control the temperature of your boiler more precisely.
What kind of grinder are you using now? Focus getting a decent separate grinder first before considering upgrading your machine.
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