The la Pavoni Professional PC-16 Lever Espresso Machine is a lever-operated, hands-on espresso machine that's ideal for home use. Many espresso aficionados swear by lever-based machines like this one, because they're fun to use and give you complete control over the final result, yet they're efficient enough to ensure great operation and low maintenance. Experience the pleasure of aromatic, luxurious espresso and loads of foamy milk; this machine makes it easy, with a re-designed 53.5mm grouphead and a brass steam wand complete with two frothing tips. Pre-infuse your coffee grounds in hot water to bring out maximum flavor and aroma. Produce just the right amount of espresso with the simple pull of a lever. This machine is built with professional-grade equipment including a nickel-plated brass boiler and stainless steel heating elements.
Outstanding features of the la Pavoni Professional PC-16 Lever Espresso Machine
Quality construction and fun operationThe body of the PC-16 features polished triple-plated chrome with a black base. The efficiently designed 53.5mm piston operation incorporates modern technology, yet has a classic layout that dates back to 1961. Experience the pleasure of operating a lever-based espresso machine, which gives you control over the final product and is virtually maintenance-free - there are no buttons to push or settings to program.
Easy milk steaming and frothing
A traditional steam wand with three-hole frothing tip makes it easy to create dense, luxurious foam and wonderful heated milk for lattes and cappuccinos. Unlike regular pump machines, the PC-16 is always ready to steam - there's no waiting for pressure to build. The lever system acts as a double boiler and provides steam as soon as you need it, with about 5 minutes of continuous steam time per boil. This machine also includes a simple-to-use auto-frothing "cappuccinatore" system, which is installed via a quick-connect coupling and is great for those who like foam but aren't quite pros at creating it yet. This system draws milk up and out of the container, then foams it automatically and allows for continuous filling of cups with frothed milk.
How it works
To brew espresso, simply raise the lever handle, which raises the piston and allows boiler water to fill the cylinder. At this time, water is coming in contact with the espresso grounds waiting in the portafilter; if you like, you can wait a few seconds at this point to allow the grounds to "pre-infuse," which means soaking them in water to bring out their full aroma and flavor. When you're ready, slowly lower the lever to force the water through the grounds. It's just that easy.
Additional features and specifications
- 40-oz. ETL-listed, nickel-plated solid brass boiler with water-level gauge and safety valve; enough for 16 1.5-oz. cups of espresso
- Durable stainless steel heating elements
- 53.5mm Millennium group piston and portafilter
- Internal thermostat monitors brewing temperature
- Make 1-2 cups at one time
- Removable drip tray for fast and easy cleanup
- 0.7-0.8 BAR pressure
- Brass steam valve, portafilter holder, and steaming wand
- Controlled via main power switch with light
- Made in Italy
- 7.9W x 11.5D x 12.6H inches
- 1,000 watts/110/120 volts/ETL-listed
- 16 lbs.
- 1-year manufacturer's warranty included
Caring for your machine
Lime scale and mineral buildup from water must periodically be removed from the boiler and other internal elements. To remove this buildup, boil a mixture of water and vinegar inside the boiler. The drip tray, filter holder, grouphead, and steam pipe nozzle should be cleaned as needed; just wipe down with a warm damp cloth, or remove from the machine and clean under the faucet with warm water and mild soap. Do not immerse this machine in water.
The PC-16 comes complete with a drip tray with grill, a filter holder, two filter baskets (for single and double shots), a measuring spoon, and a tamper, plus the cappuccinatore steaming tip. Also included is an instruction manual and a full instructional interactive DVD that takes you through every step of operation, from start-up to professional drink tips and machine maintenance.
What does "BAR pressure" mean?
Pressure is the result of the packed (tamped) coffee giving the water resistance to pass through. The pump forces the water through that resistance and the power it needs to do so is commonly measured in BAR (= kg per square centimeter). A pressure rating is used on most pump-driven espresso machines. 9 BAR, the typical accepted pressure for brewing espresso, is 8.8 atmospheres of pressure or 130 pounds per square inch. Good pumps should be able to create more pressure (power) than they need to produce perfect espresso so that they don't break when the right combination (fineness and consistency of grind, tamping, and amount of ground coffee) is not prevalent. A good pump has a capacity of creating 15 or more BARs. To produce a lasting crema on top of your espresso, the water should pass through the coffee at approximately 7 to 9 BARs of pressure.
About la Pavoni
Since 1905, la Pavoni has been building fine espresso machines in a classic Italian tradition. Founded shortly after Desiderio Pavoni invented and patented the very first espresso machine, la Pavoni has been creating high-quality espresso machines and grinders for over 100 years, and is still located in the heart of Italy. It is known for a wide range of styles, from pump- and automatic-driven machines to traditional-style lever machines. All la Pavoni designs are superbly crafted from professional-grade components and have a sleek, luxurious look that belies their Italian bloodlines. If you love espresso, you can't do any better than making your next machine a la Pavoni.
