La Pavoni Esperto Abile

A lever espresso machine that gives you ultimate control and precision over the extraction process, allowing for consistently excellent coffee. It has extra-thoughtful design features that place it at the top of La Pavonis iconic range.

—DETAILS—

La Pavoni created the first espresso machine for home use, and their expertise remains unparalleled. The Esperto Abile can be described as the Ferrari of espresso machines, but that doesnt do justice to how user-friendly it is. Like other La Pavoni lever machines, it lets you pull truly divine shots of espresso. The word pull is literal here: The lever mechanism provides the pressure needed to extract coffee, and how you pullas well as the size, dose and freshness of the coffee groundsare variables you can calibrate to make espresso to your taste. The process is simple: Turn the machine on, prepare coffee in the portafilter, attach, lift, and pull down. But it takes some practice to get right, which is why we put togetherthis comprehensive guide. Its 100% worth the effort, because this machine lasts forever.

The Esperto Abile, with a chrome finish and La Pavoni’s signature eagle emblem, comes with gripped wooden handles that stay cool as the machine heats, a drip tray with a metal top, and a sight glass that lets you keep an eye on the amount of water in the tank, so you know when to refill it. A pressure gauge over the tank lets you know when its time to start brewing, and a steam wand lets you release false pressure and foam milk. What sets it apart is its second gauge, which measures the pressure in the cylinder so you can see how much pressure your hand is exerting on the lever, providing more control over the extraction and ability to replicate the process for a more consistent taste. Includespremium features and accessories:

• Spouted wood-handled portafilter
• Single and double dose filters (interchangeable in the portafilter)
• Fascino Filter Holder: A bottomless portafilter which allows you to examine the evenness of your tamping (and boosts crema)
• Competizione Filters: The filter that goes into the bottomless portafilter above, in three sizes for single, double, and triple doses
• Weighted stainless steel tamper
• Coffee scoop
• Additional steam wand for cappuccino attachment
• A temperaturestrip to monitor heat level on the group head (anything above 90C will make coffee bitter,sothe strip gently lights up to warn you)

—BENEFITS—

‘La Pavoni lever machines are what baristas use at home. Some call it the weekend espresso machine. Once you get the hang of it, its a joy to use (on weekends and weekdays), because it gives you total control over the extraction process, so you can taste all those complex flavours with great clarity. Its a vehicle for both creativity and relaxation, which turns out perfect espresso or espresso-based drinks, entirely on your own terms.’