A few months ago I bought my third La Pavoni Europiccola in 50 years. Over the last half century they have apparently tweaked the machine so that I can no longer produce, strong, thick espresso with a rich crema. I’ve gone back and forth with them, to no avail.
I am looking for suggestions for a top quality espresso machine, preferably lever style. Size is a factor: My current machine is 14" high by 8" wide by 11" deep. I have a separate Baratza Encore grinder that I have also used for a few decades, I am happy with it but am open to a combined machine if it’s not too large.
Thanks in advance. If there is an existing thread I’ve missed, please link.
The various lever machines that are top right now are all mentioned in Lance Hedrick’s video New Budget Champion? : Alm Kopi Direct Lever Review, although that Alm Kopi itself is obviously too large for your space. My point is that Lance mentions a pile of other lever machines and he has detailed reviews for almost all of them on his Youtube channel.
You would do well to upgrade at least to the Baratza Encore ESP (note the “ESP” for Espresso), but there are even better espresso grinders for $500. Reviews by both Lance Hedrick and by James Hoffmann will take you down that rathole.
If you consider moving to an automatic machine: I bought a Lelit Mara X a few years ago because of space constraints and have been happy with it. It’s 8.7” wide.
If you search through Lance Hedrick’s YouTube he has a bunch of lever reviews. The top end of Flair Espresso is also a really nice lever style and travel friendly. I would suggest upgrading your grinder while you’re at it, there’s been so much innovation on grinders in recent years. There is a coffee thread, but it’s pretty inactive and I’m too lazy to search to find it right now.