The la Pavoni Lusso PL-16 Espresso Machine is the only machine in its class with a fully chromed, polished body that's sure to set you apart from the crowd. Ideal for home use, this pump-driven machine is light enough for easy storage yet stylish enough that you'll want to keep it on the counter all the time. Manufactured by the Italian company la Pavoni, this machine uses all the latest in espresso technology to bring you easy-to-use features that produce delicious results. Enjoy thick, aromatic espresso with the perfect crema. Enjoy perfectly-foamed milk with no scalding. This machine does it all.
The PL-16 operates via a pressurized handle and a ULKA pump, which produce great espresso shots from ground coffee or pods, and allow the machine to operate with a minimum of noise. Milk frothing is quick and easy with the included attachments, which screw onto the steam wand; there's a traditional steam head for experienced frothers, plus a cappuccinatore head that helps produce instant foam if you're still in the process of learning. High-quality features like a large water tank and quick heat-up time make this machine one of the best available at its price point.
Outstanding features of the la Pavoni Lusso PL-16 Espresso Machine
Durable, beautiful design
The chrome-plated body is trimmed in black ABS plastic and looks fantastic in your kitchen. This machine measures 9.5W x 12H inches and works well even in kitchens with limited counter space.
Pump-driven technology
The ULKA electric pump is super-quiet, ideal when you're making espresso in the morning while the rest of the household is still asleep. It warms up in just 2 minutes and is ready to produce up to 15 BAR pressure. The pressurized coffee handle lets you produce triple the volume of crema than other machines in this class. Crema is the light brown foam that gathers on top of an espresso shot, which adds flavor and aroma and lets you know it's a superior shot.
High-quality boiler
This machine uses a genuine brass boiler to keep temperature consistent and give you quick heat-up time.
Convenient water storage
The water reservoir loads from the top and can be removed for easy cleaning and filling. It holds 36 ounces of water, enough to produce 16 espresso shots without refilling.
Easy steaming and frothing
The high-quality swivel steam wand comes complete with two attachments: a standard three-hole attachment for experienced foamers, plus a cappuccinatore tip that is designed to draw up the milk and send it back out as perfect foam. The cappuccinatore tip is designed for use by "novice" foamers and is a great way to get perfect results while you're still learning the ropes. It's also ideal when producing drinks in high volume.
Other features and specifications
- Includes coffee pod adaptor; use regular ground coffee or single-serve pods
- Cup warmer/stacker on top lets you serve in toasty-warm cups
- Removable drip tray for easy cleaning
- Add water with the machine on or off
- Green power switches light up to indicate processes
- 110 volts/950 watts/ETL-listed
- Made in Italy
- 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.
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.
