Enjoy hands-on cappuccino making and espresso brewing with the la Pavoni Professional PBB-16 Lever Espresso Machine. Based on a lever system, this elegantly designed machine features high-quality elements like stainless steel heating components and a solid brass boiler. Operation is easy and is based on levers; unlike regular pump machines, there's less wait time and more manual control. Most espresso lovers like to know they can create the exact drink they like, and the PBB-16 makes that easy without sacrificing ease of use or technological advantages. This machine is ideal for home use and can pull one or two cups of espresso at one time. The built-in milk steamer comes complete with a traditional tip plus a Cappuccinatore instant frothing tip that makes short work of perfect foam.
Outstanding features of the la Pavoni Professional PBB-16 Lever Espresso Machine
Quality construction and sleek design
The body of the PBB-16 features polished triple-plated chrome with a black base.
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 PBB-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-ounce 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
- 14 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 PBB-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.
