How to pull a shot with a La Pavoni manual lever espresso machine.

[@lukegabriel1069]

Thanks for the vid! I just got my first La Pavoni yesterday (2015 expo) and love it already! SO much fun and so much to learn!!

[@extractionhacker]

My pleasure and congrats on your new machine! It's a ton of fun to learn manual espresso. The la Pavoni is great because it will last you forever and the community is fantastic! Enjoy!

[@JuanJose-hk7hp]

*This replaced a smaller Keurig that I owned for 6 years **MyBest.Kitchen** I wanted the convenience of the water receptacle and while this unit is much larger than the previous one, I'm very happy with my purchase. The only downside to this larger model is having to move it from under the cabinets to place the pod and refill it. I was able to rectify this by purchasing glide mats for small appliances. Now, it's perfect!*

[@extractionhacker]

Nice! Glad to hear it. Thanks for the tip about the glide mat, too, that sounds like a great solution for under cabinet storage! 🙌

[@smtesta]

Some awesome hacks! Seemed like a fast shot.

[@extractionhacker]

Thanks! Yeah, I agree...I should have tightened my grind up for the pull.

[@help8help]

Here I am, a heathen with my instant coffee. Two heaping teaspoons of coffee and two heaping teaspoons of sugar. Add two cups of hot water and two cups of milk. It’s not fancy, but it’s decent and doesn’t require me to make this kind of effort when I first wake up. Maybe if I win the lottery I’ll have time and money to try this fancy coffee.

[@extractionhacker]

Hey, I'm not the one to yuck your yum...enjoy coffee the way that it tastes good to you. If you explore and dig it more because you get a little fancy, have a good time! Coffee brings people together and makes those times better...whatever you put in your cup. Enjoy the journey!

[@MikeFLHT]

Thanks. Enjoyed the video. I'm a newb to La Pavoni (awaiting arrival of a 70s model Professional I purchased on eBay). I've been watching KZbin videos and reading as much as I can for the last several months before I decided to purchase. Good instruction.

[@extractionhacker]

Awesome! Congrats on finding a machine. It will take a bit to get used to it, but you're going to love it! Welcome to the La Pavoni family! If you're on FB, we have a thriving La Pavoni group with tons of information and countless helpful folks!

[@MikeFLHT]

@@extractionhacker thanks a bunch. I am already on that site and I'm tearing through all of the information there. There really is a lot and it's appreciated by me.

[@chris9650]

Mind if I ask how your getting on with it. Considering getting one myself k ownits a steep learning curve just wanna know if it's realistic to work with

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Looks like a lot of fun! Old school espresso making. Just have to avoid burn on the machine as easy to do.

[@extractionhacker]

It's a blast...you're right, though, gotta watch that boiler!

[@adambromley6972]

This guy knows what’s up

[@extractionhacker]

Hi Adam. I saw your other comment: it's a Milano 2015 with custom wood. Some of the Esperto parts will fit on it. The "hacks" are the grinder bellows and the WDT. Thanks for the question!

[@ChromeLuxx]

Dude...with all the machines and those curtains and cabinets it’s going to be a long lonely covid winter! Great video though 🤙🏼

[@extractionhacker]

Ha! My coffee will keep me warm! Thanks for the comment. Stay safe...stay caffeinated! ☕

[@sAmiZZle82]

Oh wow that was impressive how you blindly pulled pretty much a 36g yield 😮

[@redwiizard]

Not really, since that's simply the max capacity of the brew chamber. Basically, when you push the lever all the way, it loads 37ml of water in the chamber. A full shot is always 37ml with this machine. He made it sound like he aimed for this ratio but it's actually imposed by the machine (15g basket, stock with the machine, and 37ml brew chamber capacity).

[@mycoffeeshow111]

Great looking shot. I just got my La Pavoni esperto and quality of my shots is terrible. So frustrating. I guess it takes time to master

[@extractionhacker]

Thanks for watching and dropping a comment. Yeah, I can relate to how you feel. It took me a while to understand the lever and I wasted more coffee than I care to admit 😮 I know everybody says it, but grind is so important with levers. If you haven't already, watch Gonzlab make coffee on the LaPav (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGmno5Zma5mHrLM). Not only is it thoroughly entertaining, you'll pick up some pointers for the shot and for steaming milk. I hope you're enjoying your machine and are able to dial it in and like the results!

[@scottydoggymama]

just got mine too having the same experience

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@scottydoggymama It took me about a week or so b4 I pulled anything decent. I had mine for 10 months now and it works perfectly.

[@josephdragan7734]

Great job! Two questions Please elaborate on how to acquire a bellows for the Rocky AND how to get such a nice big funnel for the portafilter basket. Thanks again.

[@extractionhacker]

Thanks! I got the bellows from an egg peeler called the "Eggstractor Egg Peeler" (I mentioned it was weird!). Here's one I found on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Eggstractor-SPC76-White/dp/B00VQTAS7E. For the funnel, I cut the bottom off of a silicone funnel. I got it at World Market, but it doesn't look like they carry it any more. This one from Amazon looks the same, though: www.amazon.com/Tablecraft-HSF2R-Collapsible-Silicone-Funnels/dp/B073VQWY7V. Thanks for watching and dropping a comment. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@josephdragan7734]

@@extractionhacker Thanks so much. I really appreciate the imagination required in repurposing gadgets!

[@hicnar]

How do you pull single espresso meaning 7g basket giving about 14g yield from a La Pavoni?

[@extractionhacker]

You'll want to adjust the grind a bit and try to hit 2ml/second on the pull to get the volume in a similar time window. It's difficult to dial it in sometimes, but if you find a workflow (switching between double and single) it can be good for those late afternoon espressos. You can also find a friend, pull a double and share 😉

[@paulr.8365]

Dude the bellow is an amazing idea ... Exactly what I needed for my Lelit grinder... Still gotta find the Right sized bellow though... A curiosity... You said that the bottomless portafilter was the one that came with the machine... Have you bought a used machine or La Pavoni decided to sell with such a set-up? Thanks

[@extractionhacker]

Thanks! I stumbled upon it, but was stoked how well it fit together and works! I hope you can find one for your Lelit. I would think if you can't find one that fits exactly, if you had one a little bigger than the bean shute that made a seal when you pressed down, it would work well. Yes, my machine is a 2015 Milano and it came with the bottomless portafilter from the factory...pretty sweet setup.

[@paulr.8365]

@@extractionhacker my Pavoni is a restored 1975.... :-) perhaps a 2 liters bellowed chemical storage bottle would work... So far I couldn't find the measurements before purchasing one. Take care

[@Sascha98765]

Your shot time seems to be around 15sec. Usually it should be take 25 to 35sec for pulling the espresso. Isn´t your espresso underextracted and has lots of acidity?

[@extractionhacker]

Yeah, this shot was fast. Should have tightened up my grind...

[@Sascha98765]

@@extractionhacker okay. Just asking because I got a Pavoni a month ago and still figuring out to pull the best shots.

[@extractionhacker]

@@Sascha98765 It takes a while to get the hang of. I'm thinking of doing another, shorter video with a better shot...

[@brendawillems4804]

ExtractionHacker ohhh please, that would be great 👌🏽👌🏽 i bought my La Pavone yesterday and i Can not pull down any further then half way, then I have a bottom of espresso and lots of water is still in the pistol. When I take it off it’s an explosion of coffee and water 😱🤓🤣 Sorry for my English, I am from Amsterdam

[@guidoevers]

@@Sascha98765 i'm 10 months in now.... someday...

[@andrewsheppard5409]

Great video. Where did you get the bellow for your Rocky? I have the same grinder and need it.

[@extractionhacker]

Thanks for your comment! I had to search around, but if you look for "Eggstractor Egg Peeler" (I mentioned it was weird!) you should find something similar. Let me know if you need the dimensions of mine...good luck and happy brewing!

[@Checkedbox]

Thanks for the video, I’m using my comandante until the kinu arrives and have different results than you in terms of espresso dripping down before pressure is applied to the handle. At a setting 9-10 with a light to medium tamp, it takes a solid 5 seconds of pressure applied to the lever before any coffee drips through, but at the same time the coffee doesn’t show any major tastes of over extraction, if not a little sour sometimes. So i know comandante settings aren’t always comparable, but I noticed your comandante on the wall behind and am wondering if you could tell me if I am in the right ballpark with regards to grind size? (Like you, the pav is my first experience making espresso). Cheers

[@extractionhacker]

This shot was too fast. I needed to tighten the grind. I'll make another video with a better shot time. I've never tried my Comandante with the LaPav, but I should! I know for AeroPress I use 10 clicks. The inventor of the AeroPress now recommends an "espresso grind" for the AP. So, it sounds like you're in the ball park. I know a lot of people say the only way to get good espresso with the Comandante is with the Red Clix. I've never tried it, though. I'll let you know my results!

[@Checkedbox]

ExtractionHacker yeh that’s probably true re the red clix, although the pav also provides full custom pressure of course so it’s possible to work around for now. Thanks for the info, if you do end up trying it out yeh I’d love to know!

[@extractionhacker]

I just read your comment again... I start getting extraction at 6 seconds without pressure. Sounds like your Comandante needs to be opened up a bit more. I have fresh beans that I'll test tomorrow with my C40 and let you know how it goes.

[@Checkedbox]

Interesting, opened up to a 12 with a stronger tamp and got a great shot, perhaps a little sour. The portafilter spout was incredibly bubbly, nothing like I’ve seen before yet the beans were roasted over a week and a bit ago too. I still don’t really get any crema at all though, the body is also not exactly thick. Edit: also still required some pressure before the first drops, but the stream that came out was much more consistent ie less ‘droppy’ and more ‘flowy’

[@extractionhacker]

@@Checkedbox How long is the shot taking (after the first drop hits the cup)? Is you grind clumpy at all? I always use WDT...even on my e61 with another grinder. I'm glad you got better results. I'll let you know how mine goes.

[@grilljones]

Have you considered installing a PID to eliminate the temp management work? I'm starting to think about how difficult a PID install would be.

[@extractionhacker]

I have a PID on my semi-auto. I already feel like I'm cheating with the lever because I have a light that comes on when it's at pressure! :)

[@josephdragan7734]

"I Bleed off any false pressure..." Please explain what is false pressure? Thanks great video

[@extractionhacker]

As the machine heats up, it will build a head of steam in the boiler. This is just for heat management along with running any super hot water out through the group head. I just release that built up steam to pull a shot as I would before I started steaming milk. Thanks for watching and dropping a comment!

[@bellingdog]

Hey there, I finally bought a grinder for my La Pavoni (Eureka silenzio, due to upcoming baby I thought the silenzio would be a good choice when grinding at 4am in the morning). But I am struggling with my extraction. My time is around the 27-29 mark, but for 15g I am only getting 23-24g a shot. Any tips to dial in my shot and have it at at least 2:1 ratio?

[@extractionhacker]

Congrats on the grinder (and upcoming baby :) )! How does your puck look before you pull? Level, any visible clumping spots? I would loosen up the grind just a touch and use the same pressure. Also use WDT...either with a WDT you can buy (BPlus sells them), with a cake tester, or make your own with a wine cork and some wire. Be sure to only change one thing at a time so you can figure out what was causing your ratio issue. I hope that helps...enjoy your espresso!

[@bellingdog]

@@extractionhacker the puck looks alright. It come out in a nice biscuit too. But, yeah, I think the grind is a bit clumpy. So I will definitely give that a try, as my crema doesn't hold for long after the shot is pulled.

[@extractionhacker]

@@bellingdog I'm not familiar with your exact grinder, but loosen the grind a little and see if that gives you better results.

[@toterkiller47]

The grinder mod is pretty cool!

[@extractionhacker]

I was stoked when I found that "bellows" in the cupboard and it fit PERFECTLY on the Rocky! 🙌

[@TimOgilvy]

@@extractionhacker is it the top off a camping mattress foot-pump? I've only ever seen yellow ones here in Oz, but basically identical!

[@extractionhacker]

It's from a weird hard-boiled egg "peeler." I don't know where I got it, but I was rummaging around an unused cupboard and I found it. So, mine was made for food applications, but if you have one that fits your grinder (and is clean), it's an awesome hack. I've noticed other people finding small bellows and adapting them to their grinders. It definitely makes single dosing much easier!

[@tawonga05]

Great video. I’m new to La pavoni and would love get more tips and guidance on pulling a good shot. Where can I find good resources or community for la pavoni machines? I’m a bit overwhelmed by all the different variables at the moment, and can’t quite figure out where I’m going wrong. Thanks!

[@extractionhacker]

Thank you for watching and commenting...appreciate your kinds words! I know how you feel, there is a learning curve with these machines, for sure! I went through almost a bag of coffee when I first got mine trying to dial it in, make sure I didn't have geysers and bad channeling, and getting something that tasted good. If you get your beans directly from a roaster, order a shot in their shop so you know how they expect the espresso to taste. As for a community, if you're on FaceBook, there is a very active and helpful group that will welcome you in, they have answers to common questions, and they'll help you through anything you're struggling with. They even have special member milestone items that you can purchase! My favorite video that is both informative and fun to watch (I've seen it at least 30 times!) is Gonzlab: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGmno5Zma5mHrLM Good luck and enjoy your machine. Let me know if I can help you with anything! 🙌

[@tawonga05]

@@extractionhacker thanks so much man! I’ve been really inspired by your videos to treat my coffee rituals with more respect and mindfulness. Don’t be surprised if I reach out privately with more la pavoni questions. Thank you for your openness

[@dotta4763]

I have had la Pavoni for 8 months now and still I don’t get enough cream. I use 18g ground at 2.4. I need to put some pressure to make it come out, which seems fine but still not much cream. Any advises?

[@extractionhacker]

Hello! Thanks for watching and thank you for the comment. If your pressure seems fine, it's probably your coffee. Are you getting a shot time between 25 and 30 seconds? If you're specifically looking for creme, it's most likely the freshness of your beans. Typically, you'll want to use beans that were roasted in the past 7 days and then grind them right before you pull your shot. I hope this helps you. Good luck with your La Pavoni!

[@dotta4763]

@@extractionhacker yes I’m trying to set size and amount of coffee to have a 20-30 sec extraction with linear flow. It must be the coffee as you say then

[@Anarchsis]

Did you do an unboxing of an Artisan e-3 roaster a while ago?

[@extractionhacker]

Yup, sure did. There is an linked video on there of a roast, too.

[@reluba]

I received a La pavoni as a gift a few weeks ago, cleaned the headset, lubricated the parts and put it back on. Now the lever feels pretty hard to lift up so I thought I should lubricate the parts again, but after I saw your video I realized mine it's like SUPER hard to move. Maybe I didn't use enough lubricant or the right one, but I literally have to keep my other hand on the machine and press it on the table to oppose the force of lifting the lever. It gets a little bit easier the higher the temperature, but comparing it to yours, I should definitely fix mine. Any thoughts on this?

[@extractionhacker]

Hmmmm....I can't always use mine one handed, but I don't struggle like you are describing. How is your grind? Is the basket too full? Can you tell where the tension is coming from? If you're not already, I recommend that you join the La Pavoni FB group. There is a library of helpful documents that include teardown and rebuild as well as troubleshooting information.

[@reluba]

@@extractionhacker I lift the lever 90% before i insert my portafilter, and this part feels hard. So it's got nothing to do with the basket. I think there's a lot of friction in the groupset, around the piston going upwards and I was wondering if you're doing anything in particular in regards to maintenance to keep it moving so smooth. I don't use fb anymore, but I can definitely find troubleshooting info on other sites, thanks.

[@extractionhacker]

@@reluba I see. I agree that it's something with your piston. I don't do anything special other than the recommended maintenance. My LaPav is a 2015, but I don't think that should change the experience significantly. I have tried lifting the lever a bit before locking in the PF, but I haven't done it in a while. I'll try it today and let you know how that feels on my machine and if I need to use both hands.

[@extractionhacker]

@@reluba Okay, so on my machine, I can lift the lever with one hand until it's parallel. After that, I need to either hold the base or the PF handle to raise it to 90% or all the way up. I hope that helps. Let me know if you need any more experiments from me!

[@reluba]

@@extractionhacker thanks. My machine is a '92 premillenium model so I guess I have to really lubricate the parts. It works good in every other aspect.

[@dotta4763]

Is it worth paying 260£ for that scale ?

[@extractionhacker]

The Acaia? It's the Pearl, not the Lunar. So, it would be just over 100£(acaia.co/products/pearl?variant=3791487303703). I use the Pearl all the time...mostly for pour overs, weighing beans, cold brew, etc. I only used it here to weigh beans. The Lunar looks fantastic, but I have a hard time justifying 250+ for it. The other scale I use for weighing the shot is listed in the description (AWS). It's super cheap (< 15£!) and definitely worth the money as a small portable utility scale.

[@michaelalfarela5910]

I recently purchased a new La pavoni machine unfortunately i have not yet been able to pull a shot. for some reason i get no resistance from the lever is this a common problem or do you have any tips on what i might be doing wrong ?

[@extractionhacker]

Congrats on your new machine! I struggled at first, too. From what you described, the first thing I would do is adjust your grind to a finer setting. The second is to make sure you're using fresh beans. Let me know how that works for you and if you have any other questions. 🙌

[@michaelalfarela5910]

@@extractionhacker I have a Breville Dose Control Coffee Grinder I have been playing with all of the espresso grind settings from 0-25 and the feeling I get from the lever is constantly no resistance. Could it be that my grinder just doesn’t get it fine enough ?

[@extractionhacker]

@@michaelalfarela5910 I've never used that grinder for espresso, but doing some quick research, it looks like it's capable of a fine grind for espresso. I had the same issue when I got the La Pavoni, except with a Baratza grinder. I had to get shims from the grinder manufacturer. When you grind does the ground coffee look fine enough for espresso?

[@portnoyrlz14]

Love all the red personalized handles, any links or tips for that?

[@extractionhacker]

Oh, sure thing! Mussa Tampers from Greece: mussatampers.com/ Fantastic people and great mods for your coffee gear!

[@comesm]

thank you so much! do you know where to find a bottomless portafilter for this machine?

[@extractionhacker]

My pleasure! Espresso parts carries them: www.espressoparts.com/products/cafelat-all-in-one-portafilter-la-pavoni-millennium-edition-51-mm (they also have pre-millennium 49mm).

[@thepatternforms859]

Is that a double shot? This machine one full pull of the handle gives a double or single shot?

[@extractionhacker]

I'm using the double basket in this video. I do have a single basket, but I don't use it that much. Thanks for watching and dropping a comment! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@grilljones]

The intro music is REALLY LOUD. Especially on mobile where the treble is louder.

[@extractionhacker]

sorry 'bout that... thanks for letting me know.

[@FranciscoParra-du1dc]

Your video is the only one I have liked. Every other o e is about making it seem like rocket science. I’m already overwhelmed with so many “technicalities” every other “super barista” comes up with. Give me a break! Or should I tell them: “seriously?”

[@extractionhacker]

I'm glad you enjoyed my take. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy the La Pavoni!

[@scriptkeeper8243]

Flow seemed fast, but maybe that’s just levers?

[@extractionhacker]

No, you're right...was a little too fast. Levers are always a work in progress!

[@scriptkeeper8243]

@@extractionhacker that's what makes em fun!

[@Anarchsis]

La mia ragazza Italiana capricciosa!

[@SnowWhite-dr6xh]

Are you being filmed by a drone???

[@extractionhacker]

No...but that would be EPIC! It's the next best thing: a friend with a gimbal!

[@lloydkoh9481]

Where did you get the red silicone dosing funnel?

[@extractionhacker]

I made it by cutting the bottom off of one of these: www.worldmarket.com/product/collapsible-silicone-funnels-set-of-3.do

[@andyl765]

Hi, which scale are you using? Metal one for the cup?

[@extractionhacker]

Hello. It's the 2kg one from AWS. Here's a link: amzn.to/3hm2Dsk

[@andyl765]

@@extractionhacker Thanks. Would u recommend ?

[@extractionhacker]

@@andyl765 for a budget scale, yes. I've had this one for years and have abused it and it just keeps working. It's easy to use without frills and is very portable.

[@andyl765]

@@extractionhacker thanks, been looking for a simple one. Great Video btw. I have La Pavoni europiccola and used to have Rocky but now using Mazzer Mini

[@extractionhacker]

@@andyl765 my pleasure and thanks! Sounds like you have a good setup... I've always been tempted to get a Mazzer!

[@FreeHumorLight]

i want to get a home espresso machine, what you suggest?

[@extractionhacker]

The La Pavoni is a great choice for smaller volume, personal use. The Gaggia, Rancillio, and Crossland are really good mid-range machines. Breville also makes some good options. When you move up to semi-automatic machines, there are tons of choices and the prices start to climb. I would recommend buying the best machine you can afford or saving up. If you get something under what you actually want, you'll end up spending more in the long run. I also have to say that you'll want to budget for a quality grinder because it's extremely important for pulling great shots. Good luck and let me know if you have more questions!

[@rbmanb]

How about a Flair? If you have the enthusiasm and a lot of time to spend on a shot of espresso, you want to get the best results, at the same time making it affordable, go for a Flair signature. That's what I'm gonna get, and then later on in the future, when I'm tired of pre heating and just want convenience and some beautiful machine in my living room, I will go with a La Pavoni, which produces similar results for 4-6 times the price.

[@FreeHumorLight]

@@rbmanb thanks ill check into it...have great day!

[@rbmanb]

@@FreeHumorLight sure, anytime. Check out the Facebook group of "Brew with Flair". It's a lively community with many people who will support you in every learning step of the way in becoming a true barista.

[@extractionhacker]

@@rbmanb I am VERY tempted by the Flair...especially with the new 58. Flair is a great company and the owner is such a great coffee community contributor. It's a great choice, for sure. Good luck on your espresso journey! Thanks for watching and dropping a comment!

[@acecarolino101]

Hey gimbal operator. I'm close to vomiting

[@extractionhacker]

[@MIlw55]

Wow someone needs a life. A mirror? haha!

[@extractionhacker]

Thanks for watching! 🤗

[@crazealand2803]

​@@extractionhackerHi there, this mirror looks very good, but also very functional! Would you be able to let us know the parts used, or better still make a KZbin short on it? Hopefully you can post more content!

[@extractionhacker]

It took me a while, but I made a short for the mirror...enjoy! kzbin.infoeh9RN7MeYvg