Just one quick note: The photo above (at the time I wrote this review) is of the automatic model and not the semi-automatic model. This review is for the semi-auto model. For those who don't know, the auto model allows you to push a button and the machine will start and stop the flow of water on its own (single or double). Semi-auto means you need to turn the flow of water on and off yourself. There are also super-auto machines that grind and tamp the beans as well.The Review: This is a serious coffee machine. It's "commercial quality" so it's heavy (almost 50lbs) and very well built. It takes up some counter space (mostly depth) but it looks elegant and is easy to keep clean. The portafilter (handle with basket for coffee) is very sturdy and fits snugly. It has a useful ready gauge and simple buttons (as noted above) for on-off and start-stop.
Now the important stuff: It makes great coffee consistently. I moved up to this machine from a Braun pump espresso machine. This one has better pressure and temperature. I used to brag about my Braun machine because it was inexpensive and made consistently good esperesso. The first shots I pulled from this machine made me realize that I didn't realize what I was missing. If you know how to make espresso, this machine lets you pull easy, consistent, and quality shots.
Another great feature of this machine is the continuous steam and hot (very hot!) water outlet. If you've ever had trouble steaming milk on machine you'll be impressed and maybe even surprised at how well this works. The machine also recovers well and quickly after you pull shots or use the steam wand.
The tanks is removable and holds a lot of water. It's easy to fill in place as well. You can leave this machine on all day if you like (it's designed to work that way) and you might want to if you're like me and drink too much coffee. The reason is that it can take a little while to warm up if it's been off for a while. That's probably the only thing I'm not fond of with this machine. First thing in the morning it can take a while to warm up (5-10 mins). This makes sense given the size and build of the machine. It simply takes time to warm up to the proper brewing temperature. However, I had gotten used to a machine that only takes a couple of minutes. So, my new morning routine includes going down to turn on the machine and coming down after my shower for my great coffee!
If you've never had a pump machine before, you may need some practice, but I think this is a good machine to learn on (due to its consistency). Just remember to follow the instructions (especially not to overfill the filter) and adjust either the grind of your coffee or the pressure of your tamping to get the desired results.
I hope this is helpful to you if you're considering this machine. I'd say it does well or better to other machines in this price range. It's a definite step up in quality and build from the machine's you'll find in the $500-1000 price range. It's a complete improvement in machine and coffee from pretty much any machine under $500.
One last comment, Pasquini has been excellent and very responsive to questions. I'm very pleased to see them here on Amazon.
Good luck with your quest for great coffee...I found it with this machine!
After three years since I had the machine I had a problem with the steam water valve: at least once a day it wouldn't stop heating the machine after reaching the correct pressure, causing the safety valve to release the excess pressure with a very loud noise. I had to return the machine to Pasquini where they replaced the valve and rewired the machine to work properly. After that the machine always worked perfectly and I now turn on the machine early in the morning and I turn it off after dinner at night every day.
You need to take care of the maintenance of the machine, starting with cleaning the machine regularly ( I use the PuliCaff powder once a week) in order to get rid of the coffee oils that deposit in the group head and filters, as well as replacing the undercup gasket and the various O-rings at least once a year, or else the rubber will harden and water will leak from the porta-filter. The maintenance intervals vary with the machine usage: I brew about 6 to 8 coffees every day and I found out that cleaning the machine once a week and changing the gaskets once a year is a good compromise.
After seven years of use the machine still works great and looks like new. I love the espressos I can make with this machine, but now the problem is that I cannot drink regular brewed coffee anymore when I go out to a restaurant that doesn't serve espresso coffee.
Buy Pasquini Livia 90 Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Now
I have waited a year before writing a review because I think that is a reasonable amount of time to wait to give the review credibility. I have to say my husband and I love love love this machine. It looks fabulous and makes the best coffee. It's easy to clean, quick to recover in between coffees so you can make lots of coffees one after the other. Milk steamer is easy to use and great to make the kids hot chocolate. Also the hot water dispenser is great 'cos I love to make tea as well. The water tank is very large and we don't have to fill it often but even then it's easy to do we fill it in place with a couple of big plastic jugs. It's great we love it and don't have single complaint. We got it for each other last Christmas '07 and have a lot more friends now! I don't hesitate in recommending it to you and one final thing it really takes no time to warm up whats five minutes to wait for great coffee! The line at Starbucks would take longer and your coffee will taste a lot better!Read Best Reviews of Pasquini Livia 90 Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Here
I've had mine for about 10 years now with daily+ use. It only required one replacement part when I got it (used) and has functioned generally flawlessly for all this time. I'm an espresso connoisseur, roast my own beans and seek perfection from this machine. A great burr grinder is essential for this machine. Overall, it does a very good job, but is admittedly finicky. FRESH ROAST, grind, tamp and extraction must all be done very well or shot quality goes funky. Some gripes are the 4-hole standard steamer tip is BAD. It can be replaced with a 2-hole (Google this issue for recommendations) that will slow down the process a bit, make less mess in a small pitcher and permit great microfoam. Oh yeah, try a few different varieties of minimum 2% milk (whole is best!) from your supermarket some foam MUCH better than others.Want Pasquini Livia 90 Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Discount?
I got a deal on this machine by agreeing to buy a years worth of Illy coffe. Since illy is my favorite coffee and they offer vacuum cans of pods it was a no brainer. The coffee actually lasted more like 2 years but I still buy Illy pods for those times when grinding is a chore. I'd recommend you check out the current Illy deal if you are looking for an espresso machine. I'd tell what I paid but it would bum everyone out.The Livia 90 is so not a toy. Also it is not a factory machine that grinds and tamps and does everything for you. I suspect those machines by their nature are less reliable but anyway I like to handle my food and drink when I prepare it.
The espresso is perfect every time with just the right temp, flavor and crema whether I am using a pod or not. The boiler is large enough to make half a dozen different drinks and steam milk for all of them. This is a tried and true two portafilter machine with one portafilter. Also it dispenses boiling water for tea or Fench press coffee or you can make tea with pods. I love having boiling water on demand in the kitchen. I have never had it perform in any way other than optimally.
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