Sunday, September 8, 2013

Pasquini Livietta T2 Espresso Machine

Pasquini Livietta T2 Espresso MachineMy Saeco Vienna Superautomatica just bit the big one a few weeks ago, so I got to upgrade to this bad boy, and Oh, my, goodness! Best espresso of my life!!! Takes a bit of practice, but here's the way to get the best out of your machine:

1. Preheat your machine for 2-5 minutes. Place a couple of demitasse cups on top of the machine to heat them up and make sure you have either filtered or bottled (calcium free) water in your water tank.

2. Send a spurt of hot water through your empty brew group and filter basket to heat it up before loading it up with your grinds.

3. The grind is absolutely imperative!!! You must have the right grind to get the most out of your shot. If you don't have the right grind you'll have a crappy shot and it will be bitter and nasty. I currently have mine set at between 2.5 and 3 and it's perfect. I'm using: Pasquini Lux Coffee Grinder. You need to tamp the grounds into the filter basket with your tamper with firm, even pressure. When you put your brew group onto the machine, don't crank it on too tight, just put it on and pull the handle forward.

4. If your machine is warm (green "coffee" light is on) push the coffee light (make sure you have a warmed cup under the brew group :) and brew your ambrosia of the gods. You should see a chestnut and tan stripey later of crema on top, and your espresso should be smooth, not at all bitter.

If it's too dark and bitter, and there is no crema, your grind is probably too fine. Try making the grind a little less fine (usually you will need to adjust the grind with the machine running, you may need to check your instruction manual depending on what type you have).

I hope this helps! I'm very much enjoying a latte right now and it is VERY smooth. The microfoam is like velvet. No sugar required :) I'm going to be high on caffeine today, woohoo.

EDIT: Just as an FYI, I got some snotty Italian coffee a few days after the coffee machine arrived (it came with the machine as a freebie, but it arrived late). It tasted like it had been roasted in someone's sweaty boot and left to rot for several months. It was truly awful. There was no amount of sugar or chocolate that could cover the flavor of the bitter nastiness. Really, really gross. I highly recommend sticking with freshly roasted coffee from someplace that you really like. My favorite place to get coffee is (their Sally's special blend is amazing!!!), another favorite place is . Both are excellent for very freshly roasted coffees and split bean has the most unbelievable alfajores I have EVER tasted. Just... Wow!!!

Now that I have good coffee back in the grinder, I'm back to very much enjoying my at least twice daily coffee :) Once the grind is just right, and the art of the pull is mastered, you cannot go wrong. This machine makes AMAZING coffee!!!

I have had my Livietta T2 for two years and am very happy with my purchase. It's an extremely high quality machine with solid, heavy components and yet a remarkably small footprint (preserving relative marital harmony. It has easy-to-access inside components, so anyone with the desire to do so can easily and intuitively take apart the insides for routine cleaning and maintenance. The machine is made in Italy, near Milan. But unlike many of the Italian machines, Pasquini has a well-established US headquarters, located in Los Angeles. From my experience, they actually pick up the phone, and if you need a part or get technical advise, you will talk with a real person right away. Pasquini Espresso Co. 1501 W Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 739-0480 By the way, the 57mm portafilter allows you to use a trimmed Red Bull can (also 57mm in diameter) as a chute so that grinds move directly into the portafilter from your grinder, with absolutely no mess. I use a Baratza Virtuoso without the bin. This is by far the neatest system I have found (and I have researched it extensively online).

Here is some information to supplement the Amazon description:

Commercial Portafilter and Brew Group

The Livietta features a 57mm portafilter and rugged brew group to dispense the best tasting espresso without losing heat. Constructed of chrome-plated marine brass, the heavy-duty portafilter and brew group are essential to quality brewing, ensuring that every shot of espresso will be delivered to your cup at the right temperature.

Dual Thermblock Boiler System

The Livietta T2 has 2 thermoblocks for a steady supply of espresso as well as steam, anytime you need it. With the Livietta, you can froth or steam milk for lattes and cappuccinos even while you brew. This makes the machine great for entertaining, allowing you to create a number of different drinks without making guests wait long.

Simple Controls

Using the Livietta is very straightforward, with 3 professional-style rocker switches to control brewing, steaming and power. The rocker switch on the right side of the machine turns it on, and it takes just 2 minutes for the Livietta to heat up to brewing temperature. The buttons on the left side are for steaming and brewing, and each one is labeled clearly for ease-of-use.

3-Way Solenoid Valve

The Pasquini Livietta T2 has a built-in 3-way solenoid valve to relieve water pressure at the end of the brewing cycle. When the brew switch is turned off, the 3-way solenoid valve is activated. This will eliminate excess water in the grouphead, avoiding dripping or spattering when the portafilter is removed.

Cup Warmer

The Livietta has a stainless steel cup warmer on the top of the machine, with a built-in rail to keep all of your cups secure. The cup warmer is heated by passive heat from the thermoblock boilers, ensuring all your cups are preheated and ready for brewing. The cup warmer is large enough to store 10 demitasse cups.

Buy Pasquini Livietta T2 Espresso Machine Now

This machine with an actual grinder does a very good job. Steam appears weak, but once you froth the milk you get this amazing micro foam. Great for fast mornings, since it heats up in like 2min. I'd call it: a little engine that could...

Read Best Reviews of Pasquini Livietta T2 Espresso Machine Here

I have had this machine for four years and it was magic. It never gave me any trouble and consistantly provided a delicious cup of espresso or capuchino. In May I hit the switch and click nothing happened. Heart sank. Called their customer service. Mike was so incredibly helpful. He provided local service reps but they didn't respond so out it went to la for r and r. It came back brand new. Mike called and emailed status and cost and delivery . In less time than it took me to sacrifice with my old Francis I was back having the most wonderful mornings. As anyone knows who has been told by a fancy restaurant that the machine is down, these guys need tune ups. run the numbers and you will find that it is the most cost effective and easiest way to have a great cup of coffee. Thanks mike and Pasquini. Love from your very satisfied customer

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I own this machine, and paid $850.00 thru an illy coffee program. It was great for the first 2 years, then the steamer quit! A one year warranty?! Pasquini was NOT sympathetic, they don't care if you send it in, in fact they don't encourage it, though by golly, they'll sell you some over priced parts. They want YOU to do all the trouble shooting. Once you open this machine, you'll soon realize it takes some specialized tools, to boot. For 15 bar power, get a $150.00 Cuisinart, at least they offer a 3 year warranty. What a foolish purchase I made. I was taken.

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