La Pavoni PUB 1 Review: Is This Commercial Machine Worth It?

La Pavoni PUB 1 Review – My Ratings & Top Features

Who Should Buy The La Pavoni PUB 1 Commercial Machine?

If you're passionate about perfecting your espresso game, La Pavoni PUB 1 is right up your alley. 

Ideal for a small cafe or a high-end home setup, it’s a manual machine, meaning you’ll get to craft each shot with skill and precision.

It's fantastic for those who appreciate the art of espresso-making.

While it’s a commercial espresso machine, it might not suit high-traffic spots. But for a space where quality over quantity reigns? Absolutely perfect.

Just be ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the espresso magic.

Why I Decided To Review The La Pavoni PUB 1

Finding the perfect espresso machine is a lot of work. You go through countless reviews, scan buying guides until your eyes blur, and invest hours in research. 

Trust me, I've been there, looking for that perfect espresso machine, sifting through the noise.

I've journeyed through the intricate world of espresso-making, from the most basic espresso machines to the high-end marvels.

The La Pavoni PUB 1V caught my eye because it's a classic manual machine! There's an art to espresso, and this machine embodies that.

As a manual lever machine, the PUB 1V allows you to master your barista skills while making you live an Italian coffee dream--a classic machine with a modern feel.

To give you a clearer picture of my experience:

What’s It Like To Live With The La Pavoni PUB 1

Living with the La Pavoni PUB 1V is like having a vintage sports car in your kitchen. It demands skill and patience, but the rewards are just magical!

Every morning, it's an intricate process of manual mastery to pull that perfect shot. Trust me, each sip feels like a handcrafted luxury.

What's In The Box?

Opening up the La Pavoni PUB 1V felt like when I first stepped into a legit coffee shop. Everything's neat and screams professional.

So, when you crack open the box, you're met with the shining star: the La Pavoni espresso machine.

You can tell the Italians aren’t playing around; it's like the Ferrari of espresso machines.

Apart from the machine, you’ll also get the following:

Out of all these components, the double portafilter catches my eye. It's a game-changer--you can whip up two espressos at once or go for that super-rich solo shot.

When it comes to warranty, this commercial espresso machine comes with a 12-month warranty on parts.

You also need to ensure that the water softener is installed, as it is crucial to the warranty of this machine.

In a nutshell, unboxing this beauty felt like setting up my own café corner. La Pavoni really nails the first impression with PUB 1V.

The Fanciest Features

Before pulling that first shot, let's talk about some key features that really stood out.

The volumetric electronic dosing is a dream, allowing for precise measurements every time. It's evident the groups are crafted meticulously, made from press-forged brass and chrome plated.

This, combined with the vertical infusion chamber and pressurization system, ensures there's no annoying dripping--something we've all dealt with on lesser machines.

Inside, the copper boiler comes with transversal heat exchangers for each group.

This and the independent radiator hydraulic system guarantee superb thermal stability and consistent water circulation.

I really appreciated the mounted gauge, too, letting me easily keep an eye on the boiler pressure.

Sounds too technical? All these key features allow for excellent temperature stability, ensuring a consistent and excellent brew every time.

Sure, it requires skill to make an impressive shot, but these features make it easier to pull it perfectly.

Pulling My First Espresso Shot

You remember that feeling when you first learned to ride a bike? That's exactly how I felt setting up this La Pavoni espresso machine.

Setting it up was a breeze, almost like unboxing a new gadget. Everything's where it should be, and it's compact enough that it didn't hog my whole counter.

Let's talk about the real deal: pulling that first shot. After getting my grind right (always crucial), I loaded up the double portafilter.

The Pavoni PUB 1V has this satisfyingly mechanical feel, reminding me that it's a manual machine where the real skill shines.

There's something raw and authentic about manually pulling a shot; it connects you to the coffee.

Now, about that first shot. Thanks to its 1-group 1500W heating element, the espresso poured out beautifully.

The best part? It was crowned with a layer of rich, velvety crema that had me grinning ear to ear. Every aroma, every nuance of the coffee bean is like a party in my mouth.

One thing to note: the La Pavoni PUB 1 doesn't come with a grinder. Don't worry, though; this is actually a blessing in disguise.

It offers you the freedom to choose your own grinder, letting you craft and personalize your coffee bar.

As you and I both know, the grinder, especially the grind size, plays a pivotal role in the brew quality.[1]

Get it too coarse or too fine, and you're in for a subpar shot, but get it just right, and it's magic in a cup.

First Time Frothing Milk

If you've ever tried frothing milk manually, you'll know it's not always a walk in the park. However, with the La Pavoni PUB 1V espresso machine, it felt refreshing. Let me walk you through it.

The first time I got to the frothing part, this tinge of excitement was mixed with the classic "hope I don't mess this up" feeling.

I've worked with automatic milk frothers before, and while they're neat, there's something raw and genuine about going manual.

I must say, La Pavoni’s steam wand was impressive!

That anti-vacuum valve is a game-changer; it effectively eliminates any chance of liquids back flushing into the wand. No messy mishaps, just pure steaming goodness.

One problem with this espresso machine is that it's a single boiler, so you must wait for the brew to finish before you steam milk.

This can be a hassle if you're in a commercial setting serving many customers; a lot of waiting will be involved. However, it wouldn't be a problem if you're just planning to use it at home

Now, was it hard? Honestly, a little. The first few tries might be a bit wobbly, but it's exhilarating once you get the hang of it.

Sure, automatic frothers might save you a few seconds, but the hands-on experience with the La Pavoni? Priceless.

On top of that, you have complete control over the milk's texture, making that lattes or cappuccinos genuinely yours.

There's a bit of a learning curve, I won't deny. However, with some practice and patience, you'll be frothing like a pro in no time.

How Much Control Do You Have Over The Coffee Experience?

As a manual commercial espresso machine, the La Pavoni PUB 1V, made me feel like the captain of my coffee ship, allowing me to navigate my coffee experience the way I want it to be.

Let's start with its programmability. While it doesn't come with modern customization features like other home espresso machines, it shines with its volumetric electronic dosing.

In simpler terms, it allows you to set and receive the exact amount of espresso you want every single time. No more guessing games--just consistency in every cup.

We all know that temperature plays a pivotal role in brewing that perfect espresso.

With La Pavoni's copper boiler, equipped with transversal heat exchangers for each group, the temperature remains super consistent.

The mounted gauge to monitor boiler pressure is like having a mini barista assistant by your side, ensuring you're in the optimal range.

Here's where it gets exciting. Since the La Pavoni is expertly designed, it has a vertical infusion chamber and pressurization system.

This intricate design ensures the water flows evenly, allowing consistent extraction time. You get to decide how long you want that shot to be, but the machine ensures it's the same every time.

To sum it all up? The La Pavoni PUB 1V offers an impressive blend of control and consistency.

Although it isn't easy to use, you'll love every bit of it once you learn and understand its features and ability.

How Does It Handle Different Roasts?

The La Pavoni PUB 1V handles different types of coffee roasts perfectly.

Light roasts like the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe really sing with this machine, capturing all the delicate fruity and floral notes.

For those who lean towards medium roasts, this espresso machine balances the flavors brilliantly.

I got a rich, well-rounded brew, especially with beans like the Colombian Supremo, which offers caramel and nutty profiles.

Now, diving into the deep end with dark roasts, I had my reservations. However, La Pavoni impressed again, extracting that chocolatey essence without any burnt undertones.

So, no matter your bean preference, this commercial espresso machine makes any of your chosen roasts shine.

Look, Feel, and Size Of The Machine

If you're into gadgets that are as good-looking as they are functional and durable, the La Pavoni PUB 1V is a no-brainer.

First off, let's address the elephant in the room: size. This isn't one of those dainty home espresso machines you tuck away in a corner.

This machine has a confident presence, measuring 21" x 15" x 21".

Here's the surprising part: despite its commercial-grade build, it's surprisingly portable. You won't be moving it every day, but if you need to shift it, it's no back-breaker.

Its sleek design and classic La Pavoni touch effortlessly combine traditional vibes with modern aesthetics and durability.

In fact, it became the centerpiece of my kitchen, and whenever friends came over, it was always a topic of conversation. It did add a touch of an Italian coffee shop right in my space.

It complemented the counter space and, honestly, made everything around it look even better.

What Drinks Can It Make?

With the La Pavoni PUB 1V commercial espresso machine and a bit of passion, you can whip up almost any coffee drink you're craving.

It will be your go-to for that high-quality morning espresso and ristretto. If you're in the mood for something creamier, use that trusty steam wand, and you're sipping a latte in no time.

For Americano lovers, you'll be pleased to know that it comes with a hot water tap so that you can have your favorite drink in no time. Cappuccinos?

With some finesse, you'll nail that silky foam every time. It's not a do-it-all-for-you machine, but with this in your kitchen, your coffee game will level up.

No wonder it's one of the best espresso machines under $5,000 on the market.

How Easy Is It To Use?

The La Pavoni PUB 1 isn't one of those "press and go" machines, and there's a learning curve. For those of us who've been around the coffee block a few times, it's an exciting challenge. 

However, if you're just dipping your toes into the espresso world, it might feel a bit daunting.

Why? Well, this machine demands your attention. It's not just about pushing a button for controls; it's about understanding extraction times, grind coarseness, and the like.[2]

It's the kind of machine that rewards patience and practice. For true coffee enthusiasts, that's part of the fun. So, if you're ready to commit to the craft, jump in.

Otherwise, there are simpler machines out there to start your journey.

How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)

From the moment you start up to pouring that silky espresso into your cup, you're looking at roughly 5-7 minutes, depending on how fast you've got your routine down.

It's a decent time, especially when you consider the quality of the shot you're getting—just enough time to decide what kind of coffee mood you're in and get everything prepped.

So, while it's not instant, you'll find that the shot is worth the wait!

Does It Have A Water Filtration System?

While the La Pavoni PUB 1V doesn't have a built-in water filtration system, it does come with a water softener. This is a pretty neat touch if you ask me.

You see, in the world of coffee, the quality of water you use plays a pivotal role in the taste of your espresso.[3] Hard water, with a lot of minerals, can mess with the flavor profiles of your beans.

The included water softener in the PUB 1 setup ensures you're not getting any unwanted flavors in your coffee. On top of that, you need to install one to keep your machine's warranty.

If you're like me and have had a fair share of espresso machine experience, you'll appreciate this water tank feature.

It's like giving your machine a little shield while keeping your coffee's taste on point.

How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?

The La Pavoni PUB 1V requires some time and effort to clean and descale.

So, from our daily barista routines, we know that any espresso machine requires regular cleaning to keep the quality of the brew up to the mark. For PUB 1V, the daily cleanup is a breeze.

A simple wipe down of the exterior, flushing through the group head, and cleaning out the drip tray and portafilters is what you're looking at.

Now, when we talk descaling, that's where the water softener steps in as the unsung hero.

Since it helps prevent scale build-up, you won't need to descale this espresso brewer as frequently as some other machines out there.

However, when it's time to descale, you'll want to ensure you do it thoroughly.

A good descaling solution and following the manufacturer's recommendations should get you sorted. It's not overly complicated, but you should set aside time to do it properly.

My Favorite Parts About The La Pavoni PUB 1

My Least Favorite Parts About The La Pavoni PUB 1

La Pavoni PUB 1 Vs Similar Machines

La Pavoni PUB 1 Vs PUB 2

Both the La Pavoni PUB 1 and PUB 2 are manual espresso machines, but they cater to different needs and spaces. 

The PUB 1, with its sleek and compact design, is perfect for those tight on space but still wanting that commercial espresso touch.

Its price is more friendly, given it's tailored for single-group operation.

On the other hand, the PUB 2 brings in a bit of muscle with its dual-group setup.

It's slightly bulkier, but that's because it’s ready to handle a higher coffee demand, making it ideal for a bustling coffee spot or a large household of caffeine aficionados.

La Pavoni PUB Vs Jura Z10

The La Pavoni PUB is reminiscent of Italy's timeless coffee culture, with a nod to hands-on espresso lovers. 

Meanwhile, the Jura Z10 brings Swiss efficiency to the table, prioritizing ease and quality.

If you're contemplating between a touch of tradition and modern convenience, consider this: both machines aim to deliver a satisfying coffee moment.

So, are you leaning toward Italian craftsmanship or Swiss innovation? The choice ultimately depends on your brewing style and coffee journey.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Conclusion - Is The La Pavoni PUB 1 Worth Your Money?

After using the La Pavoni PUB 1V for a while, I can say this is a great investment. 

If you're keen on upping your coffee game, this espresso machine can provide commercial espresso quality right into your kitchen.

While it has a learning curve, the impressive rewards rival your favorite order at your local cafe.

However, if you don't have the time to learn how to pull the perfect shot, a Jura Z10 is a better choice.

References: 

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-18247-4
2. https://around.uoregon.edu/content/perfect-cup-coffee-little-help-science
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814609004725