La Pavoni Europiccola vs 9Barista Mk.2
Quick take: The 9Barista Mk.2 costs $255 less; the 9Barista Mk.2 heats up faster (3-6 minutes).
| Spec | La Pavoni Europiccola | 9Barista Mk.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,000 | $745 |
| Rating | 3.6★ (100) | 4.8★ (260) |
| Type | Manual/Lever | Manual/Lever |
| Boiler | Single Boiler | Single Boiler |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Pump pressure | — | 9 bar |
| Water capacity | 20 oz | 4 oz |
| Warm-up time | 5-10 minutes | 3-6 minutes |
| Steam wand | Manual | — |
| Basket type | Unpressurized Only | Unpressurized Only |
| Best for | Purists | Espresso Purists |
| Dimensions | 7.0 x 11.0 x 12.0 in | 3.1 x 3.1 x 7.1 in |
| Weight | 14 lbs | 4 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 5 years |
Pros & cons
La Pavoni Europiccola
- ✓Full manual lever control enables pressure profiling and exceptional shots once mastered
- ✓Gorgeous triple-plated chrome build that owners display like kitchen art
- ✓Simple, fully rebuildable design - 1970s units still run, parts remain plentiful
- ✓Boiler-fed manual steam wand handles milk drinks a Picopresso or Flair cannot
- ✗Notorious temperature-management learning curve - the small boiler overheats after 1-2 shots
- ✗No pressure gauge or temperature display on the base model; consistency takes months
- ✗Low Amazon rating largely reflects unprepared buyers frustrated by the ritual
- ✗Small 51mm baskets and limited steam capacity make back-to-back drinks slow
9Barista Mk.2
- ✓Genuine 9-bar, 93C extraction with real crema - not moka pot coffee
- ✓Nothing electronic to break; built to last decades and fully rebuildable
- ✓Tiny footprint travels to kitchens, boats, and campsites with a gas stove
- ✓Self-regulating design needs no gauges or temperature surfing
- ✗One double shot per 3-6 minute cycle - slow for multiple guests
- ✗No steam wand, so milk drinks need a separate frother
- ✗Demands a capable grinder and fine dialing-in like any real espresso
- ✗Body gets scorching hot and must cool before refilling