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Coffee World Corner
By: Alicia Walters Revised by: Mark Cambell Last updated: Mar 3, 2025
The machine's retro fine lines and light weight hide a powerhouse of a machine with shots that are otherworldly.
At 17 pounds, the EPC-8 is light enough to shuttle between rooms but constructed as though it's designed to last forever with brass and steel making it tank tough. Easy to set up with no more than water line and power cord, the 1500W thermoblock heats the machine up quick for uniform temperature control.
Where the Europiccola truly excels is in its Shot quality. Its 8-bar pressure produces crema-covered espresso with a smooth mouthfeel. But it is the absolute control over variables that gives a skilled barista such as myself the freedom to shine. By tweaking dosage, yield, pre-infusion and pressure profiling, you too can easily pull even balanced nuanced flavors.
The learning curve is steep, requiring precise grinding and distribution ability. But for a willing barista, few machines reward effort as unstintingly as the Europiccola. Its laser-engraved pressure gauge provides a decorative flair, allowing me to watch extractions play out shot after shot.
While its lack of automatic constraints limits it to specialty use, for those who want no-compromise manual pull shots in a compact package, nothing comes close to the La Pavoni Europiccola. Fewer machines allow a barista's skill and artistry to shine through each perfect shot. For connoisseurs who demand the best in manual control, it is espresso at its best in a compact space.
All in all, if you're prepared to spend some time and effort learning about the quirks of the La Pavoni Europiccola, you will be treated to an espresso machine that puts total control at your fingertips and, once mastered, capable of producing rich, complex espresso. Just don't have unrealistic expectations for the first few shots, which will more than likely be recalcitrant and disappointing. With practice, patience and a good dose of troubleshooting, the EPC-8 has the potential to become an espresso-making soulmate. Just keep your expectations of "plug and play" ease in perspective.
Pros:
• The brass and wood construction offers true "retro futurism" looks and charm.
• Offers precise control of brewing parameters to produce an optimal espresso extraction.
• With experience, the EPC-8 allows the barista to consistently produce superior shots.
• La Pavoni machines are built to last decades with good periodical maintenance.
Cons:
• Mastering the EPC-8 requires hours of trial and error.
• The small portafilter and boiler allow for just 1-2 shots per pull.
• Needs constant maintenance, from backflushing to descaling to group head gasket replacement.
A Bonus Recipe
Americano
Americano
What’s an Americano?
What’s an Americano?
An Americano is an espresso drink made with hot water and espresso, also called a Caffe Americano. The drink can be made with either one or two shots of espresso, and varying ratios of water. Diluting the strong dark espresso roast brings the flavor closer to a drip coffee: which might be where the name originated! The exact origin of the term is murky, but it’s thought to have originated in the 1970’s. “Americano” means American in Italian or Spanish, referring to the coffee’s strength being closer to an American-style drip coffee.
How much water is an Americano?
How much water is an Americano?
Great question, and one that has more than one answer. How much water is an Americano? There are various ratios that are considered acceptable:
The typical Caffe Americano ratio is 2:1. That’s 2 parts hot water to 1 part espresso. This ratio makes the drink still taste dark and bitter, like a lightened form of espresso.
You can customize the water in an American to taste. Every barista and coffee shop makes an Americano differently.
Use 3:1 for a smoother, milder coffee with more volume. This ratio makes the Americano taste like a bitter drip coffee. (If you order an Americano at Starbucks, it will taste like this ratio.)
- How to make an Americano
Once you know about the water ratio and espresso technique: there’s not much to know about this coffee drink! Here are the basic steps for how to make an Americano:
Decide on your drink size. A 1-shot Americano can mostly fit in an espresso mug . A 2-shot drink is best suited in a latte mug.
Make the espresso. Use espresso roast coffee to make espresso using your favorite method: with an automated espresso machine, manual espresso maker, or Aeropress.
Boil the water. Use a regular or electric teapot to boil the water. The standard ratio is 2:1 water to espresso, but you can go up to as much as 3:1.
Mix the two and enjoy! Pour the boiling water into the espresso. Instant Caffe Americano!
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