Day-one starter kit for a new La Pavoni
Short answer
In order: an espresso grinder, a scale with a timer, a tamper that fits your basket, and a descaler for later. Everything else can wait until you know what you want to change.
La Pavoni changed basket and gasket sizes around 2000. Check your generation first.
1. A grinder
Baratza Encore ESP
Listed for: Any espresso machine
The single purchase that most affects your first week. See our grinder page for a step-up option.
2. A scale with a timer
TIMEMORE Black Mirror Basic 2
Listed for: Coffee scale with timer, 2kg capacity, 0.1g steps
Weigh the dose and the shot so you can repeat a good one and change one thing at a time.
3. A tamper that fits
Normcore 51.5mm spring-loaded tamper
Listed for: Millennium La Pavoni (51mm baskets)
For a pre-Millennium machine, use a 49mm tamper instead.
4. Descaler, for later
Urnex Dezcal
Listed for: Boilers and heating elements
The older US La Pavoni manual names Urnex descalers. You will need it a few times a year, depending on your water.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. "Listed for" repeats the seller's compatibility claim. Measure your part when in doubt.
Machines these fit
Best first lever
Europiccola
The smallest La Pavoni lever. One small boiler for brewing and steaming, no gauge, and the most direct way into a manual lever.
- Boiler capacity
- 0.8 L per La Pavoni. US sources list 20 oz (manual) or 27 oz (importer).
- Basket size
- About 51mm (Millennium, made after 2000). Older machines use about 49mm.
- Pressure gauge
- None listed on the standard model (sight glass only). The Special Edition EPC-8SB adds one.
More shots per fill
Professional
The Europiccola's lever and group on a boiler twice the size, with a pressure gauge. The better daily lever for milk drinks or two people.
- Boiler capacity
- 1.6 L per La Pavoni. US sources list 38 oz (manual, Amazon) or 54 oz (importer).
- Basket size
- About 51mm (Millennium, made after 2000). Older machines use about 49mm.
- Pressure gauge
- Yes, on the boiler. The US manual says it should top out at 0.7 to 0.8 bar and never pass 1 bar.
Questions buyers ask
What comes with a new La Pavoni?
The US manuals list a filter holder, one- and two-cup filters, a tamper and a measuring spoon. The Esperto adds competition baskets and a bottomless portafilter.
How often should I descale?
The older US manuals say 2 to 3 times a year for the Europiccola and 4 to 5 times a year for the Professional, depending on use. Hard water needs more.
Sources
European Gift and Houseware, the US importer, and its US manuals; Amazon US product listings.