La Pavoni vs Olympia Cremina: two classic boiler levers
Verdict
These are the closest rivals: both are direct levers on a boiler with a steam wand. The Cremina is Swiss-made and heavier with a 1.8 L boiler and 49mm baskets; the La Pavoni is easier to buy in the US, with parts and repair shops widely available.
Olympia Cremina
Swiss-built, heavier, sold by few US dealers
Sold by its maker and US espresso retailers.
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Side by side
| La Pavoni Professional | Olympia Cremina | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Direct lever, boiler, steam wand | Direct lever with pre-infusion piston, boiler, steam wand |
| Boiler | 1.6 L (La Pavoni) | 1.8 L (maker) |
| Basket | About 51mm | 49mm |
| Gauge | Boiler gauge | Manometer (boiler) |
| US power | 110V, 1000W | 120V, 850W (maker) |
| Size | 11 x 7 x 12 in, 17 lb (US manual) | 7.87 x 10.63 x 12.99 in, 24 lb |
| Made in | Italy | Switzerland |
| On Amazon US | Yes | Listings unavailable when checked |
What they share
Both are direct-lever machines with their own electric boiler and a steam wand. You raise the lever, water enters the group, and you press down to brew. Both have a boiler gauge.
What differs
The Cremina’s maker lists a 1.8 litre boiler, 49mm baskets and a 24 lb machine made in Switzerland. Its US version runs at 120V and 850W. The La Pavoni Professional has a 1.6 litre boiler (La Pavoni figure), takes about 51mm baskets, and weighs 17 lb in the US manual.
Buying and service in the US
This is where the La Pavoni pulls ahead for most US buyers. The Professional is on Amazon US, the US importer sells parts, and many independent shops repair it. Olympia lists two US dealers for the Cremina, and the Amazon listings we found were unavailable when we checked.
Questions buyers ask
Where can I buy a Cremina in the US?
Olympia Express lists two US dealers, both marked as service partners - Cerini Coffee and Gifts in the Bronx, New York, and OZ Espresso in Richmond, California.
Is there a spring-lever Cremina?
Yes. Olympia also makes the Cremina SL, with a compression spring in the brewing head.
Sources
Olympia Express; Cerini Coffee and Gifts; La Pavoni manuals, parts lists and product pages; Amazon US product listings.
Not yet confirmed: Cremina US warranty length. We will update this page when a primary source confirms it.