Parts and accessories

Almost everything here depends on one question: is your machine pre-Millennium (about 49mm baskets) or Millennium (about 51mm)? Find out in two minutes.

• Gasket and seal kitsPick the kit by generation first, model second. Millennium kits add a larger portafilter gasket and a sleeve seal; the other parts match the pre-Millennium kit. First-generation machines with a brass sleeve need their own kit.
• Portafilters and basketsFor a Millennium machine (51mm), a bottomless portafilter shows channeling as it happens, and an IMS Competition basket is a common upgrade. Pre-Millennium (49mm) machines need parts made for them; the 51mm items here will not fit.
• Tampers and distributionMillennium machines take a 51.5mm tamper; La Pavoni's own parts list names a 51.5mm tamper. Older machines need about 49mm, but measure your basket first because sizes vary.
• Pressure gauge kitsA boiler gauge shows when the machine is ready and whether the pressure switch is holding the right range. The adapter thread differs by age (11mm or 12mm), so check yours first. Most gauge kits were out of stock on Amazon US when we checked.
• GrindersA lever has no pump to push through a poor grind. You need a burr grinder that adjusts in small steps at espresso fineness. The Baratza Encore ESP is the budget pick; the Eureka Mignon Specialita has stepless adjustment and larger burrs.
• Day-one starter kitIn 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.