DISCONTINUED Ponte Vecchio Lusso 2 Group Spring Piston Lever Espresso Machine
Please visit one of the links below for more comparable products.
Ponte Vecchio Lusso 2 Group Spring Piston Lever Espresso Machine
Overview:
Ponte Vecchio is an Italian company that has been producing lever home espresso machines since 1999. It was founded by a number of entrepreneurs with over 20 years of experience in the industry of mechanical components for small household appliances. The new Ponte Vecchio Lusso 2 Group V2 has new improvements with the internal steam pipe in the boiler having extra welding to hold it in place. In older models, this pipe would sometimes break off.
Features:
- Spring piston-operated grouphead – Lever starts in the upward position, the user pulls down against spring until coffee fills the bottom of a demitasse cup, then the lever is slowly released and the spring in the piston pushes the lever to pump the water through the coffee grinds. If making double, it is important to pull the lever down a second time at the halfway point and released.
- Stainless steel/brass piston.
- Removable drip tray & cup warming tray.
- The gauge measures steam boiler pressure (0 – 2.5 bar) located on the right.
- Visual control of water level located underneath the gauge. Keep an eye on this control when filling the boiler.
- Fixed-position 3-hole steam wand located on the left and fixed-position hot water wand located on the right. Both are activated by rotational knobs on the left and right side of the machine. Turn counter-clockwise to activate; counter-clockwise to deactivate.
- Indicator lights on the left side of the machine. The upper left light is the heating light. It is on when the machine is heating up; off when the machine is ready to use. The lower left light is the water light. It is on when the water in the boiler is too low; off when the water in the boiler is at the optimal level.
- Grouphead and portafilter made from a chrome-plated brass casting: unit preheated by forced circulation of hot water from the boiler, always ready for use at optimum operating temperature.
- Accessories included: (2) Dual spout portafilter, (2) non-E.S.E. pod filter basket, (2) 1-cup filter basket, (2) 2-cup filter basket, plastic coffee tamper, metal scoop, plastic funnel, instruction manual.
Espresso Machine Warning:
[ls_content_block id=”63004″]- Due to many issues of this machine being damaged in transit we add extra packing inside the machine that customers will have to remove.
- This machine cannot be backflushed.
- There is no spring to hold the basket into the portafilter.
- The pod filter baskets use special pods that are not E.S.E.
- Optional interchangeable colored panels fits the one and two group Lusso models.
- When using both groupheads, It’s always necessary to start with right side grouphead first. This is due to the compact design of this model, which is the same dimensions as the 1 group model.
- Since the grouphead gaskets are new, you may notice initially that the portafilters will lock in different “positions.” The gaskets will break in after use and will have the same start position.
-
All groups and their components are made by hand. For example, the fork could have the hole connected to the piston with a 1 mm diameter more than the other, so one piston could reach the hole of the water 1mm before the other. Because of mechanical rules, the lever seems to push differently from the other because 1 mm for the piston means 20/30 degrees more or less for the lever. The volume of the water could not be different from one group to another because internal processing is done by a machine.
| Brand | Ponte Vecchio |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 19, approximate |
| Width (inches) | 15, approximate |
| Depth (inches) | 17.5, approximate |
| Weight (pounds) | 31 |
| Wattage (watts) | 1000 |
| Voltage (volts) | 110 – 120 |
| Boiler capacity (liters) | 3 |
| Portafilter size (mm) | 45 |
| Approvals | CE |
3 reviews for DISCONTINUED Ponte Vecchio Lusso 2 Group Spring Piston Lever Espresso Machine
Add a review
You must be logged in to post a review.
Ask a question
Please ask follow up questions as a new question. Submitted questions will be first reviewed, answered, and lastly publicized.
-
My machine is building excessive pressure. I did some digging and noticed a small part on the boiler with a reset button had been puttied into place and was blown off. I need the piece as well as the threaded insert into the side of the boiler but cannot locate either on the diagrams. I have a picture if that helps
-
Q My machine is building excessive pressure. I did some digging and noticed a small part on the boi...... Read more answer nowAsked by on May 8, 2022 12:28 pmAnswered by the admin
Sorry, we no longer have this part and we are no longer doing business with this manufacturer as they do not respond to our emails. Please contact them directly.
My machine is building excessive pressure but hasn’t done this before. Not sure if it’s a pressure stat issue or a brain issue.
-
Q My machine is building excessive pressure but hasn’t done this before. Not sure if it’s a pressur...... Read more answer nowAsked by on July 27, 2021 11:20 amAnswered by the admin Sounds like a pressurstat issue.
The "brain" died on my Lusso. Your page for the part states you no longer sell it. https://www.1st-line.com/buy/ponte-vecchio-brain-unit-110-volt/ What do I do?
-
Q The "brain" died on my Lusso. Your page for the part states you no longer sell it. https://www.1s...... Read more answer nowAsked by on February 6, 2021 3:31 amAnswered by the admin
Sorry for the delay. This one required research as PV changed part numbers. Here is the latest version of brain units.
Could I brew and steam at the same time with this machine?
-
Q Could I brew and steam at the same time with this machine? answer nowAsked by on February 4, 2021 4:17 pmAnswered by the admin
You can, but then you are taking steam pressure away from the boiler while using that steam pressure to pre-infuse the espresso coffee.
A Yes, when you release the lever, pre-infusion is over, the spring provides the pressure. You can steam while shot pours.
I received my ponte vecchio lusso this week. It keeps kicking into safety mode upon turning on.. eg the boiler doesn’t heat and the low water level light comes on. I keep the water level halfway up. Sometimes it takes up to 10 turning on/off cycles for the machine to start up normally. What could be causing this?
-
Q I received my ponte vecchio lusso this week. It keeps kicking into safety mode upon turning on.. ...... Read more answer nowAsked by on September 4, 2020 4:59 pmAnswered by the admin
Sorry to hear this. We do bench test EVERY Lusso with water only for minimum 1 hour after the order arrives into our system and prior to shipping.
If the water is too pure, the sensor will not be able to pick up the water. Please remove the water and add tap water to confirm it works.
My machine keeps tripping internally (upper light is on then click and lower light is on) during startup. The red button inside stays in, if I flip the power switch the boiler will turn back on. How can I get this fixed?
-
Q My machine keeps tripping internally (upper light is on then click and lower light is on) during ...... Read more answer nowAsked by on June 22, 2020 5:53 pmAnswered by the admin
Sorry to hear this. The machine can be shipped in for repair after reviewing the following information.
Any of the following parts can be defective: brain unit, power switch, or pressurstat.
I have had this machine for about 1.5 yrs. Both groupheads squeak and grind(?) a little when I press the lever down. There is fine brass dust at the top of the grouphead where the piston comes out. How do I rectify this issue? Thanks.
-
Q I have had this machine for about 1.5 yrs. Both groupheads squeak and grind(?) a little when I pr...... Read more answer nowAsked by on October 21, 2019 3:35 pmAnswered by the admin
Lubrication may be needed in the piston. If the issue still occurs, it will need to be sent in to be evaluated by a technician.
Is this a spring lever machine? I noticed the head is taller than normal but it doesn't say if it's spring lever or not in the description.
-
Q Is this a spring lever machine? I noticed the head is taller than normal but it doesn't say if it...... Read more answer nowAsked by on June 18, 2019 12:54 amAnswered by the admin Sorry, it is a spring piston lever espresso machine.
I notice that the dimensions and weight for the 2-group Lusso are the same as the 1-group Lusso. That seems hard to believe. What are the actual dimensions and weight of these machines?
-
Q I notice that the dimensions and weight for the 2-group Lusso are the same as the 1-group Lusso. ...... Read more answer nowAsked by on November 15, 2018 6:39 amAnswered by the admin
Sorry, this is an error on our part. We will correct the information on both as soon as we can.
I purchased ponte vecchio 2 group machine from you. Used daily fine, drained and stored it for about a year. Recently tried it but won't work. Turns on and heats up fine all seemed normal but no water will come out of the group heads. What can I do myself to get it working? I'm very mechanically inclined willing to work on it.
-
Q I purchased ponte vecchio 2 group machine from you. Used daily fine, drained and stored it for ab...... Read more answer nowAsked by on October 17, 2018 5:03 pmAnswered by the admin
We suggest you will the boiler with a descaling solution and try to get the solution through the grouphead. If this does not clear it, the grouphead will need to be removed or disassembled and evaluated for the blockage. Please note a special tool is needed to re-assemble the grouphead.
Noel H –
PROS:
1. Thermo stability due to indirect boiler grouphead connection and thermosyphon group. Allows leaving this machine on for hours and pull consecutive shots without overheating problems.
2. Is relatively forgiving in hitting consistent shots. Due to the thermostability, less touchy with dosing, distribution and /or expansion space?
3. 3L boiler. Capacity in a pour over machine.
4. Deadband on the pstat for the unit received is +/-0.05bars.
NEGS:
1. Too small & low capacity driptray. Surface area that pools before draining.
2. Opening the casing to access the pstat and reset thermofuse is inconvient.
3. Fit and finish is basic. Functional design except for casing removal.
4. Low volume piston. Requires developing good technique (mulitiple pull, “”Fellini”” ) to pull true double espresso.
5. Non-insulated boiler. There is enough space and it’s easy to apply a double layer of ThermoGuard insulation.
NEUTRAL: 1. Characteristic of shots lean towards a sweet bias with a heavier mouth feel relative to the MCaL. The subtle characteristics of the MCaL’s shots get buried.
2. Crema thickness and quantity similar to a vibe E61/HX machine.
3. Maintenance should be like any other lever machine except for the effort needed to remove the casing. Minimal time, effort
and parts relative to an E61/HX vibe machine.
4. Double ristretto based on brew ratios are relatively easy to pull on this machine. True doubles requires more skill.
OVERALL: I strongly recommend either the Lusso single or double group. If you are new to lever machines the thermostability of the group and the spring lever design makes this a good first machine. The 2 grouphead Lusso allows a tag-team approach between the groups allowing relatively rapid consecutive shots to be pulled. No long wait, lever manipulation or portafilter sneeze to endure. For more info check out home-barista thread: “”Lever Smackdown”” under the Bench forum category.
Ed T –
If you’re an espresso snob, like me…. this is your machine. Simplicity is Goodness… Over the past 15 years, I’ve owned and used la Pavoni EPC-8, Pasquini Liva90 and Expobar Brewtus… all good machines, but don’t compare with P-V Lusso which is a non-complex, no-bells and whistles, keep it simple, near perfect machine. I pull about 12 shots per day, so, the Lusso 2 Group works best for me. Lusso is very simple to install, and start-up; its 11″ high, thus, easily fits under standard kitchen cabinets with cups on the warmer. Push the toggle switch on and in 15-20 minutes you’re going to wonder, how does this little, simple machine deliver such a great shot… pull the lever down, and hold it till a stream begins, then release the lever… you won’t see much creama in the cup, but the quality is to-die-for… one pull = about 1 oz, so, I do a double, another reason for the Lusso 2 Group… A few tips… frothing takes lots of trial (and error)… my 1st attempt, milk was flying all over the kitchen… so, be careful. Place the steam wand tip just in the top of the milk, and every so slowly turn on the steam; you’ll get some bubbles but they will disappear, and normal frothing continues… just be careful with the volume of steam… you can steam and pull shots together. Another tip, the delivered tamper is worthless; it’s too short; so when you order the Lusso, also place an order a 45mm tamper. I use the Rocky grinder w/o doser; usual setting is 6-7 for a nice fine stream.
As a self-proclaimed espresso junkie and snob, I highly recommend the Lusso 2 Group, and the customer service folks at 1st-Line are 1st Class.
peet –
The Ponte Vecchio machines produce great espresso.
Having owned several machines in the last 20 years or so including expensive E61 types this machine amazes me still.
Great value for the money.
If you’re looking for great tasting espresso with an affordable,small footprint machine this might be the one for you.
Great steamer too for perfect micro foam.