Olympia Express - Cremina - Lever Espresso Machine - Made in Switzerland

I love this lever machine. Very well built, simple yet refined and a sure 45 year machine at least. This Cremina is heavy, evenly balanced and pulls amazing shots. It is my first espresso machine, I have no idea what I am doing and all I can tell you is my wife and daughters are now drinking shots with me. Now yes, they are drinking cappuccino type drinks but I think that says how great this lever machine is. Johnny was amazing, very helpful, took time to explain things, gave me options and then helped fine tune the entire order. he had the box in the mail that day, I got this thin g the next day.....I can't say enough great things about Cerini, class act right there!!!

This is the ultimate machine for someone who wants to explore coffee.

You can indulge in every variety of beans in the World. Then for any one selection, you can experiment with different pressure profiles to bring out a variety of flavors. I'm a raw novice and pulled delicious, flavorful shots from the very first try. Imho, my espresso already surpasses any cafe in Austin TX. And from an inexpensive grinder (Fellow Opus) though I recommend a good espresso grinder. I just ordered a Eureka. The better grinder will make it even easier to dial-in. I'm enjoying the process of getting to know this machine. You don't simply hit a button and get espresso here. It takes time, and patience. You have to play with the grind, the tamp, the brewpressure (lever pull) then observe and tast the shot (the proof!). Without any gauge to show where you are in brew pressure, you must learn to feel what works! I ordered the Naked Portafilter gauge, but may not add it. It's a beautiful experience from a beautifully made and quiet machine. My microfoam game needs work for any critics out there! Watch James Hoffman's review. Sidenote - Be prepared for the baskets to be a little larger than the included 49mm tamper. I may get a 49.5 or even 50mm 2d tamper. An after-market 49mm bottomless portafilter holder needed a rubber mallet to seat the basket properly. Not a big deal.

so happy i took the plunge & purchased this machine! solid design, large water reservoir, easy to navigate, pulls shots well, steams milk well, all around great espresso machine. i cannot say enough wonderful things, especially after owning another less user friendly lever machine. additionally, cerini allowed me to try the cremina out in their store, which helped tremendously.

Coming from 8-9 years on a big double boiler it is so nice to have my counter space back!

Having tired of failing electronics I wanted to go old school, analog. I wanted an exceptionally good tool and was willing to take the time to get a feeling for the tool and the interaction with the coffee. 10 days in really good shots are the norm and I can feel great shots on the horizon.

If you want to tightly control temp and pressure, or to flip a switch for good shots, this machine is not right for you. If you are like me and have tired of applying formulas in you life and wish to master technique and craft in your daily rituals, baby this is the machine for you!