Brian, I would like to hear from you more on why Cremina is such a wonderful machine. My daily espresso machine is a Cremina and a Londinium I-P and I always found the shots from Cremina is better and sweeter. This result actually stop me from buying Decent Espresso machine. Your experiences and comments as a Decent / Linea mini / Cremina owner will be very useful. Thanks !
Thank you for this video. I just recently rediscovered a James Hoffman video on the Cremina. It got me thinking about this machine so I started researching it. I am so impressed with its performance and size. I am in the market for an espresso maker and love the lever machines however most are very large and very heavy. It is hard to believe this machine is so powerful yet so tiny. Then I saw that Olympia produced a semi-automatic machine. Wow! I think I am in heaven and may have to splurge and get both! 💖 ☕
I too am thinking about getting both. Already have the new Maximatic. If you do get both, please let me know how the straight espresso compares to each other.
I would love to see a dedicated Maximatic-video. When I try to read up on it the info from Olympia themselves is really sparse. “Dual circuit machine” they call it, does that mean it’s a single boiler or a heat exchanger or what? I would love to know more about how the machine works and what it is capable of. And also what it’s limitations are of course, can you do pre-infusion for instance? Is it easy to lower the pressure? And who is this for? Is it for the same people who likes the cremina or something totally different?
Heat exchanger but very consistent temperature repeatability. No preinfusion but the vibe pump ramps slow enough. Like the Cremina, it’s parts are mostly custom machined brass and stainless steel: built to withstand the apocalypse. But I find that puck prep is important- it’s not as forgiving as the Cremina but it’s faster pulling multiple shots.
How do you feel the smaller portafilter affects the flavor profile you get in the cup? I started my espresso journey on the Flair Pro 2 and upgraded to the 58, and I find the bigger portafilter size has resulted in sweeter and clearer shots, perhaps at the expense of some texture (although that's hard to say since I drink exclusively light roasts). I would be curious to hear how the portafilter size affects it in your opinion though. Especially what you feel like are up sides and down sides.
I had to choose between the max and cremina. It was tough but went with the Maximatic. Cremina known for excellent espresso. But I don't drink straight espresso and figured even if there is a difference in shots, I would not be able to distinguish after adding milk and other stuff. I do however entertain guest, and the Maximatic beats cremina for pulling many shots. I have never once regretted the decision. And the Maximatic just looks so neat. Tiny, like a toy, but so well built and heavy duty. You're right, it's so hard to explain why they are so much fun. Question, if you were blindfolded and I lined up shots pulled from both machines, could you tell the difference?
Really enjoy your video. I agree 100% that it is very difficult to tell people how satisfactory on using a Olympia Cremina. I also started my espresso journey with a Pre-mil La Pavoni Professional but I love my Olympia Cremina much much more ! ! ! One small suggestion ..... you should also get an Olympia Club and you will put aside your Maximatic and have a bigger smile in your face ! ! !
Hi Brian, I love your enthusiasm for the Olympia machines and I get what you mean about ‘what price to put on enjoyment’ I have been a Pavoni lover for years, but last year taking the plunge on a 1975 Cremina there is just something about the whole experience that I never tire of. Recently due to opportunity that came my way, I got hold of an Olympia Club (1972) and I find it fascinating, like a bridge between lever and electronic in a strange kind of way. I can’t part with either now. Keep the reviews coming 😀
What a joy to watch! And what you said about the fun along the journey is so true! That's why I chose the La Pavoni Europiccola, along with a Jx Pro, becouse of the interaction and the "I have hand crafted this espresso" factor! Can't wait for the videos! Also, on the Pharos vs Helor Flux, I would love if you could also compare them to the other, smaller burr hand grinders! I read so much stuff about the Pharos and the taste difference that the bigger burrs can allow, which will can also be extrapolated to the Niche zero (same burrs), but when I searched about these comparisons, people said the Pharos is very hard to distinguish from a Kinu M47, for example, which has a substantially small burr set. Thanks! And please keep up the amazing work!
Hey Brian, I am enjoying watching your videos and I am planning to buy Cremina in near future. What grind size would you recommend? I remember you recommended grinding a little coarser. As a beginner for lever machine, it got me curious. Again thanks for your hard work.
Thanks Brian, this is more of a general question and perhaps a bit off topic, but I’ve been looking for a general primer on the difference between a spring lever machine and a direct lever machine. How do they compare in terms of the cup and repeatability? Separate question for the Olympias, what’s the largest drink/recipe that you could go? Would you recommend these machines for a daily driver or for a ‘one’ machine household? The way they look and you describe them makes them sound like a high end watch ie the Rolex of spro machines!
I have a Cremina and also had an old Faema spring lever machine. Not a whole lot of difference. The Cremina pulling the lever up is easy and it fills the piston, you exert force pulling the lever down to pull the shot.. In the spring you exert downward force on the lever to compress spring that then pushes lever up to pull shot. Perhaps non spring has more control to increase or reduce pressure in pulling the shot. The Cremina was reasonable prior to the absurd price increase.
yes, Brian, you have hit upon the real reason why espresso can be so much much fun. It is the fun of using these essentially analog machines manufactured and/or designed so long ago allowing us to produce and then just experience and taste amazing espresso that has just dripped into our cups. I have a Ponte Vecchio Export, also a La Pavoni, and recently added a newer Profitec lever machine to my mix of machines. Yes, I have E61 machines too, but the older design levers just give me so much pleasure especially when they deliver such good espresso after learning how to do so. I also simply like the visceral pleasure you get while learning how to drive and shift say, an ancient 1953 MG TD with its primitive gearbox and minimal 53 horsepower in contrast to any newer modern car such as a modern Porsche 911. A friend of mine has that MG and I can't believe how much fun I had driving it when I was given the chance. The older cars, and the older design espresso machines require more personal mental and physical engagement which I believe results in more personal pleasure and satisfaction...or at least that is how it works for me too. Thinking my way through and doing Fellini pulls on a lever machine and knowing how I can change what drops into my cup gives me amazing pleasure and often is rewarded with great espresso, and then sometimes a fail if I don't do it well. That inherent uncertainty of old analog machines is a real charm of them. I'm in charge, not a computer. No offense to Decent intended. I just love the 18g tasty ristrettos that I mostly pull each morning on the 14 gram basket Ponte Vecchio or on the La Pavoni. Then afterwards I make an almost always guaranteed successful Latte for my wife from the E61 after I've already had my morning lever fun. Yes, I definitely understand your feelings of such satisfying fun with older lever machines, or, I'd guess, an older Olympia HX model. So thanks for a great post. I'm looking forward to your full Olympia lever report. Cheers.
Nice espresso machine collection! I am currently about to buy my first lever and the PV, Pavoni and Cremina are on the top of my list. Of course, quite a price range. But how do you think, these machines differ the most? Which is the best for a single-household, brewing almost exclusively espresso? Designwise i prefer the more squared PV and Cremina, but the first has the small basket and the latter has the large boiler, which may be overkill for 1-2 Espresso per day. What do you think?
Hi Brian, Thanks for the video, I only just discovered it! I love your enthusiasm, and your choice of machine. My coffee machine is a Profitec Pro 800 lever which has been on the bench doing sterling work for three years now. Before that, I had a Rancilio Silvia for about seven years. The sad fact, is I always wanted a lever machine, but miss Miss Silvia terribly. And her quirks. We are about to move interstate, downsizing at the same time, and kitchen space will at a premium. She who must be obeyed is adamant, the Profitec is too big. Yep, it is a big fellow. So, after much research, soul searching and body scratching, decided the Olympia Maximatic will be the machine. It reminds me a little of a upmarket RS. Your video confirms my decision. I am the only one in the family who drinks coffee, so the machine will be making five or so coffees a day. I generally leave the Profitec on all day, however, with the much smaller Maximatic, would you recommend leaving it on all day, or switching it off between drinks? And how do you go about getting parts for these gorgeous machines? Thanks mate, and again, thanks for the Video. So refreshing and honest; not to mention entertaining. Cheers.
I used to own a Silvia, and bought a new Cremina SL last year. I don't have any personal experience with the Maximatic, but the consensus is that it's much better than the Rancillio. I know that my Cremina makes me sad that I didn't switch years ago. But having waited only makes me appreciate the improvements more. As to leaving the machine on all day; I don't think that's a great idea, unless you're making a cup every hour or so (then turning it on & off constantly is probably worse). Since the lever machine doesn't use as much current as a pump, I use a smart plug to turn my Cremina on & off remotely. That way, my machine is already heated & ready when I get out of bed or home from work. As to getting parts; Olympia has many groups loyal to them online. You should never have any problem finding advice as to compatibility, and where to get new/used/rebuilt components.
Seems like the lever machine would be way more fun to use. What is the upkeep for Cremina, how do you clean the group head? How long to heat up the Cremina? Wow the shaky cam was kind of an assault for the first half of the video 🤣.
@@BrianQuan very interested to hear about the maximatic vs linea mini. Also would like to learn more about the need to flush the maximatic after each shot. it sounds like youll be constantly refilling it to reset the temperature, but then i read other reviews that say you can pull shot after shot.
Brian, can you cover thermal stability for the Cremina in depth? Particularly in the context of back to back shots? Incredible stuff! Love the concept! Thank you!!!
Yes will cover it! I'll let you know that it seems to stabilize in that 80-85C range even after multiple shots and it does it quite quickly so even if you were running a little hot it'd stabilize by the time you can prep another shot.
OK... I ordered my Cremina. It will be paired with my Niche Zero. Do you have any recommendations for dosing funnel, portafilter stand, and other accessories for the 49mm portafilter? Any advice you have is greatly appreciated. 😁 ☕ ☕
Is the cremina the kind of machine you can use with a smart switch and have ready to go in the morning as long as you filled the boiler the night before?
I know the Cremina is very different from the Decent, but I'm having the toughest time picking which espresso machine to buy. Most important factor for me is the fun factor, so it's interesting that this came up in this video and also in Hoffman's video using the Cremina. Second, for me is taste. So if the Cremina captures both of those elements so strongly, maybe it's the machine for me? I recently have been thinking about getting a Decent since it seems like I can learn more about espresso that way and also try many different styles of espresso.
Hey Michael, You will not be able to do long ratio shots with the Cremina like you can on many many other machines especially the Decent. I can try to incorporate this question into my full video.
@@BrianQuan Thanks! I've been trying to weigh out all the different options out there to pick a machine and it's tough. I'm currently leaning towards getting the Decent as it lets you experiment more.
Brian, I would like to hear from you more on why Cremina is such a wonderful machine. My daily espresso machine is a Cremina and a Londinium I-P and I always found the shots from Cremina is better and sweeter. This result actually stop me from buying Decent Espresso machine. Your experiences and comments as a Decent / Linea mini / Cremina owner will be very useful. Thanks !
Thank you for this video. I just recently rediscovered a James Hoffman video on the Cremina. It got me thinking about this machine so I started researching it. I am so impressed with its performance and size. I am in the market for an espresso maker and love the lever machines however most are very large and very heavy. It is hard to believe this machine is so powerful yet so tiny. Then I saw that Olympia produced a semi-automatic machine. Wow! I think I am in heaven and may have to splurge and get both! 💖 ☕
I too am thinking about getting both. Already have the new Maximatic. If you do get both, please let me know how the straight espresso compares to each other.
@@kevinpfaff7532 I can tell you, I have both the best is the Cremina SL, can’t compare it with the Maximatic, I Cremina SL is just amazing
I would love to see a dedicated Maximatic-video. When I try to read up on it the info from Olympia themselves is really sparse. “Dual circuit machine” they call it, does that mean it’s a single boiler or a heat exchanger or what? I would love to know more about how the machine works and what it is capable of. And also what it’s limitations are of course, can you do pre-infusion for instance? Is it easy to lower the pressure? And who is this for? Is it for the same people who likes the cremina or something totally different?
heat exchanger machines are called "Zweikreiser" in German, hence dual circuit. It works like any other HX machine.
Heat exchanger but very consistent temperature repeatability. No preinfusion but the vibe pump ramps slow enough. Like the Cremina, it’s parts are mostly custom machined brass and stainless steel: built to withstand the apocalypse. But I find that puck prep is important- it’s not as forgiving as the Cremina but it’s faster pulling multiple shots.
How does the resulting coffee from the Cremina compare to the Decent Cremina profile?
How do you feel the smaller portafilter affects the flavor profile you get in the cup? I started my espresso journey on the Flair Pro 2 and upgraded to the 58, and I find the bigger portafilter size has resulted in sweeter and clearer shots, perhaps at the expense of some texture (although that's hard to say since I drink exclusively light roasts). I would be curious to hear how the portafilter size affects it in your opinion though. Especially what you feel like are up sides and down sides.
have you considered the difference comes from temperature not portafilter size, or that you were filling the pro2 too much?
I had to choose between the max and cremina. It was tough but went with the Maximatic. Cremina known for excellent espresso. But I don't drink straight espresso and figured even if there is a difference in shots, I would not be able to distinguish after adding milk and other stuff. I do however entertain guest, and the Maximatic beats cremina for pulling many shots. I have never once regretted the decision. And the Maximatic just looks so neat. Tiny, like a toy, but so well built and heavy duty. You're right, it's so hard to explain why they are so much fun. Question, if you were blindfolded and I lined up shots pulled from both machines, could you tell the difference?
Really enjoy your video. I agree 100% that it is very difficult to tell people how satisfactory on using a Olympia Cremina. I also started my espresso journey with a Pre-mil La Pavoni Professional but I love my Olympia Cremina much much more ! ! ! One small suggestion ..... you should also get an Olympia Club and you will put aside your Maximatic and have a bigger smile in your face ! ! !
Can cremina pull good shots with very light roasts? What do you think about cremina SL?
When you have a new coffee which machine do you prefer for dialing in? Also, I noticed you didn’t flush the Maximatic; does that affect your results?
Hi Brian, I love your enthusiasm for the Olympia machines and I get what you mean about ‘what price to put on enjoyment’ I have been a Pavoni lover for years, but last year taking the plunge on a 1975 Cremina there is just something about the whole experience that I never tire of. Recently due to opportunity that came my way, I got hold of an Olympia Club (1972) and I find it fascinating, like a bridge between lever and electronic in a strange kind of way. I can’t part with either now. Keep the reviews coming 😀
What a joy to watch! And what you said about the fun along the journey is so true! That's why I chose the La Pavoni Europiccola, along with a Jx Pro, becouse of the interaction and the "I have hand crafted this espresso" factor! Can't wait for the videos! Also, on the Pharos vs Helor Flux, I would love if you could also compare them to the other, smaller burr hand grinders! I read so much stuff about the Pharos and the taste difference that the bigger burrs can allow, which will can also be extrapolated to the Niche zero (same burrs), but when I searched about these comparisons, people said the Pharos is very hard to distinguish from a Kinu M47, for example, which has a substantially small burr set. Thanks! And please keep up the amazing work!
Thanks for this video, I really liked the side by side. Have you any thoughts on the Olympia grinders?
Hey Brian, I am enjoying watching your videos and I am planning to buy Cremina in near future. What grind size would you recommend? I remember you recommended grinding a little coarser. As a beginner for lever machine, it got me curious. Again thanks for your hard work.
Where did you get these antique machines? I love the retro design!
Thanks Brian, this is more of a general question and perhaps a bit off topic, but I’ve been looking for a general primer on the difference between a spring lever machine and a direct lever machine. How do they compare in terms of the cup and repeatability?
Separate question for the Olympias, what’s the largest drink/recipe that you could go? Would you recommend these machines for a daily driver or for a ‘one’ machine household?
The way they look and you describe them makes them sound like a high end watch ie the Rolex of spro machines!
I have a Cremina and also had an old Faema spring lever machine. Not a whole lot of difference. The Cremina pulling the lever up is easy and it fills the piston, you exert force pulling the lever down to pull the shot.. In the spring you exert downward force on the lever to compress spring that then pushes lever up to pull shot. Perhaps non spring has more control to increase or reduce pressure in pulling the shot. The Cremina was reasonable prior to the absurd price increase.
yes, Brian, you have hit upon the real reason why espresso can be so much much fun. It is the fun of using these essentially analog machines manufactured and/or designed so long ago allowing us to produce and then just experience and taste amazing espresso that has just dripped into our cups.
I have a Ponte Vecchio Export, also a La Pavoni, and recently added a newer Profitec lever machine to my mix of machines. Yes, I have E61 machines too, but the older design levers just give me so much pleasure especially when they deliver such good espresso after learning how to do so.
I also simply like the visceral pleasure you get while learning how to drive and shift say, an ancient 1953 MG TD with its primitive gearbox and minimal 53 horsepower in contrast to any newer modern car such as a modern Porsche 911. A friend of mine has that MG and I can't believe how much fun I had driving it when I was given the chance. The older cars, and the older design espresso machines require more personal mental and physical engagement which I believe results in more personal pleasure and satisfaction...or at least that is how it works for me too.
Thinking my way through and doing Fellini pulls on a lever machine and knowing how I can change what drops into my cup gives me amazing pleasure and often is rewarded with great espresso, and then sometimes a fail if I don't do it well. That inherent uncertainty of old analog machines is a real charm of them. I'm in charge, not a computer. No offense to Decent intended.
I just love the 18g tasty ristrettos that I mostly pull each morning on the 14 gram basket Ponte Vecchio or on the La Pavoni. Then afterwards I make an almost always guaranteed successful Latte for my wife from the E61 after I've already had my morning lever fun.
Yes, I definitely understand your feelings of such satisfying fun with older lever machines, or, I'd guess, an older Olympia HX model. So thanks for a great post. I'm looking forward to your full Olympia lever report. Cheers.
Nice espresso machine collection! I am currently about to buy my first lever and the PV, Pavoni and Cremina are on the top of my list. Of course, quite a price range. But how do you think, these machines differ the most? Which is the best for a single-household, brewing almost exclusively espresso? Designwise i prefer the more squared PV and Cremina, but the first has the small basket and the latter has the large boiler, which may be overkill for 1-2 Espresso per day. What do you think?
Hi Brian,
Thanks for the video, I only just discovered it! I love your enthusiasm, and your choice of machine. My coffee machine is a Profitec Pro 800 lever which has been on the bench doing sterling work for three years now. Before that, I had a Rancilio Silvia for about seven years. The sad fact, is I always wanted a lever machine, but miss Miss Silvia terribly. And her quirks. We are about to move interstate, downsizing at the same time, and kitchen space will at a premium. She who must be obeyed is adamant, the Profitec is too big. Yep, it is a big fellow. So, after much research, soul searching and body scratching, decided the Olympia Maximatic will be the machine. It reminds me a little of a upmarket RS.
Your video confirms my decision.
I am the only one in the family who drinks coffee, so the machine will be making five or so coffees a day. I generally leave the Profitec on all day, however, with the much smaller Maximatic, would you recommend leaving it on all day, or switching it off between drinks?
And how do you go about getting parts for these gorgeous machines?
Thanks mate, and again, thanks for the Video. So refreshing and honest; not to mention entertaining.
Cheers.
I used to own a Silvia, and bought a new Cremina SL last year. I don't have any personal experience with the Maximatic, but the consensus is that it's much better than the Rancillio. I know that my Cremina makes me sad that I didn't switch years ago. But having waited only makes me appreciate the improvements more.
As to leaving the machine on all day; I don't think that's a great idea, unless you're making a cup every hour or so (then turning it on & off constantly is probably worse).
Since the lever machine doesn't use as much current as a pump, I use a smart plug to turn my Cremina on & off remotely. That way, my machine is already heated & ready when I get out of bed or home from work.
As to getting parts; Olympia has many groups loyal to them online. You should never have any problem finding advice as to compatibility, and where to get new/used/rebuilt components.
Seems like the lever machine would be way more fun to use.
What is the upkeep for Cremina, how do you clean the group head?
How long to heat up the Cremina?
Wow the shaky cam was kind of an assault for the first half of the video 🤣.
For someone considering the Maximatic, how are the results in the cup different from a Linea Mini?
I see your comments Dustin. I'll be addressing in the full video or back on this video when I have more time. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@BrianQuan very interested to hear about the maximatic vs linea mini. Also would like to learn more about the need to flush the maximatic after each shot. it sounds like youll be constantly refilling it to reset the temperature, but then i read other reviews that say you can pull shot after shot.
@@BrianQuan same, curious on Maxmatic vs the Linea Mini as both are similar 9 bar machine with no adjustability.. Looking forward.
Any thoughts on Cremina vs. Cremina SL?
These are just machines for real passionate professionals, maniacs and men who feel technology. I also find the machines top! A great video!
Brian, can you cover thermal stability for the Cremina in depth? Particularly in the context of back to back shots? Incredible stuff! Love the concept! Thank you!!!
Yes will cover it! I'll let you know that it seems to stabilize in that 80-85C range even after multiple shots and it does it quite quickly so even if you were running a little hot it'd stabilize by the time you can prep another shot.
OK... I ordered my Cremina. It will be paired with my Niche Zero. Do you have any recommendations for dosing funnel, portafilter stand, and other accessories for the 49mm portafilter? Any advice you have is greatly appreciated. 😁 ☕ ☕
Hey Jennifer!
I use the Laube coffee tamper, funnel, and other accessories. He is giving 10% off with BQFRIENDS10
@@BrianQuan Thank you! 💜
Thanks for the quality content, u busy bee!
Would love to hear you talk about the process/ journey you went through finding/purchasing these vintage machines
Bit of a stupid question, do 51mm baskets fit in these machines' portafilters? I highly doubt it, but it would be interesting if they did.
These are 49mm baskets
2021 Mates! Good amount of Oxytoxin from thisSounds good too Never tired of these. ! Very well. see you again
Is there a way to pull a longer shot like a Lungo on the Cremina?
Fellini or double pull. You pull the lever up again about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way down, and fill the bell again.
Both kinda make me think of the Easy Bake Oven for some reason
Is the cremina the kind of machine you can use with a smart switch and have ready to go in the morning as long as you filled the boiler the night before?
The cremina Heats up in Around 5min, I would say you Don t even need a smart Switch
I know the Cremina is very different from the Decent, but I'm having the toughest time picking which espresso machine to buy. Most important factor for me is the fun factor, so it's interesting that this came up in this video and also in Hoffman's video using the Cremina. Second, for me is taste. So if the Cremina captures both of those elements so strongly, maybe it's the machine for me? I recently have been thinking about getting a Decent since it seems like I can learn more about espresso that way and also try many different styles of espresso.
Hey Michael,
You will not be able to do long ratio shots with the Cremina like you can on many many other machines especially the Decent. I can try to incorporate this question into my full video.
@@BrianQuan Thanks! I've been trying to weigh out all the different options out there to pick a machine and it's tough. I'm currently leaning towards getting the Decent as it lets you experiment more.
I am in the same situation 😅
Maximatic, Cremina vs linea Micra? Great job
how does something like a MaraX compare to the Maximatic?
this was fun to watch!
The POV hand-grinding is extremely troubling to watch because I do it with my left hand.
(no, there is no double entendre in this comment)
Evaluates Gaggia Internazionale
Remembers the price paid
"Ah yes I go vroom vroom with espresso for the price of a real vroom vroom"
What is so fun about the max? It does not look that fun.
A good video trashed by greedy and excessive RUclips advertisements.