$1,450 La Pavoni Stradivari Professional Lever Espresso Machine

The Italian made La Pavoni has been setting a high standard for quality and cutting edge design in espresso machines that never go out of style since 1905. The Stradivari Professional was designed in Milan, Italy by drawing inspiration from the violin, and are considered a work of art thanks to the famous lute-maker, Antonio Stradivari. The base resembles the violin case and the lever, the bow.    Lifting the lever raises the piston inside the group, allowing the water in the boiler to enter the brewing group and mix with the colder water. It reaches the perfect temperature and pre-infuses the coffee in the filter holder. The lever is then lowered, causing the piston to force the water through the coffee into the cup. The user can vary the speed at which the water passes through the coffee, enabling a level of customization, and complete control that results in creamy espresso coffee not possible on an electric pump machine. The   Stradivari Professional is built to last due to the quality of the materials and its simplicity. Largely constructed of cast brass with triple-plated chrome design, La Pavoni lever machines have a cult following that you will immediately understand once you start experimenting with it and taste that first heavenly cup.   LIKE NEW, this stylish La Pavoni with its red base and tamper, is the ultimate Christmas gift for the true coffee lover who wants only the best. It comes with a FREE La Pavoni base/knock box, plus stainless cup and thermometer for steaming. ($1,450)