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

I had some initial trepidation purchasing a lever machine generally and such an expensive lever machine that could not be returned once used more specifically. However, after one week of use, I can confidently say I do not want to own any other espresso machine. I have owned various semi-automatic machines eventually working my way up to a GS3. This Olympia machine is so special. It is beautifully designed and extremely well built. A lever machine delivers a beautiful descending pressure profile and provides such wonderful tactile feedback to help guide your pull. While I have years of experience dialing in espresso on semi-automatic machines, I was not sure whether I would need to install a pressure gauge or smart profiler to dial-in shots on the Cremina. After talking with Johnny, he convinced me to try the machine out as is and that I could always install or have Cerini install a pressure guage. His advice was spot on. There is no need. The machine delivers excellent quality shots and there is somewhat of a Zen-like quality to controlling the pressure profile via the resistance you feel the puck returning. I spoke with the service department at Cerini asking them various service questions before purchasing the machine and found them to be extremely knowledgeable and customer focused. The only cautionary note I would flag is that this is not a machine that can deliver large quantities of espresso based drinks. The machine is designed to produce the highest quality but low…

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.