If you are buying a La Pavoni for a cafe or restaurant, the choice comes down to output, control and serviceability. Below is a short overview of the current professional models and the professional grinder La Pavoni offer.
BarT
The BarT is a modern commercial espresso machine designed for ease and speed. The barista sets up volumetric dosing buttons, and the machine automates the key steps without requiring fiddly manual tuning. The trade is that you don’t get fine control over temperature per group (you accept what the boiler / exchanger provides). The plumbing is also simpler: there's a shared heat exchanger that serves all group heads.
Key features:
- Volumetric dosing with programmable buttons per group
- Compact footprint with stainless steel build
- Modern, sleek aesthetic that suits contemporary cafés
- Copper boiler system for stable temperature control
This machine is ideal for:
- Cafés with medium daily output that value speed and consistency
- Businesses with multiple staff who need simple, repeatable shot preparation
- Businesses where ease of use is a key requirement and you aren't brewing speciality coffee
BarT Compact
The BarT Compact takes all the features of the BarT and reworks them into an even smaller format. It is designed for businesses with limited counter space but still needing a steady output of espresso during peak hours. With volumetric dosing and the same heavy-duty boiler system, it does not compromise on performance despite its size.
Key features:
- Slimmed-down footprint for tight bar or counter setups
- Volumetric dosing system with programmable settings
- Robust internal copper boiler for reliable performance
- Two-group configuration despite its compact size
This machine is ideal for:
- Small cafés or kiosks where space is at a premium
- Venues that need commercial performance in a small format
- Businesses where ease of use is a key requirement and you aren't brewing speciality coffee
Geniale
The Geniale is the workhorse of La Pavoni’s professional range, built for high-volume service and long-term durability. It is available as a volumetric machine, giving owners programmable consistency. With 2- and 3-group versions available, it is suited to busy cafés that prioritise speed and reliability. Its stainless construction and simple design make it easy to maintain and service.
Geniale uses a PID system which is not present on the BartT: though it still uses a shared heat-exchanger boiler, the PID gives you control over brew temperature (rather than accepting the boiler’s default). This gives more stability and flexibility without going fully into per-group control. It’s a “sweet spot” for many operations: advanced but not overly complex.
Key features:
- Available in 2- and 3-group formats for different volumes
- Rugged stainless steel build for durability
- Large boiler capacity to support peak-hour demand
- PID for control over the brewing temperature
This machine is ideal for:
- High-volume cafés needing sustained output throughout the day
- Coffee shops with skilled baristas that benefit from volumetric dosing
- Those wanting control over their coffee, but don't need different temperature settings on different groupheads
Desiderio
The Desiderio is La Pavoni’s professional volumetric machine with advanced electronic controls. It offers programmable dosing through an intuitive digital control panel, ensuring consistent quality even with different staff members preparing drinks. Its balance of high output and user-friendly operation makes it a strong choice for restaurants or cafés where precision and repeatability are a priority.
With Desiderio, each group head has its own PID control and there is a touchscreen display. This means you can individually tweak temperatures, set different profiles, and exert more granular control over extraction parameters. It’s ideal for multi-user environments where you want consistency across shifts, or for more advanced baristas who like to dial in differences between different speciality blends.
Key features:
- Fully volumetric operation with electronic control panel
- Programmable dosing for consistent results
- Separate PID for each group head, programmable using the display
- Available in 2- and 3-group versions
- Designed for reliability in multi-user environments
This machine is ideal for:
- Restaurants or cafés with multiple staff working shifts who need consistent quality
- Businesses where customer expectation of repeatable flavour and speed is high
- Businesses brewing speciality coffee and wanting full control over the process
- Those wanting a display for more control
Professional Grinder (ZIP PRO)
La Pavoni’s professional on-demand grinder, the ZIP PRO, is designed to match their espresso machines in both function and finish. It is a doserless grinder with touch controls, micrometric adjustment and automatic dosing options. Available in two finishes, it fits seamlessly into both modern and traditional coffee setups. With a powerful motor and precise grind control, it ensures that every shot starts with uniform grounds.
Key features:
- Doserless design with touch interface
- Micrometric grind adjustment for precision
- Automatic dose programming (one or two presets)
- Available in chrome or black finishes
This grinder is ideal for:
- Cafés or restaurants wanting reliable, consistent grind quality
- Businesses pairing with a La Pavoni professional machine for a unified setup
Choosing the right setup
- Low to mid volume, needing simplicity and consistency - BarT or BarT Compact.
- High-volume operation that still wants precise temperature control without full per-group complexity - Geniale.
- Multi-shift / multi-user, with demand for fine tuning per group - Desiderio.
- Any of the above - pair with the ZIP PRO grinder for reliable on-demand dosing.
- For heavy tea or hot water use, we recommend provisioning a separate tank or boiler system
Explore our full La Pavoni range here.