After more than 15 years of excellent service, Pasquini has retired their celebrated Livia 90 espresso machine to make room for its successor, the Pasquini Livia G4. Encased in gorgeous stainless steel, this new machine boasts a plethora of new features both inside and out. Improvements of note include the Livia G4’s actively heated group head, which is regulated by a thermostatically controlled heating element. This helps to ensure temperature stability and reduce the time it takes before the machine is ready to brew. Also new to the Livia G4 are the lever operated steam and hot water arms. As opposed to a traditional valve operated steam arm, the steam lever on the G4 can be locked into place to dispense constant steam or operated manually for greater control over steaming and frothing.

With regards to brewing and steaming, the Livia G4 sports a 1.5 liter heat exchange boiler, allowing you to do both at the same time and an ample 92 oz water reservoir. Temperature stability is ensure not only by the aforementioned actively heated group head, but also by the commercial style chrome plated brass portafilter and the passively heated cup warmers, which have a combined 22% greater surface area than the Livia 90. As for steam and hot water, both the steam and hot water arms are mounted on ball joints for greater control over positioning. Additionally, the steam arm is insulated internally to keep the surface cooler for longer, helping prevent accidental burns.

From a technical standpoint, Pasquini has made several changes to help ensure the longevity of the Livia G4. The 1.5 liter heat exchange boiler is now made of stainless steel instead of copper for increased resistance against corrosion, and is now regulated by a safety cut-off breaker to prevent overheating. The electronic control boards, AKA the “brains,” have been moved to the bottom of the machine and away from heat sources.On a final note, the Livia G4 abstains from using an electrical water level probe in favor of a mechanical pressure plate in order to detect when the reservoir is empty.

This particular machine, the Livia G4 Semi-Automatic w//PID offers the specific benefits of a PID temperature controller for precision monitoring and control of brew temperature, and a front facing pump gauge to monitor brew and steam pressure. As dedicated masters of their craft, Pasquini have boldly inscribed their mantra on the side of the machine:

For Music Puccini

For Art Bernini

For Espresso Pasquini

PID Temperature Controller

The PID or “Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller” allows you to adjust the temperature of the brew head and the steam boiler, this allows you to regulate both the brew temperature of the coffee produced and the steam pressure.

Redesigned Portafilter

The Livia G4 sports a redesigned commercial style portafilter with a 58mm filter basket and an ergonomic handle emblazoned with the Pasquini logo. The portafilter comes with a single and double shot filter basket, as well as a blind filter basket for back-flushing.

Housing and Cup Warmer

The Livia G4 is housed in a stylish and durable stainless steel body and sports a 22% greater cup warming surface than the Livia 90.

Improved Steam Wand

The steam wand on the Livia G4 features internal insulation to keep the surface from heating up too quickly, reducing the risk of accidental burns. The wand comes with a two-hole steam tip and is compatible with other 10mm female threaded steam tips.

Plated Heat-Exchange Boiler

The Livia G4 features an auto-filling heat-exchange boiler, allowing it to brew and steam at the same time. The boiler is plated to reduce the risk of scale build-up and furthering its durability. In order to prevent overheating, the boiler has been fitted with a safety cut-off breaker.

Water Reservoir

The G4’s ample 92oz reservoir abstains from using an electrical water level probe in favor of a mechanical pressure plate in order to detect when the tank is nearing empty.

Water Reservoir

The G4’s ample 92oz reservoir abstains from using an electrical water level probe in favor of a mechanical pressure plate in order to detect when the tank is nearing empty.