We have hoped to replace our aging La Pavoni lever, but there were supply issues, and the Majesty sales rep recommended this machine. For us it was a major improvement in espresso quality, and we would certainly recommend the machine. Others with a lever maching might find the reasons useful:
1. The biggest effect is that this machine has precision temperature control via a PID - that dramatically improved quality vs a lever machine where the water is always very hot.
2. Pressure can be precisely controlled (in the Pavoni one has to take the bottom off the machine, and the adjustment is much cruder).
3. There is timer so shot amounts can be precisely timed.
4. To get steam one has to turn up the temperature which can take a bit of time, but we found that doing coffee and then the steam is pretty efficient. The insulated steam wand is really nice - easy to clean. On the Pavoni one needs to scrape of the milk that scales up the wand due to the heat.
5. A nice thing about the Pavoni is that it is easy to fix. Since the quick mill is mainly manual, there number parts is less than an automatic double boiler, so we expect it to be reliable. Parts seem easily available, so for a DIY person it should be self maintainable. The E61 group head is not only nicer, but also parts are widely available.
In conclusion, we are very happy with the move from a La Pavoni lever to the QM Alexia Evo. Time will tell re reliability. and we will report back if there is news on that front.