While perhaps most well-known for its range of iconic lever machines, La Pavoni has long been a player in the professional machine space. In 1905, the Italian manufacturer made history with the release of the world’s first espresso machine built for fast commercial service – the Ideale. Now, more than a century later, it is continuing its endeavour to meet the evolving demands of the commercial market with the release of its latest professional machine.
Whether it be small cafés, bars, or restaurants looking to up their coffee game, offices wanting to supply better brews for their employees, or the rise of versatile and movable café carts, there is a growing expectation that quickly delivered, high-quality coffee must be more accessible than ever before. The La Pavoni Bar T Compact 2 Group, which was introduced to the Australian market in September 2025, has been designed to meet these evolving needs.
With raised group heads to cater to larger takeaway and reusable cups – up to 16 ounces – it’s able to meet consumers’ changing preference for more milk in their coffee. Yet, at 56 centimetres tall, 59.5 centimetres wide, and 56 centimetres deep, it has been constructed to fit into smaller service spaces where two group machines may have previously been too bulky.
High legs and a stainless-steel finish are designed for easier cleaning, while taller group heights allow for a more efficient workflow for baristas by enabling them to begin preparing another espresso or steam milk while a first shot is being poured.
Head of La Pavoni Australia Leon Wolf says it’s important for the historic machine manufacturer to create new ways of meeting the evolving demand of the global
coffee market.
“The Bar T Compact 2 Group is a machine we see as able to thrive in environments such as aged care facilities, small cafés, restaurants, and gelato bars that just don’t have the space for a traditional full-size machine,” says Leon. “It has also been manufactured with the rising trend of coffee carts in mind. We’re seeing them become more prevalent in places like worksites and events around Australia, and we know they want to be able to produce as much coffee as a standard professional machine with as few restrictions as possible. This machine gives them the ability to do that.
“We want to provide a machine that looks visually appealing, can produce high volumes of coffee, and is easy to clean. The Bar T Compact 2 Group fits that description.” Like all La Pavoni machines, the Bar T Compact 2 Group is handcrafted in Italy with quality components including copper boilers that retain and conduct heat better than other materials.
Leon says the brand’s continued push to construct all its machines to a high standard
of production means they will continue to perform long after they’re first put to use.
“This is a compact machine that is going to stand the test of time,” he says. “It’s handmade in Italy with the quality and care people expect from La Pavoni. That handcrafted Italian engineering lies at the heart of every machine.“It combines La Pavoni’s heritage of precision with modern functionality via its consistent espresso extraction, powerful steam performance, and the durability expected in high-volume environments.”
However, according to Leon, the true point of difference in the Bar T Compact 2 Group compared to other two-group machines is the power output required. He says ensuring the machine could be used in as many standard adapters as possible was of paramount importance when it was being designed. “One of the real benefits of this machine is it only requires a 15-amp connection. It’s an ideal plug and play machine that requires no added hardwiring. This is what truly sets it apart,” he says.
“Many professional machines require a minimum of a 20-amp connection, whether that be single-phase or three-phase, but this machine removes the need for potentially costly electrical upgrades and enables businesses to get up and running with ease.“It’s still plumbed in the same way other machines are, but the beauty of this product is its versatility. Those who would normally only be able to consider a one-group machine because of space limitations can now consider a compact two-group that will enable them to put out a higher volume of coffee.”
It’s this versatility, according to Leon, that makes the Bar T Compact 2 Group primed to thrive in a range of different service settings. “This machine has two groups, hot water, a pair of steam wands, and two baristas can run this unit if they need to produce higher volumes,” he says.
“Whether you’re opening a new café, upgrading your current setup, or looking for a flexible solution in a hotel, bar, or office, the La Pavoni Bar T Compact 2 Group offers the perfect balance of size, performance, and ease of use. With La Pavoni, the tradition of Italian espresso continues, now in a format that fits perfectly into today’s fastpaced coffee culture.”
The Bar T Compact 2 Group has joined La Pavoni’s existing range of professional machines available in Australia, including the Diamante, Desiderio, and Geniale, as well as its range of professional grinders.