LaPera lever machine - any owners out there?

axpetts

I have been coverting a LaPera lever machine for a while now. Everything I’ve read about it appeals - it looks extremely well built and aims to make a style of espresso that I really enjoy.

After contacting the guy who builds these machines he mentioned two have been shipped to the UK (One id with a Hoffman I believe and a review is due, according to his Reddit).

It’s a longshot, but if the other person who has a LaPera is a forum member I would love to know what the landing price was - I’m trying to figure out what (if any) import fees and taxes would be added to the base cost of I ordered one. (They ship from Canada)

dfk41

axpetts I recently bought a grinder from the US. It was $2400 and the import charge in total was less than £280. That amount included vat. I have studied the invoice from UPS and I cannot tally the figures but hope that helps

hornman

axpetts I too am coveting a DS4 and would like to ask Thomas a few questions before committing. I can’t find his email or contact details anywhere on the Lapera site. Do you happen to have it and if so could you please forward? Did you decide to go ahead and buy the machine? It definitely ticks all the boxes for me.

axpetts

dfk41 that’s useful to know. Thank you. It seems fairly random as to whether things are charged or not. I’m sure there is some logic, but I am clueless. The guy from LaPera mentioned that because it was a commercial machine it was exempt from VAT. Maybe your Kafetek grinder was classed the same way also.

I’ve been following your posts on that grinder - it looks fantastic. Hope it’s delivering for you 👍

CD4Can

Hi there axpetts, I have had a Lapera now since 2022, I’m based in Montreal and I have to say I really love it. Thomas who makes these units is super great at supporting them and has evolved these machines with every version he has made. I think he is up to version 4 now, lots of attention payed to making them less complicated and easier to service.

axpetts

Glad you enjoy it - it looks a great machine. Did you have it delivered to the UK before being based in Montreal? I’m trying to work out what the total landing price will be so am looking for info on if there were any import fees/tax added for UK delivery. I was pretty shocked to find out that delivery was going to be £650 - apparently because of insurance

CD4Can

Hi Axpetts, I guess I should have looked at your question a little more in detail, sorry about that, I did not get it delivered to the UK so I can’t really help you with that. I can see how the insurance can be costly, carriers are not always delicate with boxes and crates.

Best of luck figuring that out,

axpetts

I haven’t pulled the trigger yet. It’s definitely the machine I want but I need to convince my wife to allow an removal of a kitchen cabinet before I purchase! I also want to know what the actual landing cost will be. Base price is known but taxes and import fees are not. I still haven’t managed to get a definitive answer on what fees may be applicable importing one from Canada to the UK. Shipping is pretty hefty at £650!

I contacted through Instagram. If you follow La Pera there you can DM him directly. He has been very helpful when I’ve asked questions.

If you manage to work out total landing price let me know.

hornman

Thanks for this info, I had to join Instagram especially!

Yes the landing price is one of the things that I’m keen to know too. Something to do with HS codes assigned to different categories of items imported.

Luckily I have some space on the worktop without a cupboard above, need to think about the whole plumbing in thing though.

axpetts

The HS codes had me lost. Thomas at La Pera mentioned something about because the machine is classed as commercial equipment it isn’t subject to fees. I’m not sure I followed that. I think the only way to find out is by contacting someone who’s done it. He mentioned that only 3 have been shipped to the UK - and one of them is with James Hoffman. James Hoffman has a review coming at some point I believe.

hornman

So I decided to go for it and after ordering a DS4 on 18th August it arrived last Saturday. The total cost including an additional portafilter, 2 additional competition baskets and the tamper/tool combination was £9522.04. The import taxes were quite a bit less than I thought and the shipping a little more. I hope this helps you come to a decision.

Cuprajake

Giphy - Alison Brie What GIF

axpetts

Wow! Jealous! I hope you enjoy - please post a picture of it. I was looking at the clear top option which adds around £900 onto the cost. Shipping was quoted at £650 I think which was pretty high! I think that’s because of insurance. Was the total you mentioned inclusive of the shipping and tax? If not would you be able to say what the tax and import costs were?

How is the machine?

hornman

Apologies, I’ve only just seen this. Yes the glass cup warmer with led lighting looks amazing but was a stretch too far for me.

The figure I quoted was the total amount for everything. The tax was £1122 and shipping £752. Expensive but fully tracked and arrived two days after being sent!

The machine is great, although it has been a fairly steep learning curve fot me, having been a Europiccola user for 25 years. I’m already getting some great shots and am looking forward to experimenting with different roasts and beans as my journey progresses.

I’ve tried several times to upload a photo but for some reason this is not working.

Adrianmsmith

hornman I’ve tried several times to upload a photo but for some reason this is not working.

we have the government to thank for that, see posts earlier today.

The good news is Youtube is working great and I for one would Love to see a video of this…… PLEASE!!

I don’t expect I will be updating the Evo but any temptation is great.