Decent - DE1PRO

no point in upgrading to a LMLM other than you need that LM look. If you dig the look, a Lelit Bianca is all you need dual boiler wise, and if you‘re a nerd just buy the Decent DE1 Pro. Source: I own a Bianca and a Decent.

LM Linea Micra if you want a machine that operates similar to the ones where you work. Decent DE1Pro if you want to control all your brewing variables in real time as the shot pulls. Fiorenzato AllGround Sense or Eureka Atom W65 if you want to grind on demand with a hopper. Mazzer Philos or Zerno Z1 if you want to single dose. There are lots of other equally viable options, so do more research before diving into the deep end.

> I really want to be able to control basically every aspect of the shot Decent DE1Pro is what you want. You can program a profile to vary every possible parameter in real time as the shot pulls.

Micra is a great example of a classic flat 9 bar espresso machine. It does that very well. But a flat 9 bar extraction often isn't the best way to brew light roasts. Of your two choices, the Cremina (or other lever machine), or a semi-auto with more control, would be preferred. If it were me, I'd get the ECM Synchronika II with the optional flow control device. It's less expensive than either of your choices, and gives you more control over brewing. Decent DE1Pro would be another machine worth considering. If you are OK with with a vibe pump, and want to save money, then also consider Profitec Ride with flow control.

Decent DE1Pro paired with a Weber EG-1.

Decent DE1 will give you more options and profiles to get the most out of traditional Italian style espresso than anything out there, but it’s the opposite of what you want in features. Although I don’t consider Decent machines to be complex to use, a lever machine will probably be your next best bet. Something like a La Pavoni is probably your best bet.

Go for the Decent DE1pro… a lot of QoL and opportunity to play with the coffee (being nerdy) … also has a nice community around it

Hey! Tbh. I am not sure if the Bengle would be worth almost double the price compared to the DE1PRO, especially since you can just get the Bengle Steamwand for some 80$ or so configured for the DE1 and apart from the integrated scale and the slightly faster warmup it seems to add no benefits. Plus, the DE1 is a mature product now whereas the Bengle is going to have its issues in the beginning I guess. Also, it will only be available in White while the DE1 is possible to get in full black. So I'm currently more thinking to get a DE1pro and just save the bucks. I've also checked out the Sanremo, Arduino Eagle and I'm also considering just saving for 1 more year or get a used Slayer single unit, but I guess they have also quite a larger footprint. I've not decided yet. How about you?

I think the Meraki is a decent machine for what tit offers, but maintenance is not the most convenient. Please look at the online manual and the videos that refer to this process. The ease of maintenance is important in taking care of your espresso machine. I currently own a Decent DE1 Pro, but a close friend of mine has a Meraki. Their other pet peeve besides the maintenance is the inconsistenty of the grinder. Timemore has a upcoming version of a rebadged Meraki, but without the built-in grinder. This would make better sense if you have a preference for a higher quality, stand alone grinder. This would be better for the more advanced user. Edit: That being said, it has excellent UI and makes a great espresso. I do like the dual pumps which is something the Decent DE1 lacks. The steam and micro foam quality is quite good.

I have had the Decent DE1 Pro 1.45 for about a year and I enjoy it very much. I am a Canadian owner. Although there is a large Decent community, I have not used it very much, if at all. Yes that is a benefit, but just like any focused subgroup, there are not many negative comments on the unit itself. If you do comment about any negatives, you will literally be run out of town, so to speak. The steam wand is powerful but it is not a "cold to touch" steam wand. You will need to clean it very thoroughly and regularly if you make a lot of milk drinks. They are planning a retrofit of the Bengle steam wand for the DE1 at a cost of $200-$300 USD. The water dispenser is *very* poor for a machine of this price. It sputters a lot due to the thermo pump it uses. That means the water gets all of the place. Before purchasing it, I really had no idea of how poorly it functioned. If you are a fan of Americanos, be warned. I have owned 7 conventional espresso machines prior to the decent. I wanted something that I can tinker with and the Decent delivers. My wife, is not a fan of its design. The ability to change so many variables to achieve different shots of the same bean is very fulfilling. I do like the design of the Wendougee Data S and it is actually available from Canadian Retailers. I like the silence and luxury from dual rotary pumps and the looks/luxury of it. I happen to like wood accents and the finishing of the Data S. I also like the programmability aspect of it, similar to the Decent but not nearly at that level. Note that on 120v , it requires a different type of receptacle from your wall socket. I think at this price range, both will make a great espresso, regardless of which you choose. Without the Decent, I don't think the Data S would exist.

Hi. The Decent steams extremely well. The micro foam it produces is excellent with extremely dry steam. It simply lacks a cold touch steam wand. Other high end espresso machines may also lack this feature. This means milk can be fused on the steam wand. There are a number of cleaners on the market like Urnex Dezcal which makes cleanup relatively simple but adds a step to your maintenance process. I have seen Decent DE1 machine used in cafes and coffee carts so they are able to use and maintain the steam wand with professional results. The new higher end Decent Bengal machine has an inhouse designed steam wand that is cold touch and reportedly more powerful. If I were to surmise, it was designed to address the wand on the DE1. It is thoughtful that they are looking after their DE1 owners with a retrofit. That being said, it is a quality of life feature that I became aware of only after became an owner.

I make pourover way more than espresso, but I ended up with an expensive espresso setup. To offer a different perspective, I think it’s worth it to go high end if it’s in budget. I originally went all out with a Decent DE1Pro, but then sold it because I mostly made pourovers. I regretted it and got a used Rancilio Silvia after some time. But it lacked the precision, feel, latte-art-ability, and quality compared to a DE1. I hated it, and bought a DE1Pro again. Now I still mostly make pourovers ~4/7 day of the week, but I actually highly value an endgame espresso setup. I still treasure it and get a lot of enjoyment, even if I use it less than filter. My espresso beverages not as tasty as a great filter IMO, but has endless tinkering and enjoyment. Not to mention, the ability to basically run a coffeeshop out of your home for guests is priceless.

I love Fellow but I couldn’t bring myself to trust their ability to make a good first iteration of a software defined espresso machine which is why I went with a used Decent DE1Pro. I hope your gripes about the machine are addressed in short order. I’m rooting for more of these machines.

I paid 0 tariffs on it. It shipped and was in my hands in 2 days.

Just get a Decent DE1. I got one after faffing about using an E61 with flow control, there is no substitute if you want to control every aspect of the shot.

I have the Decent and love it. Couldn’t see myself owning anything else after using a Decent.