I know not exactly in posted budget- but I had that exact decision, chose to wait and save a little longer and just got a used GS/3-MP. Couldn't be happier, not too much tech, but enough pressure control to do 95% of whatever you'd ever want to do. Then right after can make lattes for 10 guests without profiling and no setting changes.
Truly don't understand people calling LM a "flex" or comparing to Rolex/Ferrari. One is on your wrist in public or loud and flashy for the world to see. The other is hidden in your house, where a tiny fraction of friends and family may have a clue what it is. I bought my GS3 because it's the machine I want to use...
I have a gs3. Takes 1 hour for everything to get to temp. Yes it’s an inconvenience if you want coffee right now and it’s off. I have it plugged into a smart plug that turns on at 6am everyday so when I’m up it will be up to temp.
People like the rocket but I’d recommend saving your tips like your life depends on it, and getting the GS3. I’ve had ours for a decade, it gets daily use, and it is rock solid.
Former obsessed barista here lol i know how you feel :)))
Almost eveything you say rings lelit bianca v3, the rotary pump, nice steam, flow profiling, except for the part about saving the profiles, that would be Decent DE1 territory. i don’t see myself with a LMLM at home, although I absolutely adore Linea in a cafe setup, it is just reliable, I wanna play around at home and need profiling (maybe GS3 but I don’t like the aesthetic tbh)
Personally I would be happy with a gaggimate modded rancilio silvia but i don’t know if it would withstand 20 shots a day.
I have also heard great things about WPM Primus but definitely doesn’t have the charm of a cafe workflow machine
I have a LaMarzocco GS3MP and large cups won't fit either. I use a 14 oz Ember mug which is too tall to fit on top of the scales on the drip tray directly into the cup. Had to get creative. I remove the drip tray, set a plastic cup upside down on the inside of the drip tray, put the scales on top and then my cup on top of the scales. Yes, it's a PIA but have been doing it for years. I only make one cup a day and the quality of the drink justifies the effort. In my opinion. LaMarzocco products will last many years if cared for properly.
I have owned two. Both of them worked beautifully for about six months and then the little things started failing; front digital panel, relays, heat control modules. Dealer loaned be equipment to use every time service was needed. I love the beauty of the machine but the owner needs to be mechanically inclined and enjoy servicing them. I replaced my last one 5 years ago with a LaMarzocco GS3MP and other than replacing the steam function with a steam kit that is it. I did that one by myself. Best machine I have ever owned.
About five years ago I decided to replace a lever machine and the place where I buy my equipment had a Bianca V2 on display. He suggested that I take it home and try it. The machine quality at the price was exceptional. Everything about it worked perfectly. After I got it dialed in I started making drinks like I wanted. My wife and I were blown away with the clarity and flavor being extracted from the same coffee I had been using. The dealer, knowing how particular I was, directed me to a La Marzocco GS3MP and I decided to go with it. I have nothing to say but good things about the Bianca. It was an eye opening experience. The LM has been service free for over 5 years. Love it too.
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Acrobatic_Mission149
