I’m seeing mostly pre-2023 Mini units here which is pre-Delonghi. That model is very solid, but like every piece of machinery, requires regular maintenance
Get the mini, it is noticeable better espresso machine. Option 1) mini and cheap grinder then update grinder when you save up. Option 2 micra and great grinder then update to mini. Option 1 seem to be cheaper
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Hoping the picture would increase my credibility when I say this. Having a La Marzocco in no way saves you money. Between heating the machine, water, maintenance, etc. You'll be lucky to break even after 5-7 years. With that said, it is a single joy of my life; I wake up every day looking forward to pulling a shot. I made a deal with my wife for the next 10 years; she doesn't need to get me anything, no birthday, anniversary, Christmas, etc. Let's say that's a great deal. I'm a picky person to get gifts for, and this saves her and me time and effort. Best of luck with your decision.
I’m not sure how the sensor would fail how you’re describing, it’s not a specific component. If the minis and micra don’t detect water it’s almost always an issue with a poor wire crimp on the plug or more likely home customers putting in distilled water “cause it’s cheaper”
On commercial machines the level sensor probe (and temperature probes for that matter) just get scaled up or corrode out in this part of the world. Unsure what it’s like in your part of the world.
There are many recommendations here for some of the most expensive machines, but you don't have to go an spend that much money in order to get a good espresso machine.
It also depends on what you want. A Decent machine will let you experiment with many variables, while machines like a Linea Micra or Linea Mini are notorious for being very reliable and looking aesthetically good, but they lack flow/pressure control.
Other E61 machines such like a Lelot Bianca or a Profitec Pro 500 offer flow control, but it's manual (not auto like the Decent). However, for ultimate manual (pressure) control you should look at a lever style espresso machine.
You should start coming up with a whish list, and go from there. Do you want a dual boiler? How important is a quick warm up for you? PID? (most likely yes), flow/pressure control? E61 group head? Lever? Automatic or manual flow control? Volumetric shots?
My brother has the Profitec GO. It is a really nice machine that makes great coffee, especially for the price. In my opinion, the LM just isn’t worth the big price difference for normal home use. Plus, dual boiler machines use a lot more power. That alone would be a big factor for me.
Descaling is also something to keep in mind. Dual boilers should ideally be descaled by a professional, while the Profitec can be descaled by yourself pretty easily.
After owning a larger dual boiler machine (Lelit Bianca V3), I’d definitely go for a smaller, simpler machine any day
I get new machines in for pre delivery inspection and I think they’re hiring random dudes from recruitment agencies to build the machines cause I get more machines new with faults than I did like 3-4 years back
La Marzocco is just expensive compared to other machines in general just because after you have enough experience as a barista or tech or even someone who drinks coffee you realise the machine doesn’t make the coffee it’s more the grinder I’ve had my best coffees on a old Rancilio classe 7
Yeah it’s true my company doesn’t currently repair sage and those type of machines but I met some Sage people last week they want to partner with us to open a workshop so maybe in the future it’ll be possible to service Sage machines or they are planning to make more expensive machines
I say this cause mainly I only do major overhaul services but people always “leave out” the problems of their machines and I end of having many surprises when servicing machine, most service jobs turn into a repair job somehow
Yes a lot of people have more income so they can afford to pay £600-800 every 2/3 years to service their machines… I have a likely billionaire customer I clean his grinder and adjust it every month for £250 like 30 minutes of work, then you have the cafes who have minis and use them too much
I’d say if you want a prosumer machine go for a machine like Profitec Go it’s under £1000, dual boiler and works well it’s small and no iot needed also Profitec are good people they help you to do repairs as a individual
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We do Profitec/ECM all the time I speak to the techs in Germany all the time when I have issues however Profitec parts are hard to get and expensive with import taxes (brexit!) which is why your local distributor won’t source them. We always try to get parts from Bella barista or if you got a LLC jaguar uk
Yeah the pre delonghi minis are great, honestly the home machines are staying around the same quality it’s the fact they killed the linea classic which is the most reliable machine to make the Classic S which is a worst version of the PB
Honestly if you don’t have a coffee shop there’s not much point they work well commercially cause they’re able to withstand daily assault by non trained staff compared to your Eagle ones
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Fast heat-up, easy for beginners; inconsistent shots, annoying cleaning.
Agitated_Doctor1137
