Mara X vs Bianca

Ernie1

Inspired by the post discussing the Bianca and Profitec 700, I was curious about how the Mara X stacks up against the Bianca.

As I mentioned, I love the Bianca and can’t really fault it. However I also rarely use the flow control so it’s somewhat wasted on me.

Obviously there are significant spec differences like the fact one is DB the other HX. But I’m wondering in the cup, weighing up a flat white and an espresso, how much difference there is?

I’m unlikely to trade down, just curious really.

DavecUK

Ernie1 The Bianca adds. Temperature selectability, accuracy, a range of shot features; Preinfusion, Lo and high flow etc that MaraX just doesn’t have.

It’s whisper quiet, you can move the tank where you like on the machine.

However these are machines in a different class and the range of coffees and options means more flexibility in getting the taste you want, with no compromise.

I own both machines

CoyoteOldMan

I suspect the answer is going to depend not just on the drink, but on how many of them you want to make consecutively…

Curious to hear what people that have actual experience with these (and more in general with both HX and DB machines) say!

Doram

CoyoteOldMan I can’t compare to Bianca, but I have a Mara X with flow control (Coffee Sensor) and love the machine. I only make a single drink 99.99% of the time, so don’t feel the need for a dual boiler (2-3 milk drinks is also not a problem, but I rarely need that capability). Temp control and stability is more than I think I need, steam power is never a problem, workflow is perfect for my needs. I can’t think of anything else I would like the machine to do that it can’t, or any feature that is missing (for me) that I would get with a Bianca.

One of the crucial things for me when choosing the machine was (and still is) the small footprint. Bianca is bigger, so if someone offered to swap my Mara X for a Bianca at no extra cost, I would probably politely decline (although I am sure it’s a fantastic machine). I may well be an ignorant fool, but at least I am happy. :)

Ernie1

Interesting! Thanks all.

I can’t see ever changing the Bianca. I love being able to steam at the same time as pulling a shot and do that almost every time. The silent pump is also a huge positive for me.

If the Elizabeth was an E61 group I’d have probably gone for that but flow control is certainly a nice-to-have.

Mainly for saving those ‘first shot of the bag’ extractions when they’re not quite dialled perfectly.