It was mentioned in the Micra thread that maybe we should have a LM thread now that there's more than just one of us! A space to share photos/findings/tips/tricks and other observations about the joys of owning one of the frankly brilliant yet totally marmite machines. I'll start with a few things I've noticed after about 6 months of owning the Linea Mini. Firstly the joys of ownership haven't faded one bit. It's still an absolute pleasure to own and use. Coffee - It's so unbelievably forgiving. I'm not sure if it's the temp/pressure consistency or what but even shots that I fully expect to be terrible are often great. There's been times my tamper has had a drop of moisture on and ruined the puck but the shot still extracts fine. Build quality - Seriously, this thing is just so rock solid, no flex on the panels, everything feels robust and weighty and there's something special about the polished stainless PF over the chromed brass I've had before. I also really like having a machine that isn't chrome/stainless - no more fingerprints, smudges and smears! Warmup time - I have mine on a smart plug and it's steam ready in well under 10 mins, even less for just coffee. LM App - I've never used this or felt a need to. Steam - I set this to 1.5 and find it to be the perfect balance of power and ease of use for 2 flat-whites worth of milk. The factory setting is 2 I think and I found it a handful with smaller pitchers. Water tank location - It's really great to be able to leave the tank connected and just pour water in. I think because of the location of it, I've also never had the fishtank smell I've had on machines where the tank ends up at a higher ambient temperature due to it being closer to the boiler. Maintenance / cleaning - I never really minded the cleaning and maintenance of an E61 but it's definitely quicker/easier on the LM. Modifications - I bought the wood kit originally but ended up returning it and now just have the LM walnut PF handle. I think in it's standard guise, it's just a great looking machine and doesn't benefit from the wooden accents. It can look amazing if you go full [Specht](https://spechtdesign.com.au) but otherwise I think it looks great as it. Rotary pump - It's no quieter than the Bianca but still a huge plus. [URL=https://i.imgur.com/9dEiOWN.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/9dEiOWN.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=https://i.imgur.com/lDDfsQA.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/lDDfsQA.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Well as mentioned I ordered a grey/silver micra on Wednesday and it should be arriving Monday morning. The space is setup for it - though I am hand grinders only at the moment 😂 [URL=https://i.imgur.com/xcxyk69.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/xcxyk69.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Found this about differences in screens - (short answer not alot 😂) https://youtu.be/-gLbnSzDvEI

And a guide to changing your paddle etc on the micra - good videos if you want to see it taken apart. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZKjP9MFOttsxnZLOWt14AehVGEk248_8

I hadn't seen that, not much difference at all! The LM screen is great and mine also looks new after 6 months. On that note, this is a really great little tool for making cleaning a little easier and quicker. Not at all crucial as a stubby screwdriver and group brush does the same job but it's a nice to have for sure! https://www.artpressodesign.com/product/espresso-machine-58mm-group-head-cleaning-tool/ I'd say give the stock screen and baskets a good go first. I've never quite understood it but there's a trend where people get a brand new machine and start changing the baskets and screens immediately. The standard stuff is very good in this case!

@"MattH"#p42125 I've seen contrasting advice from LM on cleaning. I suspect the instructions might be aimed at commercial use as it advises flushes with cleaner every day... but my process is as follows - (I make about 2-4 espressos day and top up the water with Waitrose Lockhills once a day.) **Daily** - just briefly flush the group (not backflush) between shots and I'll rinse the PF under the group after the last shot of the day. Some people like to backflush with water each day but I've never seen the need or any negatives from not doing it. **Weekly** - Empty / wipe tank (whilst connected) with a damp cloth (no detergent). Remove screen/screw and wash with dish soap, also wash PF properly. Wipe group under screen and use brush to clean around the seal. Baskflush 4x 10 secs with water. Drain 500ml from steam boiler, run steam for 20 seconds and properly wipe down wand. We use oat milk exclusively so easier to clean wand. **Monthly** - Soak PF in Puly Caff (or LM cleaner), backflush with Puly Caff, remove water tank and clean with dish soap (NOT with Puly Caff!!), rinse everything properly and repeat weekly cleaning routine above. I'll also run a shot of espresso through and discard it after properly cleaning. **Yearly** - I haven't got to this point yet but I'll be replacing screen/gasket, removing lid to inspect, clean as above. Some more info here: https://au.lamarzoccohome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cleaning-procedure.pdf If I'm going away then yep, I just empty tank and drain boilers as fully as possible and then do a weekly style clean when I'm back.

@"Ernie1"#p42127 Thats brilliant 🤩 thanks.

'Nordic Edition' Mini announced. Nicely done! [URL=https://i.imgur.com/gVWJ73g.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/gVWJ73g.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=https://i.imgur.com/I1pTFpr.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/I1pTFpr.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=https://i.imgur.com/XEwGsfe.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/XEwGsfe.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

La Marzocco Owners Chat (All welcome!)

MattH

@Ernie1 In terms of upkeep/cleaning what schedule do you follow ?

And if you are going away for a few days - do you do anything specific like emptying the boilers/tank as much as possible ?

Cheers

matt

Ernie1

MattH

I’ve seen contrasting advice from LM on cleaning. I suspect the instructions might be aimed at commercial use as it advises flushes with cleaner every day… but my process is as follows - (I make about 2-4 espressos day and top up the water with Waitrose Lockhills once a day.)

Daily - just briefly flush the group (not backflush) between shots and I’ll rinse the PF under the group after the last shot of the day. Some people like to backflush with water each day but I’ve never seen the need or any negatives from not doing it.

Weekly - Empty / wipe tank (whilst connected) with a damp cloth (no detergent). Remove screen/screw and wash with dish soap, also wash PF properly. Wipe group under screen and use brush to clean around the seal. Baskflush 4× 10 secs with water. Drain 500ml from steam boiler, run steam for 20 seconds and properly wipe down wand. We use oat milk exclusively so easier to clean wand.

Monthly - Soak PF in Puly Caff (or LM cleaner), backflush with Puly Caff, remove water tank and clean with dish soap (NOT with Puly Caff!!), rinse everything properly and repeat weekly cleaning routine above. I’ll also run a shot of espresso through and discard it after properly cleaning.

Yearly - I haven’t got to this point yet but I’ll be replacing screen/gasket, removing lid to inspect, clean as above.

Some more info here: https://au.lamarzoccohome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cleaning-procedure.pdf

phil28 Just wonder what grinders you guys have?

A Super Jolly which I’ve recently put in the cupboard in favour of a Mahlkönig x54. I don’t single dose for espresso so they’re both solid, enjoyable on-demand grinders.

Could be a good time to test an on-demand ex commercial flat burr while you wait for the Timemore and then if you prefer the workflow/output of the Timemore you could sell the other.

A used Mazzer Mini E will set you back about £200 and a Super Jolly E about £300, both great bang for the buck.

Alternatively a conical hand grinder to have the option alongside the Timemore.

MediumRoastSteam

Ernie1 A Super Jolly which I’ve recently put in the cupboard in favour of a Mahlkönig x54.

What’s the exchange retention on those? Do you purge before a session? If so, by how much?

Cuprajake

My major is for sale haha

Ernie1

MediumRoastSteam

Whilst the grind path on the SJ isn’t huge, there’s an anti-clumping screen which causes a few grams to get stuck in the chute. Technically you can remove it and brush it out pretty easily but I just purge about a seconds worth so probably 2-3g on the first shot of the day.

I’d imagine it’s slightly more on the x54 as it uses the same flapper thing used on the higher end MK’s. I probably only purge 3G or so on that though.

To be totally honest I’ve gone without the purge before and the difference in taste isn’t really all that noticeable. The simplicity of just having beans in the hopper and hitting the timer button makes up for any retention.

MediumRoastSteam

Ernie1 To be totally honest I’ve gone without the purge before and the difference in taste isn’t really all that noticeable. The simplicity of just having beans in the hopper and hitting the timer button makes up for any retention

This is so true. I do miss the flow of an on-demand grinder. Providing the timer is accurate enough and used as intended, the simplicity of putting your portafilter underneath the grinder, hitting a button and 6s or so later there’s a nice mound of grounds on the basket without any mess is great.

Glad you enjoy it. And that’s what really matters. 👍

Ernie1

Thanks yes I’m really happy with it.

The timer is actually really accurate on the x54, within 0.2g each time, I just make sure to keep the hopper topped to a similar level.

MattH

Quick question - any suggestions on a skinny scale to use under the micra ? Not sure the timemore black will fit with a cup. (I could buy a acacia lunar but thats alotta money 😂)

Cuprajake

https://clumsygoat.co.uk/products/yagua-scale-brew-timer-dual-display-series-1000g-x-0-1g-acc0002