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!

@"Ernie1"#164 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

@"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]

I saw all the “live” streams on youtube and wondered what was going on as it seemed like a bunch of screensavers 😂 - makes sense now…. But 5.8k 🤩

@"MattH"#p42156 Yeah! Slightly odd way of revealing it but nice animation. Crazy amount of money but considering the regular mini with the maple parts is like £5100 I guess £700 for a good paint job and metal badges isn't too obscene.

La Marzocco Owners Chat (All welcome!)

Ernie1

I use the convex one that came with the Mini. I love it. The base is the best tamper I’ve had. The same cannot be said for the handle but I’m hoping it’s possible to change it.

It definitely looks too small for the basket but doesn’t seem to negatively affect the output.

BrewLiam

Ernie1 I do like the La Marzocco one, agree the handle could be better. I just want a snugger fit. I always end up with grounds up the side of the basket with this one.

Ernie1

BrewLiam

Do you reckon the handle is removable? I’ve not had any success by hand but I’d be willing to stick it in the vice if it is actually removable. Seems hugely unlikely it’s one piece cast. Especially given the different finishes.

If I can get the base off I’ll get a handle turned.

Ernie1

I’ve been trying to order a Torr tamper as they do a convex 58.4mm for LM but their payment processor is obviously down.

Have emailed to find out what’s up but they look like nice tampers.

https://www.torrtoys.com/shop

MattH

Ernie1 They look great - but I will not buy anything else…. Honest

BrewLiam

Ernie1 yeah this 58.4 convex one does look good. And on the scale of ‘crazy expensive for a tamper’ and ‘cheap and cheerful’ it seems to fall somewhere in the middle. Plus, white handle for white LMLm 👌🏻

Systemic

Ernie1 Have emailed to find out what’s up but they look like nice tampers.

Jens produces some great tampers. Bought two 58.4mm couple of years back but ended up having to wait a long while before receiving them. Communication can be hit and miss.

Ernie1

MattH

😂 I’ve been telling myself that for 15 years.

MediumRoastSteam

BrewLiam LMLm

Out of curiosity, is LMLm how the Marzoccofiles refer to the Linea Micra? As opposed to LMLM for the Mini? Just that the lowercase m caught my eye. And a lot easier to type than LMLµ 😉

BrewLiam

MediumRoastSteam I’ve seen LMLu and LMLm. Small m makes more sense to me and easier to understand by the masses. So, I’m adopting that one 😂

Ernie1

They definitely don’t make it easy with the variants of the Linea - Classic, PB, Mini, Micra…

Ernie1

For no other reason than further praise, after 6 months of ownership I’m still over the moon with the Mini. Obviously at the price point I feared buyers remorse but it’s been a pleasure.

For all of its shortcomings and simplicity, aside from the great coffee, it’s struck the perfect balance of joy of ownership, looks in the Kitchen and minimal faff.

Making coffee each day is equal parts ‘it just works’ and enjoyment. I have to say despite not really minding the upkeep of an E61, the lower maintenance and speedier cleaning is another big plus.

MattH

Ernie1 Totally agree - also no matter how bad my shot goes (esp when dialing in something new) - it all tastes good once the milks in 😂

Cuprajake

Is it

Micra or mecra

Ernie1

Cuprajake

Officially it’s probably the second but honestly I’d cringe if someone English said it that way out loud.

I’ve got a couple of Sicilian friends who even say their own surname in an Anglicised fashion now due to years of trying to correct people over here.

Ernie1

Systemic

Good to know, thanks! I’ll be patient and hopefully hear back!

Ernie1

Jens emailed already! Apparently just making some changes to the store but has said I can order via email!

Top service so far!

BrewLiam

Ernie1 let us know how you get one. And what you order! Think I’m pretty set on one of these from Torr, they look great.

MattH

Anyone tried this - had not thought of it to be able to steam smaller amounts…

caffeinated-carp

I never did say I got my new machine about 2-3 weeks ago now, just been a bit mad busy with travel and work etc. So, questions for all you Micra owners, do you get this noise when locking the PF in? Sometimes better, sometimes worse, all I can say is it’s just not a lovely confidence inspiring noise! It’s probably harmless but I just don’t love it, thought I’d see if you get it as well..

Also my drip tray is not level… anyone got that? About 3mm lower one side, looks a bit odd. Seems to be the actual drip tray is warped from what I can tell, not the machine.

BrewLiam

caffeinated-carp my drip tray is slightly misaligned at the same side as yours. Just not by as much.

I’ve not said anything as I’m sure it’s within some tolerance and really doesn’t affect my enjoyment of it.

DavecUK

caffeinated-carp I never did say I got my new machine about 2-3 weeks ago now, just been a bit mad busy with travel and work etc. So, questions for all you Micra owners, do you get this noise when locking the PF

I don’t have one but have seen them at exhibitions, the knocking sound isn’t normal as @Cuprajake said something sounds loose. It could be a simple job of tightening a securing bolt.

Drip tray misalignment, it’s a possibility that the frame is slightly warped, rather than an issue with the drip tray itself because of the way these things are manufactured. Not certain but it’s a possibility that should be considered.

Dust

caffeinated-carp

I had a misalignment issue with my tray. The biggest bug bear for me was when trying to tare the scales the drip grill would dip down on one corner, not a lot ,but enough to annoy.
Hubby first though the front panel may have been out of whack but quickly discovered that was fine.
He played around a bit and found out the magnet between the tray and the bracket underneath was the problem, he said it was a bit too big height wise, so he just carefully bent the bracket down a little bit to compensate and she now sits perfectly.

Not sure if this would help but it could be worth a look.

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