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!)

HarveyMushman

Love it. Looks so neat.

Reminded me how great that grey looks also.

MediumRoastSteam

I’m confused - or maybe just daft. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Why isn’t the scale in the middle?

HarveyMushman

MediumRoastSteam I’m confused - or maybe just daft.

You’re definitely not the first to ask.

On the Micra, presumably due to the reduced size, the reservoir (behind the drip tray) extends into the drip tray a bit.

It’s centred on the Mini version but I actually prefer the Micra design as If you flush the group it doesn’t go all over the scales. You just use a horizontal plate thing on the scales so the cup sits in the right spot.

Cuprajake

Looks great, I wanted similar for the decent, but it’s only for acacia and not the felicia scales

MattH

Cuprajake Yes might have to pop the felicita scales back in the box for now

MattH

Yes - so with the kit I got the magnetic plate and booster plate if I want to use the bottomless still with the scale.. tbh i will probably just use the single spout to the left direct on the scales !

MattH

Couple more Pics - I put in the baseplate which lifts the scales slightly so you can use the plate for a cup under the portafilter

MattH

Small update.. had a couple of micro sprays when making espresso - so decided to change the group gasket as its been over a year.

I have a H3004 which is for the Mini to hand.. the default one in the micra is supposedly a H3018 “reduced force” and you can see it has a less pronounced lip which goes around the group head. So I go the old one out.. waited until it had cooled down (not a good idea to try after making coffee) - and managed to get the new one installed.

Its a snug fit for the portafilter but works fine - The orange one (which should be the same size) may be easier to use - will try that next year.

Here’s the link of the one I installed for reference

https://espresso-solutions.co.uk/la-marzocco-linea-mini-group-gasket/

HarveyMushman

MattH

I used the orange one on my last annual service. It’s night and day with the black one.

The orange has a nice spongy feel too it and seems to be holding up well after about 9 months.

I always find the black rubber ones so firm when new, to the point the PF doesn’t lock in at 90 degrees. Not that it really matters.

Either does the job though!

I forgot how good that grey looks on the machine too!

HarveyMushman

https://shop.porsche.com/gb/en-GB/p/porsche-x-la-marzocco-linea-micra-espresso-machine-limited-edition-P-WAP0506020SEMP/WAP0506020SEMP

New collab with Porsche released. Not a fan of the in your face branding on the drip tray but very much like those knurled steam/water knobs! The edition of 911 is a nice touch too.

MattH

Did you see the price and martini paint job… talk about brand name tax 😱

dfk41

MattH I wonder if the coffee tastes any better!

DavecUK

dfk41 I wonder if the coffee tastes any better!

Perhaps it just makes it faster….

MattH

Well this thread has been very quiet 😂

After 19 months I may have my firet issue with the micra… when the machine is on I can hear a fizzing sound from inside the case - I cannot see any water leaks as such its dry underneath (though I need to get the lid off to check inside)

From a bit of research seems it could be the vacuum breaker which I believe has a oring which can become brittle etc.

I have seen the replacement process on the mini - maybe I will see how easy it is to get too on the micra.. else call in a service firm !

Anyone else hitting that timeframe when items need replacing/tweaking ?

DavecUK

MattH From a bit of research seems it could be the vacuum breaker which I believe has a oring which can become brittle etc.

I have seen the replacement process on the mini - maybe I will see how easy it is to get too on the micra.. else call in a service firm !

Anyone else hitting that timeframe when items need replacing/tweaking ?

It could be the vacuum breaker, but you need to remove the lid and have a look. I think La Marzocco may now be using the same vacuum breaker as ACS across their range, if so, it’s reparable. @PaulL repaired his and may have even put an article up. The O ring can be purchased for very little money. There are 3 variants that all look the same externally, but may have a different internal O ring size..

It’s an easy thing to change, if you can reach the vacuum breaker and hope LM in their wisdom put a normal wear and tear service part in an easy to access position. 19 months is quite early for it to fail.

do you run with the steam/service boiler on all the time
do you use good water that won’t leave evaporative deposits?

MattH

DavecUK I run both on but I have it set to turn off after 40 mins.

All water is from the ozmio zero since day one 👍

Have found the sma valve on ebay for 50 quid but shopcoffee and espresso parts want 70-100 it looks like.

From the parts manual looks the valve is on the top of the boiler so should be a straight unscrew and replace. Then I can look and see if I can service the original one…

thanks all 😎

HarveyMushman

@MattH

Yeah @DavecUK has already added helpful comments but it does sound like the vacuum breaker.

I’ve not had any issues with the Mini which is now 2 years old but I’ve had breakers go within 12 months on other machines.

Did you get it from Bella Barista? I think they have a 2 year warranty on their machines, or used to at least.

Either way, should be a cheap and easy fix.

MattH

Looks like I have a small leak in a t joint between the bolt and the plastic t

Rest look ok - and I dont think theres an issue on the vacuum breaker

MattH

Thats seems to be the part which feeds the steam wand

DavecUK

MattH I suspect you could fix it using PTFE tape, if the T piece isn’t split/cracked. Quite surprised they are using a plastic T piece here?

HarveyMushman

It looks like it could be the gasket H.2.013 as per the parts catalog here:

https://home.lamarzoccousa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Linea-Micra-Parts-Catalog.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOoqhoj0UeKqNvMJ05vHLxESOTg85foJmnlKfpIITVDGbLXkfeSXP

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