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

@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

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 😎

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

HarveyMushman

DavecUK Quite surprised they are using a plastic T piece here?

Me too.

They’re brass on the Mini.

MattH

Just chatting with LM customer support. There does seem to be a few differences between the mini and micra.

If nothing else I have had the top trays out and given them a good clean - and had a good poke around in side the machine

MattH

Having a better look round the other side it looks split.

DavecUK

MattH Having a better look round the other side it looks split.

It doesn’t surprise me at all…when you replace it, do not buy that shitty LM part again, buy a nickel plated brass one. That part is an absolute disgrace and shouldn’t be used by LM!

HarveyMushman

DavecUK

Must admit I’m surprised. Seems like a part that gets both hot and twists to tighten. I’m no expert but that doesn’t seem the best recipe for longevity.

DavecUK

HarveyMushman Must admit I’m surprised. Seems like a part that gets both hot and twists to tighten. I’m no expert but that doesn’t seem the best recipe for longevity.

It’s why I made the earlier comment about PTFE tape if it’s not split/cracked. had I reviewed one of those I would have told LM that it’s a disgrace and wrong to use that part…especially above a steam boiler. The problem is too much reverence for them and quality feedback doesn’t get back to designers.

After all, the LM LMicra isn’t a Breville is it.

HarveyMushman

Yeah it’s a shame. I’ve got a feeling the new ‘Mini R’ will be the same.

DavecUK

HarveyMushman sad when the likes of LM start cost cutting the pennies.

Dusk

Given the price of the machine and the relativity low volumes they must sell, surely it can’t be a worthwhile cost saving

HarveyMushman

Dusk

I think the Micra and subsequently the Mini R have boosted sales a lot. Still not a cheap machine by any means, not even slightly, but along with the very efficient marketing to the right audience I’d guess the Micra is probably their biggest seller by a lot.

Also popular in other markets where the ‘smaller’ Italian brands are much less affordable than they are in Europe/UK.

DavecUK

Dusk Given the price of the machine and the relativity low volumes they must sell, surely it can’t be a worthwhile cost saving

One would think not, but it’s hard to see any other reason apart from bad engineering design?

MattH

Quick update, got a engineer out - quick service and a replacement part and I am back up and running.

He also showed me some pics from inside the boiler no signs of scale at all - clean as a bell - so go Osmio its clearly doing a good job (with my house softener)

DavecUK

MattH Quick update, got a engineer out - quick service and a replacement part and I am back up and running.

Hopefully they replaced with a metal part?

HarveyMushman

MattH

Great news! One good thing about LM is the ease of getting an engineer out quickly!

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