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!)

Mikeyb

ristretto

Hi I hope you’re enjoying your new machine.

I’ve had my micra several months now and run it from the reservoir. I’m still learning with it but agree with many users that it’s consistent with pulling shots. I drink mostly medium to dark roasts and occasionally steam milk ( usually for guests).

I’ve tried the pre brew for pre infusion but ended up going back to a normal straight pull I didn’t notice any real difference.

I know I didn’t really answer any of your queries but I’m really just trying to say that the machine doesn’t have the latest technology but it does what it does really well .

I look forward to hearing about your experiences.

Cheers

ristretto

Hi Mikeyb,

Thanks for sharing and for the encouragement. I actually haven’t ordered the Micra yet, but very close now. Waiting to hear from a local La Marzocco tech to see about how involved plumbing in the machine would be with a filtration system. I’d need to special order the plumb kit from La Marzocco USA if it goes that way.

MattH

ristretto The are offering discounts on the Micra for Black Friday - think its 15% from the email I saw.

I have had mine about 6 months.. it just works… with guests over the weekend I must have made 10 or so flat whites !

I use the Osmio Zero to filter my tap water.. and then just keep refilling the resovoir. I am even getting the hang of the milk frothing and latte art now.

It was my first ever machine - its not a cheap model as you know but I am very happy with the product and the coffee it makes.

Cheers Matt

BrewLiam

ristretto I filter water using a Zero Water filter and then add bicarbonate soda back in. There’s a few threads on here about it. Seems the cheapest and easiest way, at least I feel.

Cuprajake

Flow control is handy but not the be all.

I very rarely use it, and tbh once you know how to dial coffee you rarely have to save a shot
Unless you don’t tamp it 🤦🤣🤣

ristretto

Thank you all for the water advice. I’m still going to try and plumb the machine in, both for access to a bit more tuning in shots through preinfusion, but also the ease of labor on the water chemistry, even though I understand it’s not that big of a deal. I just feel if this is the machine I’ll be using for years in my house, why not plumb it in if possible?

MattH. where did you see the black friday 15% micra deals? I asked La Marzocco USA last week and they said no upcoming discounts.

Thank you all

Daniel

MattH

ristretto it was a email from La Marzocco - maybe its not an offer they are doing in the US ?

drdre89

I would love to own a La Marzocco Micra in white purely for the aesthetics. But I can’t justify the cost of $6000 AUD

HarveyMushman

I have a Mini rather than Micra but can echo the above comments. I had a manual profiling machine before and didn’t really use it.

Incredibly consistent, reliable and if access to the global parts/service network is important as in your post, there’s arguably not a better choice of manufacturer.

Having said that, it’s also a very easy machine to service yourself with low-cost parts. I just did the annual service on mine and I think parts (gasket, screen and dispersion screw) were less than $20 total.

ristretto

Thanks HarveyMushman for the reassurance on the friendly La Marzocco home machines. I definitely would get in their to do some low level skill maintenance/repairs but it’s good to know their’s support nearby. In the past year, I’ve been rapt by all the flow profiling machines, the potential to unlock flavors galore, but ultimately I just want consistent daily espresso, body and a variety of tastes, except for those nordic style light roasts…

ristretto

Any suggestions for a solid, perhaps somewhat inexpensive dosing funnel for Micra portafilter? I’m considering the Normcore 58mm magnetic V2.

MattH

ristretto Tins to choose from… I had a cheap heavy stainless steel one from amazon.. not magnetic but say nicely on the portafilter. I will try and fine the link it was about 17 quid.

Cuprajake

normcore is very good

ristretto

Thank you for the confirmation on the normcore. Probably go with that.

ristretto

Is it recommended to clean the reservoir with a new machine before first use?

MattH

ristretto I would - only takes a couple of minutes 👍

Cuprajake

Lucky guy

ristretto

Do you suggest disconnecting the tube and taking the reservoir completely out of the machine?

Thanks Matt

MattH

ristretto Yes , the tube just pulls up (its quite long n the tank but it does come out)

Then you can slide it out a remove the lid and give it a good wash.

phil28

Hey folks,

Does any have a Acaia Lunar or Felicita Arc for their Micra?

I have a cheapo scale from Amazon at the moment, and its been pretty temperamental. The weight jumps all over the place occasionally from the vibrations when pulling a shot :D

Tempted to treat my self to a white Lunar to match my set up. Acaia EU shop is currently selling for £224 with free EU delivery. I understand I’ll be hit with VAT and Import duties when it arrives in the UK from the Netherlands. So not sure its worth it buying directly from them.

HarveyMushman

phil28

I use a Felicita Arc. I’ve had one for a couple of years and it’s great. Neat little scale and fits well on the Mini.

I know Acaia just released the brew-by-weight scale for the Mini so not sure if they’ll be adding Micra support in the future. I think they’ve said it’s Mini exclusive but feels inevitable the Micra will be compatible at some point.

MattH

phil28 I have both (dont ask) though not started using the lunar yet as the arc is working fine .. i use the function which kicks off the timer once the cup is placed on the scale.

Only issue with either is the height of the cup - but these are both the slimmest scales I could find.

« Previous Page Next Page »