Cuprajake
There’s a build quality difference between the original Mini and the new Mini R/Micra.
That’s not to say the new ones aren’t well built, they’re still a cut above most machines but the original Mini uses thicker gauge panels and bits like the group head surround and tap look/feel a bit higher quality.
The way I describe it is that the original Mini is a small version of a commercial machine, the Mini R/Micra are home versions. I’ve used the Mini next to a Linea 2 group and the build feels similar.
The original Mini also has less connected functionality and a manual brew/steam temp control, the Mini R/Micra are controlled via the app.
In reality, the build quality isn’t really relevant to the average home user but it made the price sting a little less.
I love the Micra but if I was buying another Mini I’d buy a used original one rather than the new Mini R.
The Mini R/Micra are basically the same other than size.
