While the LMLM is a gorgeous looking machine, and I have no doubt has very good quality parts, I do think it’s incredibly expensive for the feature set.
Sprometheus recently did a video that included the running costs of the LMLM and it was a lot:
If I was looking to spend that sort of money I think I’d go for a Decent. Much more option to play with pressures, flow, temperature etc.
LMSC yeah I am 100% overthinking it, it’s a big investment and you just want to get it right, probably one of those purchases where seeing the machine and having a go would help a lot. Shame BB is closed for visiting atm.
In terms of water I will be filling the internal tank. I live in a soft water area but assumed I wouldn’t be using it straight from the tap.
Ross
Goodfella You should do what you think is good for you. You want to be happy and don’t want the buyers’ remorse.
Re-water, never assume. Get a drop kit from Amazon. Measure the hardness and alkalinity on 20 ml water each and standardise for 5 ml. There is Rob’s excel on this thread. Please get that and also read the water threads.
Most of us feed either re-mineralised (bicarb) RO or distilled.
GL!
I would say LMLM doesn’t have anything in particular, bar the badge, that makes it an outstanding machine. It is a very good machine, do not get me wrong but as others have already pointed it out, bad value for the money.
If you look at Rocket you should aim a bit higher, R9 One. But if this attracts you then you have two great competitors to it at almost half the price, Bianca and Vesuvius. Both full of quality parts and immense potential for producing great coffee shots.
You have never mentioned the grinder side, but I assume that aiming that high machine-wise you have this sorted out.
Good luck with your decision and eventual purchase. The most important thing is for you to be happy with whatever you go for in the end.
EDIT: I have just seen that you have got a Niche so the grinder is sorted out.
Current setup: ACS Vesuvius, Nuova Simonelli Mythos One. Past experience, Nuova Simonelli Apia 1 gr., San Remo Capri 1 gr., Bezzera BZ 35e, Fracino Heavenly. Anfim Super Lusso.
Contact me at: john_yossarian11@yahoo.com
A decent would be no good for steaming
Ive personally steamed 450mls of milk with my bianca for hot chocolate and it did that in about 40seconds.
I favour the bianca because i own one. But its a machine i settled on after going through 5 others.
For your needs dual boiler is a must.
Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -
Because it takes nearly a minute to steam milk for one drink
Its just slow and if the op is going to be making 5 to 6 milk drinks one after the other its just a faff.
That vid shows the new wand, iirc that comes ln 4k machine now.
Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -
Thanks for clarifying your reasoning @Cuprajake.
I’m not sure a decent is on the list, but at least 250ml of milk in 60s will help people assess whether this is ok or not for their situation. I tend to do flat whites [130ml], so two drinks worth of milk in 60s, especially with the auto feature so that you can be prepping the next shots, would be fine. That’s the beauty of this hobby though, plenty of options for everyone’s use cases.
Decent would be like buying the latest gaming PC, you know in 6-12 months time you would need another upgrade, new CPU, new generation GPU, faster memory, SSD, etc.
Buying something that has relatively (to HX machines) new technologies in it, e.g. PID, double boiler, ability to program start up, etc. is more modest technology-wise but bullet proof and is going to last.
Current setup: ACS Vesuvius, Nuova Simonelli Mythos One. Past experience, Nuova Simonelli Apia 1 gr., San Remo Capri 1 gr., Bezzera BZ 35e, Fracino Heavenly. Anfim Super Lusso.
Contact me at: john_yossarian11@yahoo.com
John_Yossarian Don’t know if I fully agree with the PC analogy - my PC is over 2 years old and can still comfortably play the latest games at 2560×1440 60FPS, mostly on the highest quality settings and 4k with a mix of settings. I doubt I will need to upgrade anytime soon…for at least another year or 2.
Beverast I was talking about the game enthusiasts that populate forums such as overclockers.co.uk
Rarely a “self respected” gamer would stay with the same rig for longer than 12 months. And I do not mean to undermine your gamer’s skills at all. 🙂
Current setup: ACS Vesuvius, Nuova Simonelli Mythos One. Past experience, Nuova Simonelli Apia 1 gr., San Remo Capri 1 gr., Bezzera BZ 35e, Fracino Heavenly. Anfim Super Lusso.
Contact me at: john_yossarian11@yahoo.com
John_Yossarian Ah ok, fair enough. I would not consider myself a skilful gamer anyway so no worries haha 😁
So I have chosen a machine! I am going to be getting an ECM Synchronika, it came down to aesthetics in the end.
What are thoughts on what smart plug to get? I am not in a smart eco system so any type will do.
I have started to look in to water too and in all honesty it has my head spinning.
Cheers
Ross
Another vote for Meross from me- also work well with Google Home.
Thanks guys, best get some ordered.
Ross
Goodfella I have the Synchronika and have been very happy with it. Great steam and plenty of it and really nice quality to the exterior - I’m sure you’ll be pleased with your purchase. Just remember its super heavy and you might need some help getting it out of the box and up on the counter ! As for value for money, well if your using something every day and its part of your kitchen, then you may well need to take aesthetics into consideration and that includes the weight and feel of the components, levers, handles etc.
My favourite definition of ‘value’ is “the perceived benefits, usefulness, and importance of something". It means that value is entirely subjective. For some the La Marzocco Linea Mini is overpriced for it’s technical functions for others it’s a joy to see every morning - just as my Synchronika is for me when I stumble into the kitchen on a Sunday morning…
Yet another vote for the Bianca, I’ve had mine three months and still look forward to using it every day.
I suppose looks are subjective but to me it has the aesthetic appeal of a classic car or a well-kept Vincent motorbike.
I coveted a LMLM but realised I don’t own a coffee shop or an Instagram account so saved myself £2.5k and couldn’t be happier with the Bianca. It also comes with some great accessories (spouted & bottomless portafilter and decent tamper among others)
