Hello everyone! Super new here. Have some questions regarding the ACS Minima and the Lelit Mara X and thought joining this forum would be the best place to find the answer with @"DavecUK"#1's extensive knowledge on both machines. Essentially I am in the market for my first espresso machine and I am looking to get either the ACS Minima or the Lelit Mara X. I like both the looks (preferably with wooden finishes!) but slightly prefer the Minima's unique aesthetic. Where I stay (Singapore) the approximate price difference (Minima being more expensive) is as follows: 450\.00 SGD / 332.69 USD / 293.53 EUR I am wondering if the extra 450 SGD is worth the price upgrade from the HX to DB given that the Mara X doesn't have the issues of a typical HX? And from my research, the Minima's finishes (water tank, thinner metal, hot wand) are not as polished as the Mara X's? I am also wondering about the items that comes with the machine (i.e. the extras I need to buy after getting the machine). I understand the Minima comes with a plastic tamper that I would likely need to switch out. Some info in case it might help you guys help me: * I am intending to use this machine for the long term * I make 2 to 3 cups of black coffee (currently filtered, would be changing to Americanos / Long Blacks) * I prefer milk coffees on the weekends (also 2 to 3 cups per day) * If I have a group of people coming over I might need to make up to 5 cups of milk drinks, but this is rare and far between * I am using a manual 1zpresso JX grinder now which I intend to upgrade to a Niche Zero later this year - Side question, will the 1zpresso JX suffice as an espresso grinder or the grinder upgrade should come before the espresso machine? Thank you everyone for reading! And nice to meet everyone! :)

> @"Ixorya"#p5662 I make 2 to 3 cups of black coffee (currently filtered, would be changing to Americanos / Long Blacks) For me, this is deterministic. Minima it is. Run the machine without the service/steam boiler on during the weekdays, and with the boiler on at the weekend. You have better temp control and virtually no maintenance.

Hi Ive owned both and went from the Mara X to the Minima. I didn’t regret that decision.

@"Ixorya"#p5662 I should mention the Minima has much thicker metal than the MaraX, the metal is only thin on the drip tray, to make it a little springy, so it doesn't vibrate. Nist AISI 316L stainless boilers as well!

A question about the Minima. I will be probably using it to make coffees twice a day say 11am and 1pm and steaming both times. Ive seen that the steam boiler takes about 5 mins to get to temperature so presumably I should turn on the brew boiler at say 10.30 and then just flick the brew and steam boiler on 5 mins before I want to make my first drink? Is it worth switching back to just the brew boiler only after making my first coffee and leaving this on until I want to make my afternoon coffee again switching on the steam boiler 5 mins before I plan to make my coffee, or better to leave both boilers switched on?

I used to turn mine off, takes minutes to get back up to temp

It takes 8-9 mins to warm up to 130C from cold. Will take less time for your second coffee as it will be still be warm.

> @"Cuprajake"#p5742 I used to turn mine off, takes minutes to get back up to temp As do I

> @"MediumRoastSteam"#p5664 Run the machine without the service/steam boiler on during the weekdays, and with the boiler on at the weekend. You have better temp control and virtually no maintenance. I've just confirmed my order with ACS for a Minima and will be doing exactly this. The maintenance point was also a big + for me.

Thank you everyone for your input. I didn't expect a 100% vote on the minima. But this definitely help make my decision easier. 😁 I look forward to getting my white minima with wooden finish!

ACS Minima vs Lelit Mara X

MediumRoastSteam

Esohn in US—hope it’s okay joining UK forum)

Welcome! Of course it is. There are many members from the US and other places here.

« Previous Page