So there's a lot of people buying Minimas on here at the moment and a few experienced users so I thought a thread dedicated to the Minima with questions / information on the machine would be useful to myself and the others who have recently purchased and are about to take the plunge (and to prevent myself from hijacking other people's threads). One question I have to kick us off is about the brew boiler and PID. For some reason my Minima does not seem to like bring set at 93 degrees. Despite me having it set at 93, the display shows it settling at 94. I'm not sure if this is indicative of an issue or standard behaviour. It occasionally will drop to 93 but then goes up to 94 again

Edit…I've just found the PID Values Explained section at the back of the manual where it explains this is normal.

The General ACS Minima Thread

HVL87

Mine does the same and I confirmed with other Minima users when I bought the machine.

DavecUK

dutchy101 Edit…I’ve just found the PID Values Explained section atvthe back of the manual where it explains this is normal.

Very good manual that one…, online version available as well.

https://sway.office.com/xofz72xFBgYyiWqi?ref=Link

PortafilterProcrastinator

@dutchy101 @HVL87

How have you found the stock filter baskets?

I’m already thinking of upgrading, but won’t do unecessarily quickly - although that is also partly tamper dependent.

HVL87

PortafilterProcrastinator they are fine. Easier to pull a nice looking bottomless shot - in my opinion that doesn’t mean much. I moved on to a 18g VST to optimise my shots as much as possible.

dutchy101

It’s been a bit of a transition for me this week as I’ve changed from Sage 54mm baskets and didn’t have a 58mm tamper until a few days after the machine arrived. I got a new distributor yesterday which has also helped so still finding my feet a bit with the stock baskets, but pretty happy with them so far

PortafilterProcrastinator

Thanks both, if they’re a similar ID then I can get a tamper (thinking bravo ATM) first and upgrade the basket later when looking for refinement, rather than just trying to make something palatable!

dutchy101

Yeah - I’ve got a Nomcore 58.5mm tamper on order and coming this week so will get a better handle on things once that has arrived

PortafilterProcrastinator

dutchy101 I’d be really interested and grateful to hear how you get on.

How are you finding the Minima overall?

dutchy101

Absolutely loving it - so glad I went with it I’m really enjoying using it. How about you?

Made my wife a tea using water from the service boiler to drain some water this morning and she commented how much better it looked and tasted (using the zero and remineralised water I’ve been making up).

PortafilterProcrastinator

dutchy101 It hasn’t arrived yet! 🤣

Ordered direct from ACS due to no UK stock. Hopefully not long now, just getting prepared.

Alexvs

PortafilterProcrastinator I’ve emailed Paolo to enquire about purchasing direct, can I ask about how much it all was with any taxes etc as imagine there’s some import duties so interesting to compare to a UK stocked one.

dutchy101

Oh wow haha and you’re already thinking of uograding the baskets? I’d suggest you wait and see how you get on with them before deciding to buy different ones. I think the stock baskets are generally pretty well thought of

PortafilterProcrastinator

dutchy101 Agreed - which is why I am hopeful I can get a tamper to cover both. Once I’ve got it here I’ll be able to work it out properly. Getting a bit carried away.

DavecUK

Alexvs imagine there’s some import duties so interesting to compare to a UK stocked one.

It should be cheaper, because you only have a parts warranty….

PortafilterProcrastinator

Alexvs DavecUK

I reckon it will work out roughly the same with VAT duties. Whilst it is parts only it is 24 months rather than 12.

Alexvs

DavecUK Thanks Dave, I know he does the Vesuvius deal so will wait and see what he says.

dutchy101

PortafilterProcrastinator

Make sure you at least have a 58mm tamper before the machine arrives (unlike me). The convex plastic tamper that came with it is pretty useless

Alexvs

PortafilterProcrastinator Thanks 👍🏼

PortafilterProcrastinator

dutchy101 Oh no! 🤣 I was planning on slumming it until I could get the bravo. I’ll have to think quick-sharp.

I do have a 50mm tamper from my ROK. maybe I’ll make a disc to stick to it.

I don’t suppose you could photograph the plastic tamper could you?!

HVL87

PortafilterProcrastinator I don’t suppose you could photograph the plastic tamper could you?!

It’s a cheap plastic tamper, not sure what you’re expecting 😄 I would either buy a decent 58.4mm tamper (Motta competition for example) or go for the bravo before the machine arrives.

dutchy101

PortafilterProcrastinator

Here it is. Forgot I’d already taken a photo of it.

dutchy101

It’s up in the loft and in the box mate. Will send a pic tomorrow.

I picked up this tamper as a stop gap and It’s pretty good value to be honest

RECAPS Espresso Tamper 58mm Solid Iron with Chrome Plated Base | Modern Professional Barista| Espresso Coffee Tamper Flat Base Silver