Agree with Doram. If you want precise temperature control, a quiet pump, etc then the Bianca is what you want.

If you are happy with not so precise temperature and the routine of he MaraX related to steam boost etc, then for a saving of £1,100 I think the MaraX with the flow control paddle seems to be a good buy, providing its in good condition and you know the story of the machine.

Doram You made a very good point on the temperature selection. I’m probably like you where I’ll not change the temperature very much. How do you find the flow control on the mara? It is the one thing that was swaying me to the bianca, however if it works well on the mara it could be a more cost effective option, even if I decided to by a new one and then upgrade later.

      Lawman How do you find the flow control on the mara? It is the one thing that was swaying me to the bianca, however if it works well on the mara it could be a more cost effective option, even if I decided to by a new one and then upgrade later.

      The flow control is a very simple device. It’s a needle valve that opens and closes to restrict the flow of water, and that’s it. It isn’t rocket science. As I said, I don’t have experience with Bianca, but common sense is that a needle valve is a needle valve. As far as I know the E-61 group is the same, certainly in Bianca and Mara, and this is why generic flow control devices fit (I have the one from Coffee Sensor). You can fit a genuine Bianca flow control device in the Mara X, and as far as I know they will restrict the flow in exactly the same way.

      Is the flow control device essential? Probably not, but I like having it and use it with every shot. I don’t do crazy/funky things with it (like ‘sweet bump’ or ‘drip style’ shots), but I do use it in two simple ways (most often together): 1. A couple of seconds into the shot I will almost close the valve for a few seconds to wet the puck and stretch the pre-infusion; 2. After a third or half of the shot is done, when the puck starts to erode and the flow becomes faster, I will counter that by restricting the flow. This helps to keep things together.
      - The combination of those two is what people call a ‘lever machine profile’. I do it by feel, not in a scientific way. So if, for example, I have a dark roast and I want to extract less, I will skip the first stage. And the tapering down I will do based on what I see and how the shot is looking - I will play with the valve to get a nice looking flow.

      The flow control device does need some maintenance (lube, new O-rings), so that is something you need to know as well (not a big deal for me).

        Hi,

        Firstly sorry for only just creating an account, and for posting the machine on the ‘other’ forum! When there was the split I took a step back from following any of the forums, so never got round to creating an account here. Don’t hate me 😅

        @Lawman I’m completely happy for you to come round to see the Mara, pull a few shots and have a chat. No obligation to buy, I’m not a salesman, really no pressure. Would actually be nice to have someone to chat coffee with 😆

        If you decide you want a Bianca or its not for you for any other reason then that’s absolutely ok.

        Also remember the price includes bottomless PF, VST basket, smart plug and a few other bits 😉

        Cheers

          I’ll admit, I haven’t taken the FCD off since I installed it, something I will look at this weekend.

          Bicky Firstly sorry for only just creating an account, and for posting the machine on the ‘other’ forum! When there was the split I took a step back from following any of the forums, so never got round to creating an account here. Don’t hate me 😅

          Welcome….

          Contact me

            Bicky it’s been a crazy weekend here and only just getting back to normal.

            Appreciate the offer of a coffee and a chat. Most of my friends think I’m a coffee snob so having a chat about coffee would be great.

              10 days later

              Meant to say I got round to taking the FCD apart last weekend. 5 minute job really if you have the right tools to hand.

              All looking good. One of the o-rings had a slight nick in it but still seemed perfectly serviceable to me, so I never bother replacing it. Applied some 111 and put it back together. Can’t say it feels any smoother than it did before, but it’s always worked well for me 👍

                Bicky One of the o-rings had a slight nick in it but still seemed perfectly serviceable to me, so I never bother replacing it.

                Just make sure it seals as it should with the nick in the o-ring. I had something similar for a long time. I only realised the effect the damaged o-ring had once I replaced it. You can easily test it: try, for example, to get to 2 or to 4 bar during pre-infusion and hold it there. Can you do that? If you can then the ring is sealing properly. If you can’t - things slow down but you can’t hold the pressure, then you probably need a new o-ring. If you do decide to get some, there is a link in @DavecUK ’s FAQ post on Lelit’s flow control device, and also in the “What did the postman bring today” thread.

                    Lawman probably the best question to help everyone give you suitable advice is, what are the limitations of your current setup that you’re looking to improve upon?

                    If you’ve got a pid already then you should have ok temp control and stability. It doesn’t sound like you’re doing back to back shots or a lot of milk drinks, which takes longer on a single boiler.

                    Depending on your grinder, looking at upgrading that may offer more return in quality coffee than upgrading your machine.

                      Doram

                      Tried this today and yeah I could hold it at 2 or 4 bar. 2 bar was easy, once there I barely had to touch it, 4 bar needed a bit of continual adjustment to maintain, but I think this is to be expected?