Espresso Machine Buying Advice

PhilipUrquiza

Let me give a bit of background over my question in order to make it easier do understand what are my doubts. I’m from Brazil and I’ll be going to the UK for a period of a week in late September this year. I’m willing to buy an home espresso machine and take it back with me. I’m feeling brave enough (hahah) to do this because we simple are really poorly supplied of buying options here.

At first, I was pretty sure on choosing the Lelit Mara X, however after reading a lot of posts on other forums it made me question this certainty of mine. Of the Heat Exchangers options I think this would be the only one I would choose because of the temperature stability and the no flush approach. I’m open to suggestions of HX machines with similar approach that I’m unaware of.

To me being able to fine tune and dial the espresso is my priority as I usually have 2-3 milk drinks during the week and maybe more 2 on weekends and probably 2 or 3 more espresso shots/day.

Besides that the Lelit Mara X would really fit my budget (right on point). I also thought of a well constructed SBDU but I think I would get tired of the workflow when making milk drinks (I thought about the ECM Classika PID and the Bezzera Unica PID - I heard some complaints from a friend that owns a 2014 Unica about the PID from the Unica not being really accurate).

Other options I thought was about the Lelit Elizabeth (would still fit my budget with some stretch), the Profitec PRO 300 (here the stretch would be way more) and the Profitec PRO 400 (but I guess this just another regular HX machine with some sort of PID control over the steam boiler).

To be taken seriously in consideration is being able to easily repair any problems at home (this point makes me think about the Mara X as there plenty of review about this on line and also an Youtube Channel showing how to fix a lot of problems on it) and ideally that it wouldn’t present problems soon after I bought it (this point is the one I feel insecure about the Mara X). After all that I’m still tempted in choosing the Mara X.

If you guys could offer me some insights about this, other options I haven’t thought about and your considerations I would be extremely thankful.

P.S.: Sorry for my rusty English

MediumRoastSteam

Also PhilipUrquiza - bear in mind that the VAT retail export scheme, due to Brexit, is no longer applicable to UK retail purchases. This means you’ll effectively pay the full UK price for the machine and you won’t be able to recover VAT - a whopping 20%.

Depending on your travel arrangements, you are better off going to an EU country (e.g.: Italy), buy the machine there and take advantage of the scheme.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/revenue-and-customs-brief-21-2020-withdrawal-of-the-vat-retail-export-scheme-and-the-tax-free-shopping-concession/revenue-and-customs-brief-21-2020-withdrawal-of-the-vat-retail-export-scheme-and-the-tax-free-shopping-concession

dilin

It will be toss-up between the Lelits Mara X and Elizabeth for me. For utter no fuss, I would lean towards the Elizabeth (no need cam and lever lubrication, faster warm-up, PI options, etc.

Mara X if you are a hands-on person and/or just like the look of E61 group and lever (like me!)

PhilipUrquiza

MediumRoastSteam And mostly a Brazilian problem: voltage. Bear that in mind, as the machines sold here in the UK are 220/230/240V. (Don’t ask me how I know this 😉)

I read in another topic that you had some electric tingles when having a shower when living here hahaha

That wouldn’t be a problem for me because where I live is 220v (Recife, capital of Pernambuco State) - yeap Brazil has both voltage schemes depending on which state you live, go figure 😅.

I’m aware that I’ll have to pay the full price, unfortunately my trip will be for the UK only.

Which spares would you think I should take (some probes? Valves? Anything like that? Which ones of them?)

dilin I’m leaning towards the E61 because I like the look of it and also because it allows further modifications. The hands on thing I guess I would be willing to do also. Do you guys think that the internals of the Mara X is less complicated than the Elizabeth?

MediumRoastSteam

Make sure you take with you a good amount of spares and accessories too - a few group gaskets, some backflushig detergent, molykote 111 (silicone grease), a good basket and a good tamper.

And mostly a Brazilian problem: voltage. Bear that in mind, as the machines sold here in the UK are 220/230/240V. (Don’t ask me how I know this 😉)

I think the MaraX is a great choice, or if you want something a lot lighter, the Elizabeth.

MediumRoastSteam

PhilipUrquiza - in terms of spares, I was thinking group gasket mainly as those will need replacement every year or so.

LMSC

Rather than buying and taking it with you, have you considered buying the machine directly from some one like ACS ? Of course, it will be a different machine. 😊

PhilipUrquiza

LMSC

The main problem about this is that I would have to pay at least 60% of duty taxes (maybe more) upon entrance in Brazil.

If I take it with during a trip, when entering in Brazil through airport, the rules are different so I’ll have to pay only 60 to 120 pounds (if a stick in the Mara X or Elizabeth price range)

However, just for the sake of it, where can I find how to buy directly from ACS? I tried to search it online and I haven’t found it yet

LMSC

PhilipUrquiza Ok. fair enough.

You can reach out to Paolo or Maria of ACS at info@mevsrl.net. If you ask for their contact number, you can speak to them and see what they can do.

dutchy101

Someone selling a Minima and a Niche on the forum. You could maybe enquire to see if they were willing to sell the Minima separately:

https://coffeetime.freeflarum.com/d/886-acs-minima-niche-zero-starter-bundle

PhilipUrquiza

Does anyone know something about this VBM Junior 2 Boilers? I’ve just come across it on the BB website but can’t find anything about it online