Just done a write up of the modification in a bit more detail for the website, and filmed a little demo of the modified paddle in action. Enjoy!
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Thanks Talk_Coffee. May I ask what changed your mind? I initially recall you weren't intending to range the mini?
Definitely keen on Rick's upgrades, if I go down that path.
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Yes- great machine- but I'd definitely be getting Rick's preinfusion mod done if you decide to pull the trigger on one.
We have a black one up for grabs.
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I was wondering if any snobs that have purchases a Linea Mini could provide a quick review?
I'm looking to upgrade soon, and keep going back and fourth on the mini. I like the looks, and initial reviews have been positive.
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Nice review! Thanks Rick.
I am a potential fan of the Linea Mini, just no budget for it.... I like the idea of the classic and commercial styling. I also like the way it operates with just doing its job well and consistently without the extra tech, just where it needs it and then leave it to the barista to use his skills. The group head sounds interesting and a great idea.
However, I do also like the idea and modern look of the new style pressure profiling machines.
I read some reviews, especially the Homebarista one and they were impressed. They said it was great commercial quality and so consistent and intuitive to use. They also loved the massive commercial steaming power.
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Hey Rick..... could you put one of these groups in a Speedster?? ;-)
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My pre order black Linea Mini finally showed up a week or two ago and having completed some tests / modifications, I can deliver my report on the machine. Spoiler - I like it alot.
I was into the concept, but had mixed feelings when I saw internal photos and read the initial reviews of the Mini. The paddle in particular just seemed like a bit of a joke after realising it was a glorified on/off switch, I was not sold on the analogue temperature adjustment wheel either. I still thought the internals sufficiently interesting to order one and check it out in the metal, and I'd see what could be done about the paddle. After all, the compact form factor / quick heatup / iconic exterior styling should be a winner especially for die hard LM fans and I'd have to admit to being one, although they are definitely not above criticism, see my earlier posts.
The main revelation when I actually got the machine on the bench was just how well the new small volume brew group / boiler works. This thing is incredible and represents a new benchmark for a 58mm group as far as I am concerned. Temperature stability / adjustment speed and ease is in a whole new league, even beating saturated boilers from not only LM but anything else I've measured. Who'd have thunk it, kudos to the engineers.
Why is it so? The physics tell the story. **NERD ALERT** The volume of water in the group is only about 180ml, and it is contained within a relatively low mass stainless steel casting that forms the guts of the group - as per previous photos. Twin cartridge heaters are positioned very low, and directly alongside a long cavity between the volume and the shower screen. Screwed into this cavity is the temperature probe, which is actually a machined stainless piece with a long outer spiral over which the brew water must flow. The upshot is that the control loop is extremely agile - make a change and it is reflected practically instantly, whether up or down. The next shot you pull WILL be at the new temperature or very close to it. This just doesn't work when you have upwards of a litre of water to stabilise to a new temperature, within a larger volume of a saturated boiler with the measurement device / heat source relatively far away, same goes for an E61 group coupled to a brewing boiler. The thermal inertia is much greater.
As long as the small volume in the Mini's group/boiler is fed by water at approximately the right temperature, as it is by the heat exchanger tempered with cold water, the system works beautifully. I tried to stress it out and get it to overshoot or drop below the setpoint, but I couldn't get more than circa 1 degree C away from where I had it set, via the scace. there is also no appreciable offset - what you set is what you get. Again, a first as far as I am concerned, it's really a lovely bit of engineering.
The paddle however needs work as far as I'm concerned. I think the best option would have been a simple EE style on/off switch, there really is no point having the paddle (except for marketing) on this machine unless it functions as a two stage pressure control - if you ask me. So that's what I gave it. I've added a bypass adjustable needle valve / solenoid on the pump outlet that is switched in as soon as the paddle is out of it's stop position, and then when the original microswitch is engaged, the solenoid is switched out and the pump comes to full pressure. In addition I've added a Speedster style spring loaded pre-infusion cylinder to further soften out the pressure ramp. It ends up being a hybrid of Slayer, Speedster and LM paddle - with the best of all worlds. I'm very happy with the result.
The other jobs were fairly minor, a slight improvement to the smoothness of the valve knob / wand movements (teflon!) and a de-burring and polish of the bakelite paddle parts. The LED lamps are very bright - depending on the environment this could be an issue or a benefit, but it can be sorted without too much difficulty.
Steam power is MASSIVE. So much so that I am using a two hole tip, and getting some outstanding milk texture with it. You would expect so, from a hefty 3.5L boiler and a very short pipe run, commercial grade valve and many-burn steam wand. Steam recovery is fine - that pressurestat that I was complaining about could be replaced with a unit with slightly tighter deadband, but I doubt there'd be an appreciable difference. It is connected to the board and switches a triac so no concerns over contact wear.
The inbuilt tank will prove to be a pain for those churning out a few coffees and teas on a daily basis, you will be filling it often. If desired the machine can be converted to mains operation at a small extra cost, although you do not get the convenience of one or the other via a switch, sadly.
The temperature adjustment wheel feels flimsy, which is disappointing. However, it does what it says on the tin and does it very easily. All in all, I think it's a great machine, and for the temperature tweakers, in a league of it's own. I'm producing some of the tastiest coffees ever in the workshop. Of course it's not perfect in stock form, the paddle works.... ok. It's just not a real paddle, that is until the mods have been done!
I will be retailing the Mini, details of options to come in my sponsor thread, suffice to say if you want the modded black one, get in touch!
-Rick
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Wow $5,500! From what I can tell, It doesn't have any real edge over the La Spaz Vivaldi, and that can be bought for half the price.....[emoji53]
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Being launched tonight and I'll take a punt at RRP of $5.5k.
Linea mini or Ambient Vesuvius. Big decision?
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sounds similar to the Bezzera BZ10, BZ07, etc.Originally posted by coffee_machinist View Post.
I notice they are using cartridge heaters, not an immersion element. Actually more similar to the Nuova Simonelli T3 system (heat exchanger > small volume boiler > temperature controlled group), .
Except they never had the foresight to put a decent temp control on the group elements ,...they put a PID on the steam boiler instead ?
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Interesting to see LM's design approach in general with the Mini though, it makes alot of sense going to a small volume, discretely controlled, integrated group head/boiler.
I notice they are using cartridge heaters, not an immersion element. Actually more similar to the Nuova Simonelli T3 system (heat exchanger > small volume boiler > temperature controlled group), which ironically was probably developed to get around LM's patent on saturated groups. Turns out it's way more efficient, just as stable and can keep up in high demand just fine.
I've been retrofitting cartridge heaters to groups for a few years now and am convinced of their merits. Only takes a few hundred watts to bring an E61 group up to temperature in a few minutes.
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Ahuh. My guess the accounting department told the engineers they have to get through the 5,000 they're sitting on before they can spec something better. Classic example, the Strada uses a 3-way ODE solenoid to fill the steam boiler, with the third port blanked off (not very well, leading to water damage to the coil). No reason for it except LM must have thousands of them stockpiled. Dumb, dumb, dumb.Originally posted by Talk_Coffee View PostWhen I have a look at the internals, I struggle to see the quality. The first thing I noticed was the cheap and nasty Mater p/stat.
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