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  • Looking to buy a new machine

    Hey all

    I am looking to buy a new high end coffee machine. I love flat whites and straight espresso, and often make hot chocolates/lattes for the wife and kids. Initially I was keen on a rotary pump e61 hx machine, but when testing out a bunch of high end machines I have taken notice of the la marzocco linea mini.

    It seems to make a slightly better shot than any of the e61 machines i tried (inc dual boiler PID models), and its steam power put all of the other domestic models to shame. It costs more than what I wanted to spend but the build quality and performance seem to justify the high price point. The only things I don't like about it are the faux paddle and the PID control wheel without digital readout.

    Are there any other machines around this price point that I should be considering that aren't a e61 dual boiler? I've used/owned a wide variety of machines from the crappy thermoblock types to commercial 3 groups and think that the LMLM ticks most of the boxes for me. Its so much money for me though, so I am a little nervous about getting the right machine, especially since I plan on having it for a long time!

    Thanks!

  • #2
    Have you considered an LMLM modded by Rick Bond? Adds another $1100 or so to the price but adds a lot more functionality

    Comment


    • #3
      I have owned a lmlm for quite a while so feel free to ask any ownership/use questions to help you decide if its for you

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      • #4
        Beaten to the punch by level3ninja, but yes there is paddle mod available through Rick Bond here in Melbourne.

        Feel free to contact us if you would like details like details on the LM and /or mods

        Regards

        Antony
        CASA ESPRESSO
        www.casaespresso.com.au

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        • #5
          and i can vouch for that rick bond mod. very good machine with that and perfect for what you want it for.

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          • #6
            As can I. That and the PID shot Timer/temp display mod is awesome. Can not say enough good things about it now that Rick has waved his magic wand over it!

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            • #7
              Originally posted by level3ninja View Post
              Have you considered an LMLM modded by Rick Bond? Adds another $1100 or so to the price but adds a lot more functionality
              Yes! His mod is amazing, however I can't really afford the mini so stretching another 1100 plus shipping to/from nz is a bit much. My plan would be to do the mod myself in a few years when I have some spare money. Luckily I am pretty handy with electronics and tools.

              Originally posted by Melbroaster View Post
              I have owned a lmlm for quite a while so feel free to ask any ownership/use questions to help you decide if its for you
              Is there anything that annoys you about it? How bright do you find the LED lights for the water/boiler? How unforgiving do you find it relative to other machines you have owned/used (if any)? I pulled damn good shots after 2 shots of dialing it in and didn't do any bad ones, however I had been playing with machines all day so was pretty in the zone with my barista-ness.

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              • #8
                My GS3 has been modified by Rick highly recommend. The lmlm was what I was considering before I picked up the GS3 awesome setup and looks so cool.

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                • #9
                  i do think the LMLM is forgiving. my experience of it has been that i rarely make bad coffees with it. and that is in regard to the shots i pull as well as the milk i froth. i never ever notice the lights. i don't adjust the temperature on the side.

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Duffybeers View Post
                    Yes! His mod is amazing, however I can't really afford the mini so stretching another 1100 plus shipping to/from nz is a bit much. My plan would be to do the mod myself in a few years when I have some spare money. Luckily I am pretty handy with electronics and tools.



                    Is there anything that annoys you about it? How bright do you find the LED lights for the water/boiler? How unforgiving do you find it relative to other machines you have owned/used (if any)? I pulled damn good shots after 2 shots of dialing it in and didn't do any bad ones, however I had been playing with machines all day so was pretty in the zone with my barista-ness.
                    _______

                    LED's - They throw some light. Probably more than they need to. Fine for me though. I watch TV in the open plan area where the LMLM sits and at night don't find it distracting. Have it sitting next to a Mythos One which throws much more light and even the Mythos isn't distracting....

                    How forgiving - I run mine at 6 bar with standard (no) preinfusion and virtually never see anything other than a picture perfect pour. Thinking back to when I ran it at 9 bar there was the occasional spray from the naked pf, but my technique has evolved since then so the better technique combined with the 6 bar pressure means that my initial temptation to go for pre-infusion mods etc.. is no longer there.

                    Annoyances - Water reservoir could be bigger, the lack of clarity of the temp dial, doesn't come with a naked pf (I chopped mine).

                    Overall, its awesome. After you have decided the brew temp for a particular bag of beans you basically forget about the machine, and it just goes on delivering brew water at the designated temp and pressure, and lots and lots and lots of steam.....

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Duffybeers View Post
                      Hey all

                      I am looking to buy a new high end coffee machine. I love flat whites and straight espresso, and often make hot chocolates/lattes for the wife and kids. Initially I was keen on a rotary pump e61 hx machine, but when testing out a bunch of high end machines I have taken notice of the la marzocco linea mini.

                      It seems to make a slightly better shot than any of the e61 machines i tried (inc dual boiler PID models), and its steam power put all of the other domestic models to shame. It costs more than what I wanted to spend but the build quality and performance seem to justify the high price point. The only things I don't like about it are the faux paddle and the PID control wheel without digital readout.

                      Are there any other machines around this price point that I should be considering that aren't a e61 dual boiler? I've used/owned a wide variety of machines from the crappy thermoblock types to commercial 3 groups and think that the LMLM ticks most of the boxes for me. Its so much money for me though, so I am a little nervous about getting the right machine, especially since I plan on having it for a long time!

                      Thanks!
                      Hi Duffy Beers,

                      The LMLM is a fantastic machine that is superbly built both for quality and longevity. It has good temp stability and milk frothing as well as making a great shot. If it is out of your budget and you still want a high quality new machine my business specialises in both LaMarzocco and Wegas, you might like to check out the Wega Mininova Classic which has a E61 group head, HX and can be plumbed in with rotary pump or tank with vibratory pump. For mid $2000 this machine comes with the unbreakable Wega build quality, gorgeous looks and makes a killer shot. Let me know either way if you choose the LMLM or Wega, we supply both. Check on the website below

                      https://spicebean.com.au

                      Mike

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                      • #12
                        Thanks Mike. I live in NZ so shipping will probably be a killer...

                        Also I had another play on the LMLM today at the tauranga coffee festival, and have decided to buy it. It's such a joy to use and nothing in that price range can compare as far as I can tell. The fact that several stalls were using them didn't hurt either. I'm going to try to get to Auckland next weekend to pick it up. I'm so excited!

                        Semi-related, does anyone want to buy a kidney or one of my kids?

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                        • #13
                          It really is awesome

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                          • #14
                            My latest update: I have placed my order, transferred the money and in three sleeps I will pick up my new linea mini. Whoop!

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                            • #15
                              Duffy, just by reading your posts I feel excited for you. I am also interested in getting one that is once I've saved enough money.

                              Btw, I have done some research on the GS3 (pre manometer models) and LM and I found that they do not have cool touch steam wand. Is that true? Without that feature, will the steam wand be burning hot?

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