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Linea Mini - Wooden Controls Set - Review

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  • Linea Mini - Wooden Controls Set - Review

    Hi All,

    After recently getting a Linea Mini, I decided to make it a little prettier by replacing the plastic controls with some wooden ones.

    I looked at the ones offered by LM and Specht Design, and while I loved them both, I couldn't quite justify another $1000+ after just buying the Linea.

    I looked around for a bit and found a set on Aliexpress by a chinese company called 'WOWA Coffee' - still relatively pricey ($560 landed with express post - could have been a little cheaper without express), but still a lot cheaper than the LM/Specht options.

    I thought I would give it a go and see what happens.

    I ordered them on August the 18th and received them today (12 days) - very happy with shipping time considering they make them to order. I received a message the next day asking to change the shipping method from DHL to E-Express as it has a direct to australia line, where DHL would have to have 2 stops - I missed the message until a few days later by which point they had sent via my preferred method of DHL, so if it had been direct, it may have been even quicker.

    Anyway, today I opened the box and was greeted with a very nicely presented set of wooden parts.



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    I immediately got to work - ended up having to go and buy some long nosed pliers as couldn't find mine, but not a big deal.

    The overall process was relatively easy and they provided video instructions (https://www.youtube.com/watch?spm=a2...=mTzvrhneZiU):
    Knobs:
    1. Unscrew plastic LM knob covers
    2. Remove the retaining pin
    3. Unscrew knobs
    4. Rescrew new knobs
    5. Reinsert retaining pin (new pins were provided)
    6. Press new cover on

    Paddle/Paddle Cover:
    1. Remove screws from underneath paddle
    2. Remove Paddle
    3. Remove top plate (above group)
    4. Unscrew the 4 nuts holding in the paddle cover
    5. Remove paddle cover
    6. Insert new paddle cover
    7. Screw on new paddle cover (washers/nuts provided)
    8. Screw on new paddle (using original bolts)
    9. Screw on cover

    Portafilter:
    1. Find out how to remove LM portafilter handle (Still struggling, but had another portafilter I used - WOWA recommends a heat gun)

    Final Result (I think I somehow broke the red led wire while installing which is a bit of the PITA):
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    Overall thoughts:

    The good:
    - Very solid knobs and paddle cover/paddle
    - I think they look awesome
    - Super easy to install and come with spare parts
    - Really good price compared to other options

    The average:
    - They're not quite as dark as I would have liked - I think WOWA has three different woods according to the listing - perhaps I needed to specify 'black walnut' if I wanted the darker set (I didn't)
    - The portafilter handle feels a bit light - it could just be the wood, as I'm coming from a Pesado metal handle, but certainly doesn't have the same hard wearing feeling.
    - Doesn't include the LM badge like some of the other sets do

    Overall, I'm super happy with the purchase and would happily buy them again given the price.

    Side note: WOWA also makes a cool shot timer (although VERY pricey - $500) which I may consider - but I'll have to wait a bit to justify it haha.

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  • #2
    Originally posted by scotty595 View Post
    - Doesn't include the LM badge like some of the other sets do
    ...
    Side note: WOWA also makes a cool shot timer (although VERY pricey - $500) which I may consider - but I'll have to wait a bit to justify it haha.
    I may be mistaken but it appears that the LM logo is laser etched into the front of the two wooden knobs. Bonus points if the logo remains stationary while the knob rotates.

    Nixie tube shot timer! I hadn't even considered that as a possibility. Looks awesome and like it'll last about 5 minutes in that position unprotected.

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by level3ninja View Post

      I may be mistaken but it appears that the LM logo is laser etched into the front of the two wooden knobs. Bonus points if the logo remains stationary while the knob rotates.

      Nixie tube shot timer! I hadn't even considered that as a possibility. Looks awesome and like it'll last about 5 minutes in that position unprotected.
      Yes, logo is etched - unfortunately it spins, would be super cool if it was stationary! By LM badge, I meant the “La Marzocco” Badge (currently in red)

      yep, the shot timer is pretty neat, breaking it would definitely be a concern

      Comment


      • level3ninja
        level3ninja commented
        Editing a comment
        Ah gotcha!

    • #4
      Also finally got the LM PF handle off with a kitchen blow torch handle feels a bit more solid all connected, still a little light though.

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