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Lelit Mara X and other comparable HE machines

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  • Lelit Mara X and other comparable HE machines

    Hello all,

    Long time lurker, first time poster.

    I currently have a Breville machine that was a gift 8 years ago. Im now in a position to invest in a better machine and I have spent the last few weeks researching machines below 2.5k. I am interested to get some advice from people with more knowledge than me and/or who own these machines.

    I make 2-4 flat whites per day plus the occasional 5-10 when there are guests. I am a novice and prefer something that is more on the side of easy to use rather than too complicated or requiring too much tinkering or trial and error; however I accept that I will need to learn more about the machine and Im OK with that. Mainly interested in a good quality coffee from a reliable manufacturer. Not so interested in how it looks, although that might be the tiebreaker if needed

    From my research I am very interested in the Lelit Mara X. Seems to be state of the art technology, compact and easy to use I like the idea of the 3 settings of brew/steam.

    The other machines Ive looked at seriously are the Bezzera BZ10, Isomac Tea Due and ExporBar Leva.

    Does anyone have some advice about which of these might meet my criteria or been using one of these?

    Many thanks in advance.

    Steve







  • #2
    Honestly out of that list I would just go the Mara X. The BZ10 has a known issue with heat management which would require you to keep track of it. The other two are solid but old school Hx machines that will also require some thermal management. Important question though, what are your plans for the grinder?

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by level3ninja View Post
      Honestly out of that list I would just go the Mara X. The BZ10 has a known issue with heat management which would require you to keep track of it. The other two are solid but old school Hx machines that will also require some thermal management. Important question though, what are your plans for the grinder?
      Hi thanks for the reply. I'm glad I'm on the mark with the Mara X (even though there is a wait time). It has been emphasised to me that a solid grinder is also important, I haven't narrowed down which ones I'm looking at asI've been looking more at machines, although the brand Baratza has been recommended to me. I am starting to push my budget but I have left around $500 for a grinder. If you have some tips I'd definitely listen.

      Comment


      • #4
        A grinder that has a consistent timer output or a bike in scale will make life easier.

        Baratza make some ok grinders, but they're not built to last for years and years. There are a lot of second hand grinders that you can get for half the new price but will still last another decade (you may have to replace the burrs at some point, typically $50-100). Check these out:

        https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/mar...p-m4d-brisbane

        https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/mar...sunshine-coast

        https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/mar...tion-melbourne

        https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/mar...-new-condition

        https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/mar...65-mazzer-mini

        Comment


        • #5
          In addition to the excellent options above in terms of new you might find a Eureka Mignon, Compak K3 or Macap M2D (make sure you get the stepless one) around the $500 mark.

          Comment


          • #6
            Or a Rancilio Rocky would be quite decent too for an entry level grinder.

            Comment


            • #7
              Thanks all Im ordering a Lelit Mara X and a Macap M2M

              Comment


              • #8
                I am also coming from Breville DB.
                The Mara X looks nice but I want quick warm up time, and very low maintenance (eg don't want to have to grease the leaver cam).
                Top of my list so far is the BZ10, what's the known issue?

                Comment


                • level3ninja
                  level3ninja commented
                  Editing a comment
                  It overshoots the temperature

                • nac
                  nac commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Thanks.
                  Couldn't find much on that. But I guess a short flush before shot would be in order, that's what I have seen on review videos.

                • dbun
                  dbun commented
                  Editing a comment
                  I would also throw in there the Lelit Elizabeth dual boiler which you can get <$2.5k

              • #9
                Originally posted by Thesmithdog View Post
                Thanks all Im ordering a Lelit Mara X and a Macap M2M
                I have a Macap M2M. When you go to clean the grinder, there's the plastic grind adjustment ring that comes off first, held in by 3 screws. When you replace the screws do it with a light touch. I cracked the ring in 2 places and the replacement part is $58. (For 9 new rings you have bought yourself a new grinder :{) There are Youtube videos on how to Zero the grinder if you remove the burrs. As Roosterben suggested the D model is stepless and offers you better grind control/options. If you have a few extra $ that model is better.

                Comment


                • level3ninja
                  level3ninja commented
                  Editing a comment
                  You do not need to remove those screws. Just remove the whole burr carrier in one piece.

                • prh
                  prh commented
                  Editing a comment
                  The latest M2M (manual model) is also stepless.

                • dbun
                  dbun commented
                  Editing a comment
                  I had a M2M and really liked it. Only sold it because I wanted something stepless which the new model now is.
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