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Mid level to better HX machine - is the Lelit Mara X the logical choice?

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  • Bazfletch3
    commented on 's reply
    Champion - thanks mate

  • teem
    commented on 's reply
    I measured just under 410 for the machine itself, not including the extra depth occupied by the plug.

  • Bazfletch3
    commented on 's reply
    Thanks mate - wow, so an extra inch even with a right angled plug.... If you dont mind do you think you could measure the depth of the machine for me? Ive seen 3 different measurements for it across different websites! (400, 410 & 420mm)........

  • Bazfletch3
    commented on 's reply
    Yes I think I have on a couple of different websites (although to be honest the info on the Izzo machines isnt as clear as some other makes). I do love the look of toggle valves, but the exposed PID display really irritates me. Its not just the Izzo's that do that, theres a few of the other high end offerings that in my un-educated opinion really have their look "cheapened" by using relatively stock, exposed PID units.....

  • teem
    replied
    Bazfletch3
    This is the situation at the back of the MaraX.

    Click image for larger version

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  • Caffeinator
    commented on 's reply
    Have you seen the current version with toggle valves and flush mount gauges?

  • Bazfletch3
    replied
    Originally posted by Caffeinator View Post
    Visit Antony at Casa Espresso and check out the Vivi in the metal. I am yet to see a HX in the $3k vicinity which comes close on build, spec. and finish.
    I've read good reviews on the Vivi, so I'll definitely have to eyeball that too. So far for some reason the looks of it just arnt doing it for me, but it might be different in the flesh.

    Might have to do a Melbourne trip to a few different retailers - as is to be expected no one retailer carries all on my hit list.

    Cheers

    Baz

    Leave a comment:


  • Caffeinator
    replied
    Visit Antony at Casa Espresso and check out the Vivi in the metal. I am yet to see a HX in the $3k vicinity which comes close on build, spec. and finish.

    Leave a comment:


  • Bazfletch3
    replied
    Thanks all very much for the thoughtful comments. As I suspected (and hoped), there's never a RIGHT answer, but I don't appear to be missing anything greatly in my thinking.

    I think I do need to get in front of some machines in person. Unfortunately I live in regional Victoria (about 250kms from Melbourne), and these days don't have a regular need to get down there (COVID did have some benefits after all...), but might have to make a special trip. Most things I'm happy to buy sight unseen online these days after the proper amount of research, but I think I need a touch and play.

    Can any of the Mara X owners comment on the power cord connection? Is it a standard kettle cord plug at the rear of the machine?

    Reason being that my preferred location for the machine is actually a very shallow bench (420mm deep). On first glance it looked like the Mara, Apartamento & Giotto would fit here. But I then came across a picture which looked to show the kettle cord type plug on the back of the Mara - which would mean it would have to sit out from the wall. The Rocket machines looked to have a hard wired cord which came out from underneath.

    Not a big issue as I can always go with location number 2, which has plenty of space.

    Thanks all

    Baz



    Leave a comment:


  • Hawko
    replied
    I did the upgrade you are doing. same grinder same machine. Agree with teem. build quality is fantastic, looks great and small footprint. perfect for me.

    I have a small adjustment on the grinder when I roast new beans, but otherwise its a walk up set and forget machine. Drink black/white coffees and its great.

    Leave a comment:


  • teem
    replied
    I upgraded from a Breville Barista Pro to a Mara X in January and I've got no regrets. The small footprint is great for me, and personally I like how it looks.

    Most importantly, I can make repeatably great coffee with the Mara X and a good grinder (sounds like you've got that sorted). I've not heard of any other HX machines with the same temperature stability, so while some argue that the more expensive HX have better aesthetics or build quality, I'd imagine the experience of actually making coffee with them is fussier. I haven't used other machines though so I'm happy to be corrected if I'm wrong about that.

    Leave a comment:


  • bakerman
    replied
    I went through the same motions and budget and came from your same machine. Without repeating whats been said in other threads recently my advise would be to look in person at any showrooms possible (most of these machines are going to all be great) I think the extra spend is going to be in quality of build, drip tray, materials - Mara X probably does have the most functionality in the class but all the other more expensive machines you've quoted are likely nicer in build (in my opinion). Whether or aesthetics matter to you will determine if you need to spend the extra

    Leave a comment:


  • Birkin7
    replied
    Hi Baz, After watching some great reviews on the Lelit Mara it would be my choice if I was in the market at the present time.
    I like its looks and its small footprint, I think the various temperature programs are a great idea, it is meant to be very quiet not just for a vibe pump HX but even compared to a rotary pump. Lelit make a quality product and it is very well priced.
    I think if it works as well as reviewers are saying then machines like the Apartmento and Slim are going to struggle to keep up.
    I have not tested the Machine so they are just my opinions, If I was in the Market it would Definitely be my first choice by a fair margin.
    Great choice of Grinder, the Specialita is my Birthday present in May.
    Cheers Maurice

    Leave a comment:


  • Mid level to better HX machine - is the Lelit Mara X the logical choice?

    Hi!

    Usual long time lurker first time poster introduction

    I hesitated prior to posting as my query is essentially very similar to all the other "what machine should I buy threads", but after trawling and searching through the archives I decided to throw my situation out there.

    Im looking to upgrade from a hand-me-down Breville Barista Express, which I feel has served as a really nice introduction into the world of home coffee. Im looking to spend as little as possible - but as much as is required.... I know all the expert advice is that the upgrade bug will invariably strike again at some point, but as a starting point Id like to buy a machine that will serve my needs, and last, for a long time.

    Our use case is that I drink 2 to 3 milk coffees a day - regular visitors may add a few extras in from time to time, but it would be a very rare occurrence that a gathering would ever require more than 3 drinks being made in succession. The wife and (young) kids dont drink coffee but add to the milk steaming load with babychinos and turmeric lattes

    I do enjoy tinkering in general, but in this case, and I would expect for the next 10 years, I see myself being happy just bedding down a solid process and repeating it. Im not someone with an expansive palette - I know what I like, but I cant necessarily tell you why..... I dont imagine I'll be chopping and changing beans all that often - I had coffee that I really liked in a local cafe a couple of years ago and have been using that bean ever since.

    So far, Ive been looking through the $2-3k HX range, and keep ending up back at the Lelit Mara X. At around $2.2k, Im really struggling to see what the extra $800-1000 actually buys me within the HX range, by moving into say a Rocket Apartamento, Izzo Vivi, or Crem One (at $2.8k), an ECM Mechanica Slim (at $2.9k), or a Profitec Pro 500 or Rocket Giotto (at $3.2k).

    While I think Ive been over every retailers website in existence, those are the machines I keep finding myself clicking back on.

    Other than looks (I do really like the Rocket looks) Im struggling to convince myself I need anything higher up the line than the Mara X.

    For what its worth on the grinder side I think Im relatively sold on a Eureka Mignon Specialita - I love the way it looks and there doesnt seem to be too many negative reviews out there - although I know this could be another topic in its own right!


    I know this type of open ended question never has a definitive answer, but am I missing anything in my considerations?

    Cheers

    Baz
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