Currently looking to upgrade my espresso machine. I had a few on my short list but have narrowed it down to either LM Leva X or the Speedster Idromatic.

I think the question is to either get a 9bar machine or a Lever machine ?

Thanks in advance.

What do you have today for a machine and grinder? What do you want to improve about it and what you get in the cup?

I currently have a Decent DE1XL 220v. For grinder, I have a Versalab M4
For improvements... I would like to have better temp stability. With decent you can see everything and maybe a downside
For example:

• Steam milk... I set it to 165C but when it completes, it finishes at either 150C or 140C
• When making espresso... temp variation is only about 1-2 degrees off...

In general I make milk based drinks... but sometimes I do make espressos.

BTW, Below are my pros & cons for each... but are not deal breakers

Speedster
Pros:
--No water reservoir - adjustable drip tray. Since I have mine plumbed in, no need for reservoir

Cons:
-- Steam milk burns -

Leva X1
Pros:
-- steam cool to touch and no milk burn

Cons:
-- Water reservoir - drip tray not adjustable. Seen complaints that unable to put scales under cups since not much space from group head

No question steaming on a DE1 is painfully slow.

I don't think you need a $10,000 machine to solve either your workflow issues or any weaknesses in the cup (which I didn't hear you mention).

I would consider the La Marzocco Micra if you aren't looking for as much of a statement piece in your kitchen. Between the two machines on your list, I think there's only a handful of people that have one of those machines. There is perhaps only one that I can think of that has potentially used them both long enough to be able to seriously evaluate them in the cup.

With Decent, it takes me 45sec to steam 170ml of milk. I do have it in lowest flow rate, but this is to introduce less water.

I don't think you need a $10,000 machine to solve either your workflow issues or any weaknesses in the cup (which I didn't hear you mention).

I did start considering Slayer single group vs Synesso ES1 (similar to Decent). But replaced Slayer with Speedster and I was told that if I was considering Speedster then I should have a look at LM Leva X.... and now I'm stuck.

There is perhaps only one that I can think of that has potentially used them both long enough to be able to seriously evaluate them in the cup.

Do you know his nick name ? Maybe I can PM ?

Thanks.

I still don't have enough of a sense of what you're chasing. How much does just plain eye-candy and drama play into your equation?

The LM Leva X and Speedster Idromatic are very different machines aside from what you get in the cup. Coming from a Decent DE1XL you might be happier with the Leva X experience that can give you more electronic graphical programming and feedback. The Speedster Idromatic is more like a high-end turntable, tone arm and cartridge - analogue all the way!

BTW: Who's going to service this thing; I see you're in the Caribbean? Have you looked at the Lexa X service manual? Compared to other machines I've seen or worked on, the Speedster is relatively easy to work on, roomy, simple - and has the best service manual I've ever seen for an espresso machine - and that's a big deal!

Everything is going to need to be serviced. Take a good look at the exploded diagram of the Leva X.

As for the Speedster drip tray, I can't imagine a better design. Just use it once and do a complete clean up when you're finished for the day to see why. Design refinement, construction and thought given to the nth degree.

As I recall Greg Scace has a Leva X and said it's the best machine he's ever used. The Speedster is also supposed to be a wonderful machine and depending on your sensibilities, may look better in your space. Before going down the Leva X path, call LM and talk to them about what it takes to install and maintain it as it's really a commercial machine.

Speedster! Perfect extractions are very easy to achieve. Build quality is unparalleled. Dutch reliability.

I still don't have enough of a sense of what you're chasing. How much does just plain eye-candy and drama play into your equation?

I usually try to get the best machine (within reason) so that I don't have to purchase again. 2 Years ago... I thought it was the Decent

The LM Leva X and Speedster Idromatic are very different machines aside from what you get in the cup. Coming from a Decent DE1XL you might be happier with the Leva X experience that can give you more electronic graphical programming and feedback. The Speedster Idromatic is more like a high-end turntable, tone arm and cartridge - analogue all the way!

Although Leva has display, definitely not a Decent. Decent is just push a button and your done
The way I see... Leva is more manual and more work. Speedster would be easier to work with.

BTW: Who's going to service this thing; I see you're in the Caribbean? Have you looked at the Lexa X service manual? Compared to other machines I've seen or worked on, the Speedster is relatively easy to work on, roomy, simple - and has the best service manual I've ever seen for an espresso machine - and that's a big deal!

Everything is going to need to be serviced. Take a good look at the exploded diagram of the Leva X.

Yes, I am in the Caribbean
This is not an issue. I have other equipment where I have had an issue... and in general... I get parts by mail and either I install or get local techs that assist. It is inconvenient sometimes... but it's manageable. But will take a look at the service with Leva and probably reach out to LM and ask about if there's something special about service.

As for the Speedster drip tray, I can't imagine a better design. Just use it once and do a complete clean up when you're finished for the day to see why. Design refinement, construction and thought given to the nth degree.

Yes, this was one of the pros I had mentioned earlier. Drip tray is adjustable... (no water reservoir under drip tray). It does seem like a breeze to clean.

Honestly, I really do like the Speedster... but watched Greg Scace videos where they seemed to prefer the Leva vs other 9 bar machines...