I had the same dilemma, I am in the uk. I opted for the micra. I will use it at home so I don't need the extra power of the mini, I get a year warranty and brand new parts. That way I know what is my baseline, I can pay attention to the water I will have to use and the maintenance. With the used equipment it can be tricky to know the history of the machine.

The prices of used Minis sure have me hesitating to buy new, and definitely makes this an interesting dilemma. But I think I'd go used Mini? I try to avoid near-future upgraditis as much as possible

So my first post here, at least I think its my first. I have been going through the same thought gyrations used Mini versus new Micra. One thing I found here in Germany, there is a guy that does flow profiling mods for both Mini and Micra's. About half of the used Minis I have found within the used German Mini market had this Grafikus Flow modification. Which then led me to finding out what a Grafikus mod actually meant.

https://grafikus-coffeetec.de/en/produc ... entil-kit/

https://grafikus-coffeetec.de/en/produc ... entil-kit/

The mini version has both English and German explanations. He seems to sell versions for both 110v and 220v versions and the latest Mini mod requires no drilling. I think 600€ for either kit and that turns either machine into a flow profile capable systems, albeit a manual flow profile but...

Erick

I opted for a used mini since the price was the same as getting a new micra.

The reason I went with the used mini was because the mini was in excellent condition. The previous owner took care of it really well. Plus, it came with a few nice accessories

I'd imagine owners of each will inevitably want to fight their corner but as a Mini owner (the Micra wasn't a thing when I bought it) if I was buying today I'd 100% go with either a used Mini or save for a new one if I was bothered about warranty.

The Micra is a great machine no doubt but to me it only makes sense if space and/or budget don't allow a Mini. Which I presume is exactly why it exists.

The headroom is a compromise, and you've no choice but to use a bottomless PF if you want to put a scale under also.

The wand length can be restrictive for small milk quantities.

The reliance on an-app for adjustments vs. manual controls may be a deal breaker for some.


As a sidenote, if flow control or additional features are a priority, it might just be worth looking at another machine.

Those demerits you listed really don't make a ton of sense to pay the extra brand new price, and the only one that's actually real-world annoying is the app sometimes.

I'm quite confused at the mini place in the line up now.

Micra is much smaller, too, which was a big plus for me.

Are the lower internals of the micra made of plastic? It's hard to tell in photos, but it seems like a large black piece of plastic is holding everything?

The frame is powder coated metal. Very sturdy construction.
I was afraid of plastic-ish construction with thin panels. I am allergic to bad constructions. But it's nothing like that. It's build like a tank. Yes, there are plastic parts, like the drip tray. But also that feels very solid.
And it delivers a very nice cup. Very happy with the purchase.