New La Marzocco Linea Micra or used Mini? - Page 3

#21: Post by **thecoffeefield** » June 28th, 2023, 7:24 am

Just like others said. The good thing about the Mini is the capacity to churn out drink after drink. I love it when I'm entertaining for birthday parties, Memorial Day, etc when I have 15 to 25 people in the house, all wanting lattes! The steaming capacity is just great for days like that. However, if you don't entertain, the Micra is probably a better option. I like the convertible portafilter and the form factor. It's smaller than the Mini. Downside is you have to wait to get it.

#22: Post by **Jaroslav** » June 28th, 2023, 7:46 am

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

It sits perfectly between 1-group Classic S and Micra. Just like iPhone 13 sits between 13 Mini and 13 Pro

Linea Mini will always have a place in the line-up.

#23: Post by **bostonbuzz** » June 28th, 2023, 3:05 pm

Good to hear!

Just to be clear. This photo it looks like a powder coated frame on the bottom. There is clearly a plastic piece with the barcode on it shielding the electronics - that's fine in my book. But bolted with two allen bolts visible just on top of the lower frame it appears to be a plastic molded peice holding many components. This is actually metal?

#24: Post by **NelisB** » June 30th, 2023, 4:17 pm

Yes, there is also a plastic frame on top of the metal chassis. Part #5 holds the pcb and capacitor and is also fastened on top to the body cover.
The body cover (#4 on the last picture) is made from thick metal and makes the machine rigid. its a true part of the construction.

#25: Post by **sternalot** » July 5th, 2023, 6:53 pm

I'm in the same boat as OP. I'm in week 3 waiting for a Micra to arrive, but I have to admit that I spiral every other day worrying I've chosen the wrong device. This is a significant upgrade from the Oracle Touch we grew out of long ago. The Micra order was initially made because:

(1) It is unlikely I would ever churn out more than a handful of drinks at a time.
(2) We don't have a ton of counter space.
(3) Price was a consideration.

The more I wait the more I worry that my preference towards milk drinks and my wife's towards americanos is incompatible with Micra's headspace. I'm also even considering that it might be too small in general.

Spiraling continues...

#26: Post by **baldheadracing** » July 5th, 2023, 7:36 pm

sternalot wrote:(1) It is unlikely I would ever churn out more than a handful of drinks at a time.
(2) We don't have a ton of counter space.
(3) Price was a consideration.

The more I wait the more I worry that my preference towards milk drinks and my wife's towards americanos is incompatible with Micra's headspace. I'm also even considering that it might be too small in general.

Not sure if this helps, but given your first two points, the only reason I would choose a Mini over a Micra would be if my phone had both no BlueTooth and no Internet.

For Americanos, I can slide my tallest mug under the Micra's hot water tap. That mug is 4.5" tall. With a bit of a tilt I can slide in a beer stein that is 5 1/8" tall.

Milk capacity has been extensively discussed - all I'll say is if you are used to Oracle Touch steaming, then prepare for a whole different level of steaming power

.

#27: Post by **Jeff** » July 5th, 2023, 8:45 pm

Three weeks isn't bad

I've been waiting years on a specific grinder and on a specific machine. I'll reevaluate from time to time, but I just stick with my considered decision. It was good then, things really haven't changed that much since then. If it was close when you made your decision, likely all that is shifting is patience, perhaps a bit of priorities. Neither is going to be "poor" if it was close when you decided.

For the little that my opinion matters for your priorities, I'd keep a Micra and I'd sell a Mini if one showed up unannounced on my doorstep.

#28: Post by **sternalot** » July 5th, 2023, 9:12 pm

Appreciate both of your replies and it does reduce some decision anxiety. I suppose I should spend more time evaluating a potential replacement for my Specialita

#29: Post by **chrisrose98** » July 13th, 2023, 3:35 pm

Just wondering, where are you looking for used Mini's?

#30: Post by **Frenchman** » September 19th, 2023, 5:35 pm

I have a Mini (and I am its second owner), and I have the space for it, but that also means it's not in my main kitchen space and it's away from a sink. It needs some space and isn't an under cabinet friendly machine if you like to keep cups on the top.

I think that LM improved a lot of things for the home customer with the Micra:
- Space requirements
- Startup requirement (they say 5 min, most people say <10, so 2 to 4 times faster than my Mini)
- Accessibility/repairability (all these nice connections right on top, right in front of you!)
- A no burn wand (which is very expensive for US customers on the Mini for example)
- A better water reservoir (that can be disconnected)
- A really cool PF (though I imagine one can just buy it for whatever machine they want)

Yes, you need the app to change temperature. You have to decide if that's a deal breaker or not. I personally very rarely change temperature on my Mini.

If I bought a used Linea Mini, I'd budget another $500 or so for a new logic board. Mine failed (the machine was maybe 5 y.o. then), and I was told that it's to be expected because electronics and heat don't do that well together. Sure... That may be an opportunity to upgrade to the connected board if the used Mini is old enough to not have one. I did like that forced upgrade. My Mini has been good maintenance wise, with mostly vacuum breakers needing replacement (a rebuild could work too) every couple years or so.

sternalot wrote:The Micra order was initially made because:
(1) It is unlikely I would ever churn out more than a handful of drinks at a time.
(2) We don't have a ton of counter space.
(3) Price was a consideration.

Looks like you picked the right machine!