home set up

Pellman73 wrote:Update-

So here's the biggest thing. I like the LMLM better. It's just such a joy to use. And its just a better machine in my opinion. The biggest difference was the steam wand. Always perfect and easy to get the milk churning w the LMLM and I had a hell of a time w the ECM. I had the two hole and 4 hole tips for the ECM and while I could do it w the 4 hole it just sometimes was not great and I had to like- concentrate more on getting it going right. So here was the game changer. I got a La Marzocco 4 hole tip and put it on the ECM and BINGO- it's just as good now as the LMLM.

'So here's the thing'.

In a double blind taste test, would you be able to consistently tell the difference between the 2-machines with identically prepared shots just the way you like them?

I get that the LMLM is a joy to use.

BaristaBoy E61 wrote: 'So here's the thing'.

In a double blind taste test, would you be able to consistently tell the difference between the 2-machines with identically prepared shots just the way you like them?

I get that the LMLM is a joy to use.

Hey BB-

I'm not sure to be honest! I think you can make really great espresso and great microfoam from both (once you take out the silicone straw from the ECM steam wand and put a LM tip on there (for me). I feel like the espresso might be a little better on the LMLM and the drinks might be a little better but I'd bet most of that is just subjective. I don't think I have like the greatest palate in the world either so I certainly would not tell you there's a huge difference. I don't know the specs exactly but it seems like the espresso pump/pressure on the LMLM is a little more powerful than the ECM. The flavors seem a little more pronounced w the LMLM "perhaps" gun to my head but I also am usually home, not working, feeling no stress so that probably adds to my experience of drinking the LMLM drinks!

I would say this: if all you are looking for is a MACHINE to make great espresso and have great steaming power and you don't care about aesthetics or the experience of making it -- and 2 thousand dollars is something you'd like to save then you'd be thrilled with the ECM. But if you are a person who perhaps grew up as a bit of an Italio-phile when it comes to cars, bikes and design and stuff like that and your heart aches to have that italian design and history --- as well as the "experience" of making your coffee is important to you as well then I"d say the LMLM takes the cake.

ECM Synchonika- Top of the Line Audi Sedan. German engineering. Pretty, going to work great and get you from A-B in style but not really the sexiest thing in the world

LMLM-- Lamborghini (maybe the GS3 is the lambo and the LMLM is a Ferarri? I just think the angles of the LMLM is more like a lambo ) although besides when I first got it I had to take it apart and like siphon the water tube from the water tray to get it into the pump and get it working (LM Home has a guy who walked me thru it and was great) The machine has worked flawlessly for the year I've had it. I have it on an amazon plug that turns on at 3am and turns off at 3 pm.

oh yea and I get Poland Spring Source water delivered to the house from amazon because I was told from those guys thats ok for the machine

I appreciate your honesty regarding taste. I also appreciate the esthetic beauty of the LMLM - particularly yours with the after market tray that allows for the integration of the Lunar scale - STUNNINGLY GORGEOUS!

It's not that the ~$2k more than the ECM buys a LMLM, is more like ~$3k more than the LMLM buys a LM GS3MP. Using the car analogy, LMLM is a Mercedes - but a 'C' Class at best, due to its limitations. If I wanted an Italian 'One with the Road, Dirt under the Fingernails' experience I would choose a Bosco Sorrento Lever.

The full-on profiling machine leads me to the KdvW Speedster Idromatic but there's an issue beyond money, that of 'Careful what you wish for' and 'Is it Manageable'? The Speedster or even the GS3 might turn out to be more like the Ferrari with regards to servicing and maintenance. The DB E61 still makes better tasting drinks than cafés with KvdW Spirits or LM Lineas, for me anyways.

The E61 from a serviceability and maintenance point of view is more like a Ducati where the engine is exposed and with a basic wrench and screwdriver much can be easily accomplished.

Back to your machine, with your colour configuration and that integrated scale drain tray - it's definitely pornographic - 'Viewer Discretion Is Advised'!

Yea I guess if you really wanted to get into the analogies we could spend all day !
I LIKE the fact that the LMLM is simple because I don't want to deal with all the other variables. Maybe some day-- but I have had enough to worry about in the last year and a half doing this to just get the basics down. maybe some day I'll want something like the GS3 And thanks-- yes the integrated scale tray is just such a sweet touch!

Hey Peter, I sent you a PM. Check your inbox. Thanks

BaristaBoy E61 wrote: 'So here's the thing'.

In a double blind taste test, would you be able to consistently tell the difference between the 2-machines with identically prepared shots just the way you like them?

I get that the LMLM is a joy to use.

Do you think you would be able to consistently tell the difference between shots pulled with a Linea Mini and shots pulled with a GS3/MP where pressure is rolled down toward the end of the pull in a double blind taste test? How between an updated Linea Mini and a GS3/MP with the pre-infusion duration of both machines set to be equivalent?