Um... That's just not true. Solid state relays are just that, solid state. They use a pair of transistors acting as electronic switches. I like to order electronics from "Mouser" - "Here's a link" to something that should work. It's a bit higher current handling, has compatible voltage handling on both control and load, and is the same hockey puck

Depending on how much coffee you consume, single dosing gets boring real quickly. I'd pick a Mignon XL over the Niche Zero any day of the week. I just received my hand grinder this week, but don't see myself using that on a daily basis for espresso. It can work but gets old really quickly. 1 cup a day is

The Niche is quiet, consistent, and has a great workflow. Works great for espresso, it's serviceable but not amazing if you want to get into pourover or coarser. As others have mentioned, DF64 is a great value option, but the design is less than ideal and it requires some tweaking to get the most of it. One

Get a silicone group gasket. They're easier to install than the black rubber and much nicer to use. I was an early adopter and have yet to wear one out

You will not regret getting the Niche zero. For hand grinder, I would look at Kinu M47 Phoenix. It works fantastic for espresso. It is really easy and fast to grind, super easy to dial in. It is stepless with burr touch at zero. It's light weight and makes a good travel grinder and wonderful back up

{link} is the Canadian LM distributor, conveniently (for you!) located in Vancouver. After seeing your cable issue, I decided to pull the right panel and driptray to see what might be going on inside my machine. Turns out my cable's been run between the brew boiler and the waterline from the pump, so is well back from the sharp-edged

I would strongly suggest ordering all your parts from Espresso Planet in Toronto!

The niche zero does look very nice quality for the price, definitely leaning towards it. Hadn't realized hand grinders have improved so much in recent years. Leaning towards electric just to keep it easier this time around

I would unplug the espresso machine & grinder, close all water line cutoff valves but leave the water line and the machine pressurized. The worst that might happen is a water leak till pressure is released. I would do this so that there is less likelihood of having air entrained in the system with little risk. The pressure will slowly

For a recipe, try this. I copied this from DaveC and I think it is something like a Slayer shot. Use your grind and dose that gives you your best 25 second, 1:2 ratio shot with the FC all the way to the right. Turn off any preset infusion. Set your Paddle to 4 o'clock. Start your shot