Hmmm, there doesn't seem to be much difference. The custom one has 6 holes instead of 4, has an o-ring and is also flat (which does actually help since it sticks out less)

TBH if I'd do a blind test with the old vs new screw I would probably not be able to tell the difference. Plus I don't have a refractometer so I can't measure anything. But I'd expect a tiny improvement in extraction since water flows more evenly, and it's also nice to not have the screw touching th...

FWIW, there are multiple options for lower profile diffuser screws available. I managed to get my hands on one and upgraded from the standard screw. The new one also has 6 holes instead of 4, which improves water dispersion. I made a quick video to compare the flow:{video}

That's what I've also done, but used a shorter braided line from the pump to under the machine, where it connected to john guest type in an accessible place (also didn't want plastic next to the hot boiler), which goes for about 4m to the pressure regulator. Works like a charm

Yeah, I've plumbed in mine with parts from a local store. I needed a longer length but the price of the kit was also ridiculous

No, the steam boiler does not have a temp probe on the Linea Mini, I think that's just for the GS3

I have the mod installed and the machine plumbed in. The update gives me the option to preinfuse at line pressure at both low debit (middle paddle position), and also at "normal" debit (left paddle position). Once the pump is turned on I can also switch to middle paddle position to continute extract...

FWIW, I've measured the energy consumption for the machine on with both boilers for about an hour, and one shot pulled, versus steam boiler off. It's about 0.3 kWh vs 0.1, so that's some good economy over the long run for us folks who rarely drink lattes. Just hoping the temperature stability is min...

Worked fine for me on Android. Yay for auto backflush! I'm curious how is the temp statbility with the steam boiler turned off, unfortunately I don't have a SCACE to test it

The update to the android app is now available in the app store. Firmware 2.10 also available, updating now