You are correct regarding grinds retention with the Rock Doseless (DL) model, there is no easy access to the chute to sweep grinds out into the basket. However, the Rocky listed in by/sell is the doser model. That model gives the user easy access to the grinds chute to allow the user to minimize gri...

That is a very good price for a used Rocky if it is in good condition. I still keep my old Rocky around as a spare and as a loaner for friends/relatives that need a good grinder on occasion. The espresso grind it produces is very close to what I get with the Macap M4. Because it is

Does the Micra require a full time internet connection to operate?

It is a Salvatore HX machine. It might have been called a Famosa

Here is one source: {link} Ed

It looks like the vacuum breaker valve. It is easily replaced. Espresso Parts in Lacey, WA should be able to provide you with a suitable replacement, Ed

I would guess it is scale. It looks like the same kind of sediment I see from the boiler of my 10 year old Salvatore HX. I have always used unfiltered city tap water and have never descaled the machine. I would be surprised if there was not any mineral buildup inside the boiler. {image}

Uncle Leroy's coffee shop in midtown serves up a respectable shot of espresso. It is worth a visit if you have the time. Steam Dot is consistently good at the 3 locations I have visited. Ed

The Sirai on my 10 year old HX is the original and has so far been trouble free

The symptoms you describe are typically what you see when the element has been damaged. The only way to know for sure is to take the boiler apart and inspect it. Stefano's {link} or Espresso Parts {link} will have the parts you need to repair the machine. Ed