Lelit MaraX PL62X vs Quick Mill Rubino vs Bezzera Strega vs BZ10

Recommendations for buyers and upgraders from the site's members.
xand
Posts: 20
Joined: 3 years ago

#1: Post by xand »

These are the current machines I'm considering - prices are local to me (I'm in Singapore) from places I'd be happy to buy from, all local.

I've listed for each machine pros/cons - anything wrong, or any point of comparison I'm missing?

In particular, I haven't looked at these in real life - are any of them notably better built than the others? I suspect not?

MaraX PL62X (probably going to be the choice)
SGD 1,985
E61, but has pre-infusion, pressure profile built in, less need for flow control or a lever, designed to be convenient, no cooling flushing strictly required if set in brew temp priority mode.
Temperature selection (2 degree range, 91 to 96) or usual HX operation
24 minute heat up time
1300W
Stainless steel boiler
PID (only machine with PID)
18KG, 220x410x350mm
1.8L boiler, 2.5L reservoir (no tubes, integral water softening filter)
12 month warranty
Comes with a reasonable tamper
Cool touch steam wands


Quick Mill Rubino
SGD 1,875 (or SGD 2,225 with flow control)
Classic E61 (needs flushing down to temperature?)
30 minute heat up time
1500W
Copper boiler (insulated)
20KG, 265x450x365mm
1.8 L boiler, 3 L reservoir (no tubes)
12 month warranty
Comes with what looks like a pretty nice tamper


Bezzera Strega
SGD 2,599
Spring lever, so can pressure profile, there is controllable pre-infusion, no back-flushing required to clean exit valves
12-15 minute heat up time
1250W - 1450W
Copper boiler
28KG, 330x450x710mm
2 L boiler, 4 L reservoir (with tubing)
6 month warranty


Bezzera BZ10
SGD 1,899
Not E61 grouphead (manufacturer/retailer claims easier cleaning, cheaper servicing, no moving parts)
12-15 min heat up time
1100W - 1300W
Copper boiler
22KG, 250x425x375mm
1.5 L boiler, 3 L reservoir (with tubing)
6 month warranty


Common points: All heat exchanger, rather than single boiler or double boiler; all vibration pump; all 220-240V versions.

xand (original poster)
Posts: 20
Joined: 3 years ago

#2: Post by xand (original poster) »

I realise I should also seriously consider whether I should just get a Bianca.

Bianca

Pros:
wooden knobs
rotary pump
flow control
adjustable wooden feet
extra bottomless portafiler
integrated shot timer (although this perhaps stops displaying too quickly)
plumb-in compatible
dual boilers, with PID in both boilers (marginally better temperature control)
digital preinfusion
larger cup tray
+100W

Cons:
Extra SGD 1350 (which, is also ~75% (!)) more
Larger and heavier: 26.5 kg, 290x485x400


Either way:
Polished stainless steel body, compared to matte on the MaraX.
800ml boiler for espresso, 1.5L boiler for steam.

---
This probably just means that if I get the MaraX, I must resist any temptation to add stuff like wooden knobs (SGD 150), flow control (SGD 450).

User avatar
Jeff
Team HB
Posts: 6806
Joined: 19 years ago

#3: Post by Jeff »

How much experience do you have with making espresso?

What grinder do you have, or plan on buying?

What are your expectations for the gear?

xand (original poster)
Posts: 20
Joined: 3 years ago

#4: Post by xand (original poster) »

Jeff wrote:How much experience do you have with making espresso?
None.
Jeff wrote: What grinder do you have, or plan on buying?
Edit: Purchased a Niche Zero! :)
What are your expectations for the gear?
Learn to make espresso!

Ad-85
Posts: 548
Joined: 4 years ago

#5: Post by Ad-85 »

I like levers! They are fun to pull and the results are very rewarding. I'd wait on Jeff's advice and other experienced members. If you aren't in a hurry I'd check OE-1 too. It's a 800$ Small lever and Ross will ship world wide.
LMWDB #691
LeverHeads group on Telegram

xand (original poster)
Posts: 20
Joined: 3 years ago

#6: Post by xand (original poster) »

Ad-85 wrote:I like levers! They are fun to pull and the results are very rewarding. I'd wait on Jeff's advice and other experienced members.
Thanks!
If you aren't in a hurry I'd check OE-1 too. It's a 800$ Small lever and Ross will ship world wide.
https://www.odysseyespresso.com/products ?

Ad-85
Posts: 548
Joined: 4 years ago

#7: Post by Ad-85 »

Yes that's the one. Check the Instagram account for updates
LMWDB #691
LeverHeads group on Telegram