(GPGT)Espresso machine hoot

[idjekyll]

Tempted to switch from my Sette 270Wi to this.. doing more single dosing nowadays. Any quirks to the machine so far?

Soo much good reviews on the Niche. I've yet to read a bad review on them so I think its a safe bet to get one. Still have time to get on the December delivery schedule. I can't stomach to spend so much so I bought the Fellow Ode instead. Not much of an espresso drinker so I'll just let my Comandante settle my espresso grinds for the Robot

 

[patryn33]

anybody using breville barista pro? I'm new to this espresso thing and have been always on Nespresso capsule for donkey years.

is this machine good for a start?

Good but they not build up last, many ppl has issue after 5 year mark.

 

[wahjohreno]

Tempted to switch from my Sette 270Wi to this.. doing more single dosing nowadays. Any quirks to the machine so far?

What you see is what you get. You can look at online videos of how the machine operates. It's very straightforward.

The biggest "quirk" to me is, once in a while it retains 0.2g (mostly 0.1g or 0g), and I have tap the lid once or twice to expel the 0.2g. For whatever reason, 0.1g retention doesn't bother me, but 0.2g does. But it's a simple tap to get it out.

Also, if you're the type who likes grind straight into a portafilter, it's not really made for that, although it's still possible. I never do, so it's perfect for me.

If you like technical looking things, it may not suit your taste. I like homely looking things, so again, it's right up my alley. Suits my home decor nicely.

All in all, for a home user with not much counter space, I cannot think of another grinder that can compete in this price range. It holds its own even when competing against higher tier competition.

Don't worry about people saying it's made of cheap parts. What matters is its performance and reliability. It's almost flawless.

 

[SNAG]

What you see is what you get. You can look at online videos of how the machine operates. It's very straightforward.

The biggest "quirk" to me is, once in a while it retains 0.2g (mostly 0.1g or 0g), and I have tap the lid once or twice to expel the 0.2g. For whatever reason, 0.1g retention doesn't bother me, but 0.2g does. But it's a simple tap to get it out.

Also, if you're the type who likes grind straight into a portafilter, it's not really made for that, although it's still possible. I never do, so it's perfect for me.

If you like technical looking things, it may not suit your taste. I like homely looking things, so again, it's right up my alley. Suits my home decor nicely.

All in all, for a home user with not much counter space, I cannot think of another grinder that can compete in this price range. It holds its own even when competing against higher tier competition.

Don't worry about people saying it's made of cheap parts. What matters is its performance and reliability. It's almost flawless.

Thanks for the views. BTW saw that the paint tends to scratch. Which colour would you say has less obvious scratches?

 

[chikyblink]

I've been using the niche for a few weeks now. And I've found the the best thing about this grinder is the nfc disc. This small cheap plastic disc has a big impact on how your grinds turn out.
Regulated beans into the grind chamber equals lesser fines.
Lesser fines means you can grind finer than your espresso machine normally allows without choking it. And grinding finer means higher extraction.
When I first dialed in the grinder for espresso, I was quite surprised how fine the grounds were. Almost reaching Turkish territory.
This kind of fineness on my HG One/Pharos/super Caimano will surely choke my machine.
Another indication of reduction of fines is that my usual 17.5gm dosage on the 18gm vst basket has some headroom left with my old grinders. On the niche, same beans same dosage, it will completely fill up the basket to the brim.

But due to the lack of fines, you will lose texture. But you gain clarity. It's a personal preference. Some ppl like it, some don't.

I have not use it for pourovers yet. But I see great potential.

Sent from HUAWEI CLT-L29 using GAGT

 

[wahjohreno]

Thanks for the views. BTW saw that the paint tends to scratch. Which colour would you say has less obvious scratches?

If I had to pick a color for the specific purpose of hiding scratches, definitely the white one.

If you’ve ever owned a black car you’d know that that’s the worst color for showing up scratches. My current car is white, and is great for hiding scratches and finger prints. Just not great at hiding actual dirt.

Btw, I don’t think the paint is easily scratched at all. I have no issues with that.

 

[wahjohreno]

I've been using the niche for a few weeks now. And I've found the the best thing about this grinder is the nfc disc. This small cheap plastic disc has a big impact on how your grinds turn out.
Regulated beans into the grind chamber equals lesser fines.
Lesser fines means you can grind finer than your espresso machine normally allows without choking it. And grinding finer means higher extraction.
When I first dialed in the grinder for espresso, I was quite surprised how fine the grounds were. Almost reaching Turkish territory.
This kind of fineness on my HG One/Pharos/super Caimano will surely choke my machine.
Another indication of reduction of fines is that my usual 17.5gm dosage on the 18gm vst basket has some headroom left with my old grinders. On the niche, same beans same dosage, it will completely fill up the basket to the brim.

But due to the lack of fines, you will lose texture. But you gain clarity. It's a personal preference. Some ppl like it, some don't.

I have not use it for pourovers yet. But I see great potential.

Sent from HUAWEI CLT-L29 using GAGT

Is this disc a third party thing? My machines didn’t come with it.

 

[chikyblink]

https://nichespares.com/
I think yours is the first batch. The later batches came with this.

Sent from HUAWEI CLT-L29 using GAGT

 

[VinaFair]

Nice photos... Very tempting to hoot the niche.

Sent from Google PIXEL 4A using GAGT

 

[wahjohreno]

https://nichespares.com/
I think yours is the first batch. The later batches came with this.

Sent from HUAWEI CLT-L29 using GAGT

Thanks for that. Don’t think I’ll bother cos I’m pretty happy with the results I’m getting even without it. But it’s good to know there’s more improvement to be had for almost nothing...

 

[SNAG]

If I had to pick a color for the specific purpose of hiding scratches, definitely the white one.

If you’ve ever owned a black car you’d know that that’s the worst color for showing up scratches. My current car is white, and is great for hiding scratches and finger prints. Just not great at hiding actual dirt.

Btw, I don’t think the paint is easily scratched at all. I have no issues with that.

Thanks for this!

 

[purpleberry]

I've been using the niche for a few weeks now. And I've found the the best thing about this grinder is the nfc disc. This small cheap plastic disc has a big impact on how your grinds turn out.
Regulated beans into the grind chamber equals lesser fines.
Lesser fines means you can grind finer than your espresso machine normally allows without choking it. And grinding finer means higher extraction.
When I first dialed in the grinder for espresso, I was quite surprised how fine the grounds were. Almost reaching Turkish territory.
This kind of fineness on my HG One/Pharos/super Caimano will surely choke my machine.
Another indication of reduction of fines is that my usual 17.5gm dosage on the 18gm vst basket has some headroom left with my old grinders. On the niche, same beans same dosage, it will completely fill up the basket to the brim.

But due to the lack of fines, you will lose texture. But you gain clarity. It's a personal preference. Some ppl like it, some don't.

I have not use it for pourovers yet. But I see great potential.

Sent from HUAWEI CLT-L29 using GAGT

What was your previous grinder and what's the main difference with niche? More clarity?

 

[chikyblink]

My previous main grinder is the HG One. Unfortunately, mine is the first version and cannot grind lighter roasts or the adjustment ring will slip. So minimum medium roasts or darker.
As I've said, the HG One gives more texture. Thicker body is a espressos.
With the niche you get lesser body but you can discern the different notes of a coffee better.

Sent from HUAWEI CLT-L29 using GAGT

 

[purpleberry]

My previous main grinder is the HG One. Unfortunately, mine is the first version and cannot grind lighter roasts or the adjustment ring will slip. So minimum medium roasts or darker.
As I've said, the HG One gives more texture. Thicker body is a espressos.
With the niche you get lesser body but you can discern the different notes of a coffee better.

Sent from HUAWEI CLT-L29 using GAGT

Thanks. I like both full body and clarity. Currently quite pleased with Bezerra BB005 although it can benefit from giving away clearer notes. Retention is also quite high.

 

[nubbyyy]

Is there anyone using a Bezzera machine here? Seems that only one company sells it in Singapore (finecoffeecompany) while Lelit has many distributors - Highlander, Cowpresso, Boncafe etc

I am shortlisting a HX machine between the two and and leaning more towards Lelit as i feel more distributors = easier for servicing? I also made an appointment to try the machines at Highlander on Friday

I am also unable to try the Bezzera machines as the Fine Coffee Company experience centre is under renovation, but I do like their brand story of being the first company to invent the espresso machine

 

[hardwaregone]

The Bezzera Strega no more stock. Wasted, wanted to get it.

 

[doomslayerz]

Just get the Mara X. Nothing else comes close that that price point right now.

 

[Albon15]

Hi can ask for advise if it is safe to buy from Carousell sleet dt1717 (The gluons) or from Espresso Coffee Shop?

 

[nubbyyy]

Just get the Mara X. Nothing else comes close that that price point right now.

I went to take a look at MaraX and Bianca

Wife loves the Bianca cause its future-proof, less chance of me wanting to upgrade again in the near future plus it looks really nice.

I like the Bianca too but feel it's abit of an overkill, no need for a double boiler for home use (2-3 milk-based drinks daily) and concerns over higher maintenance versus HX

MaraX can actually be modded with Lelit Flow Profiling Kit (like Bianca), so I'm thinking of getting a MaraX, swopping out for the nice wooden knobs and porta filter, and in the future if I have an urge to upgrade I'll do the flow profiling mod instead. Has anyone done this mod yet?

 

[cuppajoe]

Hey there, I was in your position as well, wanted to go for Bezzera initially and after researching I realised that Lelit has been making great headway in the espresso realm.

So initially I wanted to get the MaraX due to the smaller form factor and its an awesome HX machine plus the price was within my budget. But I knew I immediately would want to upgrade:
1. Wooden accents
2. e61 grouphead pump pressure gauge
3. flow profile
4. bottomless portafilter

So after considering all these upgrades and then to justify to myself the price difference even after all these upgrades I will get:
1. dual boiler
2. rotary pump
3. lelit lcc (really appreciate the shot timer)
4. removable/shiftable watertank

So I decided to get the Bianca. I thought I would rather buy once and cry once haha

I thought you might want to consider these aspects before you make your decision. Hope it helps

I went to take a look at MaraX and Bianca

Wife loves the Bianca cause its future-proof, less chance of me wanting to upgrade again in the near future plus it looks really nice.

I like the Bianca too but feel it's abit of an overkill, no need for a double boiler for home use (2-3 milk-based drinks daily) and concerns over higher maintenance versus HX

MaraX can actually be modded with Lelit Flow Profiling Kit (like Bianca), so I'm thinking of getting a MaraX, swopping out for the nice wooden knobs and porta filter, and in the future if I have an urge to upgrade I'll do the flow profiling mod instead. Has anyone done this mod yet?