(GPGT)Espresso machine hoot

[nubbyyy]

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

Are you my wife?? You sound exactly like her haha

Thanks for sharing your thought process too. How's your experience so far?

 

[hardwaregone]

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?

u are right it's an overkill, also no idea if the extras will really benefit you. The high maintenance cost for servicing a very sophisticated and complicated machine is real. My neighbour learned it first hand when his bill came up $2k+ for his 2 years old GS machine.

The more functions, especially more mechanical parts, higher odds for more things to fail.

 

[cuppajoe]

Haha now still honeymoon phase with Bianca. But the experience has been good so far, really like the pressure profiling.

Coming from a Delonghi machine which heats up really fast, I needed to get used to the heating up time which takes about 20 mins or so, but I plug it into a smart plug so it'll be ready by the time i make my first espresso.

Are you my wife?? You sound exactly like her haha

Thanks for sharing your thought process too. How's your experience so far?

 

[nubbyyy]

Haha now still honeymoon phase with Bianca. But the experience has been good so far, really like the pressure profiling.

Coming from a Delonghi machine which heats up really fast, I needed to get used to the heating up time which takes about 20 mins or so, but I plug it into a smart plug so it'll be ready by the time i make my first espresso.

u are right it's an overkill, also no idea if the extras will really benefit you. The high maintenance cost for servicing a very sophisticated and complicated machine is real. My neighbour learned it first hand when his bill came up $2k+ for his 2 years old GS machine.

The more functions, especially more mechanical parts, higher odds for more things to fail.

Thanks for sharing your opinions! Really appreciated. Let me have a discussion with the missus... This is a such a first world problem :O

 

[purpleberry]

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

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

I have the Strega for about 2 years now. So far it's been great and can play around the pressure, although manually. Just that most coffees in cafes now tastes quite pale in comparison except for those with Strada, GS3 or Slayer.

At that time was contemplating whether to get Londinium or Cremina. Strega offers the best value imo. Always wanted to get lever machines as the best espressos I've tasted in Italy comes from lever machines.

 

[thenakedshades]

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

Hey, I'm looking at Bezzera and Lelit as well for my new home. And additional Rocket machine.

But I am leaning towards Lelit due to the many distributors in Singapore as you mentioned.

MaraX seem like a good machine but I feel I willl be itchy to get an upgrade in future.

I'm currently using a Delonghi so not sure if getting a Bianca straight will be an overkill.

 

[tremor]

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

My rocket from espresso coffee shop. Ask them to give you UK plug.

 

[cuppajoe]

I think most importantly is the grinder, I feel that it will make more of a difference than the machine.

Y'all will be able to pull excellent shots with a good grinder and a cheaper espresso machine as compared to a not so good grinder and an expensive espresso machine.

For more info about MaraX and Bianca. Y'all can check out StefanusGoana and DaveCorbey on youtube.

Thanks for sharing your opinions! Really appreciated. Let me have a discussion with the missus... This is a such a first world problem :O

Hey, I'm looking at Bezzera and Lelit as well for my new home. And additional Rocket machine.

But I am leaning towards Lelit due to the many distributors in Singapore as you mentioned.

MaraX seem like a good machine but I feel I willl be itchy to get an upgrade in future.

I'm currently using a Delonghi so not sure if getting a Bianca straight will be an overkill.

 

[nubbyyy]

I think most importantly is the grinder, I feel that it will make more of a difference than the machine.

Y'all will be able to pull excellent shots with a good grinder and a cheaper espresso machine as compared to a not so good grinder and an expensive espresso machine.

For more info about MaraX and Bianca. Y'all can check out StefanusGoana and DaveCorbey on youtube.

Good point! Going to order the MaraX, add the wooden knobs and portafilters.
Money saved over the Bianca can be put towards a better grinder in the future

Thanks all!

 

[nubbyyy]

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

Where did you all purchase your Niche Zero? Direct from the Indiegogo website?

I guess the price includes shipping but doesn't include 7% GST?
I know that some places in Singapore carry it but it Indiegogo is about SGD900 before GST/$970+ nett which seems to be 200+ cheaper than purchasing from retail/Carousell

 

[chikyblink]

Where did you all purchase your Niche Zero? Direct from the Indiegogo website?

I guess the price includes shipping but doesn't include 7% GST?
I know that some places in Singapore carry it but it Indiegogo is about SGD900 before GST/$970+ nett which seems to be 200+ cheaper than purchasing from retail/Carousell

Yes, from indiegogo. You're right on the price.
The shipping company will email you a few days b4 and bill you for the gst. You have to pay the gst b4 they send it to your place.

Sent from HUAWEI CLT-L29 using GAGT

 

[nubbyyy]

Yes, from indiegogo. You're right on the price.
The shipping company will email you a few days b4 and bill you for the gst. You have to pay the gst b4 they send it to your place.

Sent from HUAWEI CLT-L29 using GAGT

Thanks for the info, need to convince the missus..

 

[DriftKing]

I have the Strega for about 2 years now. So far it's been great and can play around the pressure, although manually. Just that most coffees in cafes now tastes quite pale in comparison except for those with Strada, GS3 or Slayer.

At that time was contemplating whether to get Londinium or Cremina. Strega offers the best value imo. Always wanted to get lever machines as the best espressos I've tasted in Italy comes from lever machines.

Had the Strega before and moved to a LMLM, sometimes do missed the cups Strega made. Its more forgiving to all sorts of beans. I think for value really can't beat that machine. If I've more counter space, I'll definitely getting a Londinium to play with.

 

[purpleberry]

Had the Strega before and moved to a LMLM, sometimes do missed the cups Strega made. Its more forgiving to all sorts of beans. I think for value really can't beat that machine. If I've more counter space, I'll definitely getting a Londinium to play with.

How do you find strega compared to linea mini? Does linea give you brighter shots?

Londinium is interesting and the founder (or designer) is easily reachable. Just that no local distributor for now.

 

[DriftKing]

How do you find strega compared to linea mini? Does linea give you brighter shots?

Londinium is interesting and the founder (or designer) is easily reachable. Just that no local distributor for now.

I dont think Londinium needs local distro? (They ship direct FedEx anyway) just no local support i'd guess...

I can remember Strega (I drink mostly milk base) more often gives a sweeter note. Much more forgiving (at least visually) compared to the LMLM, doesnt vary that much with beans getting older.

 

[purpleberry]

I dont think Londinium needs local distro? (They ship direct FedEx anyway) just no local support i'd guess...

I can remember Strega (I drink mostly milk base) more often gives a sweeter note. Much more forgiving (at least visually) compared to the LMLM, doesnt vary that much with beans getting older.

I remember that. I visited their showroom and when they opened a packet of Ethiopian beans, I knew I was not going to like it (too sourish).

The guy tested the beans with BZ13 and Strega. BZ13 gives you a direct punch, more clarity. With the Strega, its more subdued, mild and can taste several "layers" of flavor from the beans after letting it sit on your palate. I was completely sold on that day.

 

[Albon15]

My rocket from espresso coffee shop. Ask them to give you UK plug.

Ordered a grinder and received. Need to pay gst and a distribution fee.

 

[YouHeypiCanLiao]

guys, anyone here drink long black/americano or their derivation?

would using espresso based or filter( kalita ) base taste better? I prefer coffee type rather than tea type of flavor and usually what's the coffee-to-water ratio that you use ? Thanks

 

[nubbyyy]

Ordered a grinder and received. Need to pay gst and a distribution fee.

Hello!

What's the distribution fee and how much (or %) is it?

 

[Albon15]

Hello!

What's the distribution fee and how much (or %) is it?

My fee is about $15. Not sure what it is and how they calculate.