here's another mod might worth adding: https://github.com/alexrus/marax_timer
MaraX starter kit (and beyond)
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Thank you @Willem for summarising a lot of the MaraX key points in one place, mega helpful - must have taken you ages.
I'm currently debating the MaraX over the Sage Dual Boiler (for budget of c.£1k) - the Sage seems to have more features to play around with but, according to many on the forum, reliability issues. Whereas the Mara seems to have fewer features but better built, ability to mod with E61, plus killer looks.
Really torn - any further thoughts from your buying decision making process? (I note the SDB didn't make your shortlist above).
The other thought I had was... and not that I want to stretch to 1800 for the Bianca... but if I go for the MaraX now... will I wish I'd gone for the Bianca in 2-3 years' time because of the more adjustable features it offers? How long do you see the Mara fulfilling your needs? (My main reason for upgrading my Sage Duo Temp Pro is to go from 'good' coffee to 'great' coffee at home, plus start getting into playing around with different variables... wonder whether the Mara will give me enough on this latter point?).
Any thoughts/insights much appreciated
I'm currently debating the MaraX over the Sage Dual Boiler (for budget of c.£1k) - the Sage seems to have more features to play around with but, according to many on the forum, reliability issues. Whereas the Mara seems to have fewer features but better built, ability to mod with E61, plus killer looks.
Really torn - any further thoughts from your buying decision making process? (I note the SDB didn't make your shortlist above).
The other thought I had was... and not that I want to stretch to 1800 for the Bianca... but if I go for the MaraX now... will I wish I'd gone for the Bianca in 2-3 years' time because of the more adjustable features it offers? How long do you see the Mara fulfilling your needs? (My main reason for upgrading my Sage Duo Temp Pro is to go from 'good' coffee to 'great' coffee at home, plus start getting into playing around with different variables... wonder whether the Mara will give me enough on this latter point?).
Any thoughts/insights much appreciated
It really depends on what you want from the machine (or will want in the future). A dual boiler could give you 1) Even more accurate temperature control (on the Mara you get to choose between 3 settings, each with a 2C degree band. So if you want more control than that you will get it with a double boiler); 2) Ability to pull more back to back shots without worrying that the group will get too hot and need time to cool down.
Bianca would also give you a rotary pump, an option to plumb in and a flow control paddle (the flow control kit can be added later to the Mara X).
There are other options as well for dual boiler, like the ACS Minima, which is a compact and not as expensive as a Bianca.
@DavecUK review: https;//coffeeequipmentreveiws,wordpress.com/2019/03/06/acs-minima-final-production-machine/
From @BlackCatCoffee (currently out of stock): https://www.blackcatcoffee,co,uk/products/acs-minima
If you want to future proof your purchase, you have to guess what you will want in the future. The Mara X is currently very popular, so if it stays this way might hold it's value well (perhaps better than the sage?) in case you decide to upgrade down the road?
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That's awful! And Amazon seriously?? People have no shame. Using them is as bad as tax evasion.
That's really useful, thanks!
@benoit3000 no probs at all! was quite cathartic to summarise months of research into one post
apologies for my belated reply as well; have you bought something in the meantime?To be honest, I guess when I think Sage I think appliance, and that it will need replacing in two years. I say this without having done any real research into the DB, so it might be completely unwarranted. But I guess my thinking was I wanted something from a "proper" espresso machine brand.
Now that I've owned the MaraX for a few months I can say that my gear acquisition syndrome (GAS) has been satisfied and I've been using it stock-standard without any upgrades. Truth be told, my wife and I only drink milk drinks, so the nuances of whether, for example, my espresso was brewed at 1 degree over the desired temperature is probably lost on me. So I'd like to think the Mara will still last me a very long time...or until GAS strikes again!
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Thanks for the reply @Willem Glad you're loving the Mara@benoit3000 no probs at all! was quite cathartic to summarise months of research into one post
To be honest, I guess when I think Sage I think appliance, and that it will need replacing in two years. I say this without having done any real research into the DB, so it might be completely unwarranted. But I guess my thinking was I wanted something from a "proper" espresso machine brand.
Now that I've owned the MaraX for a few months I can say that my gear acquisition syndrome (GAS) has been satisfied and I've been using it stock-standard without any upgrades. Truth be told, my wife and I only drink milk drinks, so the nuances of whether, for example, my espresso was brewed at 1 degree over the desired temperature is probably lost on me. So I'd like to think the Mara will still last me a very long time...or until GAS strikes again!
Still not bought anything actually - I've had serious 'scope creep' issues with my search ... now torn between a Bianca and an ECM Sync! Haha. Decided I want a DB machine and a 'future proof' purchase that'll last me many years, plus give me flexibility to play around with some variables in future (eg flow control in the case of the Bianca and a modified Sync with FC add on).
Prefer the aesthetics of the Bianca and the fact it appears to be designed around flow control experience. But a number of reviews making me question the Bianca based on lower build quality vs the ECM. It's a shame the ECM doesn't have flow control more integrated into its design.
I imagine both machines will be awesome (coming from my Sage) but trying to figure out if the extra few £000s are worth it for the Sync...
the decision continues... 😃
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Is there a build quality gap between Lelit and ECM?
For instance the Lelit MaraX and Bianca have a stainless steel chassis whereas the ECM have a powder coated mild steel chassis.
Lelit in trying to address the heightened demand for prosumer has been let down by some component suppliers of late? Has this happened to ECM? Not that I have heard of but my understanding is there is a order of magnitude difference in machines being shipped. As there are far more Lelit machines out in the wild, there are going to be more difficult units and more people will be motivated to post when they have a problem than when everything has gone to plan.
Myself as an example, I haven't created a topic to cover my past week of fun playing with my MaraX because I have been too busy playing with my new toy.
However if mine had been duff, I would have had much more time on my hands to write negative reviews calling into question the build quality of Lelit machines.
I would love to hear from someone who has had experience of both brands. There is the stereotype of superior German engineering while Italian means great styling but a care free attitude to engineering and I do think that this might be happening here. Maybe not.
For instance the Lelit MaraX and Bianca have a stainless steel chassis whereas the ECM have a powder coated mild steel chassis.
Lelit in trying to address the heightened demand for prosumer has been let down by some component suppliers of late? Has this happened to ECM? Not that I have heard of but my understanding is there is a order of magnitude difference in machines being shipped. As there are far more Lelit machines out in the wild, there are going to be more difficult units and more people will be motivated to post when they have a problem than when everything has gone to plan.
Myself as an example, I haven't created a topic to cover my past week of fun playing with my MaraX because I have been too busy playing with my new toy.
However if mine had been duff, I would have had much more time on my hands to write negative reviews calling into question the build quality of Lelit machines.
I would love to hear from someone who has had experience of both brands. There is the stereotype of superior German engineering while Italian means great styling but a care free attitude to engineering and I do think that this might be happening here. Maybe not.
Hi Guys
Just another thank you from me for this thread (esp. Willem). I believe you have helped many many people with your investment into this post.
As an example, I have not bought yet but I will be coming from a Flair (which I have really enjoyed), so some of the items perceived as obvious to some may not be to me!
I'm very excited about this next step and it is great to hear so many people so pleased with the MaraX.
Thanks again!
Just another thank you from me for this thread (esp. Willem). I believe you have helped many many people with your investment into this post.
As an example, I have not bought yet but I will be coming from a Flair (which I have really enjoyed), so some of the items perceived as obvious to some may not be to me!
I'm very excited about this next step and it is great to hear so many people so pleased with the MaraX.
Thanks again!
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