The Ultimate Linea Mini Review

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Is the La Marzocco Line Mini R really the end game machine that it's cracked up to be, or is it an overrated has-been? What are the updates from the original Mini? Did La Marzocco finally fix the app? What about brew-by-weight? Is this the ultimate espresso machine for home enthusiasts and commercial cafe owners alike, or a ugly duckling with no place in todays landscape?

In my ultimate La Marzocco Linea Mini Review, we go into the god, the bad, and the downright dirty on the new Linea Mini R.

Discounts and Affiliate Links for Other Gear Used In This Video:

Chapters:

0:00 - La Marzocco Linea Mini
0:58 - Features and Overview
1:59 - An Intuitive Winner
2:44 - Price
3:14 - Making Espresso
3:27 - Taste Test
3:48 - Detailed Specs
7:35 - Convertible Portafilter
9:01 - Prebrewing & Preinfusion
12:03 - Brew By Weight
15:14 - Special Acaia Lunar
16:02 - Automated Self Cleaning
16:37 - Other App Controls
17:06 - Some App Issues…
19:08 - Updates from the Original Mini
21:37 - TESTS - Temperature Stability and Offset
23:31 - Steaming Milk
23:59 - Heat Up Time
24:34 - Volume
24:56 - What About The Micra?
26:21 - My Negatives
27:12 - Some Paint Issues?
29:03 - Power Use and Other Cons
30:03 - Dealbreakers?
30:30 - Who Is This For?
30:46 - Commercial Users
32:20 - Home Users
33:51 - The Magic of La Marzocco
34:24 - A Fit For Every Enthusiast

[ZacharyPinder]

Your reviews and content are getting better and better. I find it hard to keep attention watching other coffee channels, but your content just keeps me glued, even if I have no interest in that machine. You’re doing something right brother, keep it up!

[Mcqueenp]

OG mini user here I’ve had it for about 4 years and still going strong. Outstanding review and I agree with much of what you have said. The serviceability of the machines was one of the major selling points for me even as a home user. Also I would reiterate the frustrations of the app. The OG mini has had similar issues over the years and I’ve only seen marginal improvement with updates. Keep up the good work!

[rohirmthejedi]

This review came out at just the right time. Was about to place the order and this review popping up was a sign. Can’t wait to take delivery of the Black Mini R 🎉

[juankarlosalvarado]

Great well explained review ! This is my dream espresso machine

[Akck]

One thing to note is that the Micra (and the old Mini) do not have the 2nd group solenoid, meaning they vent the group and destabilize the puck when you pre-brew. So the Mini R is a big step up for light roasts where pre-brew is beneficial. Or you need to plumb in the Micra and switch to preinfusion rather than pre-brew.

[rondivecchia]

Thanks for the great deep dive. It is much appreciated. I was looking at the Mini a few months ago. I noticed that when you factor in the scale and the plumbing kit, the Mini is only a few hundred dollars less expensive than the GS3 AV. I feel the GS3 is a better value.

[tpz]

Been watching a lot of your videos lately, and the quality is fantastic. A sub earned for sure.

[darrochfisher]

Having been one of the first to get the LM-R in February, I think this is a great review. I also noticed it is susceptible to paint chips so well done for holding LM accountable.

Hoping a future feature would be GBW sync so that it talks to a grinder to get the perfect extraction.

Would definitely recommend the LM-R for anyone willing to pay a premium price tag.

[dominicjestinchankingwai]

Great in-depth video as always. I own the flair 58 and for personal use I find it delivers so much value for the price and have used it for about 3 years now still no sign of wear and tear on the parts. Really hope to see a review of it in the near future. Also I really seem to like what the lelit bianca has to offer at the price with pressure profiling, pid control, preinfusion timed settings, dual broilers, and a live pressure gauge at the group head. I was wondering if a review of that machine would ever happened? Been wanting one as an endgame machine 😃

[Laurentus]

Thanks for the great review. I’ve had Linea Mini R for over 6 months in nearly daily use. I was first going for GS3/MP but chose this one after it was released. One is looks, but I really like the quickly adjustable pressure on the top. I frequently change the pressure depending on the beans. I also have it plumed in to get the 3 bar pre-infusion. With these features, among others, I’m able to brew excellent light roast espressos.

I also agree it’s a little unfortunate that switching off the stream boiler affects the temperature stability. How it affects the actual taste, I don’t know. I rarely make any milk drinks but I keep the steam boiler on “just to be sure”.

[super_salty]

something I have been noticing with smart devices since I have been slowly "smartifying" my home. Is that many smart devices HATE when you have bonded 2.4ghz and 5 ghz wifi where only a single wifi name is displayed and based on signal integrity your devices will switch automatically.
For whatever reason many smart devices hate this. Especially if they are only 2.4ghz compatible they will consistently lose their minds.
Some are fine. Others aren't and it doesn't seem to be a cost thing. I have a few cheap single plug smart switches around the house which are happy as can be. And I have a ridiculously expensive smart vacuum mop that has all the bells and whistles. but it absolutely shits the bed with bonded wifi.
It is so bad I just got a separate 2.4ghz only router on a channel as far from my main routers as possible. It's got tons of range and sits in my ceiling. It backhauls through a cable to my main router.
Now I have no issues.
I would hazard a guess your wifi connection issues to the machine are probably similar.

If you have a router that you can temporarily selectively disable 2.4ghz to test. I suggest you do.

[orrinbelcher]

Sweet video, for me the Micra, superbly fun and nicely done review. Looking forward to seeing more reviews on mentioned espresso equipment.

[ngarvie]

Absolutely killer review. Detailed, weighed the tradeoffs well and great footage. Thank you sir 🫡

[tatemazer]

Awesome review, i appreciate the deep dive into both the technical features and the user experience. You did a great job putting to words how La Marzocco manages to make a commercial grade machines both intuitive and unintimidating.

[mkamp]

Awesome review. Are you reviewing the Micra in full too?

[commonlycoffee]

Do I notice the addition of some nice walnut accessories as well. That looks so nice!

[aarjayemm]

Great review, thanks! Sums up the little points mentioned in all other reviews online on the Mini R very nicely to be the most comprehensive one I’ve seen…. and believe me, I’ve seen them all!😅 In the end, for me I went with the Bianca instead as I couldn’t swallow the lack of profiling capability. The Bianca does offer the same pre infusion possibility while maintaining the pressure at the puck and I do like the look of the black one sitting on my coffee bar next to my black Key MK2 and EG-1 grinders. I do have to admit that I did look at the Minis on show at the Accademia del Caffe Espresso with some envy when I visited earlier this week. Now if only that paddle wasn’t just an on/off switch but could actually pressure (or flow) profile…. One can dream (and wait) I guess 😊

[Charles-pgwx]

Not my personal end game but thanks for the extremely thorough and informative review. I really appreciate reviews that give me a feel for what owning and using the equipment on a daily basis in my own kitchen would feel like. You always nail that aspect in your videos, much appreciated.

[flashforum]

Love the detail and honesty of your reviews ❤

[andrexavier]

Maybe I missed it somewhere in the video. Any change we could get a link or info to the full set up? Grinder, Tamp etc