Recently upgraded from a Bambino Plus and Baratza Encore that I used for 3.5 years. The old setup is perfectly fine but I felt like I reached the maximum potential of the setup, so it felt like the right time to upgrade.
The difference in coffee quality is noticeable, and makes my old setup almost feel like a toy. The two biggest improvements came from the Niche Zero and the Lelit steamer, which is much more powerful. Milk drinks improved the most just from the steaming power.
The long heat up time of the Lelit is irrelevant to my work flow because I have it on a smart plug, so it's ready to go every morning.
I wanted a classic E61 style machine, and the Mara X and Niche Zero are beautiful machines that look great together. Didn't feel the need for a dual boiler since I pretty much exclusively only make 1-2 drinks each morning. I did also consider a Profitec, but ultimately I prefer the design of the Lelit and Niche pairing.
Overall I'm very happy with this setup after a few weeks of daily use. It's opened up a whole new level of espresso for me.
by genejo
5 Comments
I also recently upgraded from a Bambino plus to a Lelit Mara X and my experience echos yours. The difference in steam power and steam quality is immediately apparent. I am also able to pull much more consistence shots with the Mara. I have a different grinder but have been eyeballing a Niche Zero as I keep reading how fantastic it is for classic espresso flavors. Love the white! I got the black this time around.
https://preview.redd.it/p274uwyq0ylg1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9eb5e52888258d045400c5c1b333b7f294d82d8f
I owned this machine a while before, this is a very good and reliable espresso machine, the compact footprint make it fit in most coffee corners and deliver very tasty shot, I replace the stock steam tip to one with 4 holes, and the steam power rises one more level.
Love my Mara X V2 💪🏽
As a fellow Niche Zero/Mara X owner I approve of this upgrade!
I came by way of a (15 year old) Pasquini Livia 4 years ago after the Livia’s maintenance requirements finally outstripped my technical abilities. I added the Niche Zero a couple of years back as an upgrade to a Baratza Vario and the improvement in shot consistency is noticeable!
Im on the edge of buying a profitec 400. They discontinued it to upgrade to the jump so my only options are white or black (no stainless steel). Any reason other than looks for going with the mara?