The Re-Imagined Linea Mini : A Closer Look
We've been on the edge of our seats since the re-imagined Linea Mini was announced, so of course we jumped at chance to see it in person! We got the opportunity to experience the Linea Mini at the La Marzocco SEA office in Singapore on the 24th of February 2024 during their Open House event. Coffee lovers from Singapore, even China and Malaysia, gathered on this sunny Saturday to talk all things coffee and brew their own espresso using the Linea Mini, along with the Linea Micra and brand new Strada X that was also on display.
"The Linea Mini stands as an espresso icon re-designed for the kitchen and beyond. Drawing on the heritage of the Linea Classic, the Linea Mini is a machine cherished by tens of thousands of home and professional baristas and at the heart of countertops around the world. Re-imagined by La Marzocco to inspire both the seasoned barista and the curious explorer, the new Linea Mini turns every espresso moment into an experience.
Handcrafted in Florence, the latest iteration of the Linea Mini incorporates updated aesthetics— including the Della Pietra Curve, soft touch accessories—and advanced workflow features like Brew-by-Weight, a new pre-infusion system, and easy pump pressure adjustment—blending tradition with innovation. Created to be a tool for those who dream of crafting the perfect espresso, and a companion for adventures at home and beyond."
We were pleasantly greeted with the sight of this soft blue Linea Mini upon arriving at the La Marzocco SEA office. On first glance, the Linea Mini features new soft-touch components on the paddle, steam knob and hot water knob that enhance the tactile experience, making every interaction with the machine a delight. It gives a premium feel while also being easy and quick to clean.
What caught our eye was the new built-in shot timer above the paddle, simplifying the espresso-making process without having to use a separate device with a timer. It also makes it immediately recognisable when differentiating it from the Linea Micra.
The classic barista lights illuminate your workspace for increased visibility and aesthetics, ensuring you get a great view of your perfect espresso shot every time.
The steam and hot water knobs now have text on them that says 'Mini', similar to the Linea Micra's design. The backsplash is no longer chrome and reflective like its predecessor. Instead, it matches the colour of the chassis, giving a more complete look that absolutely stands out as a centrepiece in your home. It also makes clean-up much more easier, allowing you to focus more on brewing the perfect espresso.
The drip tray is slightly bigger (by 0.1-0.2mm) than it's previous counterpart. To support the Brew-by-Weight function, a drip tray with a dip that perfectly fits the Acaia Lunar scale is also available as an add-on, giving you more space between the portafilter and your cup of choice.
Performance of the Linea Mini
Equipped with powerful dual boilers and a 3L capacity on the steam boiler, the Linea Mini brews each espresso shot to perfection with its precise PID temperature control. This re-imagined Linea Mini proves to be a testament to La Marzocco's commitment to espresso excellence.
The Linea Mini offers soft saturation and a self-cleaning flow restrictor with its new two valve pre-infusion system. Brewing pump pressure adjustment is now simple and accessible with the slot being on top of the machine, allowing you to easily fine-tune the pressure using a screwdriver without having to remove any panels or parts.
As mentioned previously, if you have the La Marzocco branded Acaia Lunar scale, you will be able to use its Brew-by-Weight function for the Linea Mini. One fact we learned at the La Marzocco SEA Open House about using the Acaia Lunar scale for the Brew-by-Weight function is that the scale display will show the goal weight in place of the timer. To use the Acaia Lunar on its own to see the timer function on the scale, you will need to disconnect the scale using the La Marzocco Home app.
Another welcome change about the La Marzocco Home app is that you can now change the Linea Mini's steam power via the app, just like the Linea Micra. The cool-touch steam wand with the new PEEK polymer tip delivers powerful 1.7 bar pressure at the highest level, which is ideal for churning out multiple milk-based coffees. A standard stainless steel tip is also included in the box for you to swap with for a classic look.
After brewing your perfect espresso shot, the Linea Mini is now able to perform a rinse mode simply by moving the paddle quickly from left to right. The rinse duration is adjustable through the La Marzocco Home app as well. Along with the rinse mode, you can enjoy the convenience of automatic backflushing and customizable standby modes to suit your schedule, optimizing the maintenance and energy efficiency of your Linea Mini. This revamped app integration unlocks a world of features and customisation options, giving you an enhanced coffee experience with a simple swipe on your smartphone or tablet.
The Linea Mini looks as beautiful as it performs, ready to serve anywhere for the present and the future.
Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to receive promotions, our latest blog, coffee news, new arrivals, and many more.
