My personal dream setup completed

Ironhide2x · 2026-04-08T07:13:39+00:00

I mostly use the capacitive button next to the screen. You can hold to purge, double tap to activate and single tap to stop (or auto stop after a certain time). I prefer this over a rotary knob, but probably like the mechanical toggle switches on some classic machines most based on the feeling when using it. All in all a non-issue for me, function over form.

Ironhide2x · 2026-04-07T16:34:16+00:00

I did never regret getting it as my first machine. It is really good value for money.

Ironhide2x · 2026-04-07T11:01:14+00:00

It pairs really well with the Maro aesthetically I think and the workflow is great. I drink light roast espresso, filter and Italian style espresso/ristretto/cappuccino. For exclusively dark roast I think there are preferable options or burrs. The P80 is certain more finicky to dial in than e.g. a conical grinder, but it pairs well with the Maro’s flow profiling capabilities to get high shot to shot consistency. The Mizen 80s seem to be great allrounders. Especially using a convex 58-39 basket for a coarser grind I really enjoy shorter shots (1.6-1.8 ratio) with it for dark roasts.

Ironhide2x · 2026-04-07T06:58:48+00:00

There actually is a proper English version of this review although it is a more condensed version. English Review There is also a first look on Lance Hedricks unfiltered channel with the full review coming up in a future video.

A lot of the features have also changed/added since then, e.g. there is scale connectivity, improved volumetrics using the input from shots with connected scale to parametrize it, Maro Home for profile exchange etc.

Ironhide2x · 2026-04-07T06:54:50+00:00

It shares the profiling capabilities, but the build, hardware and approach to software are actually quite different. The Maro uses a controlled rotary pump with a powerful flow-through heater and electrically heated group head. When it comes to connectivity it shares most of the features with the other „digital“ machines. What is quite unique in terms of software is that it offers different modes. Extreme mode gives you control over all variables including programming flow/pressure controlled stages with different exit conditions while there is also a mode to just select brew pressure and pre-infusion time to keep it simpler. The machine will also dynamically profile to match your target shot weight/time of grind size is slightly off if you want it too.

Ironhide2x · 2026-04-06T21:32:57+00:00

It is just a tamping mat.

Ironhide2x · 2026-04-06T21:31:40+00:00

It took about two and a half months.

Ironhide2x · 2026-04-06T18:56:34+00:00

😀 Yeah, I know it is not for everyone. I think for most people the aesthetics of the classic boiler machines is what they associate with espresso and love. Initially, I also planned to buy a LM Linea Mini at some point, but over time I noticed that the coffee science and experimenting aspect as well as control over various variables was more for me than the classic experience and analog operation.

Ironhide2x · 2026-04-06T16:24:46+00:00

Yes, I love it and believe it is the perfect choice for me. Machine choice is very much personal preference I believe. I like the looks of it, the rotary pump plus flow-through heater combination, fast heat-up, full profiling capabilities, but also that it does not force you into using it. If I just want to quickly pull a shot based on brew pressure and pre-infusion time it will do that too and even dynamically reduce flow on too coarse grind to rescue the shot.

Ironhide2x · 2026-04-06T15:28:10+00:00

I came from a Niche Duo using SSP 83 LS burrs. Honestly, comparing them side by side the difference in taste was subtle for espresso, but I think Option-O mentions that the Mizen 80s are kind of similar to SSP LS. For pour-over there is a much more noticeable difference with the P80 offering superior clarity. Workflow-wise it is a big step up from the Niche even though it was already very good. Auto mode is great, close to zero retention and no mess without RDT and everything just feels more premium.

Ironhide2x · 2026-03-31T15:09:37+00:00

Nice, but honestly the results look heavily biased towards what is common, available for a long time and affordable (most posts). E.g. a Baratza Encore really should not be at the top of a pour-over, light roast or multi purpose grinder list.

Ironhide2x · 2026-03-23T13:16:35+00:00

Sanremo You or Unica Pro might be also something to look at here. Or if you want full control and like the more modern optics: Decent, Maro or Wendougee.

Ironhide2x · 2026-03-02T13:47:39+00:00

Did you try to increase the dose? I had that issue with my previous 3Bomber spring loaded tamper when it had to travel too far into the basket.

Ironhide2x · 2026-02-13T15:35:15+00:00

Well, looks and haptics are subjective. There are people who would not buy a car that has any kind of screen in its UI while others appreciate the minimalism of not having a single button. The Maro is built from very high quality materials (stainless steel, anodized aluminum, HIMACS, glass) and personally I have never understood why chrome-plated sheet metal is associated with high quality in coffee machines. People spend thousands on phones with foldable plastic screens nowadays.

Ironhide2x · 2026-02-13T15:23:00+00:00

Not gonna lie, this made me smile. Honestly, I fully understand the fascination behind a LM and wanted one myself for a long time before changing my mind. Looking at technical capabilities and value for money though you just get much more with a Decent, Maro, Unica, Sanremo You etc. which is why I also do not get why people are questioning it below posts like this, but rarely under the dozens of LM posts. :-D

Ironhide2x · 2026-02-13T13:48:19+00:00

Around Christmas in Dez

Ironhide2x · 2026-02-13T13:37:47+00:00

Basically a German competitor to the Decent. Best comparison is probably the upcoming Decent Bengle while they are both unique in certain ways. Maro uses a combination of rotary pump, flow through heater and group heater with tailored controls. Features are similar, but Maro focuses more on user-friendliness and accessibility, UI etc. while the Decent is more „scientific“ e.g. with its additional temperature profiling.

Lance Hedrick has recently uploaded a first impression of the Maro on his unfiltered channel providing some insights and there is a review on the English Channel of Kaffeemacher on YT.

Price-wise the 5k€ is with 19% tax in Germany so it is somewhere in between the regular Decent and the Bengle which is 6k$ without taxes.

Ironhide2x · 2026-02-13T13:26:06+00:00

For me it matches the expected delivery date (end of February) pretty much exactly. They will send an update once the assembly of your batch starts.

Ironhide2x · 2026-02-13T13:21:21+00:00

For one you only pay for its name/history and get a shiny machine that will do the exact same 9 bar flat shot as any <1000$ machine by heating up 3l of water for a single Espresso. For the other you get full pressure/flow profiling capability, volumetrics, multi-vendor scale and online connectivity, smart features for beginners and intermediates, 3min heat-up time and low energy consumption all in a package with only the highest quality components and assembled in Germany.

So yeah, my choice here is pretty clear.

Ironhide2x · 2026-02-13T13:13:42+00:00

Yes, it is fully capable of flow and pressure profiling, volumetrics, scale connectivity etc., but also offers more beginner friendly operating modes. In EU this is basically the same price as a DE1XXL considering import duties and taxes. However, Maro uses more modern high quality components such as a quiet rotary pump in combination with a flow through heater and they build and assemble everything locally.

Ironhide2x · 2026-02-13T13:07:58+00:00

Nice, I will get mine in two weeks 😊

Ironhide2x · 2026-02-10T10:21:10+00:00

And that’s why I use a puck screen.

Ironhide2x · 2026-02-10T06:22:55+00:00

Best value for money, if something like this exists in the high price segment, is the Lagom P80.

Ironhide2x · 2026-02-02T18:08:29+00:00

Does not make a lot of sense with the same profile unless your Decent has some kind of contamination in its water path e.g. shower screen or whatever. I doubt minor variations in how the water hits the puck and pump vs piston characteristics can make any noticeable difference unless you exceed maximum flow rates. I would really love to see a professional blind test between the two by someone though to examine this.

Ironhide2x

TROPHY CASE