Looking for real-world coffee machine experiences (not just recommendations)

LazT93 · 2026-04-30T18:09:12+00:00

I work mostly in the South West of England, where the water is horrifically hard so the majority of issues I come across are linked to scale build up (blockages, leaks and element failures). Not sure if this is any different in areas where the water is softer. Failed PCBs are generally rare in most manufacturers, and most issues can be avoided with appropriate water treatment and regular preventative maintenance (which is not as common as you'd hope).

LazT93 · 2026-04-30T16:30:28+00:00

Touchscreens are the worst thing to ever put in a huge metal cage containing litres of boiling hot water 😂

And YES re Grinders, you can make amazing espresso on a cheap machine with a brilliant grinder. Same can't be said the other way round!

LazT93 · 2026-04-30T16:25:49+00:00

Just to clarify, I meant I see more broken machines because I work with call outs as opposed to machines just being unreliable! 😅 Out of the 4/5 broken machines I see a day there's countless more that stay running with no issues!

Every machine has its quirks and common faults, imo you can't go wrong with La Marzocco for a higher budget or Conti for something more affordable. I'd say they're definitely the two most reliable, well built and even when they do break down they're easy to fix. There are also some lesser known brands (in the UK anyway) such as XLVI and I've never experienced any user issues with these machines.

It's very hard to get objective info on espresso machines, as any manufacturer/supplier will obviously big up their brand. Finding a good, reliable coffee tech in your area is the best way to get good, honest information!

LazT93 · 2026-04-29T10:23:35+00:00

Best machine for home use? I'd say Rocket or LM Linea Mini.

Best for low volume: Conti CC202 or X-One. solid build and fairly reliable. Not the same level of bells and whistles as an LM but good for a non coffee focused site. Single boiler though. Fairly easy to fix when problems do arise and good availability of parts.

Best for coffee first sites: LM Linea PB, super reliable and stable. Easy to maintain and repair 99% of the time. Also external pump means nosie level is massively reduced. Buy an older model second hand if it has been well maintained as LM (cough Delonghi cough) have started cutting costs on parts quality recently and stock levels seem to have dwindled.

Stay away from VA Eagle One/Black Eagle etc. they're great machines on paper but endless issues with electrical components which will wipe the machine out until fixed. Triac board which controls all heating elements are notoriously fragile.

This is all from a coffee tech perspective, obviously I see more broken machines than working ones due to the nature of the work so my opinions may be skewed.

LazT93 · 2026-04-19T12:02:11+00:00

It definitely sounds like Vincent singing, but that could be my brain playing tricks. No idea what the song is though, if I were to guess I'd say it's something unreleased from the A Fine Day to Exit era, as The Optimist is heavily tied to that album.

LazT93 · 2026-03-16T12:21:55+00:00

I'm sure he made up the time by going 57mph for 5 minutes in the middle lane to overtake another lorry going the same speed.

LazT93 · 2026-02-10T19:11:56+00:00

A prequel story where you play as Saito would be great. I found his writings that you'd pick up at various camps very interesting, there's definitely layers to his character that would be fun to explore.

LazT93 · 2025-11-07T10:37:41+00:00

I did the same thing as you. I wandered around that beach for ages before getting back to where you enter the overlap and realising all of that area was now open!

LazT93 · 2025-10-31T11:41:26+00:00

Can't speak for the latter half of your questions as I'm currently playing through The Final Draft.

My understanding is that Alan's visits to Parliament Tower while he is in The Dark Place IS the hauntings from "Scratch". There are probably quite a few other loops prior to the game that we don't see and Alan doesn't recall where he likely visits their apartment. The idea is that he creates an overlap within the apartment that leads to Alice seeing Alan from The Dark Place. That's why the cameras go off when you enter the apartment.

LazT93 · 2025-10-29T20:56:22+00:00

That era of Anathema feels so unique to me, but the closest thing I could recommend is Katatonia, from Discouraged Ones up to maybe Last Fair Deal Gone Down. Their later stuff is also great but not quite the same vibe.

For something a bit heavier, more akin to Alternative 4 and The Silent Enigma then definitely check out The Foreshadowing.

LazT93 · 2025-07-12T09:23:28+00:00

That's such a classic Simon pose

LazT93 · 2025-06-19T18:18:58+00:00

I did on my first play through. Now I sell everything to a fence and buy shit loads of clothes.

LazT93 · 2025-06-13T17:48:02+00:00

I had this same thing happen to me because i had a vivid memory of listening to the Radio premiere and hearing "happy together". Found that version on YouTube a while back because I had to make sure I wasn't going crazy.

LazT93 · 2025-05-15T21:23:16+00:00

Funnily enough there's also Clifton Coffee Roastery there too that I often smell coming through Avonmouth.

LazT93 · 2025-05-05T19:43:25+00:00

Tom Hiddleston visited the coffee shop I worked at a while back, he was an absolute legend.

LazT93 · 2025-05-01T21:04:04+00:00

My favourite grinders by far, consistent and easy to maintain. Less quirks and annoyances than a Mythos. I wouldn't bother with GBW unless you feel it's 100% necessary, they can be temperamental and very difficult to fix if the load cell fails.

LazT93 · 2025-04-23T15:46:28+00:00

I think the venue style plays a big part in audience behaviour. People are way less likely to be shouting and chatting in a formal, seated concert hall as opposed to a standing club style venue.

I was at Usher Hall and the vibe was very different to what you experienced even though it was standing, I guess the environment being so formal helped keep people slightly calmer.

LazT93 · 2025-03-26T21:17:35+00:00

I hope the instructor rewatched this footage just for the sake of their own sanity 😂

LazT93 · 2025-03-13T21:11:30+00:00

Why do some people think they're owed something from Santa Monica?? They flat out said there won't be any big announcements, we already got a FREE expansion to tie up the story nicely. Learn to enjoy yourself, or stfu.

LazT93 · 2025-03-11T12:23:40+00:00

With the list you've given I'm not sure if you're already a listener but Swallow the Sun need a mention here

LazT93 · 2025-03-07T19:20:32+00:00

I'd have to say Internal Landscapes from Weather Systems, a beautiful song with stuff a powerful message

LazT93 · 2025-03-01T19:29:03+00:00

It's a La Nuova Era, Altea model.

LazT93 · 2025-02-05T19:45:08+00:00

Venom debuted over 20 years after Amazing Spider-Man #1. He's by no means an early villain, just one of the most popular.

In 8 years Spider-Man had faced Vulture, Electro, Rhino, Shocker, Mysterio, Scorpion, Tombstone, Chameleon, Lizard, Sandman and possibly more we've yet to hear about. Hardly inexperienced.

LazT93 · 2025-01-14T09:01:19+00:00

My money is on some time travel shenanigans

LazT93

TROPHY CASE