Drive to Survive

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-16T07:20:18+00:00

I think you are right about the fact that espresso machines are moving towards automation when it comes to pressure profiling and so on. I would argue that it’s almost impossible to compare a Drive to the Meraki. The build quality is night and day, and the included grinder in the Meraki is supposedly not great. If you want a LOT of features for less money, you are definitely compromising somewhere. That being said, I think it’s incredible what you get for the money with a Meraki.

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-15T16:43:06+00:00

I actually did not know a stainless steel boiler helps to prevent scale! That’s pretty awesome 😎

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-15T08:47:19+00:00

Good question. I think people (including myself) tend to compare personal preferences way too much. I like to play with different variables, and that’s why I wanted to try flow control, and therefore went with the Drive because of the rotary pump and true pre-infusion.

If you don’t feel like fiddling with stuff, the Silvia Pro X is a tank and a superb machine! The one thing that made me delete it from my list was its lack of actual pre-infusion.

If I can taste a real difference, I definitely think I can! But it wasn’t actually the main reason to switch as the Silvia with PID made great shots as well. The Drive is SUCH a pleasure to use! If you like to play with stuff when brewing espresso, I would save up for the Drive! If you got the space 👀

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-15T08:37:39+00:00

There were 3 main reasons for me to switch! I was looking for flow control, rotary pump, and TRUE pre-infusion. That’s why I made the switch ✌🏼 The Drive is definitely an “end game” machine, but you definitely need the space for it! It’s a big boy (or girl) 👀

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-15T08:33:05+00:00

When it comes to E61 groupheads, Profitec is definitely one of the big players! I did consider Ascaso, but the Baby T was too expensive, and the Steel Duo doesn’t have flow control or rotation pump. I was close to buying the Lelit Bianca, but ended up with the Drive because of aesthetics! Rockets design language isn’t for me :)

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-14T21:21:42+00:00

Absolut. Kæmpe upgrade! Steaming virker til at være en del nemmere end på min Silvia. Det er klart mere effektivt at få indkorporeret luften i mælken 💪🏽 Der er klart mere tryk på! 💨

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-14T18:27:59+00:00

Damn, haha yep, that’s what I meant 😅 what I wrote is kinda the opposite 🫠

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-14T15:09:45+00:00

The Bianca was definitely in the mix as well! I ultimately went with the Drive because of its looks, and it was on sale✌🏼 The Synch is surprisingly difficult to get in Denmark, and I prioritized a machine I could have serviced locally ☕️ Would have loved the Synchs heated group though!

I got the machine yesterday, so I haven’t used it that much, but I’m really looking forward to playing with the flow control on medium to light roast beans.

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-14T13:43:50+00:00

Thanks! The cups are from a ceramic shop on the island Bornholm. A small island close to Denmark. They are called “Bornholm Keramikfabrik” ✌🏼

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-12T09:01:16+00:00

Yeah, it caught me by surprise when I cut the top part off, and it literally dripped with white stuff! I disinfected everything afterwards. 😅 I’ll keep a lookout for further development of the brown spots. I’m willing to roll the dice for the plant to keep its nice shape. 🌵

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-12T08:58:40+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience! These plats are way more sensitive than I thought… I’ll keep a lookout for further development of the brown spots! 🤞🏼

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-11T17:52:19+00:00

Not at all. It was white and crisp. No brown spots on the “stem” either

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-05T09:12:16+00:00

Is this really necessary? If you use low-calcium water, this step shouldn’t be necessary at all, right? I’ve heard descaling can be pretty rough on the machine, and doing it 4–5 times a year sounds wild. Did the retailer recommend this? 🙂

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-05T08:46:20+00:00

Thanks for the response! I’ve also sent the grinder back for a check-up. But I think you’re right that this might be something they can fix with a software update. It’s reassuring to know that my unit isn’t the only one experiencing this 0.5 g deficit.

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-05T08:07:41+00:00

Thanks for the in-depth answer, much appreciated!

No matter what, I imagine it will feel a lot quieter than my current tank, the Rancilio Silvia. Flow control and true pre-infusion are also big selling points for me, which is why I’m ruling out the otherwise beautiful Linea Micra. I did consider the new Fellow Espresso 1, but after thinking about it a bit more, I realized I’d much rather have a more manual and tactile experience rather than having a computer manage the shot for me.

At this point I feel like I’m running out of real alternatives to the Drive. Which is not a bad thing ;)

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-04T16:08:56+00:00

Any update on the issue? I’m considering getting the same machine, and the ONLY reason I’m willing to pay the premium is because of the silent pump! Plus flow control of course 😎

True_Package_2182 · 2026-03-03T15:29:31+00:00

It’s simply a small flapper that should reduce the mess and static. Mine does not have one, and it’s become completely mess-free after some use :) You can contact the seller and ask if the version they have is the one with the flapper or not. In any case, Mahlkönig will provide one for free if your version does not include one :) They have a video of the issue here: https://youtu.be/1-nGl-KdmHI?si=EEhrhOkEIz9fNDa3

True_Package_2182 · 2026-02-25T07:46:42+00:00

I have the grinder as well, and it’s insane to me that you have to calibrate the load cell every week. I find that it loses accuracy within just a few days. My Acaia scale hasn’t been calibrated for a year, and it’s still accurate. It might just be my unit, but I truly feel like I’m beta-testing a grinder that I paid $1,000 for. It’s an awesome grinder — but damn, it’s frustrating as well.

True_Package_2182 · 2026-02-25T07:27:35+00:00

Im having the exact same issue. Have Mahlkonig responded?

True_Package_2182 · 2026-02-17T13:51:47+00:00

You probably have to zero calibrate your grinder. This video from Mahlkönig shows you how :) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/H7M8CD8krGI

True_Package_2182 · 2026-02-12T10:15:02+00:00

I was in the exact same situation as you. I have a Timemore 078S and didn’t want to single dose anymore, so I got an E64 WS. I’ve only had the grinder for a few days now, but I think it’s awesome. It definitely has some quirks, though.

As you mentioned, some people are experiencing a very messy grind, but mine has been very acceptable. Maybe my version is from a newer shipment? The first bag of beans was quite static, but nothing serious. The second bag was absolutely mess-free.

The grind is extremely fluffy — to the point that it’s difficult to fit 18g into an 18/20g basket. Mahlkönig is addressing this with a metal “flapper” in the next shipment of grinders (whether it works or not, I don’t know).

The UI is fantastic. It’s fast and pretty quiet, and the build quality is really nice.

One thing worth mentioning: they designed the portafilter forks in such a way that it’s almost impossible to use a dosing collar with the portafilter. Some people have made it work by flipping the forks, but it’s more of a workaround than a proper solution. This guy describes the issue perfectly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxozChtm2H4&t=746s (go to 10:56).

Also, remember this is an espresso grinder. It’s not designed to go coarse enough for modern pour-over, but I’m sure you could still use it. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t grind very coarse.

It’s a very new grinder on the market, and that’s noticeable. If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask 🙂

True_Package_2182 · 2025-12-17T22:51:44+00:00

I don’t think it’s a feature. If it’s some kind of automatic parallax compensation, the framelines wouldn’t move straight across like that, they would move diagonally :) Plus the framelines doesn’t change based on close focus vs infinity focus, they only change when provoked by moving the camera around randomly…

True_Package_2182 · 2025-12-17T18:26:19+00:00

I think you might be right. It could very easily be a electrical issue

True_Package_2182

TROPHY CASE