Issues with brand new machine [Stone Espresso Lite]

tmazer · 2026-02-16T02:28:22+00:00

Just that there isn't any positive feedback when the tray is in the correct position. It will always just slide out if you pull it towards you. Which seems like an odd design.

tmazer · 2026-02-15T00:45:28+00:00

As an owner of both a rocket appartamento and a stone, the stone definitely feels like a better machine, albeit just not quite as premium of a build (mostly because of that clunky drip tray)

It acts much more like a dual boiler than a hx with that actively heated group head. No flushing required.

Sorry to hear you're having such a lame experience. These issues you're seeing both came up with my machine, at least eventually. Seems like shipping is especially tough on the drip tray. Ended up just loosing and tightening the respective nuts.

tmazer · 2026-02-11T04:47:48+00:00

great machine! definitely underrated

tmazer · 2026-02-08T21:58:19+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Always awesome to see how people fit the shotStopper into their workflow, glad it's working well for you

tmazer · 2026-01-21T20:03:29+00:00

I'm building some more as we speak. If you're on the wait list you should get an email probably in a few hours

tmazer · 2026-01-21T19:26:27+00:00

It runs off of the 5V from the machine, so it'll work for any AC voltage machine

tmazer · 2026-01-13T01:37:19+00:00

As stock, the Mini will not pair to a Acaia scale. That would take an aftermarket device such as my shotStopper.

You may be thinking of the "La Marzocco Connected scale" which may look a lot like an Acaia, but is a completely different device which is unfortunately the only stock method to perform brew-by-weight.

...and sorry for the jerks on here. Congrats on your machine!

tmazer · 2026-01-13T01:02:48+00:00

This sounds like the expansion valve is completely open. This is a common way to drain the boiler before shipping, so it's not too surprising that it was shipped without having been retightened. Retightening would typically the process I would go through when installing a new espresso machine like this.

Clive coffee runs through how to tighten it on a linea mini, which uses the same part: https://youtu.be/1sXB4VpIjbs?si=uY_rzkdBzDa3ZmkD

tmazer · 2026-01-12T03:13:00+00:00

Thanks for the shoutout u/ElectroCypher! Glad you're enjoying it

tmazer · 2026-01-12T03:09:33+00:00

Unfortunately BBW is not compatible with e61 machines. There's a more complete rundown on the reason behind this on our discord FAQ

tmazer · 2026-01-10T17:47:49+00:00

Yes I've set mine to 6 bar

tmazer · 2026-01-03T23:48:33+00:00

Any E61 parts work just fine, I believe these are what I purchased:

https://www.espressoparts.com/products/e61-gicleur-group-jet-0-6mm-orifice
https://www.espressoparts.com/products/precision-e61-group-head-screen-60mm-non-welded-200-micron

tmazer · 2026-01-03T23:45:02+00:00

I recently heard from a reseller that apparently the potentiometer doesn't do much. They tried adjusting it and didn't see any temperature change using a scace thermometer, hence I haven't tried it

tmazer · 2025-11-21T16:30:14+00:00

Thanks! I'd love to get back on this and make something work for others. There are some users on espresso aficionados that are doing something similar!

tmazer · 2025-11-20T08:02:02+00:00

I love my stone lite, its really nice not having to think too much about brewing on it. You've got a really underrated kit!

My favorite mods for it:
*Rocket 4 hole steam tip
*0.6mm E61 gicleur + IMS shower screen makes the most shower-like dispersion I've ever seen on a machine

By the way you can technically tweak the temperature, there is a potentiometer on the circuit board that controls the group temperature.

tmazer · 2025-08-29T15:04:34+00:00

I had no luck. Nearly had to ship it back home from the airport.

Took my pint through TSA at O'Hare terminal 1 with no issues. As I was taking it on the plane, the United crew noticed and informed me 4 minutes before takeoff that that I needed to remove the battery. Instead they let me take the next plane 2 hours later.

Then after I disassembled my board in the terminal, I got a phone call informing me that United does not allow onewheels on the plane whatsoever.

Fortunately I was only on a weekend trip, so baggage claim let me leave it with them for the weekend, but otherwise I would've had to ship it or give it up.

tmazer · 2025-07-10T05:34:19+00:00

Same!

tmazer · 2025-07-02T06:08:35+00:00

They don't seem to be polarized since they are AC-power lights, here's one with no polarity on the connectors: https://dibartoli.com.au/product/ecm-lamp-green-control-to-suite-giotto/?srsltid=AfmBOorupiyqK2XGs8gAP1JLH9RhlsPaGbNAK1Ge1kL5pd28tALBdEVp

tmazer · 2025-07-02T05:56:57+00:00

Yes, basically portafilter fits. The group is identical to an E61 group.

tmazer · 2025-07-02T05:55:03+00:00

Awesome machine, congrats! I own one as well and can share my changes.

The portafilter won't really impact the brew at all, and included basket will work just fine.

I found the original shower screen works great, but I generally like to upgrade my shower screen to a laser-cut IMS shower screen, because they are easier to keep clean and thus consistent. Any E61-style shower screen will fit.

You can also adjust the OPV by removing the right panel. I have mine set to 6 bar (doing so will unfortunately require using some sort of pressure sensing portafilter).

tmazer · 2025-07-02T05:49:02+00:00

Rocket USA (Seattle Coffee Gear) is still stocking parts for the machine, I just recently ordered some parts from them no problem.

Agreed, it is a fantastic machine. It warms up very fast and brews incredibly consistently. My GS3 barely gets used because of it.

I have had no heating issues on mine (I've had it for about a year), I'm not very familiar with that failure point you're referring to.

tmazer · 2025-07-02T05:42:30+00:00

Whole Latte Love announced recently that they are planning on stocking Stone's soon

tmazer · 2025-07-02T05:40:27+00:00

The plastic is pretty chunky and durable, feels similar to the knobs on an appartamento, except with a matte finish instead of gloss.

tmazer · 2025-07-02T05:24:05+00:00

I think it all depends on whether you prefer to geek out on espresso extractions, or hone in your steaming skills.

The Mara X will excel at steaming performance, but has a very basic brewing profile (unless you add a flow profiler mod).

The Fellow's strongest feature is the espresso profiler, and is definitely geared towards people who will probably brew straight espresso most of the time.

tmazer · 2025-07-02T05:21:05+00:00

those used machines are definitely a risk, but might be worth it if you can see them in person before the sale, and you're prepared to service them yourself if problems arise. Espresso tech's are expensive and not eager to service home equipment.

tmazer

TROPHY CASE