Unboxing and Setting Up the La Marzocco Linea Mini R
In this Q&A post, we’ll take you step by step through the process of unboxing and setting up the La Marzocco Linea Mini R, based on our YouTube video.
Q: What is the first step when unboxing the La Marzocco Linea Mini R?
A: When you receive the Linea Mini, it will come securely strapped to a pallet. It weighs about 30 kilos, so you may need a hand lifting it. Start by removing the strap and staples to access the top of the box.
Q: What accessories come with the Linea Mini?
A: Inside the accessories kit, you’ll find a comprehensive selection, including:
- A user manual and warranty card.
- A La Marzocco group head cleaner.
- A milk jug.
- A 58mm tamper.
- A combination portafilter with naked, single, and dual spouts.
- A coffee brewing guide.
- A water test kit.
- A polymer steam tip.
- Various espresso baskets (8g, 7g, 17g, and 21g).
Q: How do I set up the Linea Mini after unboxing?
A: Once the machine is placed on your bench, fill the water tank using filtered water. This is crucial for maintaining your machine. After filling, turn on the power; the blue light will stop flashing once the tank is recognized, and the machine will begin heating up.
Q: How do I connect the Linea Mini to the La Marzocco Home app?
A: To set up the app, make sure both your machine and the device (preferably a tablet) are on the same Wi-Fi network. Download the La Marzocco Home app and connect the machine via Bluetooth. The app allows you to control various settings, such as adjusting brew temperatures and managing the steam settings.
Q: Can I control the brew settings using the app?
A: Yes! The app lets you fine-tune your brew by adjusting the front and rear brew temperatures. For beginners, setting the steam level to 1 is recommended, and if you’re using medium roast coffee, set the front brew temperature to 93°C. As you gain more experience, you can tweak these settings for specific coffee profiles.
Q: What’s the process for brewing espresso on the Linea Mini?
A: First, grind fresh beans using a high-quality grinder (avoid pre-ground supermarket coffee). We recommend dosing 22.5 grams of coffee for a 30-second extraction, yielding around 45 grams of espresso, which gives you a classic 2:1 ratio.
Q: How can I achieve perfect milk steaming?
A: Position the steam wand at a 45° angle, with the steam tip just under the milk's surface. Turn the steam on full power and create a vortex in the milk. Depending on your drink (flat white, latte, cappuccino), adjust the steaming time to get the right amount of foam. Once the milk reaches 40°C and the jug becomes too hot to touch, it’s ready.
For more steaming tips see our video tutorial.
Q: What final tips do you have for making the best espresso?
A: Focus on dialing in your espresso by adjusting your grind size and brew time. Aim for a balanced extraction: the dark early stage gives sweetness, the middle has body, and the lighter finish can lead to bitterness if over-extracted. Use fresh beans, weigh your coffee and liquid precisely, and experiment with small adjustments to perfect your shot.
We hope this Q&A helped simplify the process of unboxing and setting up your La Marzocco Linea Mini R.
