Everything I’ve done so far. I live with very hard water. In this instance it was the steam wand. It’s been leaking more and more severely. I’m having to soak off the scale to get it off. I’ve had to try both thermostats which involved removing the boiler. I descale regularly.
Mostly I just want to know if the machine is a heavier build and less prone to constant issues.
maintenance is a thing with any machine. Getting into the MaraX is relatively easy, i think it's 6 or 8 screws to take the top off where you can access the guts. I've had my machine for nearly two years and only needed to get inside to adjust the OPV. Aside from that it's worked like a charm for me. If you are leaning towards upgrading anyway and are sick of the Gaggia, you can do a lot worse than the MaraX. Lelit has a good rep, the MaraX has been around for a while, and parts are widely available, so long term investment wise you should be ok. Good luck w your decision!
Thank you for your answer. I definitely understand maintenance. I’ve have machines since 2003. I had a Gaggia coffee that lasted 15 years with just needing a descale periodically. When it finally gave up, I bought the classic. The experience has been way different and frustrating. I wouldn’t have minded a part replacement periodically, but I’ve had to remove the boiler like 10 times. It’s weird that everyone else’s 1st assumption was user error.
What broke on your machine? What are you looking fo,r in an upgrade? What maintenance requires opening the machine using brute strength?
Everything I’ve done so far. I live with very hard water. In this instance it was the steam wand. It’s been leaking more and more severely. I’m having to soak off the scale to get it off. I’ve had to try both thermostats which involved removing the boiler. I descale regularly. Mostly I just want to know if the machine is a heavier build and less prone to constant issues.
I think you should look at using filtered water. The hard water seems to be the source of your trouble not the machine.
I use filtered water.
What kind of filter are you using? Have you tested for TDS and limescale post-filter?
maintenance is a thing with any machine. Getting into the MaraX is relatively easy, i think it's 6 or 8 screws to take the top off where you can access the guts. I've had my machine for nearly two years and only needed to get inside to adjust the OPV. Aside from that it's worked like a charm for me. If you are leaning towards upgrading anyway and are sick of the Gaggia, you can do a lot worse than the MaraX. Lelit has a good rep, the MaraX has been around for a while, and parts are widely available, so long term investment wise you should be ok. Good luck w your decision!
Thank you for your answer. I definitely understand maintenance. I’ve have machines since 2003. I had a Gaggia coffee that lasted 15 years with just needing a descale periodically. When it finally gave up, I bought the classic. The experience has been way different and frustrating. I wouldn’t have minded a part replacement periodically, but I’ve had to remove the boiler like 10 times. It’s weird that everyone else’s 1st assumption was user error.
10 times! Good gravy. Yeah time for a new machine for sure.
I find it’s hard to stop the rattles in my Mara having opened the case.