Linea Micra needle valve kit
Price range: 715,00 € through 835,00 € incl. VAT
Product details
Installation service
Although installing the needle valve kit is easy to do yourself, I often get feedback that it would be great if I could convert the machine myself. I am happy to accommodate this request and am now offering to install the needle valve kit myself in 82538 Geretsried. For this, I need the machine at my place for 3 days.
Furthermore, it is now also possible to buy a new machine including needle valve directly from me as a set. You are welcome to contact me by email for this purpose.
Starting point
As with the Linea Mini, this kit extends the functionality of the Linea Micra. With a needle valve and the corresponding paddle mechanism, a set flow rate for pre-infusion can be defined and activated via the paddle. The valve sits directly in front of the brew boiler/brew group, so that a change in the flow rate takes effect immediately. The modification turns the “fake paddle” into a fully functional paddle.
In the middle position is the pre-infusion position. There the water has to flow through the needle valve, so that the flow rate is reduced to the set value. Both the duration of the pre-infusion and the flow rate can be chosen freely.
After the pre-infusion, the paddle is pushed further to the left. The valve switches and the regular flow rate and pump pressure act on the puck.
Video Linea Micra with needle valve
What advantages does the conversion have?
Thanks to the low flow rate during pre-infusion, the puck is saturated slowly and almost without the effect of pump pressure. This is comparable to the so-called blooming in filter coffee. As a result, extraction becomes more even and the tendency to channeling is reduced. In addition, the modification lets you adjust two further variables: the flow rate and the duration. For example, you can grind finer if you extend the pre-infusion. The big advantage of the two-stage system is reproducibility: once you have found the right settings for a coffee, you can repeat your shots very easily.
What to pay attention to?
The Linea Micra's switchable steam boiler is a great way to reduce the machine's power consumption. Please note the following: The flow rate of the needle valve changes depending on the temperature. So if the machine is set to a flow rate with the steam boiler switched on and fully heated up, the flow rate will differ slightly when operating without the steam boiler and with a short heat-up time. In my series of measurements, I achieved reproducible results both with and without the steam boiler switched on. When the steam boiler was deactivated, the flow rate reduced from 1.5 grams/second to 1.2 grams/second.
When operating with a water tank, I noticed slight downward swings after filling (probably due to air bubbles in the system). It also appears that the pump also has slightly different delivery rates at different temperatures inside the machine. (Keyword bypass on the pump head).
What is included in the kit?
- fully assembled wiring harness
- all required hydraulic components and fittings
- sufficient Teflon hose
- 3D-printed paddle mechanism
- detailed assembly instructions
What is needed to carry out the conversion?
The conversion can be carried out very easily by anyone. I like to compare it to building a shelf. You need some time, desire and the right tools. If you carry out all the steps in the right order, that's half the battle.
Required tools & material
- a set of screwdrivers
- a set of open-end wrenches
- Liquid sealant for sealing hydraulic components.
- if necessary, an electrician for the electrical connection of the wiring harness, if you are not familiar with this.
How long does installation take?
The time required to simply assemble the kit is 2 to 3 hours for an experienced mechanic. Inexperienced mechanics should plan on an afternoon. Added to this is the drying time of each liquid sealant.
What do I do if I don't get anywhere despite detailed instructions?
So far everyone has been able to complete the conversion successfully. If you have any questions, I am available via email.
Manufacturer information
Manufacturer: Grafikus Coffeetec, owner Torben Schnieber
Address: Richard-Wagner-Straße 43, 82538 Geretsried, Germany
Contact: grafikus@grafikus-coffeetec.de | www.grafikus-coffeetec.de
Safety information for water-carrying components
This spare part carries water, sometimes hot and under pressure. With a little experience in handling tools, you can usually install it yourself without difficulty.
For legal reasons I must nevertheless point out the following: before installation, switch the machine off, pull the mains plug and let it cool down. Release any remaining pressure, for example via the steam wand. If the machine is plumbed in, turn off the water. After installation, check all connections for leaks and do not leave the machine unattended during the first few uses. Leaking connections can lead to water damage.
I accept no liability for damage caused by improper installation or leaking connections. Your statutory warranty rights remain unaffected.
Additional information
| Weight | 0,850 kg |
|---|---|
| extension | Display brewing pressure |
| Valve | Precision needle valve |
| Installation by Grafikus Coffeetec in 82538 Geretsried | Yes (+120 €), No |
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