From: redpig

Subject: LONDINIUM I: First impressions!

Date: 25 November 2012 05:18:30 GMT

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Hi Reiss,

Thanks again for the call. I've never been phoned up by the person who designed anything I've purchased -- especially not something I value as much -- consider me awestruck :)

Given the US holidays, I've had less time to explore L1 than I'd like, but I have had about 4 hours total I've dedicated (pulling around 25 shots).  I'm having some trouble getting things dialed in, but I think it's down to me and my pump-machine background.  Tonight yielded some truly beautiful shots, but unhooking the PF after yielded a little bit of a spray ;) I think I may need to, counter-intuitively, go finer, but I guess I'll see tomorrow!

I will post something publicly once I get my routine in check, but I wanted to send you a few of my initial thoughts. I hope you don't mind!

* Packaging:
+ Well protected. It looks like my box was dropped on something and it
only left a minor dent in the side of the machine panel - impressive!
(No signs that the chassis was bent, etc.)
- Not a fan of the polystyrene: it was hard not to make a mess pulling it out.
+ Laser guard peels off easily and kept the machine scratch free
* Fit and finish:
+ Beauitful mirror finish: in particular, I love the swatch of
uninterrupted steel behind the group below the lights and gauges
+ Nice big drip tray
- Drip tray inset is not as tough as I'd like. It bends easily and a
dropped PF will easily ding it, I did that last night.  A thicker
steel insert wouild be nice!
+ Drip tray catches everything; I don't spill water everywhere even if
I do a flush to clean.
+ Nice "cap" for the tank
+ Feels like a single, dense rock.  The only "flex" I get is ever so
slight movement when I lock the PF in.  The whole thing is damned
solid.
+ Top comes off easily allowing easy access; pstat right up top
- Internal screw hole near the reservoir with no screw in it, not sure
if it should have one. Noticed it while goofing off with pictures.
Once I get sorted, I'll show you what I mean.
Operation:
+ Steams like a crazy demon.
- Steam arm is a little short compared to what I've used and it makes
steaming smaller quantities of milk in a bigger jug hard, but not
impossible.
+ Recovery time is very fast; even at 1400w :)
+ Temperature hasn't even crossed my mind: no shot has been sour or
burned. AMAZING.
- Water spigot valve is fiddly and can leak ever so slightly if
reseated back to center too softly
+ Water spigot produces a nice shower
- Drip tray is a little tight and needs to lift at an angle so I have
to remember to not let it fill.  No problems so far!
+ Pump is MUCH quieter than I expected.
+ Softener, filter: nice add on, a convenience detail that helped me
decide on the L1 (silly, I know!)
Overall:
I love the machine. I just need to get to the point where I'm getting
dry pucks, and I'll be set.  I've pulled some absolutely stunning
shots as is, but having to clean up the messy pucks is a pain. It may
be me, or the combination of me and a darker roasted bean: we'll see!
Thanks for creating such an amazing machine.  Congratulations!  I
can't wait to tame it properly and move on to pulling shot after
excellent shot.
cheers!
will