Victoria Arduino E1 Prima vs Linea Mini: Which Should You Choose?

There are a lot of barriers that stand in between you and an espresso machine. It could be cost, output volume, user-friendliness, and even the size of the machine that prevent you from choosing one.

Size is one of the foremost factors. If your home or business is packed full of other appliances, every single slice of space needs to be accounted for on your counters.

The Victoria Arduino E1 Prima and La Marzocco Linea Mini are two compact models designed to be more manageable for small spaces. Beyond their small size, however, there are a lot of differences between these machines.

In this Victoria Arduino E1 Prima vs Linea Mini comparison, we’ll take a close look at both espresso machines. Here is what you can expect to learn:

• The features both espresso machines have.
• Which qualities make them different from each other.
• Pricing information.
• Our guidance on how to decide which one you should choose.

Let’s get started…

Quick Summary 

Victoria Arduino E1 Prima

 

The Victoria Arduino E1 Prima is the single-group version of the new and beautiful Eagle One. This line was created from the ground up with efficiency in mind. It’s much more energy-efficient than most other espresso machines, and it has a sleek modern appeal. Given its miniature size, we’d suggest this one for businesses and homes with a smaller amount of space searching for an eco-friendly espresso machine.

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La Marzocco Linea Mini 

If La Marzocco as a brand could be summed up in one word, it would be reliable. The Linea Mini is a testament to that reliability, thanks to its durable exterior and long-lasting rotary pump. Plus, it has a classic look that traditional baristas love. The Linea Mini is a great pick for small businesses that want an espresso machine they can depend on for years to come.

Similarities 

Single Group 

We’ll start with an obvious similarity: the Prima and Linea Mini are both single-group espresso machines. In other words, they both only have one brew group.

As far as productivity goes, this means either one can produce up to two shots of espresso at a time. That may seem like very little, but for small business and homes, it’s often enough.

Additionally, single-group machines are naturally more compact. The machines don’t need to be as long as those with multiple groups, so they’re excellent for workspace layouts that are on the small side.

Read Also: Best 1 Group Commercial Espresso Machines

Color Options 

An espresso machine is a serious investment, and high-end ones can be costlier than many other appliances you may have in your kitchen. Since it has the potential to be a large investment, you’ll want to be sure that every aspect of the machine is perfect for your needs, including how it looks.

Both the Victoria Arduino E1 Prima and La Marzocco Linea Mini are sold in multiple colors. Because you can choose which color to get, you have more power to ensure that the machine matches with your decorating standards.

The specific colors and the number of colors either machine is available in differs, though. The E1 Prima is available in three colors: black, white and silver. On the other hand, the Linea Mini may be available in different colors depending on the seller.

Hot Water Spigot 

The standard coffee shop menu isn’t just limited to coffee and espresso. Tea is another common drink at these establishments, and that means you’ll have to have access to hot water if you’re hoping to provide tea for customers or yourself.

The Prima and Linea Mini each have hot water spouts on them. You can use either one to pull a shot of water for tea or even an Americano.

There are other uses for the hot water, too. For instance, if you’re using the espresso machine at home, you can dispense hot water for instant foods like oatmeal.

Further Reading: Best Mini Commercial Espresso Machines

Plumb-in or Pour-Over 

Like other appliances that would go in a kitchen, plumbing is vital to espresso machines. Without water, you cannot brew espresso.

The type of plumbing your espresso machine has will be extremely important to how it functions. Interestingly, both the E1 Prima and Linea Mini are flexible. They can each be used as either a plumb-in or pour-over model.

Pour-over machines are excellent for portability. Since they’re not connected to your water line, they can be used anywhere you have power, making them wonderful for homes and mobile businesses such as coffee carts. Their downside is that you have to remember to pour water into the tank yourself, which takes time and can interrupt your workflow.

Plumb-in machines are connected to your waterline. Thanks to their connection, they refill themselves on their own, saving you time and leaving your brewing process uninterrupted. They, too, have a downside, which is that they’re immobile.

Either the Prima or Linea Mini let you decide what type of plumbing situation is best for you. If you choose the Linea Mini, though, keep in mind you’ll need to buy a plumbing kit for it separately to connect it to a water line.

Compact Size 

One reason baristas would be drawn to the Prima and Linea Mini is how small either machine is. Espresso machines can take up a shocking amount of room, which is far from ideal in home kitchens, small businesses, or mobile businesses that lack the space.

Neither the Prima nor Linea Mini require much legroom. Because of this, you’ll have plenty of options for where you choose to put them.

Pressure Gauges 

An espresso machine is a complex piece of equipment. There are tons of considerations that go into every single shot of espresso, such as coffee blend, grind fineness, temperature, and of course, brewing pressure.

In order to use your machine efficiently, pressure readouts are a must. The Victoria Arduino E1 Prima and Linea Mini both have gauges on their front panels to lay out all the information you need regarding boiler pressure.

You can use these gauges to glean a couple different pieces of information. First, you can tell when the machine is ready to brew by confirming it has reached an adequate pressure. Second, you can infer that something may need to be repaired if the machine is consistently unable to reach an appropriate pressure level.

Differences 

La Marzocco Linea Mini Brew Paddle 

The La Marzocco Linea Mini’s brew paddle is one of its most striking features. Located right on top of the machine in the front, there is a paddle that you use to control the brewing process.

Simply move the paddle left and right to stop and start the brew cycle. It’s an easy, fluid control system that will keep baristas comfortable all day long.  

Learn More: La Marzocco Linea Mini Review

Victoria Arduino E1 Prima New Engine Optimization 

The Victoria Arduino E1 Prima is one of Victoria Arduino’s newest machines. Along with all the innovations it implements, its engine has been optimized.

So, what exactly does that mean for you? In short, it means that the machine’s energy footprint is much smaller, which can lead to reduced operation costs.

It works by narrowing the Prima’s focus on heating. Rather than keeping water up to temperature at all parts internally, the Prima heats up the water right before it enters the brew group.

La Marzocco Linea Mini Integrated Brew Group 

Now you know how the E1 Prima ensures thermal stability – it heats up water right before the water enters the brew group. But the Linea Mini also has its own trick for preventing disastrous dips in brewing temperature.

The Linea Mini’s secret is an integrated brew group. Rather than being separated from it, the Linea Mini’s brew group is attached directly to its brew boiler. This prevents any heat loss that would occur from having to travel a long distance to reach the brew group.

The result of the integrated brew group is a stable temperature and flavor profile.

Victoria Arduino E1 Prima Boiler Insulation

 

Victoria Arduino spent much time thinking about energy efficiency from all angles as they designed the Prima. Beyond its engine optimization, the machine’s energy consumption was further reduced by its boiler insulation.

The boiler is where its water is initially heated. A lot of energy is expended trying to keep the boiler hot while the machine is running. By adding an insulating layer to the boiler, Victoria Arduino made it so the Prima doesn’t need to struggle to stay up to temperature.

Further Reading: Victoria Arduino Eagle One Review

La Marzocco Linea Mini Barista Lights 

Baristas work with a lot of delicate equipment and products. If for any reason they don’t have adequate lighting, a lot can go wrong in their workspace.

To ensure that baristas – whether professionals or home enthusiasts – can always see what they’re doing, the Linea Mini has integrated barista lights. Regardless of what the lighting situation is like around you, you’ll have a clear visual on espresso and milk while you use the machine.

Victoria Arduino E1 Prima Cool-Touch Steam Wand 

Those who are unfamiliar with how espresso machines work might be shocked to hear how potentially dangerous they can be. An unsuspecting barista can easily be burnt by hot panels on the machine and, most infamously, the steam wand.

Victoria Arduino understands these dangers. When they design new machines like the Prima, they often work with baristas to create something that is ergonomic and safe for users. An example of this is the Prima’s cool-touch steam wand.

No matter how long you froth milk for, the steam wand on the Prima will stay nice and cool. Should you need to reposition it or clean it, you won’t be surprised with a painful burn.

Victoria Arduino E1 Prima Auto-Purge 

In the bustling midst of a busy shift or morning rush, it’s easy to forget to attend to some important tasks, such as purging your espresso machine’s group heads. Purging like this can help maintain the cleanliness of the machine and ensure thermal stability.

With the E1 Prima, you won’t need to remember to purge the group heads. The Prima will do so on its own automatically, once again saving you time and energy.

Pricing Considerations

Majesty Coffee is pleased to offer a wide range of coffee and espresso gear for the best prices you’ll find online.

We have the Victoria Arduino E1 Prima for $5,990. At this point in time, however, we do not have the La Marzocco Linea Mini. You can try checking with other online sellers to confirm its price and availability.

Which One Should You Choose? 

If all you had to pay attention to was superficial qualities like looks, choosing between the Prima and Linea Mini would be much easier. They each have their own entirely unique aesthetic that would appeal to different people.

But there’s so much more to consider in regard to these two fine espresso machines.

One thing to think about is energy-efficiency. If you’re concerned about reducing your energy consumption as much as possible, the Prima is the obvious choice. Its engine and boiler insulation naturally make it more efficient in terms of energy than the Linea Mini.

But for those concerned about the utmost simplicity in operation, the Linea Mini is an excellent choice. Its brew paddle is straightforward to use, in addition to having a delightfully vintage look.

At the end of the day, though, both machines are excellent for small business and homes. They are both powerful, attractive, and reliable.

Are you still unsure which espresso machine is right for you? Feel free to reach out to us at 888-978-5224, and our team will be happy to help you pick the perfect machine for your needs.