La Mazzocco Linea Mini LMLM saturated group

From HB

...is hard to see how the integrated brew group could perform at an equal level as a true saturated group, but 

Integrated brew group IBG

LM designed them both and they understand the challenges each design puts forth and they devised equally clever solutions in each case.

In the case of the IBG, the magic is in the use of cartridge heaters to heat the entire assembly up to brew temperature in addition to the water screw.

So, the NTC thermistor screws into the water screw from the front and the 3 way valve injects water from the "boiler" part of the IBG in from the back. The water has to ride around the water screw, from back to front in order to make it into the orifice that feeds the diffuser. This convoluted path does two things really well. First, it ensures that the brew water is exactly the same temperature as the group itself. Second, it ensures that the controller has a very accurate temperature signal and the cartridge heaters can assure that the target brew temperature is precisely maintained.

...

The water entering the brew boiler is not cold. It is preheated with via a heat exchanger as is the GS/3. There is a blending point right ahead of the brewgroup where cool water from the pump and pre-heated water from the heat-exchanger are blended. That gets the brew incoming water very close to brew temperature.

The holes next to the "water screw" are the electric heater cartridges. They heat the entire brew group and are very close to the final water flow path, and as has been mentioned, the temperature sensor is embedded inside of the water screw.

There is a short path from the brew boiler (reservoir???) via an orifice and the 3-way solenoid valve and the water goes right back into the lower part of the integrated brew group.

Schematic:

KN:

HB