I am wondering if the brass element will require a lengthened pre-heating before using the machine as its much denser (or whatever makes it retain heat better)
I doubt it. Most of the heating is getting the mass of the boiler plus water up to temp; the brass plate attaches directly to this and has a relatively small heat capacity.
I am wondering if the brass element will require a lengthened pre-heating before using the machine as its much denser (or whatever makes it retain heat better)