4 Best La Marzocco Espresso Machines (2023 Reviews)
Buying a La Marzocco espresso machine means parting with a good chunk of cash. But, regardless of the model you buy, you’re paying for quality.
With all that money at stake, let’s make sure you choose the right one. Here are 4 great options, one of which is perfect for YOU.
At A Glance: Best La Marzocco Espresso Machines
- TOP PICK: GS3 Volumetric
- BEST SEMI-AUTOMATIC: Strada EE
- BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: Linea Mini
4 Best La Marzocco Espresso Machines in 2023
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
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GS3 Auto Volumetric |
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Strada EE |
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GB5 Auto Volumetric |
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Linea Mini |
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Whether you operate an espresso cart, own a cafe, or are a home espresso enthusiast, there’s a perfect La Marzocco espresso machine for you.
1. GS3 Auto Volumetric – Best Overall
Dimensions: 14” H x 16” W x 21” D
- Group heads: 1
- Boiler: 50.7 oz
- Steam boiler: 118.3 oz
Our overall favorite is the La Marzocco GS3 Auto Volumetric, a compact little workhorse designed for home use but has the chops for light commercial settings.
Its commercial-grade features are built with the precision every serious espresso enthusiast looks for.
This machine’s compact frame and solid build quality make it surprisingly easy to carry around. So, it’s perfect for a small volume business like an espresso cart or catering service.
Most notably, it has the same temperature stability system found in La Marzocco’s premium Strada models, but at one-third the cost. That includes saturated brew groups, pre-heated brew water, PID temperature control, and an easy-to-use digital display (1).
2. Strada EE – Best Semi-Automatic
Dimensions: 19” H x 32” to 40” W x 27” D
- Group heads: 2 or 3
- Boiler: 87.9 oz to 131.9 oz
- Steam boiler: 277.3 oz to 382.1 oz
At the high end of the La Marzocco line-up are the Stradas, featuring advanced technology and incredible aesthetics. These models are destined to be commercial espresso machines.
The Strada EE is the simplest model, relying on paddle groups with electronic pump activation and programmed pre-infusion.
We love that each group head can be programmed differently, allowing them to act as independent machines.
Programming is simple with the digital display.
Two fully articulated steam wands have proportional steam valves for precise control of flow rate. Moreover, they enhanced the machine’s versatility by the height-adjustable drip tray and temperature programmable hot water wand.
3. GB5 Auto Volumetric – Most Reliable
Dimensions: 22” H x 30” – 47” W x 25” D
- Group heads: 2, 3, or 4
- Boiler: 115.0 oz to 229.9 oz
- Steam boiler: 236.7 oz to 490.3 oz
The GB5 Auto Volumetric is the most expensive espresso machine on our list, but it’s the only one suitable for a busy cafe. Its smooth curves and clean lines will class up any espresso bar.
Its claim to fame is its best-in-class temperature stability, thanks to saturated group heads, a pre-heat system, insulated group caps, and precise PID temperature control. It also comes with a stainless steel portafilter with precision 58mm baskets. Choose between 2, 3 or 4 group heads based on your requirements.
You can set four-volume programs for different shot sizes or use the continuous flow mode for a more hands-on operation. Two steam wands mean two baristas can work simultaneously.
4. Linea Mini – Most Compact
Dimensions: 15” H x 14” W x 21” D
- Group heads: 1
- Boiler: 6 oz
- Steam boiler: 118.3 oz
The La Marzocco Linea Mini, the home version of the Linea Classic, is the smallest and least expensive espresso machine model, bringing La Marzocco’s famous quality to the masses (2).
The Linea Mini still has PID controlled dual boilers, and an integrated brew group allows the temperature stability of a saturated brew group in a more compact frame. It even has the same commercial steam wand as the Linea Classic.
If you’re into latte art and you’re in this market, this is something really serious to look at.
It even comes in a collection of fun colors, and the La Marzocco Linea Mini’s integrated barista lights will make your espresso feel like a star.
How to Choose the Right La Marzocco Espresso Machine
Let’s wade deeper into the details, so you’ll know just what to look for when buying your La Marzocco espresso machine.
Commercial or home use?
If you’re buying for a busy cafe, you need a machine that can make many espressos quickly and handle the wear and tear of regular use (3).
Opt for a model with multiple group heads and large steam and coffee boilers to meet demand.
We’d suggest the GB5 or the Strada.
If your business is smaller volume or mobile, the GS3 could be a great fit. Or you can slo read our great professional machine makers like La Cimbali and La Spaziale.
How much space do you have?
If you have the abundant counter space of a large cafe, you don’t need to account for your espresso machine’s size. But this is rarely the case in a home kitchen.
For compact spaces, your options are the Linea Mini or the GS3. The Linea Mini is 2” narrower, but the GS3 is 1” shorter, so measure your space and plan accordingly.
What’s your budget?
Anyone buying a La Marzocco has a substantial budget, but there’s still a huge range of prices within the brand.
Like the Linea Mini and GS3, the home espresso machine models are much cheaper than their commercial espresso machine counterparts, especially if you’re opting for other group heads.
If money is no object, we’d suggest looking into La Marzocco’s cool customization options, like flashy color panels or natural wood accents. Or if you want to explore making espresso with a high-tech machine, you can also check the Decent Espresso DE1+Pro. It’s a commercial-grade espresso maker that uses its own software to make espresso instead of manual manipulation of levers.
The Verdict
Our all-around favorite La Marzocco espresso machine this year is the GS3 Auto Volumetric. It’s sized and priced for home use but has the temperature stability and quality to meet commercial demands.
FAQs
La Marzocco espresso machines, like other prosumer machines, are expensive because they’re built to a commercial standard, using high-end materials designed to withstand heavy use.
Starbucks uses the Swiss-made Thermoplan Mastrena now, but once partnered with La Marzocco. Starbucks’ original Pike Place location still uses a Linea Classic.
La Marzocco machines are made in Florence, Italy, where they are hand-crafted to order for each client. Here are some of our favorite Italian espresso machines.
References
- Prestidge, J. (2016, January 13). 8 Steps to Purchasing the Perfect Espresso Machine. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2016/01/8-steps-to-purchasing-the-perfect-espresso-machine/
- Reznick, A. (2013, May 13). Inside La Marzocco: Starbucks’ Original Espresso Machine Gets a High-Tech Makeover. Retrieved from https://www.geekwire.com/2013/meet-linea-pb-la-marzocco-unveils-generation-linea-classic/
- Greene, M. (2020, March 11). The Cafe Equipment Buying Guide: Espresso Machines. Retrieved from https://prima-coffee.com/learn/article/buying-guides/the-cafe-equipment-buying-guide-espresso-machines/espresso-machine-buy-guide
