For nearly a century, La Marzocco has been synonymous with quality. Handcrafted in Florence since 1927, our machines have become icons in cafés around the world. Until recently, our Italian coffee machines were reserved for professionals. Now, thanks to our La Marzocco Home range, you can bring the same craftsmanship and performance into your own kitchen.
But here’s the thing: even the best home coffee machines aren’t push-button magic. To get the most from your Home machine, you need to understand how it works and how to use it properly. That’s what this guide is for. We’ll look at the philosophy behind La Marzocco, then walk you through three of our flagship at-home machines: the Linea Mini, Linea Micra and GS3.
We Make Coffee Machines Because We Love Coffee
Ever since the creation of the Fiorenza right at the beginning of our company’s history, we have loved coffee. Through world wars, floods, shortages, and many other obstacles, the La Marzocco brand has persisted. Why?
Because we believe that people should be able to make coffee that they love.
Our home coffee machines are a result of that belief. We want to make espresso at home to feel as authentic as drinking it in an Italian café. This is why our line of Italian coffee machines is engineered for stability, precision, and longevity.
We prioritise those three key qualities to keep this precision engineering up across every machine we produce:
- Stability: Consistent water temperature and pressure are crucial for espresso. La Marzocco’s machines are built to keep those variables rock solid.
- Precision: Every detail, from boiler design to group head temperature, is designed to give you control.
- Longevity: These are machines built to last, not gadgets you’ll replace in a few years.
If you’ve recently invested in one of our home coffee machines, or if you’re thinking about it, then let’s unpack each of the flagship models to help you get familiar with how they work.
First, Some General Principles
No matter which model you choose from our range, some steps are universal. You’ll always need to warm up the machine, use fresh beans, and be careful with your tamp. Some of our home espresso machines allow you to time your shot, while others adjust based on your tamp and the pressure. Finally, you’ll need to learn how to steam milk into microfoam (even if whole milk isn’t your preferred choice, this is possible).
With those principles in mind, let’s explore the three main machines you might be considering.
The Linea Mini
If we’re talking the most recognisable of our home coffee machines, then the Linea Mini takes top ranking. This beauty is inspired by the Linea Classic, which is used in thousands of café settings worldwide.
How to make the best of the Mini
You’re working with a dual-boiler system here, so once this beauty is warmed up, it’s ready to brew and steam simultaneously. That means you’ll want to switch it on early and give it plenty of time to heat up.
While you’re doing that, grind fresh beans and dose them into the included portafilter. Tamp evenly, then lock into place. This is where things get interesting.
The Mini equips you with a paddle switch. We designed this to feel intuitive and responsive, so you can get a genuine feel for the coffee as you brew it. Start the flow, watch for rich, golden crema, and stop around 25 to 30 seconds. You’ll learn the feel as you go.
If you’re steaming milk, then keep in mind that the steam wand on the Mini is strong. Practice your technique using our guide to create smooth, glossy microfoam.
The GS3 Coffee Machine
The GS3 Coffee Machine takes things a step further. It’s the closest you’ll get to a full café setup without opening a café in your own kitchen. With features like a dual-boiler system, PID temperature control, and digital display, it’s one of the most advanced Italian coffee machines available for home use anywhere in the world.
How to make the best of the GS3
The GS3’s X-factor is its precision. The GS3 lets you fine-tune, so use the digital controls to set your preferred brewing parameters. You’ll likely figure these out over time as you use the machine, but you can also research parameters for particular drinks to tweak your settings.
You’ll have rock-solid temperature and flow to work with, so pulling consistent shots won’t be a problem. The key to mastering this machine is to excel in the fundamentals. You can seamlessly transition from brewing to steaming, so once you’re proficient at both, you can push the machine to its limits.
Ultimately, the GS3 is for perfectionists. If you want ultimate control over your espresso, this is your machine. It showcases why we’re at the top of the Italian coffee machines market.
The Linea Micra
The Micra is arguably our most approachable model, designed for people who want café-quality espresso without dedicating their entire kitchen countertops to the pursuit. It heats up quickly and fits comfortably into smaller kitchens while still delivering professional performance. A miniature powerhouse that fits just about anywhere.
How to make the best of the Micra
As home coffee machines go, this one is nifty and convenient without sacrificing any of that precision Italian engineering. We equipped this with a quick warm-up cycle that can be ready in just a few minutes, so it’s a great machine to fit into busy weekday mornings.
Even though it’s compact, you won’t need to sacrifice any of that temperature steaming, and that extends doubly for steaming. This has a powerful, but manageable, steam wand that’s perfect for learning the ropes and growing as a barista.
In short, the Micra is proof that Italian coffee machines don’t need to take over your benchtop to be worth your while.
To give you the best chance of crafting some truly delicious coffee, we recommend investing in a good grinder and getting in some practice with your milk steaming. Most importantly, keep your machine clean and maintained! Our home coffee machines are designed to be carefully maintained with ease, so you can enjoy café-quality espresso at home for many years to come.
With a little practice, your La Marzocco will become part of your daily ritual. And who doesn’t love a daily ritual?
Find home espresso machines that let you brew like a barista.
Bring that café-quality coffee home with you thanks to our line of precisely-engineered Italian coffee machines for use at home. Browse our range to find your perfect match today.
