Getting into the thick of choosing the right home espresso machines can feel a little bit intimidating. You need an espresso machine that produces great coffee, and you want to be sure you are investing in a quality machine that will bring years of enjoyment. You want a machine that will consistently produce excellent coffee over time, and it should be robust, as you don’t need to be looking for a replacement anytime soon. It may be that spending slightly more on the initial purchase is a smart investment.
Trust us, we get it. Today, we’re reviewing our own line from a budget perspective. Specifically, we’re looking at our three most popular home machines: the Linea Micra, the Linea Mini, and the GS3.
Unpack how each machine functions, some special features you might love as a budding barista, and the finer points of the budget for each of these models. If you’re in love with the La Marzocco brand, but you’re unsure about which machine will suit your home (and budget) best, this is the place to be.
Tier One: The Linea Micra
Often confused with the Linea Mini, the Micra is our entry-level machine, but don’t let that fool you. This is a compact at-home workhorse with performance worthy of the La Marzocco name. We designed this as a scaled-down version of the café-ready Linea Classic S, so it has everything a barista would need in a much smaller package.
If this is your first rodeo, or if you’re after a simple upgrade at the lowest price point, then the Linea Micra is an excellent machine to choose. Easy setup, quick heat-up time, and essential features like a dual boiler with PID temperature control, a 2-litre water capacity, and a 2-year factory warranty to ensure your machine is with you for the long haul.
This is the tier one choice because it is, in essence, an introductory machine. You won’t have all the same bells and whistles a higher-end model like the Linea Mini might provide, but this is a gorgeous piece of workmanship that won’t overtake your countertop.
Pull shots, steam perfect latte-quality milk, and switch your method with a convertible portafilter so you don’t need to take up more space. For anyone new to the game, this is a very worthwhile companion.
Tier Two: The Linea Mini
Now, we have to tip our caps to the Linea Mini, which is the next step up in the range. This is a pricier purchase, but it’s all in service of a much wider bank of features to enjoy as a budding barista. We built this machine to cater to coffee lovers who want to make the most of their mornings.
Some key features include the aesthetic Della Pietra Curve body, a new pre-infusion process to bloom and prepare your coffee, and increased precision throughout the brew. You can tweak pump pressure and alter the brew time by weight using the machine & scale feature built into the Mini.
This is a reimagining of what it means to be an at-home espresso machine, and we mean that literally. Yes, you’ll still find the dual boiler and PID temperature control boasted by the Micra. However, the Mini boasts a larger countertop footprint, taking pride of place in your home, along with double the capacity of the steam boiler for added pressure and an increased water reservoir capacity.
If you’re at the stage in your coffee-making journey where precision and experimentation are becoming important to you, or if you plan to be very soon, then this is the machine that will help you develop your signature drink. Or perhaps, twelve of them. Excellent value for money, and a significant step up from the Micra.
Tier Three: The GS3 AV
Finally, we have to pay homage to the GS3 AV. This sits at a higher price point, but if it is within your price range, this machine has a lot to offer, making every dollar spent worthwhile.
This is a pared-down version of the commercial Strada, used by café owners worldwide to stay on track during busy shifts. In your home, this machine is designed to thoughtfully take up as little space as possible, maximise footprint, and deliver optimal shots with precise automation. So when you find that perfect balance, you can trust the machine to remember it.
You can also take control with the mechanical pour mechanism, so every cup is in your hands (quite literally).
If you are a complete beginner and just want a machine that will produce excellent coffee, then this price point and level of complexity likely won’t make sense for you. But if you are learning about the rich world of coffee, experimenting, and you want a luxury machine that can keep up, the GS3 AV is for you.
So, which machine is the best value for money? If you’re after a machine that balances budget and experience, you can’t go wrong with the Linea Mini. This is a machine that will grow with you, so you won’t start to feel growing pains as soon as your skills improve.
That said, either of the other machines is an excellent investment. Conduct an honest assessment of your budget, current skill level, and daily needs as a home barista. From there, it’s up to you to decide what ‘worth’ means to you!
Browse the La Marzocco range to find the right home espresso machine.
From companion grinders and espresso machines to accessory sets and more, everything in the La Marzocco range has been engineered for Italian perfection. With old-world mastery and new-world precision, these machines are what every coffee lover needs at home. Explore our range today.
