La Marzocco Espresso Machines (Best of 2026)
Getting a La Marzocco espresso machine is a good decision if you’re upgrading your home espresso gears. But it also means you’ll be 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 2026
La Marzocco is a well-known and reputable brand that manufactures quality commercial and home espresso machines. 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.
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GS3 Auto Volumetric |
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Strada EE |
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La Marzocco GB5S Volumetric |
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Linea Mini |
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1. GS3 Auto Volumetric
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 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
Dimensions: 21.4” H x 29” – 48” W x 25.2” 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 are machines destined for commercial use.
The 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. La Marzocco GB5S Volumetric
Dimensions: 21.4” H x 29” – 48” W x 25.2” D
- Group heads: 2, 3, or 4
- Boiler: 114.9 oz 169 oz,, 114.9 oz x 67.6 oz
- Steam boiler: 236.6 oz – 371.9 oz – 507.2 oz
The La Marzocco GB5S is an upgrade on the original 2005 machine and it comes in 2, 3 and 4-group variations. The machine combines precision engineering with advanced technology to deliver exceptional espresso.
What makes it stand out is top-of-the-class temperature stability. The machine comes with a re-engineered internal water path and dual PID — for both coffee and steam boilers. You can electronically control the temperature on both boilers.
The PID controllers ensure there aren’t any temperature variations, and the barista gets consistent shots.
Overall, La Marzocco thought of everything that streamlines the barista’s workflow. They included partially exposed group heads, control over the boiler temperature, brewing volume, and even dimmable barista lights. Finally, the machine has double-walled insulated steam wands to prevent burns. Plus, two baristas can work simultaneously during busy shop hours.
4. Linea Mini
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, is the home version of the Linea Classic. The Linea Mini, Linea PB, and the new La Marzocco Linea Micra were created to bring the La Marzocco brand’s famous quality to the masses (2). The Linea Mini used to be the smallest machine of the brand until the La Marzocco Linea Micra was launched in November 2022.
At Home Brews Coffee, we think the La Marzocco Linea mini is the best prosumer espresso machine for many good reasons. It has a PID-controlled dual boiler design, and an integrated brew group allows the temperature stability of a saturated brew group in a more compact frame. It’s steam pressure is also on point, which is of no surprise since it has the same commercial steam wand and system 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 coffee machine.
Commercial or home use?
If you’re buying for a busy cafe, you need a commercial espresso machine. Most commercial espresso machines 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.
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 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?
La Marzocco’s products deserve our closer attention. 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 machines, 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 pull shots of espresso coffee instead of manual manipulation of levers.
The Verdict
Our all-around favorite La Marzocco 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/blog/the-cafe-equipment-buying-guide-espresso-machines/
