la marzocco: espresso machines handmade in florence

La Marzocco has been making espresso machines since 1927. The name comes from the Marzocco, the lion that is the symbol of Florence. The factory is in Scarperia, 30 km north of the city.

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Yellow La Marzocco Linea PB in a café, close-up of the groups and cups

five questions buyers ask

Clear answers, no generalities.

01

will it last?

Fewer surprises after commissioning. Before the machine left the factory, it had already run for several hours.

  • Every boiler is made of AISI 316L stainless steel and hand-welded using the TIG method.
  • A pressure test well above normal operating pressure, lasting several hours.
  • Before shipping, the machine is assembled, switched on and runs for several hours. Sensors and pressure gauges are calibrated.
  • Random re-testing of packed machines. The quality department: 16 product specialists and 2 system specialists, 285,000 parts inspected in the last year.

Boilers are welded by a team of 14. Welding a single boiler takes at least an hour.

02

will the coffee always taste the same?

The first espresso in the morning and the hundredth at peak time are brewed at almost the same temperature.

  • Saturated groups: the GS patent from 1970. The group is connected to the boiler and water constantly circulates through it.
  • Less than 0.5°C difference between consecutive espresso shots.
  • Independent boilers per group: two coffees at two temperatures.
  • Drip tray scales (ABR): the extraction ends at the target weight.

Saturated groups: Linea Classic S, Linea PB, GB5 S, Strada, Leva. Independent boilers: Linea PB X, GB5 X, KB90, Strada, Leva X.

03

what if it breaks down?

Shorter downtime and spare parts available for years.

  • Spare parts and service for at least 10 years after a model is discontinued.
  • The steam valve is serviced from the front, without dismantling the machine.
  • The KB90 shares many components with the Linea PB.
  • USB port for software updates. La Marzocco designs its electronics and firmware in-house.

Front-serviced steam valve: KB90, GB5 S, GB5 X.

04

can the team keep up at peak times?

Faster service for the queue and less cleaning during the shift.

  • Straight-in portafilter: 12 times less strain on the barista.
  • Steam Flush: the group is purged with steam and rinsed with hot water after every extraction.
  • Large steam boilers: strong, continuous, dry steam even at peak times.
  • Pro Touch steam wands stay cool to the touch.

Straight-in and Steam Flush: KB90. Steam Flush, with Straight-in as an option: Strada X.

05

will guests notice?

A recognisable brand and a bar where the barista can talk to guests.

  • The Linea Classic was used by Starbucks from 1990 to 2005.
  • Official sponsor of the World Barista Championship from 2000 to 2008.
  • The Strada S has a low body that makes it easier to connect with guests. The Modbar is installed under the counter.
  • Custom RAL colours, and machines built to order in the Officine Fratelli Bambi workshop (at least 9 months).

RAL customisation: Linea PB and PB X, GB5, KB90, Leva X, Strada.

since 1927

Today La Marzocco is part of the De'Longhi Group. The brand is aiming for net zero emissions by 2050, and the factory runs on 100% certified green energy.

1927

Officine Fratelli Bambi

Giuseppe Bambi and his brother Bruno open a workshop in Florence.

1939

Horizontal boiler

A patent that allows more groups to be fitted. Today an industry standard.

1970

The GS model

The first espresso machine with dual boilers and saturated groups.

1990-2005

Starbucks

The chain uses the Linea Classic for fifteen years.

2000-2008

WBC sponsor

Official sponsor of the World Barista Championship.

2009

Scarperia and the Strada

A new factory 30 km north of Florence and the launch of the Strada.

2025

European Coffee Awards

Best European Brand in Traditional Coffee Equipment, Berlin.

2026

B Corp

A score of 84.4 against a threshold of 80. The first espresso machine manufacturer with this certification.

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