What is the difference between AV and ABR?

AV measures the dose by volume: the barista presses a button and the machine delivers a programmed amount of water. ABR measures the beverage weight: drip tray scales and the Drip Prediction algorithm end extraction at the target number of grams in the cup.

Does the ABR version need a separate scale?

Not under the cup. The scales are built into the drip tray. To weigh ground coffee you'll still need a scale or a grind-by-weight grinder, such as the La Marzocco Jay with scale.

Can an EE version be changed to AV later?

You choose the version when ordering, so it's worth matching it to your team before you buy. Ask us about changing it after purchase for the specific model.

Which version is best for a café?

Most often AV: it gives a repeatable serving from every barista and is simple to use. For a specialty café working with recipes in grams, ABR. EE and MP are chosen by experienced teams.

AV, ABR, EE, MP: La Marzocco machine versions

Q: What does MP mean on the Linea PB?

MP is the version with a conical paddle on each group. The barista gradually increases flow and pressure before extraction starts at full pressure. Pre-infusion can be done on one group while the other is brewing espresso.

Where do the version names come from?

In the La Marzocco catalogue, the letters after the model name, for example Linea PB AV or KB90 ABR, mainly tell you how the espresso is dosed. The boilers are the same; what changes is whether the dose is measured by the barista, by the machine by volume, or by the machine by beverage weight.

So the version isn't an add-on you can buy later. It's worth choosing it deliberately, to suit your team and menu.

What does AV mean?

AV is the version with programmable doses, meaning volumetric dosing. The barista saves a dose to a button and then starts extraction with a single press; the machine stops it once the programmed volume has been delivered. On the Linea Classic S, the AV version also has a digital timer above the group button.

What it means in your venue: every barista serves the same portion, even at peak time and with a changing team. It's the most popular version in cafés, restaurants and hotels.

What does ABR mean, and do you need a separate scale?

ABR is the version with scales built into the drip tray. The Drip Prediction algorithm stops extraction the moment the target beverage weight is in the cup. So the recipe is set in grams, not by volume.

You don't need a separate scale under the cup. ABR versions are available for the Linea PB, Linea PB X, KB90, GB5 S, GB5 X and Strada S. The Strada X has drip tray scales as standard. We recommend ABR for specialty cafés that work with recipes in grams and change coffees often.

Torn between AV and ABR? Let's talk about your menu and team.

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What does EE mean?

EE is the version without programmable doses. The barista starts and stops extraction, and the machine looks after the temperature. On the Linea Classic S, the EE version is programmed on the electronics board, and the AV version with the buttons of the left group.

EE versions are available for the Linea Classic S and GB5 S. It's the choice for an experienced team that controls every extraction by hand anyway, and for venues where simplicity matters more than automation.

What does MP mean on the Linea PB?

MP is the Linea PB version with a conical paddle on each group. The paddle gradually increases flow and pressure before extraction starts at full pressure. You can pre-infuse on one group while the other is brewing espresso. The result is less channelling and a more balanced extraction.

MP is the version for baristas who want to control pre-infusion by hand. It is available only on the Linea PB.

Strada X modes and the single Leva version

The Strada X has no versions, just three operating modes on the same machine: Manual, with pressure controlled by hand using the paddle; Profile, with saved pressure curves; and AV, with set pressure and a target beverage weight. The Leva S and Leva X come in one version, with a lever. On the Leva X, the barista adjusts pre-infusion, volume and pressure on each group.

Which models come in which versions?

Versions based on La Marzocco product data sheets.
Model	Groups	EE	AV	ABR	MP	Notes
Linea Classic S	1–4	yes	yes	–	–
Linea PB	2–4	–	yes	yes	yes
Linea PB X	2–4	–	yes	yes	–
KB90	2–4	–	yes	yes	–
GB5 S	2–4	yes	yes	yes	–
GB5 X	2–4	–	yes	yes	–
Strada S	2 or 3	–	yes	yes	–
Strada X	1–3	–	AV mode	–	–	Manual, Profile, AV modes; drip tray scales
Leva S	2 or 3	–	–	–	–	one version: lever
Leva X	2 or 3	–	–	–	–	one version: lever

How do you identify a machine's version?

The version is part of the full model name on the product sheet and in the quote, for example Linea PB ABR or GB5 S EE. On the machine itself you can tell by the details: ABR versions have scales in the drip tray, and MP versions have a paddle on each group. On the Linea Classic S, the AV version has a digital timer above the group button.

With a used machine, ask the seller for the full model designation and serial number. Every La Marzocco machine has a laser-engraved serial number. Send it to us and we'll help you check the model and version.

Which version should you choose?

Changing team, classic menu: AV. The same serving from every barista.
Specialty café, recipes in grams: ABR. The machine stops extraction at the target weight.
Experienced barista, simple operation: EE on the Linea Classic S or GB5 S.
Manual pre-infusion: MP on the Linea PB.
Pressure profiles and full control: Strada X with Manual, Profile and AV modes.

If you're still choosing a model, start with our guide Which espresso machine for a café? and the comparison of the Linea Classic S, Linea PB, KB90 and Strada. We choose the version last, to suit your team.

av, abr, ee, mp: what do the versions mean?