When should you start preparing the venue for the machine?
Ideally right after choosing the model and number of groups, before the bar counter is built. Reworking the electrics or moving the drain after the counter is in place costs more time and stress than planning them from the start.
At a free consultation we give you the data for your configuration: power supply, wattage, dimensions and water requirements. You pass them on to your electrician and plumber. If you are still choosing a machine, start with the guide Which espresso machine for a café? and the number of groups, because the machine's power and width depend on it.
What power supply does a café espresso machine need?
La Marzocco machines in 2-, 3- and 4-group versions run on one of three power options: 200 V single-phase, 220 V single- or three-phase, or 380 V three-phase. The 1-group Linea Classic S and Strada X run on 220 V, single-phase. We choose the power option when ordering, to suit the installation in your venue.
Power rises with the number of groups. Below are the minimum and maximum ratings from the product sheets:
| Model | 2 groups, W | 3 groups, W | 4 groups, W |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linea Classic S | 3350 / 5670 | 4930 / 7790 | 6930 / 9470 |
| Linea PB | 3750 / 5450 | 4930 / 7240 | 6930 / 9470 |
| Linea PB X | 3350 / 5670 | 5830 / 7790 | 6930 / 9470 |
| KB90 | 3350 / 5670 | 5830 / 7790 | 8560 / 9850 |
| GB5 S | 3730 / 5445 | 4930 / 7240 | 6725 / 9470 |
| GB5 X | 3330 / 5670 | 5830 / 7785 | 6725 / 9470 |
| Strada S | 4330 / 5666 | 5830 / 7783 | – |
| Strada X | 4800 / 5666 | 6730 / 7783 | – |
| Leva S | 4700 / 5480 | 5200 / 6780 | – |
| Leva X | 4520 / 5670 | 5120 / 7800 | – |
Our recommendation: the machine on a dedicated circuit, with protection matched to its power, and no extension leads. Grinders, the dishwasher and the bar fridge also need sockets within reach. Agree the scope of work with your electrician, giving them the model, number of groups and chosen power option.
Not sure which power option to choose? We will give you the data for your configuration.
How much counter space does the machine take?
The width depends on the number of groups, and the depth and height on the model:
| Model | Groups | Width, cm | Depth, cm | Height, cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linea Classic S | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 49 / 69 / 93 / 117 | 58,5 | 44,4 |
| Linea PB | 2, 3, 4 | 71 / 95 / 119 | 59 | 53,3 |
| Linea PB X | 2, 3, 4 | 71 / 95 / 119 | 59 | 53,3 |
| KB90 | 2, 3, 4 | 81 / 105 / 129 | 62 | 45 |
| GB5 S | 2, 3, 4 | 77 / 97 / 121 | 64 | 47 |
| GB5 X | 2, 3, 4 | 77 / 97 / 121 | 64 | 47 |
| Strada S | 2, 3 | 83 / 103 | 69 | 50 |
| Strada X | 1, 2, 3 | 53 / 83 / 103 | 69 | 50 |
| Leva S | 2, 3 | 80 / 102 | 64,5 | 77,5 |
| Leva X | 2, 3 | 80 / 102 | 64,5 | 77,5 |
To the machine's width add space for the grinders, knock box, milk jugs and serving area. Check the counter depth: the Strada is 69 cm deep. Pay attention to the height below cabinets and shelves. Most models are 44.4 to 53.3 cm tall, but the Leva S and Leva X are 77.5 cm. Cups usually sit on top of the machine, so leave room above it.
Remember the weight too. The 2-group Linea Classic S weighs 59 kg, and the 3-group Leva 129 kg. The counter and the cabinet below must carry it.
Water supply and filtration
We connect the machine permanently to the water supply. Our recommendations: a cold water connection close to the machine, with a shut-off valve within reach, and space for a filter under the counter. Water affects both the taste of the coffee and the condition of the boilers, so we match the filter to the water hardness in your venue.
Some models help you monitor the water. The Linea PB, Linea PB X, KB90, GB5 S and GB5 X have a sensor that measures the conductivity and hardness of the water entering the machine. Agree the scope of work on the connection with your plumber.
Drain: where and how?
Water from the drip tray flows to the drain, so the machine needs a connection to the waste pipe. Our recommendation: a gravity drain under the counter, with the outlet below the level of the drip tray and access for cleaning. The drain hose should not kink or run uphill.
If the drain is far from where the machine will stand, plan it with your plumber before the bar is built.
Space for grinders and the workstation
The machine is only part of the workstation. In practice every machine needs at least two grinders: one for the espresso blend and one for a second coffee. Plan space for the knock box, milk jugs, an under-counter fridge and room for the barista to move freely. With 2 baristas, each should have their own space at the machine.
We choose grinders together with the machine: Swift, Vulcano, Swan or Jay. You will find them all on the machines and grinders page.
Service access
Leave access to the connections under the counter and to the back of the machine. The technician must be able to reach the valves, filter and drain without dismantling the counter. Tall feet, available as a special order on the Linea Classic S, Linea PB, Linea PB X, KB90, GB5 S and GB5 X, also make it easier to clean under the machine.
On the KB90, GB5 S and GB5 X the steam valve is serviced from the front, without taking the machine apart. This shortens downtime, but good connections under the counter are still worth having.
Downloadable checklist
The venue preparation checklist on two A4 pages: power, water, drain, space, grinders and service access, with a power and wattage table. Print it and give it to your electrician and plumber.
frequently asked questions
Does a café espresso machine need three-phase power?
Not always. La Marzocco 2-, 3- and 4-group machines come in 200 V single-phase, 220 V single- or three-phase and 380 V three-phase versions. We choose the version to suit your venue's installation. The 1-group Linea Classic S and Strada X run on 220 V single-phase.
How much power does a 2-group machine draw?
It depends on the model. The 2-group Linea Classic S is rated from 3350 W to 5670 W, the KB90 the same, and the Strada S from 4330 W to 5666 W. Figures for each model and number of groups are in the table in the article.
Does the machine have to be connected to water and a drain?
We connect La Marzocco commercial machines permanently to the water supply and the drain. You need a cold water supply with a shut-off valve, space for a filter and a drain under the counter.
Is a water filter needed?
Yes. Water affects both the taste of the coffee and the condition of the boilers. We match the filter to the water hardness in your venue. The Linea PB, Linea PB X, KB90 and GB5 have a sensor that measures the conductivity and hardness of the incoming water.
How much space does a 2-group machine take up?
From 69 cm wide for the Linea Classic S to 83 cm for the Strada S, with a depth of 58.5 to 69 cm. Add space for grinders, a knock box and milk jugs. The Leva is 77.5 cm tall, so check the cabinets above the counter.
Who installs the connections?
Your electrician and plumber install the electrical and water connections. We provide the data for the specific model, help you plan the bar, deliver and commission the machine, and go through its operation with your team.
read also
- Linea Mini or GS3? Which one for your home?
- Which espresso machine for an office? Does a traditional one make sense?
- Linea Micra or Linea Mini? Which one for your home?
- Grind-by-Sync: how La Marzocco controls a Mahlkönig grinder
- How to make milk drinks faster in a café
- Espresso machine for a roastery or showroom: how to show off your coffee
- 10 mistakes when buying a café espresso machine (and how to avoid them)
- Espresso machine for a bakery or patisserie: selling coffee alongside your bakes
- Is a more expensive café espresso machine worth it?
- New espresso machine in your café: a barista training plan for the first month
- Espresso grinder for a café: on-demand or doser, and how many you need
- ABR drip tray scales or AV dosing? When the extra cost pays off
- Espresso machine service: what it covers, how often, and when to call a technician
- Café espresso machine leasing: lease, rent or buy?
- La Marzocco in Warsaw: Tekla, Doza and Wandal
- Specialty café: which espresso machine to choose? What a specialty café needs
- Opening a café? An equipment plan, step by step
- Dual boiler, saturated group, independent boilers: what they change in the cup
- When to replace your café espresso machine? 5 signs
- Water for espresso machines in venues: hardness, filtration, boiler protection
- Espresso machine cleaning and backflush: a schedule for your team
- Espresso machine for a restaurant or hotel: what to look for
- Which espresso machine for a café? A guide to La Marzocco machines
- Linea Classic S, Linea PB, KB90 or Strada? A comparison
- AV, ABR, EE, MP: what La Marzocco machine versions mean
- How many groups does your venue need?