When you invest in an espresso machine, you want one you can rely on.
It’s never a bad idea to go with a seasoned Italian manufacturer. Companies like La Marzocco and Elektra have decades upon decades of experience behind each design.
If you’re not sure which of these brands to go with, we’ll help you out. In this guide, we’ll analyze La Marzocco vs Elektra.
You’ll find out:
- The story behind La Marzocco and Elektra
- What things these brands are most well-known for
- Tips on how to decide which one to buy from
- Our choices for some of the best machines from both brands
History
Elektra
Family has always been a driving force for Elektra. In 1947, they were created in Italy by the Fregnan family, who were passionate about espresso.
Their goal from the start was to create stunning and well-made machines. Whereas competitors focused on constantly using the latest technology, Elektra continued to use and improve classic designs.
Even now, the company is still owned by the same family. And in this world where automation rules, the Fregnan family continues to believe in individually and carefully building every single machine.
Does their story sound intriguing to you? Check out their full history.
La Marzocco
If what you want is a company with tons of experience, you’ll undoubtedly be interested in La Marzocco.
Created in 1927 in Florence, Italy, La Marzocco has had almost 100 years to perfect their craft. Although it certainly didn’t take them long at all to begin shaping the industry.
In 1939, they were the first ones to create an espresso machine with a horizontal boiler. To this day, that design is used in businesses everywhere.
La Marzocco is about innovation, and they continue to lead the world of espresso forward. If you’d like to read more about their journey, you can take a look at them here.
Brand Specialties
Elektra
One thing you can expect from just about any Elektra machine is that it’ll be a showstopper.
Elektra makes very distinct espresso machines. A lot of them have a traditional tower-shaped frame with a majestic eagle perched on top.
Additionally, you can expect an Elektra to be made from durable metal materials. Because they’re not built from fragile plastic, they’re also long-lived.
Last but not least, this company prides themselves on hand-crafting each machine. Since everyone is meticulously and individually built, you can safely demand a higher level of quality from them.
The Elektra models in our store all demonstrate these unique traits.
La Marzocco
What are you getting when you choose La Marzocco?
For one thing, you’re getting almost a century of knowledge behind each machine. Because of this experience, La Marzocco machines implement the most advanced features.
As a rule, they tend to have things that help you control the temperature and extraction of each shot. La Marzocco machines are typically designed to permit experienced users to experiment with flavors.
Anything La Marzocco-branded usually has a one-of-a-kind look, too. You can almost tell right away when an espresso machine is theirs because of its square and traditional appearance.
Reliability is another thing you can attribute to La Marzocco. You can rightfully expect a long lifespan with virtually any one you pick.
Which one should you buy?
La Marzocco and Elektra have such different focuses from each other that choosing between them isn’t too difficult.
There are many fans of Elektra’s eagle designs. If you’re someone who wants a home espresso machine with that iconic eagle on top, you should go with an Elektra.
Likewise, Elektra is the choice for you if you prefer the old-fashioned tower build.
One thing to keep in mind with these machines, though, is that they are designed to be shining centerpieces. So if you need something that can squeeze under cabinets, these may not be the ones for you.
Be sure to think about your or your employees’ proficiency, too.
Pick La Marzocco if you need a compact commercial or home model that’s easy to use. Most La Marzocco machines use semiautomatic or automatic features that are forgiving for beginners.
But on the other hand, select an Elektra if you want an espresso machine that uses a lever. Elektra makes outstanding lever-operated models that look amazing once you learn how to use them properly.
Top Elektra Espresso Machines
Elektra Micro Casa Semiautomatica
Learning to use a manual lever machine can no doubt be tough. The Micro Casa Semiautomatica is a fantastic compromise for beginners who like the look of Elektra machines.
You’ll still get to enjoy the distinct beauty of one of their hand-crafted designs. However, you’ll also get the user-friendliness that comes with semiautomatic models.
It works with a simple button. To begin and end the brew cycle, just push the button – no struggling to apply the correct pressure with a lever.
- Majesty Coffee Price: $2,258
- Machine Type: Semiautomatic
- Boiler: Heat exchange (HX)
- Groups: 1
- Plumbing: Pour-over
- Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 23 (L x W x H)
- Best Use: Home
- Three-Way Solenoid Valve: No more risk of splattering yourself with burning coffee grounds. The solenoid valve will de-pressurize the portafilter for you before you remove it.
- Simple Controls: With only 3 total buttons, you won’t have to memorize a bunch of different controls.
- All-Metal Shell: With brass, chrome, or copper options, the Semiautomatica is made for longevity.
- Water Level Sight Glass: It can be hard to remember when to add water to a pour-over machine. The solution is the Semiautomatica’s sight glass, which allows you to easily tell when you need to add water.
- Gorgeous Design: The lustrous metal case and soaring eagle on top makes this a machine you can feel proud to show off to your friends.
Despite its name, the Mini Verticale is a force to be reckoned with.
Stunning looks aside, it’s full of convenient features. For instance, it comes with a built-in cabinet for storing your cups, so they don’t take up cupboard space.
It’s also easy to control. It has only two main buttons for use: a steam button and a brew button, so you have exactly what you need to make delicious shots.
- Majesty Coffee Price: $2,977
- Machine Type: Semiautomatic
- Boiler: Single boiler
- Groups: 1
- Plumbing: Pour-over
- Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 27 (L x W x H)
- Best Use: Home
- Indicator Lights: You won’t need to guess when the machine is ready to steam. Its indicator light will tell you.
- Brass Boiler Construction: The brass used to make the boiler resists corrosion, lengthening the machine’s lifespan.
- Adjustable Steam Valve: With an easy turn of a valve, you can precisely dictate the steam power used to froth your milk.
- Cup Storage: Save some cupboard space by storing cups right inside the Mini Verticale.
- Remarkable Appearance: With its shining metal case and smooth tower shape, the Mini Verticale is unquestionably a showpiece.
Top La Marzocco Espresso Machines
La Marzocco Linea Mini
Many of the features loved in coffee shops are packed into the Linea Mini.
For example, it’s a semiautomatic machine. This is the type preferred by experts around the world because you get to choose when the brew cycle begins and ends.
Furthermore, it boasts a ton of steam power. A 3.5-liter steam boiler makes it possible for the Linea Mini to fly through drink after drink.
- Machine Type: Semiautomatic paddle
- Boiler: Dual boiler (DB)
- Groups: 1
- Plumbing: Pour-over
- Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 15 (L x W x H)
- Best Use: Home
- Brew Paddle: Using the Linea Mini is simple. Just move the paddle on the top from side to side to start or stop brewing.
- Barista Lights: Visually monitoring your espresso for any defects is crucial. With these barista lights, the workspace will be brightly illuminated so you can detect any issues with the shot instantly.
- Metal Tamper and La Marzocco-branded Milk Pitcher: The Linea Mini automatically comes with a durable metal tamper and a La Marzocco-branded steaming pitcher. That means once you have your espresso selected and ground, you’re ready to brew.
- Stainless Steel Build: High-quality stainless steel construction boosts the lifespan of the Linea Mini, preserving your investment.
Note: We no longer carry La Marzocco machines in the Majesty Coffee store. If you'd like something similar to the Linea Mini, we strongly recommend the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II, which is also a dual boiler machine with an especially compact footprint.
La Marzocco GS3 Volumetric
New to espresso? That’s not an issue for the La Marzocco GS3 Volumetric.
As a volumetric machine, you won’t need to worry about timing each shot. The GS3 will use pre-programmed settings to handle the dosing for you, so you get the same taste every time.
It also comes with programmable pre-infusion, a feature that’s incredibly forgiving for beginners. If you’re still perfecting your tamp, pre-infusion will smooth out any errors before extraction.
- Machine Type: Automatic (volumetric)
- Boiler: Dual boiler (DB)
- Groups: 1
- Plumbing: Pour-over or direct-connect
- Dimensions: 21 x 16 x 15 (L x W x H)
- Best Use: Home, small office/restaurant
- Plumb-In Convertibility: Don’t have time to keep stopping for water refills? You can plumb in the GS3 so that it refills itself for you.
- Programmable Pre-Infusion: You think of pre-infusion as a sort of insurance for your espresso. If you unevenly tamp your grounds, pre-infusion will settle them for an even extraction.
- Cool Touch Steam Wand: On top of protecting you from burns, the steam wand is easy to clean because milk won’t stick to the end.
Note: Majesty Coffee does not carry the La Marzocco Linea Mini or GS3 Volumetric at this point in time. If the GS3 Volumetric appeals to you, consider the La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi II instead. It's also an automatic machine with a single group head and dual boilers.
Be sure to take a look at our La Marzocco collection to see what else we have to offer.
