Are you trying to decide whether your next espresso machine will be a La Marzocco or Faema?
Both these brands have terrific options. It can be hard to choose between them, so we’re here to help you make that decision.
In this guide, we’ll put La Marzocco vs Faema. We’ll put their details under a magnifying glass for you and examine each one carefully.
This is what we’ll reveal:
- The history that shaped La Marzocco and Faema
- What you can expect from either brand
- How to determine which one is best for you
- Our choices for some of the top machines from each company
History
Faema
In 1945, a man named Carlo Ernesto Valente opened a coffee machine factory in Milan. It was this very factory that became the Faema we know today.
Throughout their lifespan, Faema has been inspired by the zeitgeist of the day. During the time of humanity’s first ventures into space, they made espresso machines named after outer space, like the Saturno.
However, don’t let this fool you into thinking they’re followers. In 1961, Faema designed a machine that used a volumetric pump to extract espresso, effectively replacing lever-operated models.
Today, Faema continues to push the envelope with both superautomatic and traditional espresso machines. For this reason, their motto is fittingly, “express your art.”
You can learn more about Faema's backstory right here.
We didn’t include superautomatic machines on this list. But if your interest is piqued, you can look at our superautomatic collection here.
La Marzocco
Italy was also the birthplace of the legendary La Marzocco in 1927.
You could say that they were something of a trendsetter from the beginning. A mere twelve years after their birth, La Marzocco created the very first espresso machine with a horizontal boiler.
Now, these boilers are a standard in coffee shops around the world – all thanks to La Marzocco.
These days, they strive to introduce prime espresso machines to homes and to businesses. Their near century of experience shows in every effort they make.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the story of La Marzocco, you can find more here.
Brand Specialties
Faema
Drawing inspiration from the changing world is Faema’s greatest strength.
Their espresso machines will typically use the best of the best when it comes to modern brewing techniques. The names of their espresso machines will be equally impressive.
Currently, Faema’s concentration has been on superautomatic and traditional espresso machines. Whichever type you’re more interested in, Faema has it.
Furthemore, their superautomatic and traditional machines have qualities that make them accessible to any skill level. This includes smart boilers guaranteeing you have the steam power you need at all times or autosteam wands frothing milk for you.
La Marzocco
If you’ve done much research on espresso machines, you’ve heard the name La Marzocco.
There’s a good reason for that. These machines have a hardcore fan base around the world for their ability to consistently produce top-notch shots.
You can expect a La Marzocco machine to keep going for years. They’re sturdily built, incorporating durable metal elements over plastic.
Generally, these machines will also give you the tools to make minute adjustments to every step of the brewing process. You’ll usually have options to change things like the temperature and duration of pre-infusion on them.
Which one is best for you?
In many ways, La Marzocco and Faema are a lot alike.
For instance, they’re both tried and true Italian manufacturers. Also, they both have brought inventive changes to the world of espresso.
That’s why it can be hard to choose between them. It may come down to a matter of personal preference.
As a starting point, you can decide if there’s a certain look you prefer. La Marzocco machines are well-known for their old-time looks that would complement a specialty coffee shop nicely.
On the contrary, Faema machines come in a huge variety of styles. Usually, they’re long and polished-looking.
Most of them would pair well with kitchens in businesses or homes that use a lot of stainless steel appliances.
Obviously, where you’re planning to use the machine is important, too. Many of Faema’s machines will thrive in a commercial settings.
La Marzocco, on the other hand, prides themselves on making tip-top home models. However, they also have a few commercial-level options for businesses looking to take advantage of their solid reputation.
Top Faema Espresso Machines
Faema E61 Legend 1 Group
The E61 Legend was an espresso machine for the ages. This was the first design to use a volumetric pump to apply pressure to the espresso, eliminating the need for a lever.
The fact that you can still buy this beloved design today is a testament to its endurance. Part of that can be contributed to its long-lived stainless steel body, and a few updates.
Even just by looking at the E61 Legend, you can tell it’s a classic. It has rounded sides and a shielded cup shelf that give it a timeless charm.
- Majesty Coffee Price: Currently not available in our store. Prices may vary among other online retailers.
- Machine Type: Semiautomatic
- Groups: 1
- Boiler: Heat exchange (HX)
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 22.2 inches high, 21.3 inches wide, 21.9 inches long
- Best Use: Home, small office/restaurant
- Stainless Steel Construction: Stainless steel contributes to the Legend’s elegance and protects your investment.
- Preinfusion: By gently soaking your espresso before extraction, preinfusion gets rid of any flaws in the tamping. This adds up to a more consistent full-bodied flavor every time.
- Cup Storage: A shelf is built on the Legend, so you can save storage space elsewhere by keeping your cups right on top of the machine. No need to worry about knocking the cups over, either – a secure wall is built around the shelf.
Faema Emblema
Searching for a beautiful machine that won’t be left in the dust by the demands of your business? The Faema Emblema could be exactly what you need.
Available with 2, 3, or even 4 groups, the Emblema can exponentially increase your productivity.
Even its boiler was designed with rigorous use in mind. The smart boiler optimizes its steam and brewing water capacities, so that baristas can maintain high productivity during rushes.
- Majesty Coffee Price: Currently not available in our store. Prices may vary among other online retailers.
- Machine Type: Available as semiautomatic or automatic
- Groups: 2-4
- Boiler: Heat exchange (HX)
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 24.1 inches high, 22.2 inches wide, and 31.5 (39.4 for 3 groups and 47.2 for 4 groups) inches long
- Best Use: Commercial setting
- Smart Boiler: The boiler will maintain its own capacity, so your productivity won’t ever drop when you’ve got lines of customers.
- LED Lights: Lights built into the side of the Emblema will prevent employees from spills or injuries by illuminating the workspace.
- Autosteam Milk Frother: Program up to 4 milk recipes into the steam wand. This will save employees time, as they’ll just need to choose from the frothing options and let the steam wand handle it.
Top La Marzocco Espresso Machines
La Marzocco Linea Mini
Home espresso enthusiasts can’t do much better than the Linea Mini.
The brew paddle gives you the ability to tailor each drink to your preference. By moving it from side to side, you can begin and end extraction at any time you want.
Meanwhile, the integrated brew group protects your espresso from random temperature fluctuations. That’s because the group is attached to the coffee boiler, minimizing any heat loss during brewing.
- Majesty Coffee Price: Not currently available in our store.
- Machine Type: Semiautomatic paddle
- Groups: 1
- Boiler: Dual boiler (DB)
- Plumbing: Pour-over
- Dimensions: 15 inches high, 14 inches wide, and 21 inches deep
- Best Use: Home
- Brew Paddle: The brew paddle is easy to operate and gives you power over the brew cycle.
- La Marzocco Branded Milk Pitcher: Along with your purchase of the Linea Mini, you’ll get a beautiful matching La Marzocco-branded pitcher. You won’t need to worry about getting one of your own.
- Temperature Adjustment Wheel: Make changes to the temperature at any time by turning the wheel on the left side of the machine. You’ll get the most of each blend by being able to use temperature to shape the flavor.
- Hot Water Spigot: Need a cup of tea? You can use the hot water spigot on the Linea Mini to get the water you need for a comforting tea or hot chocolate.
If you find yourself drawn to the Linea Mini, our La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II is a high-quality alternative. It's also designed for compact spaces and it has a powerful dual boiler system that will have you speedily whipping up drinks in no time.
With the La Marzocco Linea PB, you’ll have no problem breezing through lines of orders.
Its two groups and two steam wands mean that two baristas could make drinks at the same time. Double the productivity means a shorter wait and happier customers.
Inside, the Linea PB is bolstered by a 3.4-liter coffee boiler and 7-liter steam boiler. You won’t need to worry about this machine running out of energy even during your busiest times.
- Majesty Coffee Price: $16,300
- Machine Type: Automatic
- Groups: 2
- Boiler: Dual boiler (DB)
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 21 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 23 inches deep
- Best Use: Commercial
- Two Steam Wands: With an extra steam wand, baristas will be capable of frothing more milk at once, shortening customer wait times during a rush.
- Dual PID Temperature Control: Electronically fine-tune the temperatures in both the coffee and steam boiler to guarantee optimal brewing conditions.
- Large Boiler Capacity: Two gigantic boilers will guarantee the Linea PB can speedily build beverages all day long.
- Barista Lights: Dimming the lights isn’t a problem for the Linea PB. Built-in barista lights will cast the workspace in a clear light so quality doesn’t dip in dim environments.
