Are you trying to choose whether to get a La Marzocco or La Cimbali espresso machine?
If you’re not sure where to begin, this guide is a great starting place. We’ll be putting La Marzocco vs La Cimbali.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The origins of La Cimbali and La Marzocco
- Strengths from each brand
- Suggestions on what to think about to help you choose
- Our selections for examples of the best machines from each brand
Without further ado, let’s get started.
History
La Cimbali
With far-reaching roots going all the way back to 1912, La Cimbali is a seasoned company.
They started as a copper processing plant. But everything changed in 1930 when they made their first coffee machine: the Rapida.
After the Rapida, La Cimbali started regularly producing popular espresso machines. They even began building famously easy to use superautomatic machines back in the 1960’s.
Nowadays, you’ll see that many of their machines combine high-tech traits with equally sleek looks. You can read more about La Cimbali’s story and values here.
Are you interested in learning more about superautomatic machines? You can have a look at Majesty Coffee's superautomatic collection.
La Marzocco
Like its competitor in this comparison, La Marzocco was created around a century ago in Italy.
Instead of Milan, however, La Marzocco came into being in Florence. Born in the historical home city of Leonardo da Vinci, they’ve upheld this artistic background in their products.
La Marzocco has always been about innovation. In the late 1930’s, they created the first espresso machine with a horizontal boiler.
While the technology used in their builds has changed, the classical look of their machines has been consistent. To this day, they continue to combine timeless appearances with new features that push the boundaries of espresso into the future.
You’ll find more information on La Marzocco’s history by clicking here.
Brand Specialties
La Cimbali
Innovation is key when it comes to La Cimbali espresso machines.
You’ll find that this manufacturer likes to use the most current technology in their designs. Because of this, La Cimbali machines are usually simple to use.
They’re not focused on making only home or commercial models, either. Among their offerings, there are many machines that could be used in a home or a business.
There’s a common trend in the appearance of La Cimbali machines, too. Usually, they have sturdy stainless steel faces, graceful rounded edges, and long, sleek profiles.
La Marzocco
Right away, one of the first things you’ll notice about La Marzocco machines is their distinct look.
Almost always, they have a classic appearance that hails back to traditional espresso machines. They tend to have smooth side panels, stainless steel faces, and classic features like paddles.
But beyond their looks, La Marzocco is most well-known for the quality of their espresso. Shots pulled on one of these machines are often reported as especially great-tasting.
This may be due to the ingenious features La Marzocco packs into each machine. Most of their models allow for the utmost control over each shot, from pre-infusion to temperature adjustment.
Because of this, skilled baristas can truly make world-class espresso on a La Marzocco.
Which one should you get?
Since you’ve learned a little bit more about the history and strengths of these brands, you’re closer to answering your first question:
Which brand should you get?
The best way to answer your question is to examine yourself. You should think about the qualities that make your situation unique.
One thing you can consider is aesthetic. Do you want your espresso machine to look a certain way?
It may seem shallow, but this can be crucial to a business or home. Both often use decorating schemes that are important to maintain.
A La Marzocco machine will be great for environments with a vintage feel. On the other hand, you’ll get some appealing modern-looking machines from La Cimbali.
Cost is another important consideration. If you’re looking for a more affordable home model, La Cimbali’s Casa is a good example of a budget machine.
La Marzocco, on the contrary, makes luxury machines. Although they can often cost more, they do grant you a large amount of control over your shots.
Top La Cimbali Espresso Machines
La Cimbali Casa
No one wants to invest in something that will break down quickly. If you want a machine for your home or office that will keep going for years, consider the La Cimbali Casa.
For starters, it has a strong stainless steel case. This case both looks great in kitchens and guards the longevity of the machine.
Then there’s the Casa’s rotary pump. Rotary pumps are known for being quiet, and for also working for a long time without needing repairs.
- Majesty Coffee Price: $2,995
- Machine Type: Automatic
- Groups: 1
- Boiler: Heat exchange (HX)
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 17.25 inches high, 12.75 inches wide, and 18.75 inches deep
- Best Use: Home, small restaurant/office
- Stainless Steel Case: The case will match beautifully with your stainless steel appliances while also helping boost the Casa’s longevity.
- Rotary Pump: You won’t need to worry about having to repair or replace the dependable rotary pump soon.
- Boiler Insulation: Because the boiler is insulated, the temperature is more stable for brewing and steaming. This also makes the boiler more energy efficient, as it won’t need to work as hard to stay up to temperature.
La Cimbali M39 TE Dosatron
The M39 TE Dosatron is a prime example of La Cimbali’s use of the latest technology.
There’s proof of this everywhere, even in the Dosatron’s smart boiler. This boiler was created to ensure a constant supply of steam and water during high intensity use.
The Dosatron even allows for remote monitoring with telemetry through a wi-fi connection. You can keep track of the amount of drinks you make, helping you figure out your expenses.
- Majesty Coffee Price: Currently not available in the Majesty Coffee store. Prices may vary among other online retailers.
- Machine Type: Automatic
- Groups: 2-3
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 25.4 inches high, 33.7 (41.5 for the 3-group) inches wide, 22.4 inches deep
- Best Use: Commercial environments
- Smart Boiler: Manages the boiler’s energy so you won’t run out of steam when it really counts.
- Turbosteam Milk4 Wands: Program up to 4 milk recipes into the wands so different amounts of froth will be made for different drinks. This helps make another part of each drink consistently great every time a customer orders.
- Boiler Insulation: The insulation around the boiler makes it so energy efficient, that it uses 23% less energy to stay heated. That translates to lower utility bills.
- Telemetry: Keep an eye on the Dosatron’s daily performance remotely with its wi-fi connection. You’ll be able to keep track of the volume of orders or use it to monitor the machine for any issues needing repairs.
Top La Marzocco Espresso Machines
La Marzocco Linea Mini
Discerning prosumers searching for an espresso machine for their own kitchens should look no further. La Marzocco’s Linea Mini takes the features beloved by baristas internationally to home kitchens.
You’ll get increased thermal stability because of the integrated group head. The group on the Linea Mini is connected to the coffee boiler, reducing heat loss.
On top of that, have you’ll access to a classic paddle brew system. You’ll have total control over the brew cycle, and can easily customize your drinks with extra-short or long shots.
- Majesty Coffee Price: Currently not available in the Majesty Coffee store. You may find it in other online stores.
- Machine Type: Semiautomatic paddle
- Groups: 1
- Boiler: Dual boiler (DB)
- Plumbing: Pour-over
- Dimensions: 15 inches high, 14 inches wide, 21 inches deep
- Best Use: Home
- Integrated Group: Because the group and coffee boiler are connected, you won’t need to be concerned about frequent temperature fluctuations.
- Paddle Controls: The Linea Mini’s paddle both looks traditional and lets you tweak the extraction for different drinks at your leisure.
- Color Options: Available in red, black, white, or stainless steel, the Linea Mini can complement just about any color scheme.
- Barista Lights: No need to be afraid of the dark here – the Linea Mini’s barista lights will clearly illuminate the workspace. You’ll be able to safely brew and steam even in low-light environments.
Like the look of the La Marzocco Linea Mini? Take a look at the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II for a similar option. It's a dual boiler machine with a single group head, as well.
Those whose situations demand a speedier espresso machine might very well meet their match in the Linea PB.
Its coffee boiler can hold up to 3.4 liters, and its steam boiler 7 liters. This means your baristas won’t find themselves having to stop in the middle of a rush to wait on the espresso machine.
A dual PID temperature controller will allow you to alter the temperature in either of its boilers. Because of this, you’ll be able to brew or steam at the optimal temperatures to accentuate any coffee you use.
- 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 environments
- Large Boiler Capacity: The huge capacity of both boilers means you can make drinks continuously without needing a break.
- Dual PID Temperature Controller: With control over the temperature in both boilers, you can optimize brew and steam settings for any blend.
- Eco Mode: Reduce your energy consumption and utility bills with the Linea PB’s eco mode. This function will allow the boiler temperatures to drop to lower points during lulls in business.
- LCD Display: From one display, baristas will have access to shot timers, boiler temperature, and system alerts. No need to hunt through obscure buttons or meters.
Looking for the most inexpensive commercial espresso machines possible? We've got you covered.
Check out our list of the best home espresso machines for under $3000.
