If you want an espresso machine you can rely on, you can’t go wrong with La Marzocco or La Pavoni.
But how do you decide which brand is better for you?
We wrote this guide to answer that exact question. We’ll discuss the ins and outs of these two brands so you can choose between them.
This is what you’ll discover:
- La Marzocco’s and La Pavoni’s background
- What each brand’s strengths are
- Considerations before choosing an espresso machine
- Our choices for some of the top machines from either company
Let’s dive right in.
History
La Marzocco
Formed in 1927 in Italy, La Marzocco is one of the oldest espresso machine manufacturers in the world.
One of the things they proudly note is their historical heritage. Their birthplace, Florence, was the home city of illustrious artists Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
And just like da Vinci, La Marzocco has proven their inventiveness. In 1939, they built the first espresso machine with a horizontal boiler – a design used widely today.
So what are they up to now? Nowadays, La Marzocco makes elite espresso machines and continues to hold a place of prestige in the industry.
Want to get more in depth with La Marzocco’s history? Click here for their story.
La Pavoni
With La Pavoni, you’re getting over a hundred years of experience.
Their first machine was created in Milan by an engineer named Desiderio Pavoni in 1905. This machine, called the l’Ideale, which translates to “the ideal,” was a historic development.
The fact La Pavoni is still producing industry-topping machines today is proof of their brilliance. They continue to make creative designs people around the world know and love.
Even some of our most popular home and commercial machines bear the La Pavoni name.
If you want to learn more about La Pavoni’s past, take a look at their background here.
Brand Strengths
La Marzocco
Coffee lovers around the world have heard the name La Marzocco.
Why? Simply because countless coffee shops have produced beloved drinks on one of these machines.
Aside from creating quality shots, La Marzocco machines are known for being reliable. Usually, when you purchase from them, you don’t need to worry about making expensive repairs all too often.
Their image is another thing that’s recognizable. Although they have propelled the industry forward with their innovations, La Marzocco crafts machines with an unmistakably traditional look.
The impression they give is one of all things old-fashioned – and this is far from a bad thing. Many simply adore the enduring charm of La Marzocco’s designs.
La Pavoni
Like La Marzocco, La Pavoni is a manufacturer steeped in time-honored traditions.
To pay homage to their history, they produce gorgeous lever-operated home espresso machines. These types of machines put the maximum control over the brewing process into your hands.
Of course, they also look remarkable. And using one of these types of machines is essentially like hand-crafting your beverage.
But they’re not limited to domestic machines at all. Among their creations, you’ll discover powerful commercial machines that are immensely popular.
You can even find a lever-operated commercial-level espresso machine if you’re a fan of that design.
Click here for our complete La Pavoni collection if you’d like to see more about what they have to offer.
Which one is better for you?
Before we go any further, it’s important to mention that La Marzocco and La Pavoni are fantastic companies. They’re both some of the most experienced ones in the industry today.
Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll end up with a machine that you can proudly display to your guests and customers.
So how do you figure out which one is better for you? In short, there are many different things you can factor in.
To begin with, you can consider the look of a prospective espresso machine. While you shouldn’t judge one completely based on looks alone, the appearance really can matter – especially if you’re a business with a carefully cultivated atmosphere.
Specialty coffee shops, for example, might find that a lever-operated model fits right in. La Pavoni creates excellent lever-controlled options that would be right at home in that case.
If you want the classic look, but don’t like levers, you should think about La Marzocco. Many of their machines radiate a vintage and professional air.
Skill level and how you intend to use the machine should also be defined. If you’re a beginner at home, one of La Pavoni’s lever configurations could be a bit overwhelming.
On the contrary, you might find that La Marzocco’s home machines are easier to adjust to and master.
In the end, the surest way to pick the one that’s best for you is to examine each brand and machine through the lens of your own unique requirements.
Top La Marzocco Espresso Machines
La Marzocco Linea Mini
The Linea Mini will have you making lattes like a professional in no time.
Its brew paddle lets you manage the duration of the brew cycle. Because of this, you’ll be able to freely experiment with a variety of flavors even from one blend.
Pre-programmed pre-infusion will also work to enhance your drinks. If you’re a beginner, what pre-infusion will do is erase any mistakes you made tamping.
The result is a more balanced extraction every time.
- Machine Type: Semiautomatic paddle
- Boiler: Dual boiler (DB)
- Groups: 1
- Plumbing: Pour-over (2 liter reservoir)
- Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 15 (L x W x H)
- Best Use: Home
- Pre-Infusion: A soft stream of water before the full pressure of extraction smooths out any channeling that could harm the flavor of the shot.
- Paddle Operation: The brew paddle looks timeless and allows you to completely control the duration each shot is pulled for.
- Rotary Pump: The Linea Mini’s rotary pump runs quietly, so you can use the machine at any time without disturbing your household.
- Integrated Group Head: Stabilizes the temperature of the Linea Mini so untimely cold pockets don’t render a shot undrinkable.
Unfortunately, we don't have the Linea Mini in the Majesty Coffee store. However, we strongly suggest checking out the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II as another option. Like the Linea Mini, it has a strong dual boiler system and a small footprint that makes it easy to fit in on any countertop.
Want a La Marzocco with a little more power for a business? Then the Linea PB is just what you need.
This machine has a generous 3.4-liter coffee boiler and 7-liter steam boiler. With large boilers like these, you won’t need to worry about your machine running out of steam when you’re busy.
You won’t be sacrificing quality with the Linea PB’s speed, though. The Dual PID temperature controller will allow employees to fine-tune the temperatures in both boilers to highlight the flavors in your most popular coffee blends.
- Machine Type: Automatic
- Boiler: Dual Boiler (DB)
- Groups: 2
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 23 x 28 x 21 (L x W x H)
- Best Use: Commercial
- Barista Lights: Employees will be able to safely work in low-light environments due to the Linea PB’s barista lights.
- Large Boiler Capacities: You’ll never run out of steam when it counts with the huge 7-liter steam boiler.
- Dual PID Temperature Controls: With control over the temperature in both boilers, you can ensure the brewing conditions are perfect for your beans.
- Dual Steam Wands: Two steam wands make it possible to froth twice as much milk. You could feasibly have two employees steaming at the same time to increase productivity.
Top La Pavoni Espresso Machines
La Pavoni Bar-Star 2V
With just a look, you can tell that La Pavoni’s Bar-Star 2V means business.
Its two groups and steam wands comfortably accommodate two employees at once. With two baristas at the machine, each customers’ wait time will be drastically reduced.
The Bar-Star also comes equipped with a gigantic 14-liter heat exchange boiler. This boiler is energy-efficient and lends the Bar-Star power it needs to steam back-to-back orders without breaking a sweat.
- Majesty Coffee Price: $6,500
- Machine Type: Automatic (volumetric)
- Boiler: Heat exchange (HX)
- Groups: 2
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 22 x 31 x 21 (L x W x H)
- Best Use: Commercial
- Extra-Large Boiler: The Bar-Star’s 14-liter boiler can keep going all day long.
- Anti-Vacuum Steam Valves: Saves you time on steam wand maintenance by preventing milk from getting sucked back in and forming clogs.
- Telescopic Side Handles: If you need to transport the Bar-Star for cleaning or maintenance, you can use the side handles as easy grips.
- Group Brass and Chrome Construction: The press-forged brass and chrome plating of the group head prevents any messy dripping.
Fans of traditional lever controls will love the Bar T.
This La Pavoni lever-operated machine was designed to bring the classic character of levers to businesses. With two group heads, you’ll be able to brew quickly and stylishly.
Aside from its old-fashioned elegance, the copper heat exchange boiler is naturally efficient at conducting heat and is antimicrobial. This machine won’t need a break from steaming in the middle of a morning rush.
- Majesty Coffee Price: $5,400
- Machine Type: Lever
- Boiler: Heat exchange (HX)
- Groups: 2
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 29 x 21 x 21 (L x W x H)
- Best Use: Commercial
- Flexible Steam Wands: Re-position the steam wands however you need to froth at the optimal angles.
- Copper Boiler Construction: The copper build makes the boiler better at conducting heat and naturally antimicrobial for greater sanitation.
- Independent Radiator Hydraulic System: Continuously circulates water through the boiler to maintain a consistent temperature for brewing.
