Interested in learning whether La Marzocco or Slayer is the brand for you?
We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll be comparing La Marzocco vs Slayer.
You’ll discover:
- The history of these two legendary manufacturers
- What La Marzocco and Slayer are best known for today
- How to choose between these brands
- Our selections for some of the best machines from La Marzocco and Slayer
Let’s get started.
History
La Marzocco
La Marzocco’s well-earned reputation for making exquisite top-notch espresso machines goes all the way back to the 1920’s. At that time, they were born in Florence, Italy.
They really put themselves on the map in 1939, when they created the first espresso machine with a horizontal boiler. Ever since, they’ve continued to innovate, using cutting-edge designs like dual boilers.
You can read up on everything about La Marzocco by
Slayer
Compared with many Italian manufacturers, Slayer is a relative newcomer to the espresso scene.
They were founded in the United States in 2007. Despite their youth, however, they’ve created award-winning espresso machines with the best of them.
Their famous Slayer Espresso One Group machine was given the “Best of New Product” award from the Specialty Coffee Association, while their Slayer Steam machine won a similar award from World of Coffee.
If you want to learn more about Slayer as a company, check them out here.
Brand Specialties
La Marzocco
So what makes a La Mazocco machine unique?
For one thing, La Marzocco is an established manufacturer of elite machines. What you get with one of their espresso machines is a guarantee of advanced features and a quality build.
Generally, you’ll also see that most La Marzocco models have a timeless classic appearance. You’ll usually see that they have stainless steel cases, smooth side panels, and a mixture of buttons, switches, or paddles that simply looks classy.
Slayer
With a Slayer espresso machine, you’re getting some of the most intriguing-looking designs on the market today.
The Slayer Espresso, for instance, has one-of-a-kind cross-shaped legs that make it look unlike any other espresso machine in the world. Slayer Steam, on the other hand, has a base that starts at the foot of the machine and curves up behind it, forming a rail.
Looks aside, Slayer models are also known for being carefully crafted by hand in Seattle. You won’t find this personal feel in many other places.
So which is better?
You’ll be able to get a top-level espresso machine from either Slayer or La Marzocco.
However, there are some differences between these two brands that may help you make up your mind.
To begin with, if you’re looking to support a United States-based business, then you’ll love Slayer. Their Steam and Espresso series machines are made by hand in Washington state.
But Italian manufacturers are famous for a reason. Espresso has been a revered art in Italy, and if you’re looking for a manufacturer that demonstrates this expertise, you can’t go wrong with La Marzocco.
Since La Marzocco has been around longer, they also have more options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a home or commercial machine, you’ll be able to find a good fit with them.
Comparatively, Slayer has two current flagship lines: the Slayer Espresso and the Slayer Steam. As their name implies, one focuses on meticulously crafting espresso, and the other specializes in generating milk foam for drinks like cappuccinos.
Although Slayer options are a bit more limited at this point in time, they do have configurations that could also work in a home or a business. On average, their machines lean towards the heavy-duty end of the spectrum that makes them great for commercial settings.
Top La Marzocco Espresso Machines
La Marzocco Linea Mini
The La Marzocco Linea Mini is the perfect example of a home espresso machine created by La Marzocco.
Despite being designed specifically to be small, it comes packed with advanced features. Unlike many other home models, it has a strong double-boiler system that will let you steam and brew simultaneously.
It even has built-in lights by the group head that illuminate the Linea Mini’s workspace, so you can carefully keep an eye on every single shot.
- Machine Type: Semiautomatic Paddle control
- Boiler System: Dual
- Plumbing: Pour-over
- Dimensions: 15 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 21 inches long
- Best Use: Home
- Integrated Group Head: Increases the thermal stability in the group, as it’s attached to the coffee boiler. You won’t need to worry about temperature fluctuations tampering with your espresso on the Linea Mini.
- Barista Lights: Barista lights near the group illuminate the workspace, reducing the risk of spills and giving you a clear visual of each shot you brew.
- Brew Paddle: Enjoy total control over the duration of the brew cycle by moving the iconic paddle from side to side.
- Included Metal Tamper and Steaming Pitcher: With your purchase of the Linea Mini, you’ll receive a metal tamper and matching La Marzocco-branded pitcher. No need to go out and buy these things yourself.
We don't carry the La Marzocco Linea Mini in our store. However, if you find its features appealing, consider our La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II instead. Although it's a volumetric machine, we feel its dual boiler system and compact size make it a viable alternative.
La Marzocco GS3 MP
Classical paddle controls are brought to homes and small businesses with the La Marzocco GS3 MP.
On top of looking timeless, the paddle on top of the GS3 Manual gives you the final say over the development of every single espresso. By moving the paddle from left to right, you can start and stop brewing at any time.
Above the group head sits a periscope manometer that gives you a clear readout on your boiler pressure with just a glance. Beyond looking intriguing, the manometer will tell you when your GS3 is ready to brew with nothing more than a look.
- Machine Type: Mechanical Paddle
- Boiler System: Dual boiler
- Plumbing: Pour-over or direct-connect
- Dimensions: 17.5 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 21 inches long
- Best Use: Home, small restaurant, small office
- Paddle Operation: Looks timeless and lets you pull as long or short of shots as you need.
- Cool Touch Steam Wand: The cool touch steam wand eliminates the risk of burns. Also simplifies machine maintenance, as you won’t need to worry about milk burning onto the end of the wand.
- Periscope Manometer: Using the manometer, you can easily see when the GS3 is ready to begin brewing rather than guessing when. It also doubles as a maintenance indicator by telling you if your machine has a problem reaching the necessary nine bars of pressure.
- Pre-Infusion: Heightens the flavor of each cup by erasing any mistakes made from tamping the espresso improperly.
You can view our La Marzocco collection for alternative La Marzocco machines, as well.
Top Slayer Espresso Machines
Slayer Espresso One Group
If you’re looking for a machine that will stand out from the crowd, look no further than the Slayer Espresso.
In a design that’s utterly unique, its legs are x-shaped and its handles and actuators are made from wood. These traits add up to a look that the Slayer Espresso really can call its own.
Like its name says, this gorgeous machine is designed to make it easy to refine your espresso game. Its innovative needle valve will allow you to control the flow of water to the coffee grounds, increasing the rich flavors in each drink.
- Majesty Coffee Price: $9,500
- Machine Type: Semiautomatic Paddle
- Boiler System: Dual boiler
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 13 inches tall, 18.5 inches wide, and 23 inches long
- Best Use: Home, small business
- Needle Valve: Reduce or increase the flow of water to the espresso easily with the needle valve to experiment with the flavor of each shot.
- Non-Slip Feet: The feet on the Slayer Espresso are designed so that you won’t need to worry about accidentally knocking it over.
- Shot Mirror: An angled mirror by the drip tray makes it a breeze to visually monitor the quality of your espresso.
- PID Temperature Controller: With the ability to adjust the temperature in 0.1-degree increments, you’ll be able to ensure each drink has the best possible taste.
Are lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos the drinks you plan to make the most on your espresso machine? Then the Slayer Steam EP definitely deserves your attention.
Available with two or three groups, this is a machine that can fly through crowds of customer orders effortlessly. Its incredible speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to give up quality, though.
A huge workspace around the drip tray will allow multiple people to work comfortably on this Slayer. Meanwhile, everyone working with the Steam EP will have total control over the temperature of each boiler to ensure each drink is perfectly tailored to your customers preferences.
- Majesty Coffee Price: $15,500 (2 group) or $18,900
- Machine Type: Automatic
- Boiler System: Multiple
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 16.75 inches tall, 34 inches wide, and 27.75 inches long (2-group) or 16.75 inches tall, 43.5 inches wide, and 27.75 inches long (3-group)
- Best Use: Medium to large restaurant, coffee shop, or office
- Programmable Dosing: Program four different drink profiles in each group head beforehand, so all baristas will need to do is turn the paddle on the right brew head to perfectly extract espresso.
- Password-Protected Menus: Put passwords on different menus to protect specific settings from being accidentally changed.
- Large Work Area: With more room to make drinks, multiple baristas can work on the Slayer Steam EP at once for increased productivity.
- Wing Channels: Wires and hoses going everywhere can look messy and be a hazard. With the Slayer Steam EP, you can tuck these wires and hoses away into its wings.
