When you’re searching for an espresso machine for your home or business, one of the first things you look at is brand.
A brand can say a lot about a machine. Each company has its own goals and visions, which are apparent in their products.
You can look at traditional companies with decades of experience, like La Marzocco. Or you can consider newer companies with fresh outlooks, like Synesso.
In this guide, we’ll be comparing and contrasting La Marzocco vs Synesso. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which one suits your style more.
We’ll cover:
- The story behind these two espresso titans
- What La Marzocco and Synesso are known for
- Aspects to determine before you purchase from either one
- Our picks for some of the best machines from either company
Let’s jump in.
History
La Marzocco
There are a handful of espresso machine manufacturers that have withstood the test of time, and La Marzocco is one of them.
Founded almost 100 years ago in Florence, Italy, they have set the gold standard in espresso from the start. A mere decade after their creation, they rocked the espresso world when they designed the first espresso machine with a horizontal boiler.
Ever since, La Marzocco has worked to maintain their position as a leader of their industry.
If their story interests you, take a look at it here.
Synesso
A relative newcomer, Synesso was created in Seattle, Washington in the early 2000’s.
Despite their young age, however, Synesso has demonstrated a strength in designing cutting-edge machines.
Synesso’s belief has been not to mindlessly follow trends, but to listen to the market and build accordingly. As a result, each machine that they meticulously craft in their small Seattle factory is dependable and innovative.
Do Synesso’s ideals catch your eye? For more information on their background and staff, you can check them out here.
Brand Specialties
La Marzocco
All around the world, La Marzocco machines are used in homes and businesses.
The reason for this is that La Marzocco-branded models are typically dependable workhorses. On top of that, they tend to have advanced features that give you maximum control over every shot.
Prosumers and professionals alike report that espresso coming from these machines is great-tasting. Furthermore, many are fans of these machines’ classic old-fashioned looks.
This company has a solid reputation for quality, and you can rightfully demand excellence from their offerings.
Synesso
When it comes to user-friendliness, Synesso reigns.
Nowadays, they have a focus on making intuitive commercial models. Their espresso machines are specifically created to be dependable and easy to learn.
You’ll also find that a Synesso usually looks great. Generally, their designs are sleek, smooth, and modern, appealing to fans of anything chic.
In a nutshell, buying Synesso means getting an easy to learn espresso machine that will have you brewing in style.
Which one should you purchase?
First things first: both La Marzocco and Synesso are highly reputable manufacturers. You’ll get a quality machine from either one of them.
But there are still reasons why one or the other might be better for you personally.
As an example, you can determine whether you prefer the looks of one over the other. La Marzocco has a very distinct appearance to their builds that is overall very classic and traditional.
On the contrary, Synesso models look modern. Commonly, these machines will have rounded edges and long frames that convey a feeling of luxury.
Next, deciding how you’re going to use your espresso machine is important.
Currently, Synesso machines focus on providing power for the kind of brewing needed in a business. So if you want a commercial-level machine, Synesso is worth looking into.
Prosumers looking to make themselves or guests top-notch lattes or cappuccinos from home will love what La Marzocco offers. Many of their espresso machines are luxury home models that will last for years.
It’s important to mention, though, that La Marzocco also makes high-level commercial espresso machines. Coffee shops all over the world have happily used these models for a long time.
Top La Marzocco Espresso Machines
La Marzocco Linea PB
The Linea PB is a prime example of La Marzocco’s commercial-level capabilities.
Like many other La Marzocco designs, the Linea PB has an energetic dual boiler (DB) system. These boilers are massive, so that you can brew and froth countless drinks in a row.
Dual PID temperature controls will let you make adjustments to both the boilers, too. That way, you can use the optimal temperature to brew any kind of blend.
- Machine Type: Automatic
- Boiler: Dual boiler (DB)
- Groups: 2
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 21 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 23 inches deep
- Best Use: Commercial
- Dual Steam Wands: With two steam wands on either end, two baristas can easily make drinks at the same time. That’s twice the output.
- Huge Boiler Capacity: A 3.4-liter coffee and 7-liter steam boiler means the Linea PB can handle your rushes.
- Barista Lights: Lights allow baristas to carefully monitor each shot without straining their eyes.
- Dual PID: The Dual PID makes it possible to accurately alter temperatures in either of the Linea PB’s boilers. With this control, you can optimize the temperature for each blend or accentuate different flavors from the same blend for more options.
La Marzocco Linea Mini
Do you like the sound of an espresso machine that can work from anywhere – not just a business’s counter? Then the La Marzocco Linea Mini is something you’ll be interested in.
Because it’s a pour-over model, it can work just about anywhere there’s an outlet. All you’ll need to do is add water to its reservoir to get brewing.
A sturdy stainless steel construction means it’s a long-lasting machine. You can put the Linea Mini through heavy use and expect it to deliver.
- Machine Type: Semiautomatic paddle
- Boiler: Dual boiler (DB)
- Groups: 1
- Plumbing: Pour-over
- Dimensions: 15 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 21 inches deep
- Best Use: Home
- Large Water Reservoir: The water tank can hold up to 2 liters, so you won’t be interrupted by frequent refills.
- Stainless Steel Construction: The stainless steel build of the Linea Mini is both durable and looks great on your counter.
- La Marzocco Branded Steaming Pitcher: If you’re a fan of La Marzocco, you’ll love the branded pitcher that comes with the Linea Mini. It also keeps you from having to buy a separate milk pitcher.
- Rotary Pump: You can expect longevity from the Linea Mini’s rotary pump. Repairs will be few and far between.
We don't carry the Linea Mini in the Majesty Coffee store. However, we do carry the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II, which is a perfectly suitable alternative. The Mini Vivaldi II is even smaller in size, has two strong boilers powering it, and gives you the ability to tweak the brewing temperature to your liking.
Top Synesso Espresso Machines
Synesso S200
Synesso’s dream of user-friendliness came true in the S200.
Each group head has a paddle that can have two different drink profiles programmed in. As a result, beginning the drink-making process is as easy as moving the paddle from side to side.
Different from other models with steam valves, the S200’s steam can be comfortably initiated with an ambidextrous actuator. Simply move the lever back or forth to control steaming, reducing the risk of wrist strain.
- Majesty Coffee Price: Currently not sold in the Majesty Coffee Store. Prices may vary between other online retailers.
- Machine Type: Automatic
- Boiler: Multiple
- Groups: 2
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 16.9 inches tall, 27.6 inches wide, and 24 inches deep
- Best Use: Commercial
- Ambidextrous Steam Actuators: Left-handed baristas won’t need to struggle to use the S200. Its steam actuators are designed as paddles that can be easily moved back and forth with either hand.
- Low Profile Design: The S200 is built with a low profile that makes it easy to fit it under low-hanging cabinets.
- Adjustable Drip Tray: Adjust the height on the drip tray to accommodate cups of different sizes. This means you can offer your customers more size options.
- Programmable Hot Water Spigot: Program the amount of hot water you need for teas or Americanos into the spigot beforehand to save employees time down the road.
Synesso MVP Hydra
Just like its name, the MVP Hydra is a truly mythical machine. This is the ideal model for experienced espresso experts.
It was created with the intent of helping businesses make consistently delicious espresso every day, week, month, and year. What helps the Hydra achieve this is that you can program six different positions for brewing on each group.
Beyond that, you’ll have the ability to program the pressure during every stage of extraction. Instead of just controlling pre-infusion, you’ll be able to tweak the ramp-up, the full pressure, and ramp-down steps in extraction.
- Majesty Coffee Price: Currently not sold in the Majesty Coffee Store. Prices may vary between other online retailers.
- Machine Type: Automatic + manual dosing options
- Boiler: Multiple
- Groups: 1-3
- Plumbing: Direct-connect
- Dimensions: 21 inches tall, 19 (30 for 2 groups and 41 for 3 groups) inches wide, 24 inches deep
- Best Use: Commercial
- Four Programmable Pressure Stages: You won’t find this level of control over brew pressure very often. Instead of just programming pre-infusion, you’ll be able to adjust three different parts of extraction: ramp-up, full pressure, and ramp-down.
- Separate Lower Side Panel: Accessing the inside of the MVP Hydra for repairs is simple with its special side panel.
- Detailed Timer Display: Above each group head, there’s a brilliant display that will show baristas the timing and pressure for each shot. Users will be able to easily make adjustments to these qualities to customize drinks accordingly.
- Cool Touch Steam Wands: Long days of use don’t have to mean collecting more workplace injuries with the MVP Hydra. Its steam wands remain cool all day.
Want to learn more about commercial espresso machines with multiple boilers? Check out our guide to the best dual boiler machines.
