La Marzocco

Name: La Marzocco
Brand: Italy
Availability: OutOfStock

since 1927 : A Legacy of Precision Espresso Craftsmanship

Founded in Florence in 1927 by brothers Giuseppe and Bruno Bambi, La Marzocco began life as the Officina Fratelli Bambi, a small workshop producing bespoke espresso machines. The brand took its name and emblem from Florence’s guardian lion, the Marzocco, a symbol of independence and strength. From the outset, La Marzocco distinguished itself by pairing Italian artistry with mechanical ingenuity, helping shape the way espresso was crafted and enjoyed.

As espresso consumption rose across Italy, the Bambis responded with innovations that redefined the industry. Their focus on ergonomics and precision elevated machines from industrial tools into cultural icons — instruments of both utility and beauty.

Technological Milestones That Shaped Espresso

La Marzocco’s influence is marked by a string of pioneering inventions. In 1939, it patented the first machine with a horizontal boiler, a design breakthrough that improved barista workflow and multi-group efficiency, which today is a global industry standard. The Poker series of the 1960s introduced diaphragm-pressurized piston extraction, while the GS series of 1970 cemented La Marzocco’s reputation with dual boilers and saturated groups, delivering unmatched thermal stability and earning accolades for quality.

By the early 2000s, the brand continued to lead with the GB5 (2005), integrating PID temperature control for extraordinary brewing consistency. Each milestone demonstrated La Marzocco’s ability to blend engineering excellence with user-focused innovation, setting benchmarks competitors would follow.

From Florence Workshop to Global Brand

Even as it expanded into a global powerhouse, La Marzocco retained its artisan spirit. Every machine is still hand-assembled in Tuscany, undergoing rigorous testing before leaving the workshop. In 2021, the company joined the De’Longhi Group, gaining the infrastructure of a multinational while preserving its independent design ethos. The result is a rare balance: traditional craftsmanship supported by modern business scale.

Commercial & Home Product Evolution

For decades, La Marzocco has been synonymous with the world’s cafés. The Linea Classic, GB5, Strada, KB90, and other lines became staples of specialty coffee shops and competitions, even powering Starbucks’ rise before the chain moved to mass-production machines. Among professional baristas, La Marzocco remains the gold standard.

In recent years, the brand has brought its technology into the home. The Linea Mini (2015) offered café-level performance in a kitchen-friendly form, winning Best New Product at SCAA. The Micra (2022) made the experience even more accessible with Wi-Fi connectivity, compact dual boilers, and convertible portafilters — redefining what home espresso could be.

Design, Experience & Cultural Impact

Under the influence of Piero Bambi, Giuseppe’s son, La Marzocco developed a reputation for pairing innovation with elegance. Machines were not only technical marvels but also aesthetic objects, designed for both baristas and technicians. This philosophy lives on at the Accademia del Caffè Espresso in Scarperia, part factory, part cultural hub, where education, art, and coffee culture converge.

In 2024, La Marzocco collaborated with Porsche on a limited-edition Linea Micra, producing just 911 units. The design incorporated analog-inspired pressure dials and brushed aluminum finishes, merging two icons of engineering into one statement piece.

Reputation & Industry Standing

La Marzocco has earned a reputation as the pinnacle of espresso craftsmanship. Known for its durability, sleek design, and unwavering precision, the brand is trusted by the world’s best cafés and sought after by home enthusiasts who value professional performance. Today, owning a La Marzocco machine is more than a purchase; it’s a symbol of design, culture, and the pursuit of perfect espresso.