La Marzocco Linea Mini Espresso Machine

La Marzocco mini 2023 review

The machine definitely would get five stars for its style and the app functionality. The app is actually quite impressive. Couple things that kept me from giving five stars are the following. At this price point, not having a direct plumbing kit included is absurd. To make it even worse, paying for the kit does not include installation by La Marzocco. It actually was shipped in a separate box and I was told to find someone to install it. Was it hard? Not really, but taking a brand new machine apart (it literally does require it to install the kit)on day one is kind of dumb. My other disappointment is having plastic part inside of the portafilter. I’ve had several espresso machines that cost half as much and all had stainless steel portafilter. At this price point, I shouldn’t have to worry about microplastics getting into my espresso shots.

The linea mini takes making home espresso drinks to a completely different level. We all know this machine or its multi group head equivalents from the coffee shops we frequent…or used to frequent. If you are a competent home barista, buy this machine, get third wave mineral packets and distilled water and a solid grinder, and you will probably never want an espresso drink out agan.

I love this machine. The espresso it makes is better than what I’ve had at most coffee shops in Portland, Oregon and the coffee in Portland is amazing. The steam wand is also so powerful. I steam milk in less than 20 seconds. Just really impressed. I also enjoy that I can schedule using my phone. It’s always ready to go first thing in the morning and goes on standby automatically. I hope the machine lasts a long time. Time will tell.