La Marzocco Commerical Espresso Machines

la marzocco: a legacy of espresso innovation

espresso was first brewed in turin, italy, in 1884; however, it was in florence that a wave of inventors, machinists, and entrepreneurs began to shape the future of espresso machines. among these pioneers was giuseppe bambi, who crafted his first “fiorenza” espresso machines for clients in the 1920s. his early successes led him to collaborate with his brother bruno, and in 1927, the bambi brothers founded la marzocco, a company dedicated to perfecting the art of espresso machine manufacturing. the name "la marzocco" is derived from the symbol of florence: a lion standing atop a shield with a fleur-de-lis crest, representing victory—an aspiration the brothers held dearly.

early innovations and challenges

la marzocco quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and innovation. in 1939, the company patented the first espresso  maker featuring a horizontal boiler. this groundbreaking design allowed for more group heads to be attached to the machine compared to the traditional vertical boiler models. the horizontal boiler not only improved the efficiency of the brewing process but also simplified operation, enabling baristas to engage more effectively with customers during busy service periods. this design has since become an industry standard.however, the onset of the second world war brought production to a standstill, threatening the very existence of la marzocco. the post-war era presented significant challenges, including economic instability and difficulty in sourcing machinery and raw materials. in 1945, la marzocco rebounded by patenting a semiautomatic mechanism that further simplified the barista's workflow, allowing for easier pressure release from the portafilter. this innovation helped the company regain its footing in the competitive espresso machine market.

the rise of lever machines

the 1950s marked a significant turning point in espresso technology, characterized by the introduction of lever machines. these machines utilized a spring mechanism to activate a piston, forcing water through the coffee grounds at high pressure. this method not only transformed the traditional brewing process but also enhanced the flavor profile of espresso, resulting in a richer taste and a more pronounced crema—the creamy foam atop a well-pulled shot of espresso. the lever machine technology has since become a hallmark of quality espresso extraction.in 1964, la marzocco launched the poker series of hydro-compression machines. unlike lever machines, these machines utilized a diaphragm that was inflated by steam pressure generated by the boiler to lift and press during brewing. this innovation further diversified the espresso maker landscape, offering baristas new ways to extract flavors from coffee.

the vulcano grinder and the gs series

in 1968, giuseppe bambi introduced the award-winning "vulcano" grinder, which provided baristas with greater control and customization over their grind settings. this advancement allowed for improved grind consistency, crucial for achieving the perfect espresso extraction.by 1970, la marzocco had patented its first series of professional semiautomatic, double-boiler machines, known as the gs series. the term "gs" stands for "gruppo saturo," italian for "saturated group." this innovative design featured brew groups directly attached to the boiler, creating a continuous circulation of water and maintaining a stable temperature throughout the brewing process. this separation of coffee extraction from steam production significantly improved coffee quality, setting a new standard in the industry.

global expansion and recognition

the 1980s and 1990s saw la marzocco solidify its presence in the international market. the company’s linea commercial espresso machines became a staple in coffee shops worldwide, including nearly all starbucks locations for many years. this widespread adoption highlighted la marzocco's reputation for reliability and quality in high-volume settings.from 2000 to 2008, la marzocco served as the official espresso machine sponsor of the world barista championship (wbc), an esteemed international competition that promotes excellence in coffee and awakens the barista profession. this partnership not only showcased la marzocco's machines but also reinforced its commitment to advancing coffee culture globally.

the linea mini and modern innovations

in 2015, la marzocco expanded its offerings with the introduction of the linea mini, a compact machine designed specifically for home espresso enthusiasts. the linea mini embodies the design and performance characteristics of la marzocco's commercial machines, featuring high-quality technological components reimagined for residential use. with this model, la marzocco aimed to bring the experience of café-quality espresso into the home, making it accessible to coffee lovers everywhere.today, every commercial espresso machine from la marzocco is a testament to years of technical innovation and craftsmanship. all la marzocco boilers are equipped with insulation, enhancing energy efficiency by approximately 20%. the linea pb model features advanced programming that allows the machine to enter a “stand-by” mode, further improving energy efficiency. la marzocco is committed to incorporating such features into future models, reflecting its dedication to sustainability.

advanced features and pressure profiling

one of la marzocco's standout offerings is the strada ep commercial espresso machine, which features fully programmable pressure profiling. this technology grants baristas unprecedented control over the pressure of both water and steam during extraction. by adjusting these variables, baristas can highlight different flavor components in the coffee, resulting in a more balanced and nuanced shot. this capability allows for the production of rounder, softer espressos that accentuate brightness, sweetness, and delicate flavor notes.

commitment to sustainability

la marzocco is not only a leader in espresso maker technology but also a company deeply committed to sustainability and global citizenship. the company generates electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity, fulfilling 100% of its electrical needs. an innovative program, monitored daily by an energy brain, allows la marzocco to gather precise data on its carbon footprint and continuously improve its environmental impact.in addition to renewable energy initiatives, la marzocco strives to design machines with minimal environmental impact. the company prioritizes the use of sustainable materials, components, and packaging that can be recycled. furthermore, la marzocco adheres to a waste tracking system to manage materials that cannot be recycled, ensuring responsible disposal and resource management.

kaldi's partnership with la marzocco

at kaldi.com, we take pride in offering la marzocco espresso machines, standing alongside a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation in coffee-making excellence. by providing these high-quality machines, we aim to empower coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike to create exceptional espresso experiences. la marzocco's journey from a small workshop in florence to a global leader in espresso machine manufacturing is a testament to the bambi brothers' vision and dedication. as the company continues to innovate and adapt to changing market demands, it remains a cornerstone of the specialty coffee industry, inspiring baristas and coffee lovers around the world.