Introduction
The La Marzocco Linea Micra is a compact, easy-to-use home espresso machine that promises the powerful performance synonymous with the La Marzocco name. As a scaled-down version of the renowned Linea Classic S, the Linea Micra is designed to bring the café experience into the home, featuring a dynamic set of functionalities within a small, stylish body.
Design and Aesthetic
The Linea Micra boasts clean lines and a timeless aesthetic, drawing inspiration from a long legacy of espresso icons. Available in seven different colors, this machine can elevate any kitchen to café status, making it not just a functional appliance but a statement piece in your home.
Features and Performance
Ready, Set, Brew One of the standout features of the Linea Micra is its ease of use. The machine offers a quick heat-up time, a straightforward setup, and all the essential tools needed to craft café-quality espresso at home. This makes it ideal for both novices and experienced baristas looking to streamline their morning routine.
Temperature Stability The Linea Micra ensures consistent brewing temperature through its dual boilers, integrated grouphead, and PID control. This commercial-grade temperature stability guarantees that every shot of espresso is brewed to perfection.
Essential Features
- Convertible Portafilter: The three-in-one portafilter is easy to clean and versatile, allowing you to switch between single-spout, double-spout, and bottomless configurations.
- Brew Paddle: Combining the timeless design of a mechanical paddle with the reliability of an electric switch, the brew paddle activation enhances the brewing experience.
- Insulated Steam Wand: The newly designed steam wand is powerful yet cool to the touch, making milk steaming both safe and efficient.
- Drip Tray: A secure, magnetic drip tray is easy to remove and keeps your countertop clean.
- Easy-Fill Reservoir: The 2-liter water reservoir is self-contained and easily accessible, eliminating the need for plumbing.
- Hot Water Spout: The convenient spout simplifies rinsing the portafilter between shots.
- Barista Lights: LED lighting illuminates your extraction, showcasing the beauty of each espresso shot.
- Power and Connectivity: The machine’s electrical power is compatible with standard home outlets, and it can be controlled via the La Marzocco Home App. This app allows you to adjust temperature, control settings, schedule auto-backflush, and power the machine on and off remotely.
Technical Specifications
- Height: 34 cm / 13 in
- Width: 29 cm / 11.5 in
- Depth: 39 cm / 15.5 in
- Weight: 19 kg / 42 lbs
- Wattage: 1600W (110V) to 1850W (220V)
- Coffee Boiler Capacity: 2.5 liters
- Steam Boiler Capacity: 1.6 liters
Pros and Cons of the La Marzocco Linea Micra
Pros
- Compact Design: Fits into smaller kitchen spaces without compromising functionality.
- High-Quality Performance: Offers powerful performance suitable for serious espresso enthusiasts.
- Temperature Stability: Ensures consistent and precise temperature control with dual boilers and PID.
- Versatile Portafilter: Three-in-one convertible portafilter accommodates different brewing preferences.
- User-Friendly Features: Quick heat-up time, easy setup, and an easy-fill water reservoir.
- Connectivity: Control the machine via the La Marzocco Home App for added convenience.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Available in seven colors to enhance any kitchen’s visual appeal.
- Advanced Steam Wand: Insulated steam wand is powerful and cool to the touch.
- Additional Features: Includes a magnetic drip tray, hot water spout, barista lights, and brew paddle.
Cons
- Price: Premium price tag may not be justifiable for casual coffee drinkers.
- Learning Curve: Mastering all features and achieving perfect brew may require time and practice.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance and cleaning can be time-consuming.
- Water Reservoir Size: The 2-liter water reservoir may require frequent refilling.
- Power Consumption: High wattage potentially impacts electricity usage.
- Weight: At 19 kg, the machine is heavy and less portable.
- Limited to Home Use: Not suitable for commercial environments.
- App Dependency: Some advanced features are only accessible through the La Marzocco Home App.
Rivals Comparison Table
| Feature | La Marzocco Linea Micra ($3400) | Rocket Appartamento ($2900) | Breville Oracle Touch ($3200) | ECM Synchronika ($3300) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Design | Fits smaller spaces | Compact but slightly larger | Compact but bulkier | Compact yet slightly larger |
| High-Quality Performance | Excellent performance | High performance | High performance with additional automation | Exceptional performance |
| Temperature Stability | Consistent with dual boilers, PID | Good with heat exchange system | Excellent with dual boilers and PID | Excellent with dual boilers and PID |
| Versatile Portafilter | Three-in-one convertible | Standard double-spout | Limited flexibility with standard portafilter | Three-in-one convertible |
| User-Friendly Features | Quick setup and easy-fill reservoir | User-friendly but longer heat-up time | Highly user-friendly with touch screen controls | User-friendly with moderate learning curve |
| Connectivity | La Marzocco Home App control | No app control | Limited app control | No app control |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Available in seven colors | Limited color options | Limited color options | Limited color options |
| Steam Wand | Insulated, powerful, and cool to touch | Standard steam wand | Automated steam wand | High-quality steam wand |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance required | Moderate maintenance | Automated cleaning cycle | Regular maintenance required |
| Weight | 19 kg / 42 lbs | 20 kg / 44 lbs | 16 kg / 35 lbs | 30 kg / 66 lbs |
| Power Consumption | 1600W (110V) – 1850W (220V) | 1200W | 1800W | 1400W |
| Water Reservoir | 2 liters, easy-fill | 2.5 liters, easy access | 2.5 liters, easy access | 2.8 liters, easy access |
Summary
The La Marzocco Linea Micra is a premium home espresso machine priced at $3400, designed to fit into smaller kitchen spaces without compromising on performance. It offers excellent temperature stability with dual boilers and PID control, and a versatile three-in-one portafilter. User-friendly features such as quick setup, an easy-fill water reservoir, and app connectivity through the La Marzocco Home App add convenience. Available in seven colors, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of any kitchen.
In comparison, the Rocket Appartamento ($2900) offers high performance and good temperature stability with a heat exchange system but lacks app connectivity and has fewer color options. The Breville Oracle Touch ($3200) combines high performance with advanced automation and user-friendly touch screen controls but offers limited portafilter flexibility. The ECM Synchronika ($3300) provides exceptional performance with dual boilers and PID control, a versatile portafilter, but no app control and is the heaviest among the compared machines.
Overall, the La Marzocco Linea Micra stands out for its compact design, app connectivity, and aesthetic versatility, making it a top choice for those seeking a high-end home espresso experience.
Conclusion
The La Marzocco Linea Micra is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and performance. Its compact design and powerful features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy café-quality espresso at home. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or just beginning your espresso journey, the Linea Micra offers the tools and technology to perfect your brew every time. With its blend of aesthetic appeal and advanced functionality, the Linea Micra truly brings the café experience into the home kitchen.