The La Marzocco Linea Mini is one of the best single-group espresso machines on the market. That much is clear. In terms of precision and power, no other machine can match the small dual boiler, which is modeled after the legendary Linea Classic. Yet the Linea Mini leaves a lot to be desired, making it the perfect all-around machine.
This test report, as well as a short and a detailed review, summarizes the findings of our two testers, Michel Indelicato and Benjamin Hohlmann.
In the meantime, we've published a review of the successor model, the Linea Mini-R . The Linea Mini-R replaces the previous Linea. The "R" stands for "restyle."
Disclaimer: In Switzerland, you can buy the Linea Mini from us . You should know this. Nevertheless, and we're true to ourselves, we'll unreservedly highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the machine.
Come to perform: Temperature performance par excellence
It's a joy! Pull the lever, start the machine, and the performance is perfect. The Linea Mini delivers consistent temperature both during extraction and from extraction to extraction. Because things were going so well, our tester, Michel Aeschbacher, couldn't stop and pulled one extraction after the other. Following our standard temperature test protocol , the temperature consistency during the extraction averaged 0.39 standard deviation. We based this on seconds 5 to 25 of extraction.
Such a low fluctuation over six consecutive brews is really good! This allows each coffee to be brewed precisely. In our standard test protocol, we brew an espresso every 60 seconds. After the Linea Mini performed so well, we wanted to know more and increased the brewing frequency. But even with a brew every 30 seconds, the machine's performance doesn't change. It remains consistent.
Another good thing to know: the Linea Mini gets going much faster than most of the dual-circuit models in our test series —although not as quickly as a thermoblock , of course. The Linea Mini is essentially up to temperature in around 15 minutes.
Weight and dimensions of the La Marzocco Linea Mini
The Linea weighs a considerable 32 kg and measures 35.8 cm wide, 45.3 cm deep, and 37.7 cm high. The dual boiler can be connected to the mains water supply, but requires appropriate preparation. The steam boiler holds 3.5 liters, and the brewing kettle holds 0.17 liters. The water tank has a volume of 2.5 liters. The brewing group is saturated. The kettle and the housing are made of stainless steel.
In the first hour of espresso brewing, the Linea Mini consumes 0.47 kW/h of energy. That's quite a lot, compared to dual-boiler espresso machines, which hover around 0.3 kW/h, or a thermoblock, which sometimes consumes less than 0.1 kW/h.
The excellent temperature consistency despite the small boiler is due to structural reasons. Temperature regulation only begins during the brewing process. The brewing water is preheated by passing through the steam boiler. The target temperature is 85 degrees Celsius, which is subsequently achieved by adding cold water during extended brewing time in the heat exchanger. At this temperature, the brewing water enters the brewing boiler, which is located directly above the brewing group, where it is heated to the correct temperature.
Steam power for the masses
If I were hosting 1,000 guests and could only choose one single-group machine for frothing milk, the Linea Mini would be my machine. Its steam power would likely not give up even with the last cappuccino. It froths a 0.6-liter pot in just 15 seconds.
Since the steam power can't be easily adjusted by the home barista, handling this much power requires some learning. For a barista accustomed to commercial machines, the Linea Mini will feel like everyday business. For newcomers, there's a learning curve. However, it's also a learning curve if a machine has too much power.
It's important that too much coarse foam isn't created when inserting the milk wand. Otherwise, it's difficult to get back under control. On the other hand, the powerful power of the Cold Touch steam wand is also ideal for creating a good rolling phase. This ensures beautiful latte art.
Internet of Things and an anachronistic temperature wheel
La Marzocco has entered the present with its new espresso machines. This includes the Internet of Things, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smartphone control. While features are natively implemented in current machines, the Linea Mini seems like a compromise that makes an older machine future-proof without too much effort.
Don't get me wrong: controlling the temperature via phone is a really good step that makes the Linea Mini better. However, the concept isn't fully implemented. The old temperature control dial on the side of the machine doesn't move when the temperature is digitally adjusted, and therefore displays a different temperature than the phone. Accidentally turning the temperature dial overrides the digital setting. Adjusting the digital control overrides the manual dial.
There are obviously two worlds fighting with each other and it is not yet clear which direction it should go.
A very practical feature of the app is, for example, that the machine can be switched on automatically at certain times using a start control, or even remotely from bed.
Not all of the app's features are fully utilized, but more on that now. Important: contrary to what the video review says, the app itself has a shot timer (not a reference control).
The missed opportunity – a machine for small catering
Given the machine's astonishing precision, its great consistency even under load, both in brewing and frothing, its large work surface, and its overall performance, we can only shout: the Linea Mini is perfect for small cafes or restaurants with low coffee sales that still demand quality. The Linea Mini can essentially compete with its big brother, the La Marzocco GS3 , in this regard, and for €2,000 or more less.
But… for that we would need a water flow control and not an alibi lever.
Because no, the plastic lever on the front of the Linea Mini isn't designed for flow rate or pressure profile control like the lever on the GS3 MP or the Lelit Bianca, but rather just for turning it on and off. Yes, it looks and feels like it—but it's nothing more than an on/off switch.
And here, the app doesn't intervene and give us the option to control specific quantities. There isn't even a time control.
With the Linea Mini, this happens manually, using a scale. It's a joy when we do it for ourselves. There's a certain ceremonial satisfaction in this manual nitty-gritty. But I wish so much that there was an optional control option that would stop a dispensing. That would simply shut off after X seconds. But it's not meant to be. And that means the Linea Mini is missing out on so much...
Conclusion
My test of the Linea Mini left me both enthusiastic and frustrated. The Linea Mini is a fantastic espresso machine that can brew perfect coffee and offers unparalleled foaming capabilities. It has been significantly improved thanks to IoT, although the current version still has some untapped potential. It consumes too much power and, given its potential for home use, is an overperformer.
At this point, I'm almost a little annoyed with La Marzocco. The Linea Mini performed so well in our test that it ranks right next to the GS3 in terms of performance. Perhaps the GS3 has a bit more oomph, a bit more staying power, at higher frequencies. But that's negligible. So, for me, the GS3's big advantage, alongside the Linea Mini, is the volumetric control of the water flow. And I have to say, I find the extra cost simply outrageous!
