The La Marzocco Linea Mini is one of the best single-group espresso machines on the market. That much is certain. In terms of precision and power, no other machine can rival this small dual boiler, modeled after the legendary Linea Classic. And yet, the Linea Mini leaves a few things to be desired to make it the perfect all-round 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, a review of the successor model, the Linea Mini-R, has been published on our site. The Linea Mini-R replaces the previous Linea. The "R" stands for "Restyle."
Disclaimer: you can buy the Linea Mini from us in Switzerland. You should know that. Nevertheless, and true to ourselves, we objectively highlight the machine's strengths and weaknesses.
Came to perform: Temperature performance par excellence
It's a joy! Lever on, machine starts, and the performance is spot on. The Linea Mini delivers temperature consistency both during extraction and from shot to shot. Because it was going so well, our tester Michel Aeschbacher couldn't stop pulling shots. Following our classic temperature test protocol, the temperature consistency during extraction had an average standard deviation of 0.39. We based this on seconds 5 to 25 of the extraction.
Such a small fluctuation over 6 consecutive shots is really good! This allows for precise brewing of any coffee. In our classic test protocol, we brew espresso every 60 seconds. After the Linea Mini performed so well, we wanted to know more and increased the frequency of the shots. But even with a shot every 30 seconds, the machine's performance does not change. It remains constant.
Also good to know: the Linea Mini gets going significantly faster than most heat exchanger machines in our test series – although certainly not as fast as a thermoblock. In about 15 minutes, the Linea Mini is essentially up to temperature.
Weight and dimensions of the La Marzocco Linea Mini
The Linea weighs an impressive 32 kg and measures 35.8 cm in width, 45.3 cm in depth, and 37.7 cm in height. The dual boiler can be connected to the main water supply but must be prepared accordingly. The steam boiler holds 3.5 liters and the brew boiler 0.17 liters. The water tank has a volume of 2.5 liters. The brew group is saturated. Both the boiler and the casing are made of stainless steel.
In the first hour of espresso extraction, the Linea Mini consumes 0.47 kw/h of energy. This is quite a lot compared to heat exchanger espresso machines, which fluctuate around 0.3 kw/h, or a thermoblock, which sometimes consumes less than 0.1 kw/h.
The very good temperature consistency despite the small boiler is due to its design. Temperature regulation only begins during extraction. The brewing water is preheated by flowing through the steam boiler. A temperature of 85 degrees Celsius is aimed for, which is subsequently reached by adding cold water if it stands for a longer period in the heat exchanger. At this temperature, the brewing water enters the brew boiler, which is located directly above the brew group, and is brought to temperature there.
Steam power for the masses
If 1000 guests were in front of me and I could only choose one single-group machine for steaming milk, the Linea Mini would be my machine. The steam power would presumably not falter even with the last cappuccino. A 0.6-liter pitcher can be steamed in just 15 seconds.
Since the steam power cannot be easily adjusted by the home barista, learning to handle such power is necessary. For a barista accustomed to commercial machines, the Linea Mini will feel like everyday business. For newcomers, there is a learning curve. However, this is also true if a machine has too much power.
It is important not to create too much coarse foam when inserting the steam wand. Otherwise, it can be difficult to manage. On the other hand, the powerful steam of the cool-touch steam wand is also suitable for a good rolling phase. This ensures beautiful Latte Art.
Internet of Things and an anachronistic temperature dial
La Marzocco has arrived in the present with its new espresso machines. This means "Internet of Things," WLAN connectivity, and smartphone control. What is natively implemented in currently released machines seems like a compromise in the Linea Mini to make an older machine future-proof without too much effort.
Don't get me wrong: temperature control via phone is a really good step that makes the Linea Mini better. Nevertheless, the concept is not fully implemented. The old temperature control dial on the side of the machine does not move when the temperature is adjusted digitally and therefore indicates a different temperature than the phone. Accidental turning of the temperature dial overwrites the digital setting. Adjusting the digital control overwrites the manual dial.
Clearly, two worlds are clashing here, and it is not yet clear which direction it will take.
Very practical about the app, for example, is that the machine can be switched on automatically at specific times using a start control, or even remotely from bed.
Not all possibilities of the app are fully utilized, but more on that now. Important: unlike what is said in the video review, there is a shot timer in the app itself (no brew control).
The missed opportunity – a machine for small catering businesses
Given the machine's astonishing precision, its great consistency even under load, both for brewing and steaming, the large drip tray, and overall performance, we want to exclaim: the Linea Mini is perfectly suited for small cafes or restaurants with low coffee turnover that still demand quality. The Linea Mini can essentially compete with its big brother, the La Marzocco GS3, for 2000 Euros or Swiss Francs less.
But... for that, we would need volumetric water control and not an alibi lever.
Because no, the plastic lever on the front of the Linea Mini is not suitable for flow rate control or pressure profiling like the lever on the GS3 MP or the Lelit Bianca, but merely for switching on and off. Yes, it looks and feels like it is – but it is nothing more than an on-off switch.
And here, the app doesn't step in and give us the option of specific volume control. Not even time control is provided.
This happens manually with the Linea Mini, via a scale. This is enjoyable when we do it for ourselves. There is a certain ceremonial satisfaction in this manual fiddling. But I wish so much that an optional control possibility would stop a shot. Simply stop after X seconds. But it's not to be. And with that, the Linea Mini misses so much...
Conclusion
The Linea Mini test leaves me both enthusiastic and frustrated. The Linea Mini is a magnificent espresso machine that can brew perfect coffee and offers out-of-this-world steaming capability. It has significantly improved through IoT, although the current version still leaves some potential untapped. It consumes too much electricity and is an overperformer for home use due to its potential.
At this point, I'm almost a little annoyed with La Marzocco. The Linea Mini performs so well in our test that it can stand right next to the GS3 in terms of performance. Perhaps the GS3 has a bit more oomph and endurance at higher frequencies. But that is negligible. For me, the big pro for the GS3 next to the Linea Mini remains the volumetric control of the water quantity. And I have to say, I find the extra price simply outrageous!
