La Marzocco stands for cult espresso machines that thrill the barista community. With the La Marzocco Pico, the Florentine manufactory introduces its first proprietary grinder development for the home barista. We have tested the espresso grinder and present it in the video.
La Marzocco approached us before the market launch and requested a video. We purchased the Pico ourselves as always (around 1,159 euros), and there was no advance preview or content guidelines. All measured values come from our test protocol for espresso grinders – the Pico is grinder number 52 in the field.
Buy La Marzocco Pico
The following specialty retailers stock the La Marzocco Pico, and we can recommend purchasing a grinder from these businesses. They all offer the option to adjust the grinder's retention.
Germany: Stoll Espresso, Lücke Technik
*We search for specialty partners you can trust, ones we know provide good work and service. We maintain close contact with these retailers. These are affiliate links. If you order through these links, it costs you nothing extra, but we receive a small commission that we reinvest in new testing equipment. We continue working to find competent partners for you in the DACH region.
What do we test on the Pico?
Our test protocol for espresso grinders is clearly defined. The Pico is grinder number 52, which we examine according to our established measurement protocol and place in the context of espresso grinders for home use. With the La Marzocco Pico, we're also interested in comparing it with La Marzocco's own definition, which positions the grinder as a counterpart to the Linea Micra and Linea Mini. You can find more about the brand in our La Marzocco overview.
What does that mean? We expect a design language that matches the iconic form of both espresso machines. La Marzocco stands for high-quality components and longevity. The Micra in particular is a modern interpretation of a dual-boiler espresso machine. So can we also expect innovation from the Pico? Let's take a closer look.
A La Marzocco Linea Grinder?
We stand in front of our Pico, and it's next to the Linea Micra. And honestly, we're taken aback. Because from the front, the relationship to the Linea series is only visible on the sides. The front of the Pico is designed with high-quality-looking plastic, but doesn't pick up the color and design language of the Lineas. Even one of the best portafilter holders doesn't change that.
Only when we stand behind the grinder and espresso machine – the perspective that many café guests have from the other side of the counter – does the unmistakable red "La Marzocco" on the white Pico mark the connection to the Linea series. From the back, the grinder looks well done, even though angles and edges represent their own interpretation.
At home, though, we usually stand in front of the machine, not behind it. So these design choices feel somewhat backwards. However, if you have your grinder positioned, for example, in the middle of a kitchen island, it will definitely make an impression.
The similarity of the La Marzocco Pico to grinders like the Baratza Sette or Swift Mini is unmistakable. Both were developed by Etzinger, the latter on behalf of La Marzocco. La Marzocco insists that the Pico is a proprietary development. But these grinders likely served as inspiration for the design and implementation of the grinding mechanism.
Quiet as a kitten and dosing consistency
As we'd expect from a La Marzocco device, much about the Pico is well executed and shows in its functions. What stands out is the repeatability of the extraction amount. While other manufacturers now integrate scales into grinders for this, the Pico delivers the set coffee amount with a standard deviation of just 0.07 grams from extraction to extraction. At a target value of 18 grams, we consistently measure 17.9 to 18.0 grams, with just one outlier at 17.8 grams. That's remarkable and ranks among the best we've measured in home grinders so far.
At just under 73 decibels, the grinder is also one of the quietest espresso grinders in the home segment. If you're sensitive to noise or live in a building with thin walls, you can definitely consider the Pico – the first Sunday morning coffee won't wake anyone.
In 10 seconds, the Pico grinds about 20.5 grams of coffee; for 18 grams at espresso grind size, it takes about 9 seconds. This is a middle value in the field of grinders we've tested: not super fast, not super slow, but a decent, everyday-practical speed.
2.2 grams of retention is also a good value. Not very good, but certainly good – and strong for a dosing grinder with an inverted conical mechanism. The coffee falls practically straight down, with only a little sticking to the star that holds the inner cone. The Pico has no crevices where coffee collects: the retention is purely temporary. On 20 grams in the basket, a good 2 grams of residue from the previous extraction is a fraction that has barely any taste impact.
Is the Pico a single-dosing grinder?
Short and clear: no. While La Marzocco includes a dosing cup and a matching holder. If you fill in 18 grams of beans at the top and grind them, you don't get the same 18 grams back. At 30 seconds of grinding time, we measure a single-dosing loss of 1.6 grams per grind. In practice, with single dosing you're essentially just swapping out the retention – that's enough for a clean bean switch, but not for gram-accurate single dosing. So the Pico doesn't meet our single-dosing requirements. It's designed as a dosing grinder with a bean hopper, and that's where it excels.
Temperature: quietness has its price
While the low noise level clearly speaks for the Pico, it also has a consequence. Little grinding noise escapes outward because the grinder has few openings and thus poor ventilation. This leads to heat buildup inside, which is evident in the temperature of the ground coffee. Over six consecutive extractions at 30-second intervals, the Pico heats up by about one degree to 38.7 degrees. But it starts at 37 degrees, which is a high initial value. We notice taste changes from about 40 degrees onward. The Pico doesn't quite reach this value in the test, but it comes close during continuous use. So we'd advise against high-frequency operation – the Pico clearly isn't built for that. But five grinds in the morning are no problem at all.
Construction: 39mm conical mechanism and thoughtful handling
The Pico is equipped with a small 39mm conical mechanism – a further development from in-house production, related to the principle of the Swift, which was created with Etzinger at the time. It grinds at 700 to 800 revolutions per minute and is relatively quiet in the process. At 8.3 kilograms and dimensions of 15 centimeters wide, 28.5 centimeters deep, and 39 centimeters high, it's compact and sits solidly on the work surface.
The grind adjustment is not infinitely variable but stepped – and deliberately so. The main notches run along the visible scale, with several fine intermediate steps in between. One click changes the extraction only in small increments, making adjustment pleasantly precise without jumping over five seconds of extraction time per click like some hand grinders. Adjustment is comfortably done from the front, even when sitting. Since buttons and display are also on the front, the Pico is easy to operate even for smaller people or from a wheelchair.
Among the best aspects of the Pico is the bean hopper closure mechanism. It holds 350 grams and is very easy to close without crushing beans, as happens with many grinders. When subsequently removed, no beans fall out of the shaft, and the hopper reattaches without any problems – this too is far too rare in espresso grinders. The shaft between the grinding discs and bean hopper retains only about 9 grams of coffee. This is the amount that would need to be ground out or removed when switching beans – a very low value that makes bean switches much easier. While we can't recommend the Pico as a single-dosing grinder, it's really excellent for bean switching with a hopper.
Three buttons on the front control the grinder. They're easily programmable, and a display in a red radio-style shows the setting. You can program a single and double shot, plus a manual run on the third button. The controls are intuitive, with display and buttons kept minimal – no unnecessary menu. One criticism: the display only shows which portion is programmed when you press it, a bit of a blind date with the ground coffee. If you know the grinder, you won't be bothered by it. The hidden main switch on the bottom is practical: this also turns off the small standby dot that otherwise glows constantly.
We really like the portafilter holder. 58mm portafilters can be clamped in very stably and don't slip during grinding. The ground coffee falls without clumps, centered into the portafilter. Crumbs that land outside? We search in vain. This is really well done.
Taste and particle distribution: lots of body, little refinement
Let's get to what it's really about: the espresso in the cup. We blind-tasted the Pico with our Apas Espresso, a naturally processed Brazilian coffee from the APAS cooperative, which we know from countless tests. In the cup, an espresso emerges with plenty of creaminess and plenty of body – heavy, dense, with distinctly cocoa and chocolate notes. It emphasizes the dark sides of the coffee, with acidity noticeably receding. A darker, body-forward interpretation, not a delicate, acidity-forward performance.
We measured the particle distribution in cooperation with the Coffee Excellence Center at ZHAW using the Retsch Camsizer X2 – with the same standard recipe on the Apas Espresso that we use for all other espresso grinder tests. The Varia VS3, which was measured together with the La Marzocco Pico in September 2023, appears in the comparison curve. Thanks for the support from the Coffee Excellence Center at ZHAW.
At espresso setting, the median (x50) is around 320 µm. The fines content (particles smaller than 100 µm) is around 27 percent – relatively high. And the width of the main peak, i.e., how uniform the coarser particles are, we measure double-verified at 346 and 350 µm. From experience, we classify anything above around 320 µm as broad, so the Pico clearly lands on the broad side. What's remarkable is the combination: a broad main peak and simultaneously a high fines content.
Looking at this curve alone, we would have expected an aggressively sour, "scattered" espresso. But that's exactly what it wasn't. Our interpretation: the high fines content masks the sharp acidity and pushes body to the fore. What the measurement makes look heterogeneous comes across in the cup as density and weight. That matches the sensory impression – we described the espresso as intense and full-bodied before we even saw the curves.
For practical purposes, this means: the Pico is a grinder that strongly supports body. For classic, body-forward and rather darker roasts, it's in its element. If, on the other hand, you want to bring out delicate, complex and light, fruity coffees with clear acidity, you won't find the right tool here – the bandwidth is noticeably limited. Its espresso potential thus depends greatly on your own roasting preference: those who like dark and robust will be happy, those who want to play the full range of light coffees probably not.
Strong is the grind-setting replicability. In the adjustment test, we went from the espresso setting to coarse and back to the same point. In seconds and amount, the grinder behaved the same afterwards, and the particle curves from start and return points practically overlay (x50 around 320 µm in both cases). If you adjust the grind, you'll reliably find your way back to your espresso setting.
Frequently asked questions about La Marzocco Pico
Does the Pico have a conical or flat burr grinder?
The Pico grinds with an inverted 39mm conical mechanism from in-house production. The compact conical mechanism is partly responsible for the low retention because the ground coffee falls straight down.
How quiet is the Pico?
At just under 73 decibels, it's one of the quietest espresso grinders in the home segment. That's a real selling point if you don't want to wake anyone with your early morning coffee.
Is the Pico a single-dosing grinder?
No. At 30 seconds of grinding time, 1.6 grams remain in single-dosing mode. The Pico is designed as a dosing grinder with a bean hopper. For bean switching, though, the low shaft residue of around 9 grams is very convenient.
What coffees is the Pico suitable for?
For body-forward, classic espressos. Through a broad main peak and high fines content, it delivers lots of body and creaminess, while sharp acidity recedes. It's less suitable for delicate, light and fruity coffees.
Does the Pico fit with the Linea Micra and Linea Mini?
From behind, yes – the red "La Marzocco" lettering marks the relationship there, and the set looks like it's from one mold. From the front, where you usually stand at home, the plastic front doesn't really pick up the colors and forms of the Lineas.
Is the Pico worth its price?
At around 1,159 euros, you're paying noticeably for brand and design. Technically, the Pico does many things well, in some disciplines it's very strong. But there are grinders between 500 and 800 euros that also deliver – some even with single dosing. Whether the overall package is worth the premium is ultimately your decision. Best to try out the grinder in this price range first.
KM Rating: the Pico in numbers
We apply our test criteria to all espresso grinder tests equally. So the La Marzocco Pico is positioned as follows:
Test results: La Marzocco Pico
Rating according to the KM test protocol for espresso grinders. All measured values collected by us. The low retention is green, the single-dosing performance red: during long grinding the Pico holds back 1.6 g – that's the core criticism. Particle distribution intentionally doesn't flow into the color rating because it's roast-dependent.
Technical specs at a glance
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Price | approx. 1,159 euros (MSRP, as of August 2026) |
| Grinding mechanism | 39 mm conical mechanism, inverted |
| RPM | 700–800 RPM |
| Operating mode | Dosing grinder with bean hopper (not a single-dosing grinder) |
| Grind adjustment | stepped, main notches with fine intermediate steps |
| Grinding speed | approx. 20.5 g / 10 sec · approx. 9 sec for 18 g (espresso) |
| Loudness | just under 73 dB |
| Grinding temperature | 37 °C (first extraction) to 38.7 °C (after 6 extractions) |
| Retention | 2.2 g (temporary) |
| Single-dosing loss | 1.6 g (at 30 sec grinding time) |
| Dosing consistency | 0.07 g standard deviation (target value 18 g) |
| x50 (espresso setting) | approx. 320 µm |
| Fines content (< 100 µm) | approx. 27 % |
| 60 % peak width | 346–350 µm |
| Bean hopper | 350 g |
| Residue in shaft (bean switch) | just under 9 g |
| Weight | 8.3 kg |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 15 × 28.5 × 39 cm |
| Included | Dosing cup, magnetic portafilter holder |
Further reading
To see how the Pico compares to other grinders, check out our large espresso grinder comparison. If you're looking for a true single-dosing grinder, you'll find more suitable candidates in the comparison of single-dosing grinders from 500 to 1,000 euros. And if you want to place the Pico next to a machine: here's where you go for Linea Micra and Linea Mini R.
As always, we purchased this grinder ourselves. La Marzocco asked for a video before the market launch, but there were no content guidelines or advance preview.
