Unboxing and First Impressions: The La Marzocco GS3 Manual Paddle Espresso Machine
The day has finally arrived! We're thrilled to unbox the new La Marzocco GS3 Manual Paddle espresso machine. This isn't just any GS3; it's the latest model, featuring the new IoT technology for app connectivity. Join us as we take a closer look at this impressive machine, go through the unboxing, and brew our very first shots.
First Look and Key Features
Upon unboxing, the first thing you'll notice is the impeccable build quality. The GS3 looks and feels like a professional machine, but in a compact, home-friendly size. We're happy to report that our machine arrived with no marks or scrapes, and everything was perfectly in place.
The new model comes with a full accessory box and a special card about the La Marzocco Home App. This app, new to the GS3 and Linea Mini lineup, connects to your machine via Bluetooth. It allows you to:
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Turn the machine on and off remotely.
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Monitor your rear and front boiler temperatures.
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Track brew counts and water usage.
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Access guides and brewing tips.
It's a fantastic feature that brings a new level of convenience and control to home brewing.
A Closer Look at the Machine
Setting up the GS3 is straightforward. We started by filling the reservoir with filtered water and powering on the machine. As it heats up, you can see the solid indicator lights, which turn to flashing lights once the machine is at the set temperature.
The accessories box is packed with everything you need to get started, including:
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Plumbing Kit: A full kit to plumb the machine directly to your water line.
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Cleaning Supplies: A small amount of backflush chemical and a water test kit.
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Portafilters: Both a single and double spout portafilter, with handy horse-shoe shapes on the spouts for stability.
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Tamper: A high-quality La Marzocco tamper.
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Filter Baskets: A range of straight-walled baskets (14g, 17g, and 21g) and a blind basket for cleaning.
Diving into the Tech
The GS3 is a dual-boiler machine, giving you independent control over brew and steam temperatures. It features a cool touch steam wand, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. This double-walled stainless steel wand remains cool to the touch, making it safer and more comfortable to use.
The GS3 Manual Paddle model provides a level of control that's perfect for the home barista who loves to experiment. Unlike a traditional pressure profiling machine, the GS3 uses a conical valve that diverts pressure back into the drip tray. This allows you to manually adjust the pressure from a full 9 bars down to around 3 bars, giving you the flexibility to experiment with pre-infusion and pressure ramps.
Why is this a game changer? This technology allows you to explore new flavor profiles. For example, you can start with a low-pressure pre-infusion, slowly ramp up to 9 bars, and then taper the pressure at the end of the shot—a process that can highlight specific notes in a single-origin coffee.
Unboxing to My Kitchen: First Week Impressions
After the initial setup, we brought the GS3 home for a few days of real-world use. While it's slightly wider than a Linea Mini, its lower profile makes it less dominant on the kitchen counter. We were pleasantly surprised by how quiet it is, with very little vibration, which is a nice touch for those early morning brews.
A key point of note for anyone with a GS3: the bypass valve can fill up the drip tray quickly. We recommend plumbing the machine in to save you from constantly emptying the drip tray, especially if you're experimenting with lower-pressure extractions.
Final Thoughts
The La Marzocco GS3 Manual Paddle is an incredible package. It offers professional-level performance and advanced features in a compact, stylish design. The new IoT technology adds a layer of convenience, and the ability to manually adjust brew pressure is a playground for any coffee enthusiast.
Do you have a GS3 or are you considering upgrading from a Linea Mini? We'd love to hear your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
