La Marzocco KB90 Review: A Deep Dive into the Future of Espresso
Here at Artisti Roastery in Toormina, NSW, Australia, we were thrilled to recently host an exclusive evening centered around the groundbreaking La Marzocco KB90 espresso machine. Fresh off that insightful experience, we're excited to share a comprehensive review of this innovative machine, delving into its features, technology, and our honest opinions.
The KB90 isn't just another espresso machine; it's a testament to La Marzocco's 90 years of innovation in coffee. What's even more special is that the "KB" in its name honors Kent Bakke, a legendary figure who dedicated over 40 years to La Marzocco, from early prototyping in the States to eventually becoming CEO. Kent is the first person outside the La Marzocco family to have a machine named after him – a true recognition of his immense impact on the business.
So, what makes the KB90 so special? Let's dive into its impressive features:
Feature Breakdown:
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The Revolutionary "Straight-In" Portafilter: This is arguably the KB90's most talked-about feature. Say goodbye to the traditional twisting and locking motion! The straight-in portafilter slides directly into the grouphead, drastically reducing strain on baristas' wrists and shoulders. This ergonomic design is a game-changer for high-volume cafes, promoting barista well-being and efficiency.
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Automatic Steam Flush: Maintaining a clean brew path is crucial for consistent flavor. The KB90 automates this with a post-shot steam and hot water flush of the grouphead, removing coffee oils and grounds that can lead to off-flavors. The timing of this feature is also fully adjustable.
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Integrated Scales (AVR Model): Our model, the AVR, boasts built-in scales beneath each drip tray. These offer incredible precision with three different modes:
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Automatic Volumetrics (AV): Relies on the traditional flow meter for consistent volume.
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Mass Mode: Tares the cup and delivers a precise gram weight of espresso into the cup.
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Auto Brew Ratio (ABR): Weighs the portafilter and coffee dose, then automatically dispenses the programmed coffee-to-water ratio into the cup. This mode ensures unparalleled accuracy and repeatability.
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Multi-Boiler System with PID Control: Staying true to La Marzocco's heritage, the KB90 features a multi-boiler system with a large steam boiler and individual brew boilers for each grouphead. Each boiler has its own PID controller, allowing for precise and stable temperature control, crucial for optimal extraction.
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Enhanced Serviceability: La Marzocco has prioritized easy maintenance with the KB90. Key components like steam taps and portafilters can be serviced without depressurizing the entire machine. Additionally, individual brew boilers can be isolated for maintenance, allowing the cafe to continue operating with the other groupheads – a significant cost and time saver.
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Eco Mode: For energy efficiency, the KB90 features an eco mode that allows the steam boiler temperature to drop by a pre-set amount during periods of inactivity, conserving power without significantly impacting readiness for service.
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"Pro Touch" Steam Wands: These double-walled stainless steel steam wands remain cool to the touch, enhancing barista safety and comfort during milk steaming.
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Barista Lights: Integrated lights illuminate the workspace, particularly useful when working with the built-in scales to ensure accurate measurements.
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USB Port for Software Updates: Staying up-to-date is easy with the convenient USB port for software upgrades.
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Hot Water Economizer: Control the temperature of the hot water tap, allowing for optimized temperatures for various beverages.
Our Hands-On Experience:
During our time with the KB90, we were particularly impressed by the ease of use of the straight-in portafilter. It truly streamlines the workflow and reduces physical strain. The integrated scales, especially in ABR mode, offered an unprecedented level of precision, ensuring consistent coffee-to-water ratios with minimal effort.
We also tested the different brewing modes and were able to achieve excellent results across the board. The steam wands provided powerful and consistent steam for creating silky smooth milk.
Points to Consider:
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Size and Weight: The KB90 is a substantial machine (around 120 kilos), so consider your counter space and ensure it can handle the weight. We also recommend opting for the higher feet for easier access during cleaning and servicing.
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Drip Tray Design: While functional, the drip tray can be a bit tight to access for thorough cleaning, particularly around the drain hose connection.
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Magnetically Attached Scale Trays: The scale trays are held in place with magnets, which can detach if not handled carefully. Ensuring these magnets are secure is important for proper scale function.
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Investment: The La Marzocco KB90 is a premium machine and represents a significant investment for any business.
Who is the La Marzocco KB90 For?
The KB90 is ideal for:
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High-volume cafes: The straight-in portafilter and efficient workflow are designed for speed and reducing barista fatigue.
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Cafes focused on consistency and quality: The integrated scales and precise temperature control ensure repeatable and delicious espresso.
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Businesses looking for innovative technology: The automatic steam flush and various brewing modes showcase La Marzocco's commitment to pushing the boundaries of espresso machine design.
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Cafes that value serviceability: The KB90's thoughtful design makes maintenance easier and less disruptive.
Final Thoughts:
The La Marzocco KB90 is a remarkable espresso machine that blends innovative technology with La Marzocco's renowned build quality. The straight-in portafilter is a genuine game-changer for workflow, and the integrated scales offer unparalleled precision. While it's a significant investment, the KB90 is a powerful tool for cafes serious about delivering exceptional coffee and optimizing their barista operations.
We're incredibly grateful to La Marzocco for giving us the opportunity to experience the KB90 firsthand. It's a machine that truly embodies the future of espresso.
What are your thoughts on the La Marzocco KB90? Have you had a chance to use one? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
