If you’ve been following our channel, you already know we’re huge fans of La Marzocco’s coffee gear, both for commercial use and at-home setups. Today, we’re thrilled to dive into the La Marzocco Linea Micra, the smallest machine in the La Marzocco lineup. In this review, we’ll go over the features we love, the technical specs, and areas where we think this compact espresso machine could improve.
First Impressions
Right off the bat, the Linea Micra is an attention-grabber. It's compact and stylish, designed to fit perfectly in smaller kitchens or coffee stations, but still delivers the performance you’d expect from La Marzocco. For those familiar with the company’s home machines like the Linea Mini or Linea Classic, the Micra takes the design and quality one step further by packing the same punch in an even smaller frame.
Linea Micra Key Technical Specs
One of the first questions people have about the Linea Micra is whether it can compete with larger commercial machines. The short answer? Yes, and here’s why:
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Water Tank: It has a 2.5-liter water tank, which can be easily removed for cleaning or filling. Alternatively, the machine can be plumbed in, though you will need a special kit from La Marzocco for this.
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Dual Boiler System: Just like its bigger siblings, the Linea Micra features a dual boiler system. The 1.6-liter rear boiler is dedicated to steaming and hot water, while the 250ml brew boiler takes care of your espresso extraction. Both boilers are digitally controlled via the La Marzocco app, allowing for precise temperature adjustments.
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App-Controlled Customization: Speaking of the app, this is a standout feature. It allows you to control the brew and steam temperatures, schedule automatic turn-ons, and access other customizable options. If you love dialing in your machine to perfection, this app is a must-have.
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Fast Heat-Up Time: With a heat-up time of just 5 minutes, the Linea Micra ensures you can enjoy your coffee faster. Thanks to its saturated group head and high thermal stability, the machine provides consistent temperatures, giving you a quality espresso every time.
Accessories: All You Need and More
La Marzocco doesn’t skimp on the accessories. With the Linea Micra, you’ll receive everything you need to get started:
- A milk jug for steaming
- A group brush and blind basket for cleaning
- Two coffee baskets (14g and 17g)
- A naked portafilter with interchangeable spouts (single and dual)
- A sturdy 58mm tamper
The naked portafilter is a nice touch, especially at this price point. It allows you to see the espresso as it pours, making it a great tool for improving your technique.
Design and Build Quality
The Linea Micra embodies La Marzocco’s classic design aesthetic with a sleek, modern touch. It has the familiar angular side panels and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with any kitchen decor.
At just 34cm high, 29cm wide, and 39cm deep, it’s incredibly compact—perfect for small spaces. Yet despite its size, it doesn’t compromise on performance. The machine’s boiler has been redesigned to fit vertically, which allows for the more compact dimensions while maintaining power and efficiency.
Steam Wand and Milk Frothing Power
One area where the Linea Micra really shines is its steaming power. The machine has a cool-touch stainless steel steam wand that packs a punch with its 1.6-liter boiler. The steam it produces is incredibly dry and powerful, giving you café-quality microfoam in seconds. The steam quality is so impressive, it rivals much larger machines.
One minor critique is that the steam wand could be a little longer for easier use, but that’s a small trade-off for the Micra’s compact design.
Performance and Espresso Quality
When it comes to espresso, the Linea Micra delivers exceptional results. Thanks to the quick heat-up time and the precision control via the app, brewing is both fast and reliable. Whether you’re pulling a single shot or making a latte, the machine handles everything with ease.
In our test, the espresso was rich, with a thick crema and the perfect balance of acidity and body. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a La Marzocco machine. The app also gives you control over pre-brew and pre-infusion settings, depending on whether the machine is plumbed or using the water tank. This level of customization allows you to really fine-tune your shots.
Room for Improvement?
While the Linea Micra impresses in almost every area, there are a couple of things that could be improved. As mentioned earlier, a slightly longer steam wand would make milk frothing a bit easier, especially when working with larger milk jugs.
Also, while the included curved tamper is nice for beginners, experienced baristas may prefer a flat tamper for more precise pressure distribution. But of course, you can easily swap it out for your preferred tamper.
Final Thoughts
The La Marzocco Linea Micra is a fantastic addition to the brand’s lineup. It’s compact, powerful, and packed with features that make it perfect for home baristas or even as a secondary machine for commercial settings. While small, it doesn’t compromise on quality or performance, delivering café-quality espresso and steamed milk every time.
If you’re looking for a machine that’s portable, easy to use, and gives you full control over your coffee experience, the Linea Micra should definitely be on your radar.
Is the Linea Micra the right machine for you? We hope this review helps you decide!
