Linea Micra

Introduction

For coffee enthusiasts looking to bring cafe-quality espresso into their homes, the La Marzocco Linea Micra represents a significant step forward in the world of high-end home espresso machines. As a scaled-down version of La Marzocco's commercial-grade equipment, the Linea Micra promises to deliver professional-level performance in a more compact and kitchen-friendly format.

In this review, we'll dive deep into the Linea Micra's features, performance, and value proposition to help you determine if it's the right choice for your home espresso setup. We'll compare it to other notable machines in its class, including the La Marzocco Linea Mini, La Marzocco GS3, and Decent DE1PRO, to give you a comprehensive understanding of where it stands in the market.

Brief history of La Marzocco

Established in 1927 by Giuseppe and Bruno Bambi in Florence, Italy, La Marzocco has played a key role in shaping the espresso machine industry. In 1939, the company revolutionized coffee brewing by patenting the first machine with a horizontal boiler, a design that has since become the norm. 

Over the decades, La Marzocco introduced further innovations, including the dual-boiler system with saturated groups, always prioritizing quality and reliability. Each machine is still meticulously handcrafted, reflecting the company’s deep-rooted tradition and the dedication of its founders, ensuring their legacy continues more than 90 years later.

Specifications and Technical Details

Dimensions and Weight:

• Height: 34 cm / 13 inches
• Width: 29 cm / 11.5 inches
• Depth: 39 cm / 15.5 inches
• Weight: 19 kg / 42 lbs

Boiler Specifications:

• Dual boiler system
• Coffee boiler capacity: 2.5 litres
• Steam boiler capacity: 1.6 litres

Pump Type:

• Internal rotary vane pump

Electrical Requirements:

• Voltage: 220V 
• Wattage (min): 1600W - 1850W 

Key Features:

• PID temperature control
• Convertible portafilter
• Insulated boilers
• Water reservoir: 2L
• Barista lights
• Available in seven colours (Baby blue, Red, Yellow, Grey, White, Black, Stainless)

Design and Build Quality

Materials Used

The Linea Micra maintains La Marzocco's reputation for solid construction. The machine features a stainless steel body with high-quality internal components. The use of thick steel contributes to its durability and thermal stability, which are crucial for consistent espresso extraction.

Aesthetic Considerations

La Marzocco has designed the Linea Micra with clean lines and a timeless aesthetic, inspired by its larger commercial counterparts, specifically the Linea Classic S, the machine that defined the industry. The machine is available in seven colours, allowing users to choose a finish that complements their kitchen decor. The overall look is sleek and professional, with a minimalist approach focusing on functionality.

Footprint and Space Requirements

One of the Linea Micra's standout features is its compact size. It's about 30% smaller than the Linea Mini. This reduced footprint makes it an attractive option for home users with limited counter space. However, it's worth noting that you'll still need to account for some additional space for your grinder and other accessories.

Core Functionality

Espresso Extraction Process 

The Linea Micra uses a 58mm portafilter, which is the industry standard for commercial machines. This allows for proper extraction and compatibility with a wide range of accessories. La Marzocco's convertible portafilter gives users the flexibility to brew with a bottomless portafilter or attach a single or double spout. Made from a food-safe, temperature-stable polymer, it is easy to clean and helps retain shot temperature by minimizing heat conduction. The machine also features a rotary vane pump, which provides consistent pressure throughout the extraction process.

Temperature Stability

Temperature stability is crucial for espresso quality, and the Linea Micra excels in this area. It uses a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller to maintain precise temperature control in both the brew and steam boilers. The integrated brew boiler/group combination, along with the preheating system, allows for rapid temperature adjustments and stability. La Marzocco has tested the preheat time to be around six minutes, assuming normal ambient temperatures. 

Pressure Profiling Capabilities

It's important to note that the Linea Micra does not offer built-in pressure profiling capabilities. The paddle on the group head is a simple on/off switch, similar to the stock Linea Mini. For those seeking advanced pressure profiling, machines like the GS3 or  Decent DE1PRO might be more suitable. 

Note: The GS3 allows for manual profiling, Linea Mini allows for manual changes in pump pressure and Linea Micra allows you to use the "pre-brew" function which is a scaled down alternative for pre-infusion using the normal 9bar pump pressure.

Steam Wand Performance

The Linea Micra features a powerful steam boiler that can produce dry steam at 2.25 bar pressure. This allows for quick and efficient milk texturing, with users reporting the ability to steam 4 to 6 ounces of milk in under 10 seconds. The steam wand is insulated and cool to the touch, enhancing safety during use.

The Micra’s steam wand is designed for home use, optimised for making 1–2 coffees at a time. While it may be shorter than those on larger commercial machines, it is still capable of steaming larger milk jugs. The key is to tilt the jug slightly and position the steam wand off to the side, creating enough clearance for effective steaming. Despite its compact size, the steam performance remains powerful, producing high-quality microfoam with ease.

User Experience

Learning Curve

While the Linea Micra is designed for home use, it still requires a certain level of skill and knowledge to operate effectively. Beginners may face a steeper learning curve compared to more automated machines, but the Micra's consistency and forgiving nature make it an excellent platform for learning and improving barista skills.

Daily Operation Workflow

The Micra's workflow is straightforward and efficient. Its rapid warm-up time (around 5 minutes) is a significant advantage for home users. The machine's layout is intuitive, with easy access to the brew paddle, steam wand, and hot water spout. The drip tray features a clever bobber system that alerts users when it's full, preventing overflow.

Ease of Adjustments and Customisation

Most adjustments on the Linea Micra are made through the La Marzocco Home app. While this provides a clean, button-free interface on the machine itself, it may not appeal to users who prefer physical controls. The app allows for adjustments to brew temperature, steam boiler pressure, and scheduling of auto-on/off times. However, the machine comes pre-set with an optimal temperature and pressure, making it more plug-and-play for beginners. While advanced users may appreciate the ability to fine-tune settings, intermediate and novice users can enjoy great results right out of the box. 

The app is designed to offer convenience, but it is not essential for daily use. To maintain a clean and simple interface, La Marzocco deliberately minimised the number of buttons and moving parts on the machine. The core functions, such as brewing, steaming, and temperature stability, work independently of the app, ensuring a seamless experience for those who prefer a more analogue approach. The app primarily provides additional features, such as pre-brewing customisation and a built-in timer, but the Micra remains fully functional without it.

Maintenance and Longevity

Regular Cleaning Requirements

Like all espresso machines, the Linea Micra requires regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance. La Marzocco has included an automated backflush cycle that can be triggered through the app, simplifying the cleaning process. The drip tray and water reservoir are easily removable for cleaning.

Long-term Maintenance Needs

The Linea Micra is built with commercial-grade components, ensuring durability and longevity. However, users should be prepared for periodic maintenance. La Marzocco advises against descaling at home if the correct water is used, as this helps preserve the machine’s internal components. Instead, they recommend having the machine serviced every 12 months for peace of mind. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of the machine but also ensures optimal performance. Seals typically last around a year, so annual servicing is the ideal time to have them replaced. La Marzocco also offers a network of certified engineers across the UK to support home users with any maintenance needs.

Availability of Parts and Service

As a premium brand, La Marzocco has a reputation for good customer support and parts availability. However, given the Micra's newness to the market, long-term parts availability remains to be seen. It's worth noting that many components are shared with other La Marzocco models, which should help with future serviceability.

Performance in Various Scenarios

Single Shots vs. Double Shots

The Linea Micra comes with both single and double shot baskets, allowing flexibility in dose sizes. Its temperature stability and consistent pressure should provide excellent results for both single and double shots, though most home users tend to prefer double shots.

Light vs. Dark Roasts

With its PID temperature control, the Linea Micra can be adjusted to accommodate different roast levels. Lighter roasts often benefit from higher temperatures, while darker roasts may require lower temperatures to avoid over-extraction. The machine's temperature stability allows users to dial in their preferred settings for various roast profiles. Additionally, the pre-brewing option in the app provides another way to experiment and maximize extraction, particularly for lighter roasts. 

Performance with Milk-Based Drinks

The powerful steam boiler and efficient steam wand make the Linea Micra well-suited for milk-based drinks. Users report being able to create microfoam suitable for latte art with ease. However, the shorter steam wand (compared to larger commercial machines) may require some adjustment in technique, especially when steaming larger quantities of milk.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other machines in its class, the Linea Micra holds its own in terms of build quality and espresso performance. Here's how it stacks up against some notable competitors:

• La Marzocco Linea Mini:
  • The Micra can be seen as a more compact version of the Linea Mini. While it shares many features, the Micra has a smaller footprint and a faster heat-up time. However, the Mini has a larger steam boiler, which may benefit those who frequently make multiple milk-based drinks. Additionally, the Linea Mini offers more advanced features for pro-summer users, including compatibility with the ACAIA scale for brewing by weight, an adjustable pump pressure, and two solenoids in the group head to enable pre-infusion. 
• La Marzocco GS3
  • The GS3 is a higher-end model with more advanced features, including pressure profiling capabilities. While it offers more customisation, it's also significantly more expensive and larger than the Micra.
• Decent DE1PRO
  • The Decent offers unparalleled customisation and data analysis but at a higher price point. It's more suited to users who want to dive deep into espresso experimentation, while the Micra focuses on consistent, high-quality shots with less complexity.
• ECM Synchronika
  • This German-made machine offers similar build quality and performance at a lower price point. However, it lacks the brand cachet and some of the innovative features of the Micra, such as the rapid heat-up time and app control.

Price-to-Feature Ratio

The Micra is undoubtedly a premium product. Its price is justified by its commercial-grade components, innovative design, and the La Marzocco brand name. However, it's worth noting that there are capable machines available at lower price points, such as the Rocket R58 or Profitec Pro 700.

Long-term Ownership Considerations

Resale Value

La Marzocco machines typically hold their value well in the second-hand market. While it's too early to say definitively for the Micra, if it follows the trend of other La Marzocco home machines, it should retain a good portion of its value over time.

Warranty Information

La Marzocco offers a 1-year on parts and labor warranty on the Linea Micra for home use. This is fairly standard for machines in this class and should provide peace of mind for buyers. 

There are some parts and situations that the warranty does not cover:

• Normal wear parts: These include gaskets, filters, o-rings, grinder burrs, plastic hoppers and other moving parts.
• Issues related to water damage, poor water quality, and scaling are among the most common causes of machine failure. While La Marzocco machines no longer come with a water testing kit, customers can request one if needed. Using water outside La Marzocco’s specifications can significantly impact performance and longevity. Tap water is generally not recommended, as very few areas in the UK have naturally soft water. If you plan to use tap water, you can check the Thames Water website for your local water composition. In most cases, UK water has high calcium levels and requires proper filtration, which standard water filter jugs cannot fully address, as carbon filtration alone removes very little hardness. 
• Usage of the product in a commercial environment producing high volumes of coffee.
• Products where the serial number has been damaged or removed.
• Operation of product outside the parameters stated in the user documentation.
• Any product that has been damaged as a result of accident, abuse, misuse, lack of reasonable and necessary maintenance/cleaning, neglect, installation, mishandling, damage during shipment, line power surges or any external causes.
• Modification or service by anyone other than La Marzocco UK or a technician approved by La Marzocco UK.
• Shipping costs to ship product back to La Marzocco UK for a return, exchange or service.
• Expedited shipping cost of parts to customer for self-repair.

User Community and Support Resources

‍La Marzocco has a strong user community with active forums and social media groups. This can be invaluable for troubleshooting, sharing tips, and getting advice from experienced users. The company also provides comprehensive documentation and support resources.

Potential Limitations

While the Linea Micra is an impressive machine, there are some scenarios where it might not be ideal:

1. Limited Customisation: The Linea Micra is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, essentially a 'plug and play' experience. It delivers exceptional espresso with minimal effort, making it ideal for those who want a reliable machine that simply works. While it may not offer extensive pressure profiling or flow control like the Decent DE1PRO or modified La Marzocco GS3, it does include the in-app Pre-Brewing feature. This function utilises full 9-bar pressure but allows users to control the duration of pre-infusion through the app, providing a degree of customisation without added complexity..  
2. High Volume Use: The Linea Micra is designed as a home espresso machine, so high-volume service wasn’t the primary focus. While its smaller boilers may not match the output of larger machines, it can still handle consecutive shots effectively with the right workflow. By brewing first and then steaming, rather than doing both simultaneously, users can optimise performance. In fact, La Marzocco themselves use the Micra at trade shows for continuous brewing, demonstrating that with proper management, it can keep up with demand. However, those who frequently need to pull multiple shots and steam milk simultaneously may find the smaller boilers limiting compared to larger, more commercial-oriented machines. 
3. Tight Spaces: While the Linea Micra is one of the most space-efficient machines in its class, it still requires a fair amount of counter space, especially when factoring in a grinder and other accessories. However, its design maximises functionality within its footprint, the top doubles as a cup warmer for storing multiple coffee cups, and the drip tray provides space for milk pitchers and cloths, helping to keep the setup organised. Despite its compact build, those with very limited counter space may still find it challenging to accommodate.
4. Budget Constraints: The high price point of the Linea Micra may be prohibitive for many home users, especially those new to espresso. However, La Marzocco understands that investing in a high-quality espresso machine is a significant decision. To help make ownership more accessible, financing is available through DivideBuy, offering 12 months of interest-free payments. This allows users to spread the cost and reduce the financial impact. Additionally, when compared to the cost of regularly buying takeaway coffee, the Micra’s price, spread over a year, equates to less than £10 per day, making it a practical long-term investment for serious coffee enthusiasts. Despite these options, the upfront cost may still be a limitation for some users. 
5. App Dependency: Some users may not appreciate the reliance on a smartphone app for certain adjustments and controls. While the Linea Micra is designed to function perfectly without the app, with all core features fully accessible through the machine itself, the app primarily provides non-essential features. Many customers use the machine without it, as key settings like steam boiler pressure and water tank temperature are pre-set to optimal levels. The app’s most commonly used feature is the timer, which allows hands-free tracking when the brew paddle is engaged. However, for those who prefer a fully analogue experience, the app may feel unnecessary, potentially limiting the machine's appeal for users who want to keep everything manual.

Consumer Feedback Summary

Early reviews of the Linea Micra have been largely positive. Users praise its build quality, consistency, and compact design. The rapid heat-up time is frequently mentioned as a standout feature, making it convenient for daily use.

Common praise points include:

• Excellent espresso quality
• Powerful and efficient steam performance
• Compact size suitable for home kitchens
• Fast heat-up time
• Attractive design and colour options

Common criticisms include:

• High price point  
• Limited clearance under the portafilter for taller cups 

Note: The Micra provides enough clearance to accommodate up to a 12oz cup with a scale underneath, making it suitable for most home setups. For larger 16oz cups, they recommend using the bottomless portafilter, which provides additional space.

• Reliance on the app for some functions 
• Shorter steam wand compared to larger machines

Conclusion

The La Marzocco Linea Micra represents a significant step forward in bringing commercial-grade espresso capabilities to the home market. Its compact design, rapid heat-up time, and consistent performance make it an attractive option for serious home baristas who value quality and brand reputation.

The Micra is built to the same high standards as La Marzocco’s commercial machines, ensuring durability and longevity. It is crafted from the highest-quality stainless steel, rigorously tested before and after production to meet strict quality control standards. Except for a single internal boiler weld, every component is welded and assembled by hand, guaranteeing precision and reliability. This level of craftsmanship ensures that the Micra is an investment designed to last for years, offering long-term value for serious coffee enthusiasts.

The Micra delivers cafe-quality espresso and steamed milk in a more kitchen-friendly package than its larger siblings. Its build quality and use of commercial-grade components suggest it should stand up to years of use, potentially justifying its premium price tag for those who view it as a long-term investment.

However, the high cost and lack of advanced features like pressure profiling may give some buyers pause. Those new to home espresso or working with tighter budgets might want to consider more affordable options that still deliver good results, such as the Rancilio Silvia Pro X or Lelit Bianca.

For coffee enthusiasts who have the budget and are looking for a compact, high-performance machine that can deliver consistent, high-quality espresso with minimal fuss, the Linea Micra is a compelling choice. It successfully brings La Marzocco's commercial pedigree into a format that's more suitable for home use without compromising on the core features that make their machines so respected in the industry.

Whether the Linea Micra is right for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and how serious you are about your home espresso. For those who can justify the investment, it offers a pathway to consistently excellent espresso that can rival or surpass what you'd find in many cafes.