The Coffee Kits

Synesso vs. La Marzocco: Which Espresso Machine Brand Reigns Supreme?

If you're a coffee enthusiast or a barista, you know that the quality of the espresso machine you use can make or break the taste of your coffee. Two of the most popular espresso machine brands in the market are Synesso and La Marzocco. In this article, we'll compare the two brands and determine which one reigns supreme.

Background and History

Synesso was founded in 2004 by Mark Barnett and Randy Pope in Seattle, Washington. The company made a name for itself by introducing the first-ever espresso machine with individual brew boilers. This innovation allowed baristas to have precise control over the temperature of each group head, resulting in consistent and accurate shots. On the other hand, La Marzocco has been in the espresso machine industry since 1927. The company was founded by Giuseppe Bambi in Florence, Italy. La Marzocco is known for its iconic design, the "dual-boiler system," which ensures stable temperature control and consistency.

Features and Technology

Synesso and La Marzocco share some similarities in terms of technology and features. Both brands offer dual boilers, which provide separate temperature control for brewing and steaming. They also use PID controllers to maintain consistent temperatures. However, Synesso takes it a step further by offering individual brew boilers for each group head. This means that each group head has its own water source and heating element, resulting in even more precise temperature control. Synesso also offers programmable shot timers and pre-infusion options. La Marzocco, on the other hand, offers a unique saturated group design, which ensures even extraction and pre-infusion. The brand also offers its patented "Paddle" technology, which allows baristas to manually control the pre-infusion and extraction process.

Build Quality and Durability

Both Synesso and La Marzocco are known for their exceptional build quality and durability. Synesso machines are built with heavy-duty stainless steel and have a sturdy, commercial-grade design. La Marzocco machines are also built with high-quality materials and are known for their iconic design.

Pricing

Synesso and La Marzocco are both high-end espresso machine brands, and their pricing reflects that. Synesso machines start at around $12,000, while La Marzocco machines start at around $7,000. However, the pricing can vary depending on the specific model and features.

Conclusion

So, which espresso machine brand reigns supreme? It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you're looking for the ultimate precision and control, Synesso's individual brew boilers and programmable features might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you're a fan of La Marzocco's iconic design and unique features like the "Paddle" technology, it might be the better choice for you. Both brands offer exceptional build quality and durability, so you can't go wrong with either one. At the end of the day, it's all about finding the perfect espresso machine that fits your needs and budget.