La Marzocco GS3 AV - Complete Espresso Machine Overview
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La Marzocco GS3 Review: Premium Performance Meets Professional Design
The La Marzocco GS3 represents a serious investment in coffee craftsmanship. At $7,500, it's certainly not an impulse purchase, but as someone who runs a coffee cart business and relies on this machine, I can attest that it delivers value worthy of its premium price point.
Build quality and design
The GS3's construction is reassuringly solid, weighing in at 75 pounds of primarily metal components – a welcome departure from the plastic-heavy construction of other machines. Its dimensions (16.5" × 21" × 17.5") strike a balance between professional capability and a counter-friendly footprint, making it suitable for both high-end home setups and light commercial use.
Aesthetically, this is a machine that has looked good since it came out and will continue to look good for years to come. The GS3 is based on what I consider to be the best looking espresso machine, The Strada.
Technical excellence that delivers
Part of the reason I picked the GS3 AV (Auto-Volumetric), besides a ton of recommendations from the coffee community, is that it comes equipped with impressive specifications:
Dual boiler system featuring an ultra-quiet rotary pump
Robust 1.5-liter brew boiler with 1600 watts of power
3.5-liter steam boiler for exceptional milk texturing
Temperature-stable saturated grouphead
Commercial-grade 58mm portafilter with multiple basket options (1 double spout, 1 single spout included)
Efficient four-hole steam wand with cool-touch technology
Precise volumetric programming for consistent shots
Separate water spigot for tea and americanos
Smart features for modern users
The La Marzocco Home App brings convenient control to your fingertips:
- Real-time temperature monitoring and adjustment
- Customizable pre-infusion settings
- Programmable power scheduling
- Easy switching between plumb-in and reservoir modes
Practical for multiple settings and watchouts
Despite its professional pedigree, the GS3 adapts well to various environments. It operates on standard 110V power with adjustable consumption settings, making it surprisingly versatile for such a capable machine. The 3.5-liter water reservoir provides ample capacity for busy sessions, while the plumb-in option offers added convenience for permanent installations.
I run mine on a Floject water system with 5 gallon water jugs. Definitely recommended if you have an espresso cart operation.
Like I said, it weighs 75 lbs so if you are running a cart and are planning to haul this thing around, make sure you use caution to not hurt yourself in the process.
I have found this machine to be extremely capable of serving large groups of people. However, if you make back to back americanos it can drain your boiler rather quickly. (I learned to start serving 8oz americanos which use 33% less water and taste better in my opinion.)
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Investment value
The $7,500 price tag requires careful consideration, but the math becomes more favorable when you consider the GS3's decade-plus lifespan and professional-grade performance. It arrives complete with essential accessories including a quality tamper, cleaning supplies, and water testing kit – though you'll need to source your own Rinza cleaning solution for the steam wand.
The verdict
The La Marzocco GS3 AV is the standard for light commercial espresso machines, reliably able to make drink after drink without fail. While it's certainly an investment, it delivers commercial-grade capabilities in a refined package suitable for both demanding home users and small business operators. For those serious about their coffee and seeking equipment that will perform reliably for years to come, the GS3 is the right choice.
Thanks for hanging out. If you have any questions hit me up the Youtube video above and subscribe to my Youtube channel. Until next time… peace. -Rob