Italian artisan espresso machines and their global impact on coffee culture

In Italian, the word "espresso" means "express" or "fast." It refers to the strong and concentrated coffee that is brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans and reflects the quick and efficient brewing process that characterises this type of coffee. Espresso is the fuel that keeps Italians going throughout the day, from the early morning jolt to the post-dinner digestif. 

For Italians, having an espresso is not just about the caffeine kick; it’s a ritual, a way of life, a moment of respite from the daily hustle and bustle. It’s also about connection. In Italy, sipping espresso is an opportunity to socialise, to engage in conversation, and to form bonds. 

Espresso bars, often referred to as "caffè" are not merely places to grab a quick coffee; they serve as community hubs where people from all walks of life come together to share stories, exchange ideas, and to be part of the vibrant tapestry of Italian life.

Espresso, in Italy, is also synonymous with sophistication. Ordering, brewing, and serving espresso are rituals reflecting a commitment to quality and precision. The barista's craft is highly respected, and a well-pulled shot of espresso is seen as a mark of expertise. 

The elegance of this coffee culture has not only been preserved but exported around the world, influencing coffee-drinking habits and the hospitality sector across continents. Italian espresso machines have played a pivotal role in shaping the global coffee culture we know today.

Browse La Marzocco’s high-end commercial espresso machines

It comes as no surprise that, for decades, Italy has been at the forefront of espresso machine innovation with La Marzocco being one of the major players. The story begins with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when Italian engineers and artisans embarked on a quest to engineer the perfect espresso.

Founded in 1927 by Giuseppe and Bruno Bambi, La Marzocco had its beginnings in Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to such geniuses as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. 

“It seems only fitting that La Marzocco would earn a world-renowned reputation for making beautiful, high quality, handcrafted and uniquely designed espresso machines, with great attention to detail,” says Alexios Antonopoulos, Brand Specialist at La Marzocco Australia.

Read La Marzocco’s captivating story

In 1939, La Marzocco developed and patented the first coffee machine with a horizontal boiler, which has become the industry standard today. 

This was the first of a series of important innovations, including the dual-boiler system with saturated brewing groups a few years later. Tradition, handcraft and a passion for superior quality and reliability have always been the drivers for excellence in La Marzocco’s espresso machine manufacturing. It's a blend of tradition and innovation that respects artisan manufacturing techniques while embracing cutting-edge technology.

These days, highly specialised personnel supervise each stage in the production of every single machine, hand-crafted to order - living the legacy of Giuseppe and Bruno Bambi more than 90 years after the birth of the business.  

For premium venues, such as high-end bars, restaurants and hotels, the most popular model is Modbar - a revolutionary under-counter brewing system, which allows venue managers to customise the placement and materials of their espresso workflow through three fully functioning systems: espresso, steam and pour-over.

In June 2023, Modbar, which is part of La Marzocco, had the opportunity to exhibit alongside La Marzocco Home at Design Show Australia in Melbourne, showcasing the breadth of its product offerings to architects and designers for commercial and residential projects. 

Read the fascinating Modbar story

For an unparalleled espresso experience at home, the Linea Micra has it all: dual boilers, an integrated group head, and PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control, delivering commercial-grade temperature stability that ensures brewing temperature is always right. With its clean lines, easy handling and a variety of colour choices, this espresso machine elevates any kitchen to café status. 

“The coffee machines we manufacture for the home are essentially scaled-down versions of our iconic commercial machines. We use the same parts and processes,” explains Alexios.

Choosing a La Marzocco espresso machine, customers also support the environment. As of 2022, La Marzocco Australia made the conscious decision to not purchase or use plastic packaging when dispatching its spare parts and machinery (excluding the use of tape and resealable cello bags) and is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions.

Read more about La Marzocco’s sustainability initiatives

Discover the world of Italian coffee culture at La Marzocco on ArchiPro.