La Marzocco GS3 1 Group Manual Paddle Espresso Machine
Owning the La Marzocco GS3 MP
If you’re after the Maserati GranTurismo Coupe of espresso machines, look no further than the La Marzocco GS3 MP. This feat of engineering has the best of everything, including a dual boiler and rotary pump dream team. An update from the earlier model, the steam wand is double walled, but with steel instead of plastic, which maintains its cool touch without sacrificing steam temperature, leading to a much dryer steam. The steam is powerfully dispensed with the press of a lever, which takes some getting used to, but, once you do, you can achieve a really excellent microfoam. Front and center, both in our sight and admiration, is the paddle operated, saturated group. Resting atop it is a manometer, which reflects the pressure in the group during brewing. Inside the group there is a conical valve which opens as you turn the paddle from right to left, and you can restrict the flow however you like. For instance, we like to do a light 3 bar pre-infusion, ramp it up to 6, then to 9, before gradually closing the valve. The paddle group is an excellent way to experiment. You can mimic the flow on a traditional lever machine to make a comparable old timey shot; you can severely restrict the flow to pull a ristretto and really bring out the flavor notes on a single origin coffee; you can even [insert your great idea here]. Truly, it doesn’t get any better than the GS3 when it comes to intuitively pressure profiling your shots.
Internally, the GS3 is thoughtfully laid out, with the near silent rotary pump lying in between the giant PID-controlled 3.5 liter steam boiler and 1.3 liter brew boiler. You can choose to use your GS3’s 2.5 L reservoir, or opt for plumbed in operation. Whereas before pre-infusion could only be accessed during plumbed operation, the GS3 MP has been updated to offer pre-infusion capabilities during either plumbed or reservoir operation. Excess flow from the group during pre-infusion or low pressure brewing is routed into the large drip tray, which can be removed for cleaning or to access the pull out reservoir for refilling. La Marzocco has programmed the GS3 to alert users to low water levels on the display, and cut off operation until the machine is refilled so as to avoid damage. Using the GS3 is intuitive, though it can be intimidating at first. The machine is ready to brew when its keypad buttons are backlit. Using the keypad, you can program brewing preferences, such as brew and steam temperatures, as well as set the clock, program automatic on/off times, etc. Boiler temperatures, language, temperature units, and the water filter alarm can all be altered as well, though it isn’t recommended as they control the GS3’s performance. The La Marzocco GS3 MP is the best of the best. Its gorgeous design, pressure profiling paddle group, mammoth capacities, optional plumbed operation, intricately thoughtful features, and, let’s be honest, serious bragging rights, raise the GS3 to its position at the highest echelon of home espresso machines.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | HFC-202306000353 |
| Boiler Configuration | Independent Steam and Brew |
| Number of Boilers | 2 |
| Boiler Features | Brew & Steam Simultaneously |
| Brew Boiler Heater Location | N/A |
| Brew Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brew Boiler Orientation | N/A |
| Brew Boiler Type | Medium Volume |
| Brew Boiler Volume (Oz) | 44 fl-oz |
| Three-Way Valve | Automatic |
| Brew Group Material | Brass |
| Brew Group Size (mm) | 58 mm |
| Brew Group Type | Paddle |
| Display Type | LEDs |
| Controls and Additional Features | Automatic Shut-Off,Clock / Timer,Digital Display,Low-Water Warning,Power Light,Pressure Gauge(s),Temperature Control |
| Pressure Gauges | Brew Circuit,Steam Boiler |
| Type of Controls | Electronic,PID,Push Button |
| Cup Warmer Material | Stainless Steel |
| Cup Warmer | Passively Heated |
| Drip Tray Cover Material | Stainless Steel |
| Drip Tray Material | Stainless Steel |
| Portafilter Baskets Included | Double,Single,Triple |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Housing Color | Stainless Steel |
| Housing Material | Stainless Steel |
| Recommended Water Filter | No Filter Required |
| Depth (Inches) | 21 in |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Height (Inches) | 15 in |
| Weight (Lbs) | 72.75 lbs |
| Width (Inches) | 16 in |
| Filter Diameter (mm) | 58 mm |
| Portafilter Handle Material | Plastic |
| Portafilter Material | Chrome Plated Brass |
| Number of Portafilters Included | 2 |
| Ground, E.S.E., Pod and Capsule Compatibility | Ground Coffee |
| Portafilter Type | Commercial Style |
| Pump Type | Rotary Pump |
| Manufacturers Warranty Period | 13 Months (Parts Only) |
| Amps | 13 A |
| Volt | 110V-120V (US) |
| Watts | 1600 Watt |
| Steam Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Steam Boiler Type | Large Volume |
| Steam Boiler Volume (Oz) | 118 fl-oz |
| Steam Wand Features | No-Burn |
| Steam Tip Hole Count | 4 |
| Steam Wand Material | Stainless Steel |
| Steam Wand Movement Type | Fully Articulated |
| Steam Wand | Commercial Style |
| Water Reservoir Access Location | Front |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 2.5 L |
| Water Reservoir Features | Removable |
| Water Reservoir Material | Plastic |
| Water Source | Reservoir and Water Line |
Noel Hauser –
Mark and team were excellent and helped me through the purchase. I am really happy with this machine.
Emilie Baumgartner –
Packaging was great and secure. Very easy to set up after watching the HFC YouTube videos. This machine is as much fun to use and it is to just look at. Consistently makes amazing espresso. Steaming milk is fast and easy with its powerful steam wand. No regrets on this machine.
This can definitely be your “end game” machine.
Stefano Stucki –
Was unsure about buying a refurbished machine but was more than pleasantly surprised. The machine arrived extremely well packaged and looks brand new. I upgraded from a Breville Barista so there’s been a bit of a learning curve. I love the lever controls, the feel of the porta filters, and awesome steam power! I couldn’t be happier with the La Marzocco SyRead more about review stating Was unsure about buying anchronika!
Delphine Fankhauser –
I upgraded from a Gaggia classic. I love the Synchronica. Fit and finish is impeccable. Lots of steam power. The joystick controls are awesome. Portifilters are heavy and beautifully balanced with a high quality feel. I’m completely satisfied with the quality and performance. Thanks HFC for a great buying experience. Next on the agenda is plumbingRead more about review stating I upgraded from a Gaggia in the unit with a filter system. From day one, I used the water recipe from one of the HFC videos to protect it from scale but the mixing of various components with distilled water is becoming a chore.
Simon Odermatt –
So far so good.. First machine that I ordered the water sensor was not working, it took couple of calls for follow up and emails before they decided to send a replacement machine. My point is it should’ve been checked before sending the 1st machine.. it took 2 weeks for the 2nd machine to come from the day that I sent back the 1st machine.. so farRead more about review stating So far so good.. First the replacement is working good..
Pauline Zimmermann –
Absolutely beautiful machine. Packaged very securely. Flawless shots when dialed in and flow control is a life saver when your grind is off. I’ve also had some of the most interesting flavors with the use of flow control. I customized mine and worth every penny!
Ram Imhof –
Everything looks great, works as expected out of the box!
Chloé Scherrer –
making espresso fun and look forward to when you want… 5***** . Thank you for HarfanCoffee Team
Martino Rey –
Definitely a commercial quality machine built for home use. Initial setup had a glitch in filling the boilers. I hit too many buttons on the PID and had to reset, but HFC has a video gif that too. The decision was between this and the Profitec 700. This has a removable drip tray, which is handy.