La Marzocco GS3 AV Espresso Machine

The La Marzocco GS3 is probably the equivalent of a Ferrari in the car world: a beautiful design, high built quality and incredible performance are the main values. These are the features that can best describe this coffee machine. In this AV version it features an electronic package allowing precise and consistent programmable shots. The MP version uses a manual control where through the use of a paddle you can personalise pressure and brewing times at every shot. The GS3 AV uses the same electronic package used in the GB5 AV meaning commercial style coffee extraction and high reliability.  

GS3 has dual stainless steel boilers: 3.5 L for the steam boiler and 1.5 L for the brew boiler, both controlled by a PID system. Feeding these big boilers is an equally big 3.5 L water tank or direct line water connection. The water is sucked by an incredibly silent and powerful rotatory pump for stable water pressure at all times. 

The newest models feature also a new double walled steam wand with the internal pipes in stainless steel instead of plastics to have a powerful steam able to create a wonderful microfoam. The group head also assures top class coffee shots thanks to a saturated group for consistent water flow across the group. To extract the coffee, La Marzocco fitted a paddle that gradually releases pressure as you turn it giving you the choice on how much pressure to release at any point of the coffee extraction. Every coffee shot can be personalized at your own choice, allowing you to decide the pre-infusion time and the extraction time with incredible precision.

Pros

Programmable extraction: unlike the MP version, the AV uses an electronically controlled espresso system which allows you to program the exact quantity of water that passes through the group for your extraction. If it’s consistency your are after, the AV is the version to go for. 

Quality: the quality and attention to detail of this machine is comparable to no one else. Quality is always pricy and it’s no coincidence that the GS3 is one of the most expensive out there. However, we reckon that is money extremely well spent if you consider the prestige and satisfaction of owning one. 

Things to Consider

Requires Space: 8,5 L between the boilers and the water tank does mean quite a large coffee machine to fit, especially in small kitchens. 

No pressure profiling: the AV uses an electronic control to extract the coffee meaning you won’t be able to profile the extraction. If you want that funcion, you should go for the MP version.