Launched in 2022, the Linea Micra joined the La Marzocco home lineup as the smallest commercial grade espresso machine, ever.
The Micra is designed for home baristas who want the best quality of espresso with a focus on simplicity. As our entry-level model, it offers a minimalist analog design, no buttons or complicated interfaces! Despite its compact size around the group head, there’s enough space to fit a small scale and a 6-ounce cappuccino cup, making it easy to brew directly into your cup. Tailored specifically for home use, the Linea Micra offers a different experience compared to our other models: its components are smaller, less tactile, and it offers fewer options for future customizations or add-ons.
Interacting with the Linea Micra
The simplicity of this machine is one of the things we love most about it.
The Linea Micra utilizes an EE(Semi-Automatic) paddle for espresso brewing. The paddle activates a microswitch, which engages the pump and starts the brewing process with a simple on/off action. Once the paddle is moved over, the switch engages, and the brewing begins. This machine also comes with a three-in-one convertible portafilter that easily switches between single-spout, double-spout, and bottomless options.
Two indicator lights next to the paddle show water level (blue) and heating (red).
Blue Light: A solid blue light indicates a full water reservoir, while a flashing blue light indicates that water needs to be added.
Red Light: A solid red light indicates the coffee boiler is up to temperature, and a flashing red light means the coffee boiler is heating up.
The Linea Micra has two knobs, the hot water spout and steam wand activators. To the left is the hot water knob which dispenses water directly from the steam boiler. This water is incredibly hot and will be mixed with steam. To the right of the paddle is a matching knob that controls the steam wand directly below it. With a progressive steam valve, steaming on the Linea Micra is almost identical to steaming on the Linea Classic; high-powered and fast. As you turn the knob, the valve opens more and more, which means easy and quick steam power control. Steaming milk on the Linea Micra is fast and easy, producing silky-smooth milk in about 6-8 seconds.
Features
The Linea Micra can be connected to the La Marzocco app, offering a small range of features:
Custom Schedule: One of our favorite features is the ability to set a schedule that automatically turns the machine on and off at specific times. If you’re going out of town or not using the machine for more than 36 hours, La Marzocco’s team recommends turning it off and unplugging. Otherwise, keep it on the schedule for daily use.
Temperature Control: The app allows you to adjust the machine’s brewing temperature, which is especially helpful for fine-tuning your espresso or following a specific recipe. The standard temperature is set at 93°C (200°F) during testing for espresso brewing.
Pre-Brew Adjustment: You can also control the pre-brew feature through the app. This setting delivers a quick splash of water to the coffee puck before full pressure is applied, ensuring a more consistent extraction.
These features make it easier to personalize your espresso-making process while maintaining the Micra’s streamline approche to brewing.
Micra & Mini : Side by Side
Trying to choose between the Linea Micra and the Linea Mini? It really comes down to your space, your coffee routine, and what kind of experience you’re after.
If you’re looking for something compact and super approachable for everyday home use, the Micra is our top pick. It’s about 20% smaller than the Mini, so it fits easily on most countertops and has a clean, minimal footprint. It heats up fast, in just 5 minutes! It also has plenty of power to pull up to 6 drinks back-to-back, which is more than enough for solo use or even small get-togethers. The steam wand on the Micra is smaller than the wand on the Linea Mini, so if you’re used to a commercial machine, that’s something to consider, but for daily home use, it gets the job done beautifully.
Now if you’re someone who loves entertaining or just wants that professional café feel at home, the Linea Mini will be more your speed. It gives you a bit more working space, a longer steam performance, and some extra customization options. It’s built to handle higher volume and offers that elevated, barista-style experience. The Mini really shines if you like to tinker and dial things in.
Heat Up Time
Linea Micra : 5 minutes for espresso
Linea Mini : 10 minutes for espresso
Footprint
Linea Micra : H 13.3″ x W 11.4″ x D 18.6″
Linea Mini : H 15″ x W 14.2″ x D 21.3″
Water Capacity / Reservoir
Linea Micra : 1.5 liters internal reservoir; plumb-in kit available
Linea Mini : 2.5 liters reservoir; plumb-in kit available
Steam Boiler Capacity
Linea Micra : 1.4 liters
Linea Mini : 3 (to 3.5) liters depending on region/model
Power / Voltage / Weight
Linea Micra : 120 V / ~1600 W / 57 lbs operating weight
Linea Mini : 120 V / ~1620 W in US; other regions vary / 71 lbs operating weight
In short, the Linea Micra is fast, compact, and super user-friendly, while the Linea Mini is robust, powerful, and closer to a true café setup. Both are amazing machines, it just depends on what fits your space and style best.
