A Comprehensive Guide to the Linea Mini
Launched in 2015, the Linea Mini brings the performance of the Linea Classic into a more compact, approachable form.
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Born from the Linea Classic—a machine that shaped specialty coffee—the Linea Mini brings the same performance and presence into a smaller footprint. Like all La Marzocco machines, built by hand in Florence, it carries the lineage of specialty café machines into homes and small spaces.
With dual-boiler power, PID temperature control, and commercial-grade components, the Linea Mini is designed to deliver consistent, professional espresso, simply. Every element is considered: from easy paddle actuation to indicator lights and shot timer, each detail elevates the flow of making espresso.
Compact enough for a kitchen counter, steady enough for a popup, the Linea Mini is a reliable workhorse and centerpiece. Built to last for years to come, the Linea Mini embodies beautiful espresso on any countertop.
Interacting with the Linea Mini
The power of this machine is one of the things we love most about it.
The Linea Mini 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. Adding the La Marzocco Connected scale, the Linea Mini utilizes precise brew-by-weight functionality, stopping the shot automatically at a set weight. This machine also comes with a three-in-one convertible portafilter that easily swaps 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 Mini 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 is pulled directly from the steam boiler. 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 Mini is identical to steaming on the Linea Classic; high-powered and fast. Upon turning the knob, the valve opens further, giving easy and quick steam power control. Steaming milk on the Linea Mini is fast, producing beautifully-textured milk in 6-8 seconds.
Features
The Linea Mini has built in features, with expanded features when connected to the La Marzocco app and other accessories:
Barista Lights, Shot Timer & Rinse Mode: LED lights illuminate the work area, while the built-in shot timer ensures precision in timing every extraction. A convenient rinse mode (a quick flip of the paddle) also makes post-shot cleanup quick and easy.
Built-in Reservoir: Easily accessible, the 2.5 liter built-in reservoir has a removable lid for easy cleaning.
Temperature Stability: Dual-boilers and PID temperature control give the Linea Mini commercial-grade stability from shot to shot, even while steaming milk.
Pump Pressure Adjustment: Easily adjust pump pressure without having to get inside the machine, letting you fine tune extraction as you like.
Coffee Station: Coffee Station links the Pico grinder, La Marzocco Connected Scale, and the Linea Mini into a unified workflow. Powered by the La Marzocco App, it introduces Grind-by-Weight, Brew-by-Weight, and real-time app adjustments, making every shot more precise and repeatable.
Pre-brew + Pre-infusion Systems: Pre-brew and timed pre-infusion (with the plumb-in kit-sold separately) can both be set in the La Marzocco app. The Linea Mini has a two-valve pre-brew system that softly saturates the coffee puck before full pressure extraction. The system also has a self-cleaning flow restrictor.
Custom Schedule: 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 adjusting the machine’s brewing temperature, which is particularly-helpful for fine-tuning espresso or following a specific recipe. The standard temperature is set at 93°C (200°F) during testing for espresso brewing.
Micra & Mini : Side by Side
Trying to choose between the Linea Mini and the Linea Micra? Both machines deliver incredible espresso, but the right fit depends on you.
If you’re someone who craves a true café-style setup at home, the Linea Mini is the clear standout. With more steam power, more room to work, and greater customization potential, the Linea Mini is designed for baristas want to teeter between serving guests or customers, dialing in recipes, or just enjoying the full sensory experience of espresso as a craft. It runs on a 3.5L steam boiler, handles high volumes with ease, and brings commercial performance into a more compact form factor. The Linea Mini also supports plumb-in conversion and additional accessories, giving it even more flexibility over time.
By contrast, the Linea Micra is perfect if you’re looking for something simple, fast, and space-efficient. It’s about 20% smaller than the Linea Mini, with a clean, minimal footprint and quick 5-minute heat-up time. It’s ideal for smaller kitchens or daily use without fuss. The Linea Micra is designed purely for home use, less tactile than the Linea Mini, with fewer options for add-ons, but still capable of making excellent drinks consistently.
Heat Up Time
Linea Mini = 10 minutes for espresso
Linea Micra = 5 minutes for espresso
Footprint
Linea Mini = H 15″ x W 14.2″ x D 21.3″
Linea Micra = H 13.3″ x W 11.4″ x D 18.6″
Water Capacity / Reservoir
Linea Mini = 2.5 liters reservoir; plumb-in kit available
Linea Micra = 1.5 liters internal reservoir; plumb-in kit available
Steam Boiler Capacity
Linea Mini = 3 (to 3.5) liters depending on region/model
Linea Micra = 1.4 liters
Power / Voltage / Weight
Linea Mini = 120 V / ~1620 W in US; other regions vary / 71 lbs operating weight
Linea Micra = 120 V / ~1600 W / 57 lbs operating weight
In short, the Linea Mini is robust, powerful, and closer to a true café setup, while the Linea Micra is fast, compact, and super user-friendly. Both are exceptional, but if you’re chasing that true café feel with room to grow, the Linea Mini is built for it.
