La Marzocco GS3 AV – dual boiler espresso machine with saturated group
Lock in the portafilter, press a button, and the rotary pump starts up quietly. The GS3 AV stops the shot at the programmed volume, shot after shot at a stable brew temperature. A dual boiler with saturated group from Florence, buy in Switzerland at Coffee Coaching Club in Bern and Zurich.
For the GS3, La Marzocco transferred the temperature stability technology of the Strada into a compact machine for the home: pre-heating system, dual PID control, saturated group, dual boiler and digital display. AV stands for Auto-Volumetric. We are a partner of La Marzocco and a coffee roastery at the same time.
Features of the GS3 AV
Exposed saturated group
The group is connected directly to the coffee boiler and is exposed. According to La Marzocco, this brings more temperature stability, better ergonomics and a clear view of the work area.
Dual boiler system
Separate boilers for brew water and steam. You pull espresso and steam milk at the same time, without one function waiting for the other.
Dual PID control
The temperature of the coffee and steam boilers is controlled electronically and can be set separately.
Pre-heating system
The water is pre-heated before it enters the coffee boiler. La Marzocco uses the same temperature stability system in the Strada.
Insulated boilers
The insulation lowers energy consumption and contributes to temperature stability. On top of that, there is a half-power mode for the heating elements.
Auto-Volumetric (AV)
The first four buttons on the group can be programmed volumetrically. One press starts the shot, and the machine stops automatically at the stored volume.
Coffee contains more than 800 aroma compounds. Which of them end up in the cup depends on how evenly temperature and pressure pass through the puck. In our roastery, we observe that saturated groups deliver a more refined aroma profile than E61 – regardless of the heating system. That is our view, one of many.
The details in everyday use
Digital display
Temperature display, shot timer, flow counter and clear programming of the machine parameters.
La Marzocco Home App
Via Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz), you connect the GS3 to the La Marzocco Home App for iOS and Android and control it from your smartphone.
Internal rotary pump
The pump is built into the housing, which according to the manufacturer makes the GS3 ideal for the home. The brew pressure is set to 9 bar at the factory.
Water tank or plumbed-in
An integrated 3.5 litre water tank makes the plumbed-in connection optional. The connection kit for fresh water and drain is included.
Ruby gicleurs
The flow restrictors made of synthetic ruby resist limescale deposits and wear.
Stainless steel portafilters and precision baskets
Stainless steel portafilters and precision baskets for more consistent cup quality.
Hot water mixer
The temperature of the hot water outlet can be finely adjusted. The hot water volume is programmable via the display.
Steam wands with cool-touch grip
Powerful steam wands that stay pleasantly cool to the touch.
Customisable
La Marzocco offers side panels made of tempered glass as well as wooden components that let you personalise your GS3.
At a glance
| Machine type |
Dual boiler with exposed saturated group |
| Version |
AV (Auto-Volumetric), 4 programmable buttons |
| Controls |
Dual PID (coffee and steam), digital display with shot timer |
| Coffee boiler / steam boiler |
1.5 L / 3.5 L (La Marzocco product brochure) |
| Pump |
Internal rotary pump, 9 bar at the factory |
| Water |
Integrated 3.5 L tank or plumbed-in connection (connection kit included) |
| App |
La Marzocco Home App (iOS, Android), Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) |
41 × 53 × 35.5 cm |
| Weight |
33 kg according to the user manual (product brochure: 34.5 kg) |
| Voltage |
220 V, single-phase |
| Colours |
Black, white, silver |
| Scope of delivery |
2 stainless steel portafilters (single, double), blind basket, precision baskets 7/14/17/21 g, tamper, Allen key, cleaning agent, connection kit for fresh water and drain |
| Manufacturer |
La Marzocco, Florence, Italy |
AV or MP
This page is the AV version: you program shot volumes, and one press of a button stops automatically – good for repeatability and when several people use the machine. The GS3 MP has a conical paddle instead: it controls the water flow, and with it the pre-infusion, via an internal jet before full pressure is applied, plus a periscope pressure gauge. You will find both versions in the La Marzocco collection. It is a question of workflow, not of quality.
Who the GS3 is for
Nobody needs a GS3, and saying so is part of honest advice. There are very good machines for considerably less money. If you choose a GS3, you are looking for the saturated group in your own kitchen – the thermal calm of a café machine, the mass, the presence on the counter. If you want that, you usually know why.
GS3, Linea Mini R or Linea Micra? The differences are shown in the Micra vs. Mini R vs. GS3 comparison, and the machine comparison offers guidance across all brands. In a free advice appointment, we narrow down the choice together. If you want to test machines and grinders side by side, book the Espresso Machine and Grinder Comparison in the showroom – an option, not a requirement.
What goes with it
The grinder makes the biggest difference. Freshly ground determines what arrives retronasally in the cup. For everyone who wants a grinder affordable and precise: Varia. If you want more: Weber Workshops or Option-O, and from the same house the grinders in the La Marzocco collection.
Extraction by weight ratio (1:2 as a starting point) delivers the most reliable results. For everyone who wants a scale affordable and precise: Normcore. If you want an app and flow rate display: Acaia. You will find tampers, puck screens and WDT tools from Normcore and Weber Workshops.
Ordering, delivery and advice
You can order the GS3 directly online. After your order, we will get in touch briefly to clarify configuration and delivery. Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2–4 working days, Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich. Financing available. You will find the conditions for the introductory course with a machine purchase further down this page. Questions are welcome at [email protected] or by phone during business hours.
Frequently asked questions
What does AV mean on the GS3?
AV stands for Auto-Volumetric: you program shot volumes, one press of a button starts, and the machine stops automatically. If you want to control it by hand via a paddle, choose the GS3 MP.
What is a saturated group?
The group head is connected directly to the brew boiler and permanently surrounded by hot water. This keeps the brew temperature very stable – the first shot tastes like the third.
Can I connect the GS3 to a plumbed-in water supply?
Yes. The GS3 runs with a water tank or a plumbed-in connection. When plumbed in, you never have to refill.
How does the GS3 differ from the Linea Mini R?
Both are dual boilers from La Marzocco. The GS3 has the saturated group, larger boilers and more mass. Which one suits you is shown in our machine comparison.
Can I see the GS3 live before buying?
That depends on whether the GS3 is currently on display. In our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) we show a wide selection, but not the whole range – it is too large for that, and the display changes. Write to us briefly at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check for you whether the GS3 is currently on site.
What is included with the GS3 AV?
According to the user manual: one stainless steel portafilter each with single and double spout, blind basket, precision baskets for 7, 14, 17 and 21 g, tamper, Allen key, gaskets, cleaning agent for espresso machines and the connection kit for fresh water and drain.
Tip from the roastery: The thermal calm of the saturated group suits medium roasts with body. Our Cozy Chocolate shows dense chocolate here with a sweetness that builds slowly. Nutty Delight turns nutty and round, ideal with milk. If you are looking for maximum body without acidity, take Very Nutty. If you want to discover a fruity cup, you will find it in the light-roasted Wild Peach. That is our recommendation, one of many.
