La Marzocco GS3 MP – Dual Boiler Espresso Machine with Manual Paddle
Paddle to the left, the water starts to flow, and you guide the pre-infusion by hand. The GS3 MP: a dual boiler with a saturated brew group from Florence, available in Switzerland from Coffee Coaching Club in Bern and Zurich.
For the GS3, La Marzocco carried the temperature stability technology of the Strada over into a compact machine for the home: preheating system, dual PID control, saturated brew group, dual boiler and digital display. MP stands for Mechanical Paddle. We are a partner of La Marzocco and a coffee roastery at the same time.
Features of the GS3 MP
Conical paddle
The conical valve system regulates water flow and pressure gradually through an internal nozzle before full pressure is applied. With the paddle you control the pre-infusion while the pump runs at full pressure. According to La Marzocco, this helps reduce channeling for a more balanced extraction.
Periscope pressure gauge
On the MP, the pressure gauge sits directly on the brew group and shows the pressure during extraction.
Exposed saturated brew group
The brew 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.
Preheating system
The water is preheated 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.
Coffee contains more than 800 aroma compounds. Which of them end up in the cup depends on how temperature, flow and pressure pass through the puck. With the paddle you shape the pressure profile yourself, controlled by weight, with 1:2 as a starting point. In our roastery we observe that saturated brew 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
Manual extraction
You move the paddle from right to left to start the extraction. On the MP, shot volume and pre-infusion are not programmed; they are in your hands.
Digital display
Temperature display, shot timer, flow meter 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 pump
The pump is built into the housing, which according to the manufacturer makes the GS3 ideal for the home. The pump pressure is set to 9 bar at the factory.
Water tank or plumbed-in
An integrated 3.5-litre water tank makes a plumbed-in connection optional. The connection kit for fresh water and drain is supplied.
Ruby gicleurs
The flow restrictors made of synthetic ruby resist limescale build-up 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.
Cool-touch steam wands
Powerful steam wands that stay comfortably cool to the touch.
Customisable
La Marzocco offers tempered glass side panels and wooden components to personalise your GS3.
At a glance
| Machine type |
Dual boiler with exposed saturated brew group |
| Version |
MP (Mechanical Paddle) with conical paddle and periscope pressure gauge |
| Control |
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 pump, 9 bar factory setting |
| Water |
Integrated 3.5 L tank or plumbed-in connection (connection kit supplied) |
| App |
La Marzocco Home App (iOS, Android), Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) |
41 × 53 × 44.1 cm (user manual, MP with paddle) |
| Weight |
33 kg according to the user manual (product brochure: 34.5 kg) |
| Voltage |
220 V, single-phase |
| In the box |
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 |
MP or AV
This page is the MP version: you control pre-infusion and pressure build-up with the paddle, and the periscope pressure gauge shows the pressure on the group. The GS3 AV instead has programmable buttons that stop the extraction at the saved volume. You will find both versions in the La Marzocco collection. It is a question of workflow, not of quality.
Who the GS3 MP is for
Nobody needs a GS3 MP. There are very good machines for considerably less money. Those who choose it want the saturated brew group in their own kitchen and the pressure profile in their own hands. If you want that, you usually know why.
GS3, Linea Mini R or Linea Micra? The Micra vs. Mini R vs. GS3 comparison shows the differences, and the machine comparison offers guidance across all brands. In a free consultation appointment we narrow down the choice together. If you want to test machines and grinders side by side, you can book the espresso machine and grinder comparison in the showroom – an option, not a requirement.
What goes well with it
The grinder makes the biggest difference. For anyone who wants an affordable and precise grinder: 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 delivers the most reliable results. We grind fine, start at 14.5 grams and work our way up from there, usually to 17 grams, at a ratio below 1:2. For anyone who wants an affordable and precise scale: 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 MP 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 via [email protected] or by phone during business hours.
Frequently asked questions
What does MP mean on the GS3?
MP stands for Mechanical Paddle. A conical valve controls water flow and pressure through an internal nozzle before full pressure is applied. You control shot volume and pre-infusion by hand; the MP has no programmed shot volumes.
What is a saturated brew group?
The brew head is connected directly to the coffee boiler and is permanently surrounded by hot water. This keeps the brew temperature very stable, even over several extractions in a row.
Can I connect the GS3 MP to a water line?
Yes. The GS3 runs on the integrated 3.5-litre tank or with a plumbed-in connection. According to the user manual, the connection kit for fresh water and drain is supplied.
How does the GS3 MP differ from the GS3 AV?
The core technology is the same: dual boiler, saturated brew group, dual PID. The MP has the conical paddle and a periscope pressure gauge on the group, the AV has programmable buttons with automatic stop. With the paddle, the MP is 44.1 cm tall, the AV 35.5 cm.
Can I see the GS3 MP in person before buying?
That depends on whether the GS3 MP is currently on display. In our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) we show a wide selection, but not the entire range – the display changes. Send us a short message to [email protected] before your visit, and we will check for you whether the GS3 MP is currently on site.
What comes in the box with the GS3 MP?
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, espresso machine cleaning agent and the connection kit for fresh water and drain.
Tip from the roastery: With the paddle you can run a long, gentle pre-infusion, which suits dense roasts with body. Our Cozy Chocolate shows dense chocolate here, Nutty Delight turns nutty and round, ideal with milk. If you are looking for maximum body without acidity, reach for Very Nutty. If you want to discover a fruity cup, you will find it in the light-roasted Wild Peach. This is our recommendation, one of many.
