La Marzocco Linea PB X AV 2 Group Smart Steam – the milk hits the temperature, every time
Rush hour, twelve orders open, and you are steaming milk while already watching the next shot. That is exactly where it goes wrong: a few degrees too hot, because your eyes were somewhere else for a second. With SmartSteam the machine cuts the steam itself – at the right moment, without you having to listen in or count along.
The Linea PB has been the workhorse behind countless bars for years. This version is the same machine, only with a steam wand that thinks along.
How SmartSteam works
A temperature sensor sits at the end of a traditional steam wand. You texture the milk exactly the way you are used to – stretch, roll, let it settle. In the background a predictive algorithm tracks how fast the milk is heating and predicts the moment the pitcher will reach your target temperature. The machine cuts the steam early enough that carryover heat does not push the milk past the programmed temperature.
Two target temperatures can be stored, plus a third for kid's milk when it should be cooler. You select them with the SmartSteam button: a short press or a longer hold. Everything is programmed in the machine's barista menu, no service technician needed.
Worth knowing: SmartSteam has to be ordered with the machine. La Marzocco does not offer it as a retrofit kit for Linea PB machines already delivered. From the factory the SmartSteam wand sits on the right-hand side.
The rest is Linea PB X
Underneath runs the proven X generation: a multiboiler layout with independent saturated groups and a separate steam boiler, plus AV – auto-volumetric. The volume per group is programmed via a flow meter and stops automatically. Barista light and cup warmer are included in this version.
At a glance
| Type | espresso machine, 2 group, for café service |
| Highlight | SmartSteam wand with temperature sensor, factory-fitted on the right |
| Temperatures | two target temperatures plus a kid's milk temperature |
| Control | AV (auto-volumetric), programmable per group |
| Equipment | barista light, cup warmer |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 45.5 × 71 × 59 cm |
| Weight | 61 kg |
| Option | tall legs, adding 8 cm of height |
| Brand | La Marzocco |
What is in the box
- 2 double portafilters
- La Marzocco tamper
- cleaning powder and blind basket
- 17 g baskets
Installation and delivery
The machine ships from the factory without a plug. For professional commissioning and on-site warranty service we recommend adding the installation flat rate and the scale-protection filter installation – both are separate items, not included in the machine price. Availability and delivery date we agree with you individually after the purchase, financing is available on request.
Who it is made for
For cafés and bars with good volume where milk drinks set the rhythm. For teams working with stand-ins and changing shifts who still want the Tuesday evening cappuccino to taste like the Saturday morning one. And for anyone who knows that in practice milk temperature goes wrong more often than the recipe. If you would rather keep every degree in your own hands, the Linea PB X AV 2 group without SmartSteam serves you just as well – that is a question of how you work, not a judgement.
What goes with it
If you need three groups, there is the Linea PB X AV 3 group Smart Steam. The optional raise comes as the set of tall legs for the La Marzocco Linea PB. The matching grinder for continuous service is in the Mahlkönig range, scales with app connection in the Acaia collection, care products under machine and grinder cleaning. Unsure about the configuration? Our espresso machine comparison helps you place it, the whole range is in the La Marzocco collection.
Tip from our roastery
When the temperature is consistent, it becomes much easier to notice what the coffee underneath is doing – that is our experience from behind the bar in Bern, not a lab measurement. For milk drinks in daily service we recommend dense and round: Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight. Maximum body without acidity: Very Nutty. And for the filter menu or the curious guest, Wild Peach. As a roastery we are happy to tune the profile to your business – all roasts under coffee beans.
Frequently asked questions
Can I retrofit SmartSteam on my existing Linea PB?
No. La Marzocco offers SmartSteam only from the factory, it has to be specified when ordering. There is no retrofit kit for Linea PB machines already delivered.
Does SmartSteam change the way I texture milk?
No. The sensor sits at the end of a traditional steam wand, you stretch and roll the milk as usual. The machine only stops the steam once the target temperature is reached.
How many temperatures can I store?
Two target temperatures plus a kid's milk temperature for cooler drinks. You select them with a short press or a longer hold of the SmartSteam button.
Which side is the SmartSteam wand on?
On the right-hand side of the machine, fitted at the factory.
Are installation and water filter included in the price?
No. The installation flat rate and the scale-protection filter installation are separate items that we recommend for commissioning and on-site warranty service.
Can I see the machine before buying?
Yes. In our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) you can experience La Marzocco in person.
Questions about configuration or financing? Write to [email protected].
