The focused jet that draws the milk into a calm vortex
At the front end of the classic steam wand sits a part the size of a finger joint, and it determines the whole milk foam. The steam exits through its four holes and sets the milk in the jug spinning. As long as the holes are clear, the jet draws a calm vortex and the texture becomes dense and glossy.
This version has four holes of 1.2 millimetres each, making it the narrower of the two steam tips for the classic wand. If limescale or dried milk gets stuck in a hole, the picture changes immediately: the jet runs crooked, the jug starts to spit, and the vortex turns into bubbling with large bubbles on top. We do not know of a part number for this part: it is listed neither in our service parts list nor in the catalogue we otherwise take the numbers from. We do not invent one – tell us the model and serial number of your machine, and we will identify the part for you.
Descale first, then replace
A steam tip is rarely broken; usually it is blocked. Limescale and dried milk settle in the fine holes, and what looks like a defective part is often just a deposit. So first soak the steam tip overnight in a descaling solution and then rinse it through thoroughly. You will find suitable products in our Machine and grinder cleaning range; for the milk side, Puly Milk Plus Liquido is a good fit. If the jet does not come back after that, replacement is the right step. Helping it along with a needle is not a solution: a widened hole permanently changes the spray pattern and cannot be reversed.
When it is due
- The foam stays coarse, even after thorough descaling.
- The steam jet runs crooked or asymmetrically instead of straight down.
- One of the holes remains visibly blocked.
- The milk no longer spins in the jug; it just bubbles.
- Scoring appears at the outlet, or the thread can no longer be tightened cleanly.
At a glance
| Type |
Steam tip with four 1.2 mm holes |
| Installation location |
At the front end of the steam wand |
| Fits |
La Marzocco machines with classic steam wand. Send us the model and serial number, and we will check the fit. |
| Scope of delivery |
One steam tip. Wand and seals are not included. |
| Version |
Four holes, 1.2 mm each. Material and thread size are not documented to us. |
| Installation |
Installation by a specialist recommended |
| Brand |
La Marzocco |
Important notes on installation
The steam tip sits at the front end of a component that carries steam at over a hundred degrees. Only work on the machine when it is switched off, cooled down and depressurised, and tighten the thread by hand before applying a spanner – a stripped thread on the wand costs more than any steam tip. We deliberately do not provide step-by-step instructions here; if you are unsure, have the replacement done for you.
Who it is for
For everyone with a classic La Marzocco steam wand who wants a narrower, more powerful jet or whose steam tip can no longer be cleared. And for workshops that swap a scaled-up steam tip straight away as part of a service.
The steam tips in the La Marzocco catalogue
We carry nine steam tips in the La Marzocco catalogue, spread across four designs. Which one belongs on your machine is decided by the wand, not the machine model. If you are unsure, send us the serial number and we will check the fit together.
On the classic steam wand: the version with four 1.2 mm holes – that is, this product; the version with four 1.5 mm holes.
On the Cool-Touch steam wand: the version with four 1.5 mm holes.
On other wands: the PEEK steam tip with four 1.2 mm holes for the Linea Mini R, part number A.6.004; the short stainless steel steam tip with 1.1 mm, A.5.180; the complete rotating steam tip for the Linea series, T.2.126.
Tips for the Autosteam wand: the Vortex tip Ø 1.3 mm at 45 degrees, F.3.183; the Vortex tip Ø 1.5 mm at 45 degrees, F.3.182; the Tornado tip at 60 degrees, A.5.148.
For none of the nine steam tips do our documents state the thread size or material grade. We therefore leave these details out rather than estimate them.
What goes with it
From our workshop in Bern and Zurich
At our place in Bern and Zurich, the wand hangs vertically in a tall container for descaling so that the solution really reaches up into the steam tip – lying flat, half of the hole stays dry. That is our routine, not a manufacturer requirement. Afterwards we pull an espresso with the Nutty Delight or the Cozy Chocolate and see whether the foam is right again. If you like it stronger, take Very Nutty; the full selection is under Coffee beans.
No returns
Service parts are excluded from exchange and return. They are sourced specifically for each order and cannot be resold after being installed or test-fitted on the machine. So before ordering, check the model, year of manufacture and serial number of your machine – or drop us a short message and we will clarify the fit together. Your rights in the event of defective goods remain unaffected.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 1.2 mm and the 1.5 mm steam tip?
Both have four holes and sit on the classic wand. The 1.2 mm version has the narrower holes, the 1.5 mm version the wider ones. We use the serial number to find out which one was fitted to your machine at the factory.
Does the steam tip also fit the Cool-Touch wand?
We carry a separate version for that. Whether the threads of the two wands match is not documented to us, so we do not claim it.
My foam has got worse – does the steam tip have to come out?
Not necessarily. Descale thoroughly first and rinse the holes through. Very often the jet is back afterwards.
Can I clear the hole with a needle?
We advise against it. The diameter determines how much steam comes out and how the milk spins. Anyone who forces it widens the hole and will not get the spray pattern back.
Can I see the part at your showroom?
Our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) show a wide selection, but not our entire range – the display changes. Drop us a quick line at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check whether the product you have in mind is currently there.
Questions about fit? Write to us at [email protected]. We deliver across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2-4 working days.
