La Marzocco Straight-In Locking Hook Kit for the KB90 – the click you need to be able to rely on
With the Straight-In group of the KB90, you slide the portafilter straight in and it locks. That short, solid click is the moment the barista knows everything is in place. The locking hook takes care of that.
It is one of the most heavily stressed parts of the entire machine – every single cup goes through it. Over the years the contact surface wears in, the click becomes soft, and at some point the portafilter no longer holds the way it should.
When it's due
When the locking feels soft or doesn't happen at all, when the portafilter moves during extraction or comes loose by itself, when it only locks with force, or when visible wear, a burr or a chip can be seen on the hook. A portafilter that isn't held securely under pressure is a safety issue – that's not something to put off until the next annual service.
At a glance
| Type |
Locking hook as a kit |
| Location |
Straight-In group |
| Fits |
La Marzocco KB90 with Straight-In group |
| Scope of delivery |
one kit as supplied by the manufacturer |
| Part number |
1204 |
| Installation |
Installation by a professional recommended |
| Brand |
La Marzocco |
Important for installation
The locking hook holds the portafilter against the brewing pressure. Before any work, the machine must be disconnected from power, depressurised and cooled down, and the locking must be checked afterwards. We deliberately don't provide step-by-step instructions for this part – too much depends on the correct adjustment. Have the replacement done by a professional, or write to us and we'll arrange it through our service.
Who it's for
For businesses where the KB90 pulls hundreds of shots every day, and for service companies overhauling a Straight-In group and renewing the locking at the same time.
What goes with it
The same group also houses the portafilter holder kit version 2.0, the group head gasket including anti-shock plates and the sleeve for the anti-shock plate screw. For backflushing you need the Straight-In blind filter with the matching rubber. More under La Marzocco KB90 spare parts.
Tip from our workshop
We test a freshly overhauled locking not just with the usual portafilter, but with all the ones in circulation in the business – including the bottomless one. Portafilters wear differently, and if one of them doesn't hold properly, you'd otherwise only notice in the middle of service. This is our routine from Bern and Zurich, not a manufacturer requirement. Afterwards, we dial in with Nutty Delight, Cozy Chocolate or Very Nutty. All roasts under Coffee beans.
No returns
Service parts are excluded from exchange and return. They are procured to order and cannot be resold after installation or a trial fit on the machine. So before ordering, check the model, year of manufacture and serial number of your machine – or drop us a line and we'll clarify the fit together. Your rights in the case of defective goods remain unaffected.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in the kit?
The scope of delivery corresponds to the manufacturer's kit with the number 1204. If you need the list of individual parts in advance, write to us – we'll check with the manufacturer.
My portafilter no longer locks in cleanly. Is it the hook?
That's the most common cause, but not the only one. A worn portafilter holder or a worn portafilter can also cause it. A professional will quickly see what's behind it.
Can I keep working until the part arrives?
Only if the portafilter still holds securely. If it comes loose under pressure, there's a risk of scalding – please take the group out of service.
Do I need one kit per group?
Yes. One kit is supplied per order. For a two- or three-group KB90, order the corresponding number.
Can I see the part in the 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? Write to [email protected]. Delivery across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2-4 working days.
