I've read the countless threads and watched numerous videos comparing these two machines from the past five years and I've heard a variety of opinions.

One theme has been a recognition that the GS3 is obviously more flexible from a technical perspective, especially with the manual paddle. But whether it's unequivocally better (cost aside) seems to still be up for debate.

The variety of perspectives include:
- the espresso is highly similar; unless you really want to play with flow, the Linea is all you need.
- the GS3 tastes better even when you ramp directly to 9bar
- with an excellent grinder, the difference between the two will be minimal
-with medium roasts or darker, there is no advantage to the GS3.
- the GS3 paddle is essential for getting the most from light roasts
-the Linea is excellent for light roast: just look at how Tim Wendelboe uses Roburs and Lineas in his cafe!
-both are great!
-the hell with it all, get a lever!

So what would a potential buyer conclude if they have no chance to try either machine before a purchase. To me, the continuing debate suggests that the advantage of the GS3 is probably small. Perhaps it is only detectable with the most challenging light roasts, and even then the choice of grinder may have more influence than machine. It seems, even for a serious home barista, if light roasts are not your main focus, the Linea is the best you can get (in the La Marzocco line for the home).

Would these be accurate conclusions? Would those of you who have moved from one machine to the other have a different perspective now that both machines have been on the market for many years?

I have a few thoughts on moving from machine to machine, but I haven't used any La Marzoccos. My tldr; conclusion is that the machine is actually the last factor I care about in terms of the quality of taste in my espresso. I rank coffee quality >>> water chemistry >> grinder >>>>>>> machine (profiling and temperature stability). I've had a needle valve machine and I've played around with pretty much every profile I can think of, long-bloom, lever-style preinfusion, flat pressure turbo, turbo after a bloom, turbo after a lever style preinfusion, and a few slayer shots. I ended up really liking the 6 bar fast flow style shots. I think the idea that profiling is essential to get the most of of light roasts comes from an attachment to the aesthetics of a bottomless portafilter pull; a finer grind possible from a long preinfusion will give a pretty shot at slower flow, but my EY was the same and taste was even a bit worse (more prone to astringency, sour + bitter notes in the same brew, harsh taste). Knowing this, I'd personally be fine with a 6-bar Linea Mini. In the end, I ended up going back to the spring lever that I was previously using focusing on the quality of my ingredients instead. That being said, I do know some folks who are very very particular and want to aim very specifically for a certain TDS at a certain brew ratio. In that case, profiling may be useful.

I say, buy which machine you think will make you happy to look at and use in the morning and focus on buying very good coffee and using good water.

Cheers!

Good points. Interestingly I've also had some great results with lower pressure shots on my Cremina.

I am on the verge of upgrading my LMLM for a GS3/MP- mainly for light roast and SO flexibility. Hopefully I will notice a difference in the cup. Even with solid WDT, etc- my pucks often break down before I can pull a long enough shot to kill the sourness/acidity from some of my favorite coffees. The pre-wetting on the LMLM typically triggers the OPV which ultimately messes with a delicate puck so I stopped using it. I fully realize the Decent offers the most capability but I cannot get the wifey to buy off on the aesthetics. I also am not a huge fan of the looks and more so, the sounds lol. Slayer single group was also a strong contender but there is way less service and parts availability. They appear to give you more repeatability but less flexibility. Hoping that I will enjoy the challenge/fun of playing with the MP even if it means I will be giving up a little on repeatability. Have a Weber Key coming as well so that might make a difference too.

Congrats!
I'll be very interested to know whether you get equivalent results on the "regular" espresso beans or if everything tastes a bit upgraded with the GS3.

I'll definitely let you know! Looks like it will be about 6 weeks for delivery if I pull the trigger on the GS3. I will say the Linea Mini pulls some incredible shots with more traditional/comfort roasts. Not sure there is a ton of room for improvement but maybe they will be a little different at a minimum!

OP your summary matches my (inexperienced) thoughts after reading threads/posts on here. Thanks to those who posted their helpful responses as well.

I've settled on the GS3 and am in the process of researching where to buy the machine in the next 6 months. Im located in Southern California: does anyone have any suggestions for a local retailer? Any benefits of ordering direct from La Marzocco home vs online retailers? Thanks for the feedback!

Airbornewilly wrote:I am on the verge of upgrading my LMLM for a GS3/MP- mainly for light roast and SO flexibility. Hopefully I will notice a difference in the cup. Even with solid WDT, etc- my pucks often break down before I can pull a long enough shot to kill the sourness/acidity from some of my favorite coffees. The pre-wetting on the LMLM typically triggers the OPV which ultimately messes with a delicate puck so I stopped using it. I fully realize the Decent offers the most capability but I cannot get the wifey to buy off on the aesthetics. I also am not a huge fan of the looks and more so, the sounds lol. Slayer single group was also a strong contender but there is way less service and parts availability. They appear to give you more repeatability but less flexibility. Hoping that I will enjoy the challenge/fun of playing with the MP even if it means I will be giving up a little on repeatability. Have a Weber Key coming as well so that might make a difference too.

Did you consider the flow control or slayer mods for your LMLM instead of upgrading to GS3? I have the LMLM right now and trying to figure out what my next steps should be to start doing lighter roasts. I haven't turned down my brew pressure so I may consider that.

Yes! And I actually think that would be awesome. It seems fairly difficult to get the necessary parts in the US and I am not overly confident that I am capable of doing the mod myself. From what I've read, several people have had a lot of success with light roast by dropping down closer to 6 bar. Probably worth a shot. If I wasn't already hellbent on a new toy I would be trying that next.

As far as the upgrade goes, I'm strongly leaning towards just going with the Slayer. It has been my end game dream for a while. I do love my Linea Mini though. Wish I could keep them both!