Why are La Marzocco espresso machines so expensive? One of the reasons that justify the price is the dual boiler system. But other than that, it is the quality of build that separates La Marzocco from the other coffee makers and the sole reason it costs more. La Marzocco espresso makers are built to last.

Seriously though, there comes a time when repairing a well-used machine is going to cost more than it's worth. Our records show that most commercial espresso machines will be replaced after six to eight years, although a few will last for well over a decade with proper care.

The factory closed in 2004, when Starbucks moved to more automated brewing methods, and all La Marzocco production has returned to Italy.

However, the most common espresso machine used in Starbucks stores is the Mastrena High-Performance Espresso Machine, which is made by the Swiss company Thermoplan AG. The Mastrena machine is designed specifically for high-volume environments like Starbucks, and it's known for its speed, consistency, and ease of use.