One of the best things about La Marzocco espresso machines is that they are built from scratch. In fact, they are handmade, and they are hand-tested. This is why the machines are worth the investment. It's also one of the reasons many people consider the brand's coffee machines to be superior to other brands' machines.

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.

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.

The AV (automatic volumetric) offers software-driven, highly accurate volumetric brewing with programmable doses. The EP (electronic paddle) versions allow you to introduce water at the pace and pressure you set and control by hand.