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Paddle Group

GS/3 Woot!

Huge scoop!!!!
Here's your first look at the La Marzocco GS/3 - nearing production ready, and one model at this year's show features the 21rst century version of La Marzocco's venerable Paddle Group!

Let me tell you, the action is sweet on this. This required some serious re-engineering by Bill Crossland over the original paddle group. I'll try to explain it best I can (I don't know all the details).

The original and much lusted after paddle group was all mechanical. They were installed on machines without much in the way of electronics, volumetric controls, automatic controls, you name it. It was a fairly complex design for its time, but mechanical and no problems that an automatic machine would pose to such a group today.

This machine is an automatic machine. Meaning you can preprogram in fairly precise volumes for each of the four brewing buttons. Press, it brews, then stops when done.

This machine is also a "manual control" machine. Via the paddle group, you can move the paddle on its axis somewhat, and open up the path between brew boiler and group for water flow. But the water flows at normal pressure. Water will saturate the puck, and you, as the Barista, control that saturation timing. Move the paddle further on its axis, and you engage the pump. Move the paddle back to its original position, and the pump shuts down, the path between group and boiler closes, and the solenoid bypass relief kicks in.

But ahah. This machine is also a manual automatic. Let me explain. You can move the paddle a portion on its axis, and you'll control the preinfusion. then hit any of the preprogrammed brew switches, and the auto functions "take over" and engage the pump, brew your predetermined volume, and close everything afterwards. Sweet.

There's many other improvements in this machine. New water reservoir. New side panels (gone, unfortunately are the alum billets - but the new sides look great, and weigh a lot less). The control panel - all new. The steam wand is now on a ball valve for much better angle of use. Ditto for the hot water wand. The drip tray is expanded. So much to talk about. If you're at the show, this is a must see.