La Marzocco Unveils the Artistic, Ergonomic La Curva Espresso Machine

Last month at its annual partner summit, La Marzocco surprised attendees not with another high-volume machine, but with four bold concept espresso machines—most striking among them, the never-before-seen La Curva. With its sculptural curves and playful silhouette, the machine immediately turned heads and sparked conversations across coffee media. But there’s more to La Curva than just good looks.

La Curva is a modern reimagining of the classic lever espresso machine, combining industrial aesthetics with ergonomic details and thoughtful utility. Designed primarily as a learning project for La Marzocco’s engineers, it also serves as a creative exploration of espresso machine heritage and future possibilities.

What Is La Curva?

La Curva is La Marzocco’s concept interpretation of a lever-driven espresso machine. According to the company’s Product Manager, Scott Guglielmino, it’s a modern take on the traditional lever machine. La Marzocco’s Managing Director, Guido Bernardinelli, likened the design to “reinventing the black-and-white television”—a nod to updating a classic form with contemporary sensibilities.

The machine’s overall look is rugged yet approachable. Its most distinctive feature is the curved, rabbit-like lever that connects to the brewing group, giving it a surprisingly friendly, almost anthropomorphic appearance. This visual contrast—industrial strength meets whimsical design—helped it quickly become a talking point online, despite the lack of any official announcement from La Marzocco itself.

Who Designed It—and Why?

The creative direction for La Curva was split between two key figures. Mechanical engineering was led by Andrea Dionisio, a newly appointed engineer at La Marzocco. His role wasn’t just to build the machine, but to engage deeply with the history of espresso preparation. Leadership saw this project as a way for him to study the roots of pressure-based espresso.

The exterior design, meanwhile, was helmed by Dutch industrial designer Paul Schilperoord. Drawing inspiration from both the wilderness (note the rabbit motif) and 1950s-era Italian espresso machines, Schilperoord crafted a form that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking. His design isn’t just aesthetic—it incorporates multiple functional elements that enhance usability while maintaining visual harmony.

Key Functional Features

La Curva introduces several user-centered features that set it apart from both vintage levers and modern rotary machines:

• Ergonomic Lever: Unlike classic lever machines, La Curva’s lever is engineered for easier force application and includes built-in safety mechanisms. It prevents accidental pressure release when no coffee puck is present, and allows users to adjust water volume via spring tension and lever positioning.
• Steam Control: The steam wand is operated via a wand-mounted lever switch—intuitive for both left- and right-handed users. The steam pipe itself uses double insulation and vacuum-sealed technology for a cool-touch experience, reducing burn risks.
• Concealed Utilities: Even the drain hose and electrical wiring are cleverly hidden within the machine’s rear “legs,” preserving the clean lines of the design. The drip tray is adjustable, and the rear panel offers easy access to internal components for maintenance.
• Boiler Visibility: The dual boilers are accentuated through a rounded body design that highlights their presence without compromising aesthetics.

Despite its conceptual status, many of these features hint at possible future applications in both commercial and high-end home machines.

What’s Next for La Curva?

As of now, La Curva remains a concept machine. La Marzocco has not confirmed any plans for mass production, and the design still requires further refinement. The company has kept details about the machine extremely quiet—even omitting it entirely from its official website—adding to its mystique. But coffee professionals and design enthusiasts alike are watching closely. Given La Marzocco’s track record, any production version would likely raise the bar for both form and function in espresso machinery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the La Curva espresso machine?

La Curva is a concept espresso machine created by La Marzocco, featuring a modernized lever design with an ergonomic curved lever and a focus on both industrial aesthetics and user safety. It combines retro inspiration with advanced functionality, including adjustable water volume and a cool-touch steam system.

Who designed the La Curva machine?

The mechanical engineering was led by Andrea Dionisio, while the industrial design was created by Dutch designer Paul Schilperoord. The project was overseen by La Marzocco’s Product Manager Scott Guglielmino and Managing Director Guido Bernardinelli.

What makes the La Curva lever different from traditional levers?

La Curva’s lever is designed with ergonomics and safety in mind. It allows for easier force application, includes a mechanism to prevent pressure backflow when no coffee is in the portafilter, and lets users adjust water volume through spring and lever settings.

Does La Curva have steam functionality?

Yes, it features a steam wand with a lever-operated switch located directly on the wand. The steam pipe uses double insulation and vacuum technology for a safe, cool-touch experience suitable for both left- and right-handed users.

Is La Curva available for purchase?

No, La Curva is currently a concept machine and not available for commercial sale. La Marzocco has not announced any production plans, and the design is still under refinement.

Why did La Marzocco create the La Curva machine?

La Curva was developed as a creative and educational project, allowing the company’s new mechanical engineer to explore the history of espresso machines. It also served as a design experiment blending vintage lever aesthetics with modern engineering and user-focused features.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Lever Espresso

For pulling shots on a lever machine like La Curva, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend offers a reliable starting point. Designed specifically for espresso and compatible with moka pots, it produces rich crema and a well-balanced profile. Alternatively, the Specialty Blend delivers a more nuanced cup with long-standing popularity in FrontStreet’s own cafes, featuring Brazilian and Colombian beans for a familiar yet refined espresso taste. Both blends are well-suited for lever extraction, emphasizing clarity and body. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.