La Marzocco Swift

Overview

The La Marzocco Swift represents a fundamental reimagining of the commercial espresso grinder, combining grinding, dosing, and tamping into a single automated operation. Built around flat ceramic burrs and volumetric dosing technology, the Swift eliminates the manual steps that typically introduce shot-to-shot variability in high-volume café environments. With dual 4-pound hoppers and a completely integrated workflow, this grinder addresses both consistency and ergonomic challenges faced by working baristas. The result is a system that delivers repeatable coffee puck preparation with minimal waste and reduced physical strain.

Integrated Grind-Dose-Tamp Workflow

The Swift's defining characteristic is its one-touch operation that handles the entire puck preparation sequence automatically. Rather than requiring separate grinding, dosing, distribution, and tamping steps, the barista simply positions the portafilter and initiates a single cycle. The grinder doses directly into the basket and applies consistent tamp pressure in one continuous operation, removing the manual variables that typically affect extraction. This integration eliminates the common consistency issues that arise from different baristas applying different tamp pressures or distribution techniques, making the Swift particularly valuable in multi-barista environments where maintaining quality standards across shifts is challenging.

Volumetric Dosing System

Unlike time-based dosing systems that measure coffee by grinding duration, the Swift uses volumetric dosing to deliver precise, repeatable coffee quantities. This approach accounts for variables like bean density and grind setting that can cause weight fluctuations with timed dosing, providing accuracy to within a fraction of a gram shot after shot. The volumetric system proves especially reliable during service when beans are being ground continuously and burr temperature may fluctuate slightly. By measuring actual coffee volume rather than relying on timing, the Swift maintains dosing consistency regardless of these environmental changes, reducing waste from over-dosing and ensuring uniform extraction parameters.

Flat Ceramic Burr Design

The Swift employs flat ceramic burrs specifically engineered for longevity and minimal heat generation during high-volume grinding. Ceramic's thermal properties provide significant advantages in commercial settings where grinders run continuously throughout service—the material transfers less heat to coffee grounds than steel burrs operating at similar speeds, helping preserve volatile aromatics during the grinding process. The flat burr geometry delivers the particle size distribution expected in modern espresso preparation, while the ceramic construction extends burr life compared to conventional steel alternatives. Step-less micro-adjustment allows precise grind changes without the limitations of stepped mechanisms, giving baristas granular control when dialing in coffees.

Dual Four-Pound Hopper Configuration

The Swift's two independent 4-pound hoppers enable a single grinder footprint to serve two different coffees—typically a primary espresso blend and decaf, though any combination works. This dual-hopper design reduces equipment requirements and counter space in café environments while ensuring both offerings maintain freshness and availability during peak service. Each hopper feeds its own grinding pathway with separate dosing controls, allowing different grind settings and dose sizes for the two coffees. The substantial hopper capacity minimizes refilling frequency during busy periods, and the configuration supports efficient workflow where baristas can switch between regular and decaf service without manual bean swaps or purging.

Ergonomic Design and Service Efficiency

Beyond consistency improvements, the Swift addresses the physical demands of repetitive espresso preparation in commercial environments. The automated tamp function eliminates the repetitive wrist and shoulder motion that causes strain injuries among baristas pulling dozens or hundreds of shots per shift. The integrated workflow also speeds up service by condensing multiple manual steps into a single automated operation, reducing the time each espresso takes to prepare. A built-in drain tray manages any minor coffee residue, maintaining cleanliness around the grinder station. The Swift works with all La Marzocco espresso machines and standard portafilters, though it is not compatible with KB90 or Advanced Precision basket systems. Custom color options allow the grinder to match specific café aesthetics or La Marzocco machine finishes.

Specifications