On the GB5 X, every group has its own 1.3 liter saturated coffee boiler, so each group can run at its own brew temperature: a house blend on one, a lightly roasted single origin on the next. Pro Touch steam wands that stay cool to the touch are standard, and a dynamic pre-heater and a hot water economizer keep temperatures steady when the bar is busy.
It is the GB5 for a bar that runs two coffees side by side or steams a lot of milk. It comes with 2 or 3 groups, as AV (programmable doses) or with scales in the drip tray (ABR).
In this review
Our baristas’ verdict
- Best at: two coffees side by side, each at its own temperature, without a second machine.
- Right size for: a busy specialty bar with 2 groups, or a big counter with 3.
- Pick another model if: every group pulls the same espresso (GB5 S), or you want a proportional steam lever and an open work area on top of the machine (Strada S).
- Plan for: the electrical side: the 3-group draws up to 7,785 W.
Strengths and weak points
Strengths
- Own coffee boiler and temperature per group.
- Pro Touch steam wands as standard; easy-rebuild steam valve, serviced from the front.
- Dynamic pre-heater and hot water economizer.
- Flow restrictors in the solenoid that clear scale with each actuation; Piero group caps.
- AV or ABR, Pro app, USB firmware updates and eco mode.
Weak points
- High power draw (up to 7,785 W on 3 groups): plan the electrical connection.
- From 70 kg and 77 cm wide (2 groups).
- No proportional steam lever: that is the Strada S.
Options and how to combine them
Options are ordered together with the machine, so they are fitted before it is installed.
- Auto Brew Ratio scales: scales in the drip tray under each group; the machine stops the shot at the beverage weight you set. One set per machine, for 2 or 3 groups.
- High legs (GB5 S / GB5 X kit): more clearance above the counter.
- Powder coating in a standard RAL color or a custom RAL color, confirmed with the order.
- Cup warmer: a special order, through your quote.
- Water treatment: the Brita Purity C1100 XtraSafe filter can go on the same quote.
How to combine them: Pro Touch wands and barista lights are already standard, so the choices left are ABR, legs and color. If two coffees run side by side, ABR stops every shot on the beverage weight you set, which keeps both recipes steady when several baristas share the bar.
GB5 X, GB5 S or Strada S?
| GB5 X | GB5 S | Strada S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee boiler (2 groups) | 2 × 1.3 L, one per group | 3.4 L, shared | 2 × 1.3 L, one per group |
| Brew temperature | One per group | One for all groups | One per group |
| Steam boiler (2 groups) | 7 L | 7 L | 8.2 L |
| Steam wands | Pro Touch, standard | Pro Touch on special order | Pro Touch, standard |
| Steam valve | Easy-rebuild, serviced from the front | Easy-rebuild, serviced from the front | Lever, proportional |
| Scales in the drip tray (ABR) | Option | Option | ABR version through a quote |
| Width × depth (2 groups) | 77 × 64 cm | 77 × 64 cm | 83 × 69 cm |
| Weight (2 groups) | 70 kg | 70 kg | 77 kg |
| Power (2 groups) | up to 5,670 W | up to 5,445 W | up to 5,666 W |
The GB5 S has the same body with one shared coffee boiler and a water sensor. Figures for the 2-group versions, from La Marzocco and our product pages.
Frequently asked questions
How many coffees a day can it make?
La Marzocco gives no cups-per-day figure for the GB5 X, so neither do we. The choice between 2 and 3 groups depends on your busiest hour and how many baristas work the bar at once. Tell us those numbers and we advise the size.
Does it need a water connection?
Yes. The GB5 X is connected to the water supply; it has no water tank. Tell us what is available on site and we check it before installation. A water filter can be added to your quote.
How much maintenance does it need?
The flow restrictors in the solenoids clear scale with each actuation, the steam valve is serviced from the front and firmware updates go via USB. The daily cleaning of groups, portafilters and steam wands stays with the barista. Our product page gives a warranty of 3 years, if professional maintenance is done twice a year.
What does installation involve?
La Marzocco builds the GB5 X for 200 V single phase, 220 V single or three phase and 380 V three phase, up to 5,670 W (2 groups) or 7,785 W (3 groups). Have your electrician check the connection first. We deliver within 2-3 working days and install by appointment.
Ordering through OR Coffee
Every GB5 X from OR Coffee comes with 12 kg of OR specialty coffee for espresso, a Full Barista Training for two people from your team at OR Academy, and full installation of the machine with OR coffee beans. Delivery takes 2-3 working days; installation is by appointment.
Ready for a quote? Request one on the GB5 X product page or mail us at webshop@orcoffee.be. Tell us the number of groups, how many drinks you make in your busiest hour and which options you have in mind, and we come back with a quote.
How we wrote this review
The specifications come from La Marzocco’s product page for the GB5 X and from our own product page; the options and the machines they fit come from our option pages. All checked on 23 October 2026. We have not published our own measurements; if we add them, we will mark them as ours.
Wouter – OR Coffee. Wouter advises cafés, restaurants and offices on La Marzocco machines at OR Coffee.