In recent years, variable pressure extraction has become the most closely watched technological direction in the field of espresso machines. From Synesso to Slayer, and then to the Strada launched by La Marzocco, the design of pressure control valves has continuously evolved. This article provides a complete record of the unboxing process of the La Marzocco Strada at the illy Coffee University in Shanghai, China, offering a detailed display of the appearance, structure, and core differences between the Strada MP manual version and the Strada EP electronic version. The MP version directly controls water flow and pressure through an internal mechanical valve, while the EP version uses an electronic gear pump to achieve stepless pressure variation from 0 to 12 BAR and can store pressure profiles. For coffee enthusiasts who follow the technological development of espresso machines, as well as readers of Front Street Coffee, this unboxing record provides rare hands-on details and first-hand observations.

Slayer has undoubtedly been a hot topic in the coffee world over the past two years, and its concept of variable pressure extraction is regarded as another important innovation in espresso machines after multi-boiler temperature control systems. As the long-standing global leader in espresso machines, La Marzocco naturally could not let Slayer enjoy this spotlight alone.

Pressure control valves have indeed become popular in recent years. From Synesso to Slayer and then to Strada, it is easy to make people think that La Marzocco is following in the footsteps of others. In fact, La Marzocco had already begun researching related technology earlier, but it was the departure of a group of engineers that indirectly gave rise to the two brands Synesso and Slayer.

In the espresso machine industry, variable pressure is unquestionably the direction of future development.

This time, at the illy Coffee University in Shanghai, China, China's first batch, and also the first Strada, arrived.

It is a great honor to be entrusted by Mr. Steven of illy Coffee University to bring everyone the following unboxing photos.

The shipment has arrived! Everyone is very excited...

Just unbox this one!

Accessories section

The first look

Moved onto the counter

Let's take a front view

Manual control version Strada MP (the one marked with yellow lettering is the manual version)

Mechanical Paddle: direct control of water flow and pressure mechanically via an internal valve, thus allowing progressive pre-infusion

The MP version is the one with a pressure gauge on the brew head. It cannot achieve stepless pressure variation and is manually operated. During extraction, the dial shows the pump pressure.

Below is the gear pump that can change pressure by varying its rotational speed

A look at the detail craftsmanship

Strada EP

EP is the automatic version: it can freely vary pressure, with stepless speed regulation, pressure directly adjustable from 0 to 12 BAR, and it supports data storage. It relies on time to control the amount of coffee liquid rather than using a flow counter.

Electronic Paddle: electronically controlled gear pumps provide precise, progressive pressure control

Installation in progress... (the one marked with red lettering is the automatic version)

Debugging in progress...

To be continued...

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.