Seek coffee nirvana in these select high-end coffee makers. Professional, for the home, stovetop and pour over, this carefully curated line-up will lead you to that perfect cup of joe.
Professional Coffee Makers
La Marzocco Linea Classic and PB
Located 30km north of Florence is a company renowned and respected for its espresso machines. Its name may not be familiar to all, but La Marzocco has earned the respect of baristas from Belfast to Melbourne. The recent upturn in independent coffee shops globally has meant that La Marzocco continues to find favor with new and burgeoning businesses. Founded in 1927 by Giuseppe and Bruno Bambi, La Marzocco’s espresso machines are well-designed, expertly crafted and aesthetically pleasing.
La Marzocco Linea Classic. Image via Vero Coffee Co.
In 1939, the company patented the first coffee machine with a horizontal boiler, something that is now an industry standard. Its iconic Linea Classic was designed by Piero Bambi (Giuseppe Bambi’s son) and more recently, Piero designed the Linea PB. The PB (named after Piero Bambi) updated the Linea Classic, adding software to control brewing time and volume. Both Linea espresso machines – the Classic and the PB – are handmade and oh-so handsome.
La Marzocco Linea PB. Image via Vero Coffee Co.
Under Counter Espresso Machine
The Under Counter Espresso Machine (UCEM) comes from Seattle-based company, MAVAM. With a form that is both idiosyncratic and traditional, the UCEM was designed to “[meet] the need for a low profile temperature stable espresso machine”. Handmade in Seattle, the UCEM features an exciting plethora of coffee buff wizardry and attributes. Images © MAVAM.
Victoria Arduino Black Eagle VA 388
The stunning Victoria Arduino Black Eagle VA 388 (the official machine of the World Barista Championship 2015-2017) has been built with the intention of simplifying the barista’s job. The barista will start an espresso shot – the Black Eagle will stop it at the right weight. (Source: Spurge) Founded in 1905 by Pier Teresio Arduino, Victoria Arduino is an Italian company based in Belforte del Chienti, Italy. Its beautiful espresso machines are built without any compromise on quality, materials or performance. Images © Victoria Arduino.
Home Coffee Makers
La Marzocco Linea Mini
These home coffee makers are of the electrical appliance variety and feature both high-end espresso and filter machines.
This year, La Marzocco introduced the Linea Mini, a machine designed specifically for the home espresso enthusiast. Image via Sprudge.com™.
Theresia by Victoria Arduino
Theresia is an espresso machine from Victoria Arduino that offers espresso “competition level performance” in the home. Image © Victoria Arduino.
Francis Francis X1 Espresso Machine
The Francis Francis X1 Espresso Machine was designed in 1995 by Italian architect Luca Trazzi. With its retro and futuristic appearance, the Francis Francis will make a handsome addition to any kitchen counter and is available in a variety of colors. Image via espressocrazy.com.
Moccamaster KBG 741 AO
The design of the Moccamaster KBG 741 AO has changed little since its introduction in the late 1960s. The Moccamaster coffee maker comes from family-owned Dutch company Technivorm and was designed by its owner, Gerard C. Smit. The handmade Moccamaster wears its midcentury credentials well and is renowned for making quality filter coffee. Available in varied colors, the Moccamaster KBG 741 AO is pictured clockwise from the top left in: brushed steel, yellow pepper, matt black and orange. Images © Technivorm.
Technivorm One Cup Filter Coffee Maker
A superlative one cup Moccamaster. Image © 2003 – 2015 Bella Barista UK Store Website.
Vesuvius by Ambient Espresso
The Vesuvius from Ambient Espresso is a dual boiler espresso machine whose features and credentials make it a superior “prosumer” choice. Images © 2003 – 2015 Bella Barista UK Store Website.
S1 Vivaldi by La Spaziale
The S1 Vivaldi from La Spaziale, a coffee machine manufacturer located in Bologna, Italy (and established in 1969), is a small, perky and perfectly formed home espresso maker. Image © Moba Coffee.
Izzo Alex Duetto Mk IV Espresso Machine
The new Izzo Alex Duetto Mk IV Espresso Machine is a well-built, powerful and good-looking home espresso maker from artisan-based Italian coffee roaster, Izzo Caffè. Images © 2003 – 2015 Bella Barista UK Store Website.
Stovetop Maker
Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker
While the Bialetti Moka Express is arguably the world’s most famous and successful stovetop coffee maker, the iconic 9090 espresso coffee maker – designed by industrial designer Richard Sapper for Italian brand Alessi – is superior. Alberto Alessi, president of the eponymously named Italian design marvel, considers Sapper’s coffee maker to be an homage to his maternal grandfather, Mr Alfonso Bialetti, the inventor, designer and producer of the aforementioned Moka Express (Source: Dezeen).
Richard Sapper designed the 9090 espresso coffee maker in 1978. The device is opened using a clever leverage mechanism in its handle and features a perfect non-drip spout. It is constructed from 18/10 polished stainless steel and has a wider base to make full use of the flame or other heat source and to protect the handle. Available in four sizes, the elegant and sturdy 9090 espresso coffee maker won Alessi’s first Compasso d’Oro award (conferred in 1979) and was the company’s first object to be inducted into the Permanent Design Collection at MoMA.
Images © Richard Sapper.
Pour Overs: Making Coffee By Hand
For an uncomplicated yet choice method of brewing coffee, the pour over is increasingly preferred by coffee connoisseurs. It is however something of an art form and finding the right balance of extraction and taste will take practice.
Hario V60 Pouring Kettle
The Hario V60 Pouring Kettle “Buono”. Hario is a Japanese heat-resistant glassware company that was founded in 1921. Image © 2015 Hario UK.
Hario V60 Drip Decanter
A clean, uncluttered and elegant drip design. Image © 2015 Hario UK.
Sucabaruca coffee pot and funnel
The white porcelain Sucabaruca coffee pot and funnel was designed by Luca Nichetto and Lera Moiseeva and is handmade by Alissa Coe in Toronto. Image © Mjölk via Florence Deau.
Terracotta coffee dripper
This thrown terracotta coffee dripper is a pure and simple handmade design from British designer Joseph Hartley. Image © FAO Shop.
Manual Coffeemaker Nº1
Manual – a project directed by designer Craighton Berman – has created the Manual Coffeemaker Nº1, a refined and honest object that is designed to celebrate the ritual of making coffee by hand. Image © Manual.
Chemex®
The Chemex® is a coffee maker that was created in 1941 by German-born inventor Peter J. Schlumbohm (he relocated to the USA in 1936). Conversant with chemistry and the techniques of filtration and extraction, Schlumbohm applied this knowledge to the design of his coffee maker. The Chemex® is regarded as a classic icon of American design and is a part of the Permanent Design Collection at MoMA. Images © 2015 Chemex® Corp.
