The Evolution of Espresso Machines

The espresso concept originated in 19th-century Europe. The goal was to brew coffee quickly for customers, hence the term 'espresso,' derived from the Italian word for 'express.'

Angelo Moriondo is credited with inventing the first espresso machine in 1884. Patented in Turin, Italy, this machine used steam pressure to brew coffee, a revolutionary idea at that time.

Luigi Bezzera improved Moriondo's design, making it faster, and Desiderio Pavoni purchased the patent in 1903, creating the first commercial espresso machine, 'Ideale.'

The 'crema,' a hallmark of quality espresso, was initially considered a defect. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that the creamy foam became associated with well-prepared espresso.

In 1945, Achille Gaggia introduced the lever-operated machine, using a spring-powered piston. This innovation allowed small quantities of water to be forced through the coffee, creating a smooth and rich espresso.

Post-WWII, espresso machines became symbols of Italian culture. Their popularity surged globally, transforming coffee shops into social hubs and influencing coffee culture worldwide.

Today’s super-automatic machines boast precise temperature controls, grinders and programmable settings. Some even connect to Wi-Fi, allowing users to craft their perfect espresso with a smartphone.

In 2015, astronauts on the ISS enjoyed freshly brewed espresso, thanks to an innovative zero-gravity espresso machine called 'ISSpresso.'