Espresso coffee makers came out of man's need for a faster cup of coffee. Not only did espresso machines produce more coffee faster, they produced a better cup of coffee. The first machines had a few kinks to be worked out but coffee maker inventors didn't let little issues deter them.
Who made the first espresso coffee machine? The answer depends on which records you read. According to some records, Louis Bernard Babaut created the first known espresso coffee maker in 1822 with Edward Santais commercializing and marketing the machine in 1843. It debuted at the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1855.
Records say the coffee maker produced one thousand cups of espresso in an hour, using steam to push water through coffee held in a filter. New inventions often carry risk and this espresso coffee maker was no exception. It tended to blow up from time to time. It also had a tendency to occasionally burn the coffee.
The original espresso coffee makers weren't easy to use. Operating them involved some degree of skill and left plenty of room for diversity. The operator controlled the intensity of the heat and the length of time the water valve remained open. Users could put in less coffee grounds and get stronger coffee or use more water and get a diluted result.
Other records credit Luigi Bezzera, a manufacturer, with the invention of Espresso in 1903. Bezzera wanted to make coffee faster. He added pressure to the process and 'voila' the birth of the Fast Coffee Machine. The machine made coffee faster and better than other available methods. Bezzera invented a machine that used the pressure of steam to push water through a fixed filter containing coffee.
While skilled in inventing, Bezzera lacked marketing ability to promote his creation. In 1905, the rights to the espresso machine were purchased by Desidero Pavoni and successfully marketed the invention, changing the way everyone drank coffee. Pavoni sold the coffee makers throughout Europe.
Franceso Illy created what some believe to be the first automatic espresso coffee maker . Invented in 1935, the Illeta used compressed air instead of steam for his machine. This solved the problem of exploding espresso coffee makers and resulted in a more stable result.
Achille's Gaggia invented the espresso coffee maker that bears his name in 1945. His invention used lever action.Modern versions of both Illetta and Gaggia espresso coffee makers are available today.Ernest Valente created an electric rotating pump in 1950. The pump allowed a continuous, even flow of water through the coffee maker.
Illy, still producing espresso, went on to simplify the espresso coffee maker process even more in the 1970's when he introduced a machine that combined the best parts of previous espresso coffee maker methods. His machine used double filters, cost less than other coffee makers and was simple to use.
In the 70's, super automatic espresso coffee makers were born. They are now the norm in many countries. The machines continue to evolve. Debate over which methods and which machines produce the best espresso will continue as long as people continue to enjoy their cup of Joe.
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KRUPS 203-42 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder with Stainless Steel Blades, Black List Price: Sale Price: $11.70  |
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Nothing beats a freshly ground, freshly brewed cuppa joe to start the day, and with this grinder, you can have up to 20 cups' worth of beans at a time. The understated black color and contemporary oval design fit in well with any kitchen décor, while the small size (just 6 inches high) doesn't take up too much premium counter space... |
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Lavazza Super Crema Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, 2.2-Pound Bag List Price: Sale Price: $18.75 |
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The Lavazza super crema, whole bean, 2.2 pound bag are a premium blend of 80% sweet arabicas and 20% robustas producing a rich, intense flavor with a thick espresso crema that holds up well in cappuccinos and lattes... |
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Aerobie AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker List Price: Sale Price: $23.21 |
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Fast and convenient, the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker makes one of the best cups of coffee you'll ever taste. This innovative uses the ideal water temperature and gentle air pressure brewing to produce coffee and espresso that has rich flavor with lower acidity and without bitterness... |
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Black & Decker DCM18S Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug List Price: Sale Price: $10.99 |
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Great for commuters, office professionals, and one-coffee-drinker households, this personal coffeemaker brews 15 ounces of coffee directly into a stainless-steel travel mug. The mug has a rubber handle for a safe grip and a lid to keep coffee hot... |
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Update International EP-12 Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher, 12-Ounce List Price: Sale Price: $3.02 |
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This frothing pitcher is becoming more standard in places that don’t specialize solely in beans. Made of stainless steel material. This frothing pitcher is use for steam milk for cappuccino and lattes... |
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Keurig B130 DeskPro Brewing System List Price: Sale Price: $63.00 |
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The DeskPRO Brewing System brews a perfect cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa or iced beverage in under three minutes. The DeskPRO offers an Auto Off feature after each brew. To operate, you simply add fresh water into the single-use reservoir, choose your favorite K-Cup, brew and enjoy. |
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Espresso Tamper 50 & 60 Mm Sizes Cast Alloy Hand Coffee List Price: Sale Price: $5.95 |
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Description: This sleek cast aluminum alloy Coffee Tamper fits beautifully in the hand. This was designed by a professional barista to tamp down espresso. You will love it in your kitchen or coffee bar and it also makes an ideal gift for the discerning coffee drinker!! One side is 50mm the other is 58mm Color: aluminum Content: cast aluminum alloy Measurements: 50mm top diameter and 58 mm diameter on the other side, and 2... |
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Durgol Swiss Espresso Special Decalcifier, 2-Pack 4.2 fluid ounce Bottles List Price: Sale Price: $14.50 |
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Swiss Espresso Special Decalcifier is specifically formulated to protect and care for all brands of espresso machines: fully or semi automatic machines, manual machines, machines working with coffee pods or capsules, even coffee makers, electric water heaters and tea kettles... |
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Medelco #4 Cone Permanent Coffee Filter List Price: Sale Price: $0.01 |
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Medelco permanent filters are made from high-quality surgical grade stainless steel. Dishwasher safe , our #4 cone filters are designed to work with every coffee maker using standard #4 cone filters. A great alternative to paper filters... |
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De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker List Price: Sale Price: $83.98 |
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Prepare creamy froth with ease Simple to clean thanks to a removable 35-ounce water tank Enjoy delicious espresso made your way with the DeLonghi pump espresso and cappuccino maker. You can choose to brew ground espresso or E... |
Posted by Irwan on December 18, 2009
