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A History of the Espresso Coffee Machine for Steampunks
The origins of espresso coffee machines can be traced back to the 19th century, a time when industrialisation was sweeping across the globe, transforming societies and redefining the boundaries of what was possible. As cities boomed, factories hummed, and trade flourished, coffee became an integral part of people's lives. The art of brewing and consuming coffee transcended mere sustenance, becoming a social ritual, a gathering point, and an embodiment of sophistication.
The first known conception of the espresso machine came as early as 1822 when a French inventor named Louis Bernard Rabaut created a device that used steam to drive boiling water through finely ground coffee. The results produced by this invention are not known but drawings demonstrating experimental proof were sent to the French Academy of Sciences in Paris. In 1843 yet another French engineer, Edouard Loysel de Santais, presented a ‘Café Express’ machine at the Exposition Universelle. This ‘Café Express’ was a commercial machine capable of making 2000 cups of coffee per hour. Yet, despite these early presentations of an espresso machine in France, it was the Italian Angelo Moriondo, of Turin, who next received a patent for an espresso machine he made for the Turin General Exposition. However, Moriondo’s machine never became popular because it was only ever used for that Turin Exposition.
At the turn of the century, as the demand for coffee rose, inventors and engineers began to explore creative ways to craft efficient and visually striking coffee-making equipment. It was during this time that visionary inventors such as Luigi Bezzera and Desiderio Pavoni revolutionized the coffee world with their innovative espresso machines. In 1901, Luigi Bezzera, an inventor and engineer from Milan, patented the ‘steam’ coffee machine. His invention was much more compact and practical than earlier commercial machines. It was semi-automatic, which sped up the coffee brewing process and its compact size made it possible to prepare coffee in cafes and restaurants throughout Italy. The Bezzera machines were cylindrical, made of copper, bronze or brass and richly decorated in the style of period. Though still rather large, they were much smaller than the earlier Loysel machines, and in addition they could heat and froth milk and cream using steam from the boiler. Though not exactly steampunk in appearance, the attractiveness of these machines to steampunks is clear, these early machines laid the foundation for the wider use of steam pressure in coffee-making. With their gleaming brass and copper finishes, intricate designs, and specialized steam-powered mechanisms, they became symbols of technological progress and modernity.
Bezzera’s patent led to research and development work by a number of Italian companies, such as La Pavoni and Victoria Arduino based in Turin. In 1903, Desidero Pavoni gave serious consideration to mass production of coffee machines, and in 1905 he acquired Bezzera’s patent for production. In 1912, a copper solderer with a good reputation called Guiseppe Cimbali opened a workshop in Milan and concentrated on producing coffee machine parts. However, in 1930 he launched his own machines, the ‘Rapida’ and ‘Albadoro’. These machines were built around a coal-fired copper boiler but by the 1940’s Cimbali had developed the ‘Harmony’, ‘Gioiello’, and ‘Brillante’ gas fired models superceding the obsolete coal fired ones. In the 1950’s Cimbali patented the ‘Ala’ model. The first La Cimbali coffee machine with a horizontal boiler. By this time it was calculated that the optimum pressure for coffee preparation is 9 Atmospheres.
Meanwhile, in 1948, Achille Gaggia perfected a piston driven espresso machine to replace the steam powered models, thus being able to prepare coffee under pressure. This development made it possible to prepare a more concentrated and flavourful coffee drink with a thick foam – espresso as we know it today. At the same time as technological developments with the use of new materials, leading the designers of the era took an interest in espresso machines. In 1949 the architect, and one of the most outstanding designers of the 20th century, Gio Ponti created the first coffee machine with a horizontal boiler for La Pavoni. Growing consumption of coffee post World War 2 strengthened manufacturing outputs from the factories and these new, exciting coffee machines gradually replaced previous models with vertical boilers.
Developments continued throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s with the introduction of classic design models. In 1961 the Faema E61 model, known today as the Faema Legend, was introduced with the key characteristic of a separate brew unit (group head) from the boiler. The group head remains warm due to hot water cycle through the machine and this allows for the maintenance of a constant water temperature. This is the ideal condition for espresso preparation.
Espresso machines have never really stopped improving in the ensuing decades but by the design centric period of the 1950s to 1970s form and function had reached a peak of design that many connoisseurs and collectors consider to be perfection. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that Steampunk coffee machines truly came into their own, capturing the imaginations of coffee enthusiasts and creative minds alike. With the rise of the Steampunk subculture, which embraced a seamless fusion of Victorian aesthetics and futuristic technology, artists and inventors saw an opportunity to bring their mechanical dreams to life with coffee machines that perfectly embodied the Steampunk ethos.
These new wave machines drew inspiration from the Industrial Revolution, blending the elegance of the Victorian era with the raw mechanics and exposed inner workings of antique machinery. With gears, cogs, and exposed pipes adorning their exteriors, these machines became a testament to the beauty of functionality. These intricate creations were often handcrafted, showcasing the skills and craftsmanship of their makers while utilising a blend of traditional brewing methods and cutting-edge technologies to deliver the perfect cup of coffee.
An exemplary illustration of a Steampunk coffee machine is the awe-inspiring "Steampunked" espresso machine, brought to life by the ingenuity of artist and inventor, Dr Brainstorm. This extraordinary machine transcends mere functionality and stands as a true work of art. Melding wood, metal, and glass elements together, it exudes an unmistakable steampunk charm. Vintage gauges, valves, and levers punctuate its exterior, granting it a genuine air of authenticity, while simultaneously incorporating state-of-the-art espresso making capabilities.
The popularity of steampunk coffee machines has continued to soar, with these masterpieces finding their rightful place in speciality coffee shops, cafes, and the homes of passionate coffee enthusiasts. They serve as both functional brewing apparatuses and mesmerising pieces of art that pay homage to the aesthetics and ideals of the steampunk movement. This resurgence in appreciation for craftsmanship has spurred a renaissance in the design and innovation of these marvellous machines, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved.
Steampunk coffee machines, with their meticulously crafted exteriors and carefully engineered internals, have heightened the coffee-drinking experience by creating a connection to the past while embracing the flavours of the present. They provide an immersive sensory experience, stirring emotions through their intricate design, tactile controls, and the mechanical sounds they emit while brewing a cup of coffee. As the steampunk coffee machine continues to evolve, it not only delivers a superb cup of coffee but also presents a multi-sensory experience that transcends ordinary brewing rituals. The fusion of art, history, and technology in these machines creates a captivating blend of the past and present, attracting coffee connoisseurs and steampunk devotees alike.
Whether you find yourself savouring a steaming cup of coffee expertly brewed by a meticulously crafted steampunk coffee machine in the cozy confines of a café or admiring your own personal steampunk-inspired coffee setup at home, take a moment to immerse yourself in the captivating history behind these extraordinary creations. From the ingenuity of inventors in the 19th century to the creativity of modern-day artisans, the steampunk coffee machine embodies the spirit of progress and the enchantment of an era gone by.
In the next chapter we will get inside the anatomy at some specific examples of Steampunk’d Coffee machines and their creators.
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