In the sixteenth century, coffee arrived in Italy as an unusual, costly treat. Mainly wealthy Italians would drink it in places of business such as coffee houses. These places brewed and supplied coffee in vessels by utilizing hot-infusion techniques.
A rise in popularity caused innovators to scout out approaches to brew coffee faster. Testing with high-pressure steam brewing led to the invention of espresso makers, which were then patented and made available to the public in 1884 and beyond. The introduction of this strategy considerably sped up the process of extraction, therefore allowing fresh cups of coffee to be served in rapid time – or ‘expressly’.
A demonstration of high-pressured brewing, the espresso machines use steam pressured through finely ground coffee beans produced by boiling water. This would give a robust flavor extract, ideal for speedy ingestion.
The size of the initial espresso machines meant they were only practical for businesses. In American-style bars, patrons could request and receive cups of coffee while they were positioned at the bar. In a society where industry is continuing to grow, fast service was perfect for individuals working who needed their coffee in a hurry, which is still the case now.
THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOKA EXPRESS
The fifties saw the start of an economic upturn in Italy that stimulated consumerism and culminated in bigger, more comfortable houses. The rise in coffee appreciation led to people wanting a method for making espresso that was akin to what a professional espresso machine could do, but was also possible from the comfort of their own home.
Enter Alfonso Bialetti. The moka pot, which was invented by him in 1933, experienced significant advantages as a result of the nation’s economic growth some years later. The Moka Express, well-known even today due to its octagonal aluminum design, began to be seen as a cost-effective approach to making coffee in the comfort of one’s residence. The drink known as mocha got its name from the city of Mocha in Yemen, which was a prominent location for exporting coffee to Europe before the early 1800s.
This type of pot is made to be used on top of a stove and is composed of three distinct components. A similar process to an espresso machine is used, in which water that has been heated to boiling point and compressed by steam is forced through the grounds of the coffee. Steam is created in the boiler. The tension heightens until the liquid is pushed through a spout and the grounds of coffee filter into the top section. The recognizable spluttering noise that is heard when the pot is nearly drained alerts you the coffee is finished.
Although the moka pot doesn’t result in having crema, it does create a shot of coffee that is reminiscent of espresso. This helped to boost the growing popularity of espresso culture.
It also proved to be an enormous commercial success. Tristan Stephenson’s book The Curious Barista’s Guide to Coffee states that around 10 years the “Express” sold 20 million units, which went hand in hand with the increase in home coffee consumption across the world; it doubled between 1955 and 1970 as Jonathan Morris wrote in the book Coffee: A Global History. It is estimated that almost 90 percent of households in Italy possess a Bialetti moka pot. But how did it fare abroad?
THE MOKA POT CONQUERS THE WORLD
By the 1950s, Bialetti had become one of the major Italian producers of coffee makers, and had begun to distribute to countries outside of Italy. By the turn of the 21st century, sales had accrued up to around 220 million.
Its success was somewhat linked to the international growth of the espresso beverage, which other espresso machines also helped to grow. Twentieth century manufacturing advances, such as industrial-level availability of aluminium, had an impact on the situation. Italian-style coffee was popularized by Italian communities in different parts of the world.
In other countries, just like in Italy, coffee transformed from an expensive item to a much more accessible one. However, the ways that people in burgeoning economies consume products took a different course of development. In the U.S. and Great Britain, for instance, it was a typical practice to add milk to create café lattes and cappuccinos, a trend which continues to this day, whereas it was less popular in Italy.
The desire for Robusta blends that can fulfill the desires of the espresso industry, as assisted by the moka pot, can be seen in the level of imports and exports.
As indicated in a report issued by the Netherlands’ Centre for the Promotion of Imports, Italy is the second greatest importer of unprocessed coffee beans in Europe and second-biggest roaster of coffee bean export to the continent, thereby creating a major requirement for coffee producers across the planet, especially those that can comply with the espresso industry’s criteria.
Consumers are also seeing analogous transformations in the market. In 2015, the sales of instant coffee declined by three percent. In stark contrast, the sales of high-end filtered coffee, the type used to make espresso, cappuccino, and filter coffee, have grown in the past few years.
It can be argued, rather than being absolutely certain, that the moka pot has contributed to these sales numbers. The proliferation of espresso culture has been partially credited to its global reach, resulting in significant surges in the consumption of coffee in an espesso-suitable form. However, there are many other factors at play.
MODERN MACHINES & THE RISE OF THE COFFEE POD
Moka pots and espresso makers have benefitted from each other’s triumphs, aiding in the proliferation of espresso all around the globe.
Modern espresso machines are adapted versions of the moka pot, with a more compact size that makes them perfect for use in the home.
The globalization of the espresso culture has been benefited from the employment of these machines.
Almost all of the products created by La Marzocco, a coffee machine manufacturer in Florence, are exported. The products made by them have been well-received in the United States due to the powerful frothing capability they offer, which is vital in an industry where milky beverages are the mainstay.
Moka pots have had an effect on the design of coffee pod machines. These provide an easy way to serve coffee in the home and make the brewing process easier by giving out individual servings. Projections indicate that the worldwide market for coffee pods is to expand such that its worth amounts to US $29.2 billion by 2025.
It has been highlighted on other occasions that various corporations which make these appliances have attempted to form a connection with Italian coffee culture by giving the items they produce Italian-style names. Therefore, they present a strong challenge to Bialetti and the moka pot.
Why Go for Italian Espresso?
The espresso that is widely known today has its roots in the Italian culture. Angelo Moriondo received a patent for the initially designed espresso machine in 1884, when this machine was developed in Turin, Italy. In 1901, Luigi Bezzera in Milano, Italy refined the design. The latter device, which was created over one hundred years ago, still serves as the foundation for the espresso machines used today.
The manufacture of Italian espresso machines is renowned for its high quality, in addition to the interesting history of Italian espresso. This is why many people choose them. The strong association of Italian espresso machines with Italy encourages companies to continue to manufacture their items in-house rather than sourcing them from external vendors.
BEST ITALIAN ESPRESSO MACHINES
De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM3300
The renowned Italian brand, De’Longhi, offers an extremely popular super-automatic espresso machine called the Magnifica. The machine is made in Treviso, Italy .
This espresso maker has a beans-to-brew setup with an 8.8-ounce bean holder, a 60 oz removeable water tank, and a used grounds bin. This machine incorporates De’Longhi’s signature cappuccino tech, allowing you to effortlessly make lattes and cappuccinos topped with luscious, airy frothed steamed milk.
The Magnifica is simple to operate, having a control console with both rotary knobs and push buttons that can be adjusted for a variety of settings. You have the option of selecting from five grades of coffee intensity and four sizes of cups. To round things off, the top-notch, professional feel of this machine is heightened by its 15 bar pressure pump, dual boiler system, and cup warmer.
Gaggia Brera Super-Auto Espresso Machine
Our favorite super-automatic espresso machine for beginners is the Gaggia Brera. This product is manufactured at the Robecco Sul Naviglio facility in Milan, Italy, together with all other items from the Gaggia range.
This espresso machine is easy to use with its straightforward instructions and classy, streamlined appearance. This remarkable machine offers some remarkable features including the ability to program espresso making, an LED display, quick steam technology, the capacity to directly grind beans into espresso and compatibility with water filters.
This system is designed with a built-in ceramic burr grinder to make the task of grinding medium-roast coffee beans effortless. The parts which can be taken off make it simple to keep the item clean and in good condition. The Brera comes with a one year warranty.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine
High quality results in a tiny frame – that is what you get with the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine. If you’re searching for an espresso maker that creates coffee shop-standard, world-class brews from Milan, Italy, then you should check out this device.
The Silvia includes an updated brass and stainless steel boiler, meaning that it is made for durability. We are quite fond of the milk frother on this machine due to its versatility and outstanding performance.
The Silvia is notable for its comfortable portafilter handle, commercial-grade group head, significant sturdiness, and a 2-quart water tank. If you enjoy brewing one cup at a time, there is a special adaptor kit you can get that makes the entire process significantly easier.
Gaggia Classic Pro
If the Silvia didn’t quite hit the spot in your opinion, you might want to think about the Gaggia Classic Pro. The older, traditional model of the classic was produced in Romania; however, the newer iterationhas been upgraded with aluminum, and is now manufactured in Italy along with all other Gaggia models.
The original Classic was well-loved, but don’t worry. The most recent update gave a makeover to some features, such as the pump mount, controls, and steam wand. They are now more efficient.
Apart from the latest functions, the machine has many admirable characteristics. This appliance features an attractive brushed stainless steel exterior and includes a sophisticated three-way solenoid valve. It is equipped with user-friendly on/off switches, multiple portafilter baskets, and heats up quickly. This product is an excellent selection for both novice and veteran home baristas.
Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Semi-Auto Espresso Machine
For a more commercially-oriented machine, you should look into the Simonelli Oscar II semi-automatic espresso maker. Nuova Simonelli constructs their devices in the Marche province in Italy.
This espresso machine, which was first put out in 2008, is still one of Nuova Simonelli’s most popular models. The ongoing admiration for the Oscar II manifests how compelling its execution truly is.
The Oscar II has a pre-soak function, a copper boiler which transfers heat, the ability to program both single and double shots via the touch feature, and an extended adjustable steam wand. To complete the look, they have also included a specialized portafilter and cup warmer. There are two different models of this machine, one that is connected to a direct water line and another version which requires you to fill a water reservoir before using.
Quick Mill Silvano Evo Semi-Auto Espresso Machine
The next device to consider if you are looking to get a great semi-automatic espresso machine is the Silvano Evo from Quick Mill. The increased quality is apparent in the product being crafted in Milan, Italy. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a machine that has both PID and heat exchanger features at a reasonable cost!
This Italian espresso machine is well-equipped with a 3-way solenoid valve that is designed to let off the pressure from the group head, two vibratory pumps for temperature control, a gauge for pump pressure, a swivelling steam wand and a three-stage power switch. This machine is relatively small when compared to other espresso machines, being 16″x10.5″x13″.
Bialetti Express Moka Pot
At last, there is also a choice that costs quite a bit less: a Moka Pot. Moka Pots produce a full-bodied, velvety cup of coffee that is as close to authentic espresso as you can get. They are essentially the forerunners of contemporary espresso makers.
This is not a conventional espresso machine, however, it does serve as an espresso maker. Plus, it is made in Italy. This is the 6-cup model, providing enough coffee for either a single individual or a pair since it can brew up to 9.2 ounces of particularly potent java.
This espresso machine quickly produces coffee on your range top in five minutes or less. This Moka Express comes with a luxurious look courtesy of its brilliant polished aluminum and traditional Bialetti octagon design. It has a patented safety valve, can be quickly taken apart and cleaned, and it is offered with a 2-year warranty.