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Hello, coffee enthusiasts! It’s your friendly neighborhood barista from The Coffee Blog (TCB), Southern Africa’s largest coffee blog. This past weekend, our editors sent me, Charlie Burt, to the 2015 SCAA event to check out the most luxurious, cutting-edge espresso machines on display. From stunning new releases to reimagined classics, the SCAA showcased the very best in espresso technology. Let’s dive into some of the standout machines that caught my eye.
What’s Cool About It: La Marzocco’s Linea PB features the groundbreaking Brew Ratio Technology, which allows baristas to program the extraction ratio for perfect espresso shots. The built-in scales quickly measure weight in and out, ensuring consistency and quality. This machine is a game-changer for anyone serious about their espresso.
Overheard at the Booth: “The brew ratio technology is making the inconsistency of our espresso grinders less of an issue since it calibrates the recipe to the input volume.”
MSRP: Expected release this summer. Price TBD. Currently testing at Go Get Em Tiger in Los Angeles and coming soon to Stumptown.
What’s Cool About It: The ModBar system is modular, allowing baristas to design their setup. By placing the main components under the counter, it maximizes customer interaction space. Its intuitive, easily adjustable settings make it a favorite among baristas.
Overheard at the Booth: “The pressure profile is so easy to change, it’s all contained in the module. It’s easy to adjust the settings, even between drinks.”
MSRP: Around $15,000. Check with authorized sellers for exact pricing.
What’s Cool About It: This machine uses gravimetrics, with built-in scales in the drip tray to ensure precise output based on weight. It’s designed for consistency and repeatability, making it a top choice for cafes worldwide.
Overheard at the Booth: “By using this machine with the Mythos grinder the wastage has gone down dramatically.”
MSRP: $26,500 for two-group and $29,500 for three-group models.
What’s Cool About It: The Single-Group Slayer combines technological precision with aesthetic appeal. Its customizable features, including powder coat and leather paneling, make it both functional and beautiful.
Overheard at the Booth: “People are loving the personalized Maker Series for its custom inspiration tailored to the baristas involved in the project.”
MSRP: $9,000 for single-group. Maker Series machines are auctioned and may fetch higher prices.
What’s Cool About It: This super-automatic machine features dual burr-set motors and can handle up to 24g of coffee per extraction. It’s perfect for non-specialty coffee workers who want consistent results.
MSRP: $27,000.
What’s Cool About It: Presented with a “chalkboard finish,” this machine became an interactive art piece at the event. It engages customers by allowing baristas to draw and write on its surface.
Overheard at the Booth: “This is a great way to include the customer in the machine experience.”
MSRP: Chalkboard finish is standard and can be applied to existing machines.
What’s Cool About It: The Generation 3 prototype features an advanced interface for storing up to 6 recipe slots per group head, allowing baristas to consistently recreate perfect shots.
Overheard at the Booth: “Finding that perfect recipe and being able to go back in time to save the recipe is huge.”
MSRP: Still in development.
What’s Cool About It: This replica combines classic Italian design with modern internals, offering reliability and style. It’s a beautiful piece of machinery that performs exceptionally well.
Overheard at the Booth: “Woah, that’s a classic machine! It looks amazing!”
MSRP: Around $7,500.
What’s Cool About It: EspressoParts offers extensive customization options for machines, including new wooden panels, knobs, and switches. They adapt existing machines to meet customer preferences.
Overheard at the Booth: “People are super excited about the new EP pitcher. It’s dense and thick but they’ve added back the slight lip to the pour spout.”
MSRP: Prices vary based on customization.
What’s Cool About It: This smart espresso machine uses adjustable settings via a Bluetooth app for pressure profile, pre-infusion, and more. Its sleek design and energy-efficient internals make it a standout.
Overheard at the Booth: “A two-person tag team effort works great for adjusting the parameters.”
MSRP: $21,000 for two-group, $23-24,000 for three-group. Available worldwide.
Exploring these luxurious espresso machines was an incredible experience, and I hope you found this roundup as exciting as I did. Whether you’re a café owner, barista, or a home brewer, there’s an espresso machine here to inspire you.
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Jhett’s earliest coffee love memories involve family road trips where coffee stops were as much a part of the adventure as the destinations themselves. Growing up coffee wasn’t just a drink for him - it fueled the after after party chill sessions or late night gaming. For him The Coffee Blog is about giving back to the coffee community, making it fun and easy to learn about the coffee industry, its about connecting people, and helping them discover new ways to enjoy their favorite brew. Fun Fact: Jhett is still a big-time gamer and loves hosting game nights! “Coffee isn’t just a drink… it’s the perfect excuse to connect with people.”
