If you are a serious coffee drinker, an espresso machine could be a sound investment. Not for the casual drinker, these machines will always look stylish on the kitchen counter
FrancisFrancis! X1
Italian industrial designer Luca Trazzi’s first espresso machine, the X1 was presented in 1995. Described as retro-futuristic the FrancisFrancis! line is designed to use the Illy Easy Serving Espresso System; seven-ounce pre-packaged single serve pods. The hot water dispenser and steam nozzle are both operated by the same knob. Two brewing handles let you brew either loose grounds or single-serve packets. The steam nozzle heats and froths milk for a rich cappucinno while the elegant rail on top keeps espresso cups warm and ready to use. Available in nine different colours and stainless steel.
Price: from £322 to £759
Available from: Novelway, Nicosia, Tel:22 665765
FrancisFrancis! X3
Luca Trazzi’s latest design, the X3, is an espresso machine designed for the cost-conscious consumer who wants a high-quality design object or for people with little kitchen space. It contains a bronze boiler with an internal fuse link, which automatically turns off the boiler if it overheats.
Price: £276
Available from: Novelway, Nicosia, Tel:22 665765
Cellini
This robotic number is the latest model from Italian company La Pavoni Spa, dedicated espresso and cappuccino machine makers since 1905. This avant-garde machine is equipped with two gauges to indicate pump pressure and boiler temperature and an active cup warmer. The company says Cellini is the only machine for home use with the technology found on professional espresso makers. It boasts a chrome plated brass filter holder and a turbo steam nozzle for heating and frothing milk and other beverages. The nozzle can be interchanged with the automatic cappuccino maker, which takes the milk directly from its container and delivers it perfectly frothed and heated into the cup. Available in aluminium and chrome
Price: £285
Available from: Coffee link Nicosia, Tel:22 660020, Limassol, 25 347154 and Larnaca, Tel:24 652222
The La Pavoni Europiccola
A machine that is always in style and made to last. Largely constructed of cast brass, it has a large boiler to ensure that lime deposits have a minimum effect, meaning minimum maintenance. The lever allows users to vary the speed at which the water passes through the coffee, ensuring that it is made according to their individual taste. It is also equipped with a manometer to check the boiler pressure.
Price: £199 to £480
Coffee link: as above
Nespresso C190
Nespresso has designed a range of machines specially adapted to its exclusive capsule system, which includes nine premium coffee blends. The C190 from boasts a distinctive design, ergonomic controls and simple user-friendly functions. The sealed capsule contains a precise quantity of coffee designed to preserve the aroma until it is used. A jaw-like device on the top automatically ejects used coffee capsules into a collection receptacle in the body of the machine.
Price: £166
Available from: Tel 22 356270
Nespresso C150
This machine has a static high-pressure pump specially designed for the Nespresso system and a chromium-plated capsule holder with a built-in filter. It is supplied with a set of cups.
Price: £126
Available from: Tel 22 356270
Krups Orchestro espresso maker
This one has a built-in coffee grinder which ensures fresh coffee every time. The UAS exclusive system makes sure the coffee powder is moistened before it is filtered to release the real coffee aroma. It is a compact semi-professional machine with digital display, electronic controls and a self-cleaning function. You can use coffee beans, ground coffee or coffee powder capsules.
Price: £448, now on special offer £348 until December 31
Available from: selected retailers
