So many incredible espresso machines were produced in the 1950s and 1960s. Many companies employed designers to produce amazing equipment. Some of the beauty of this era still exists and we espresso lovers can still enjoy them when we see them in museums, when we restore them and when we sample the beautiful coffee they can produce.
These days, it’s expensive to employ designers and to construct their creations and the result has been that much of the espresso equipment that we see and use now is variation on the theme of the rectangular prism.
“You can purchase a print and have one of thousands, or you can buy an original- never to be repeated”
In recent years, owners have taken to customisation of machines to create their own contemporary art. We’ve done a few too! Stand-out customisations receive membership in our Espresso Art Series club and they prove that great design will always be collectable and beautiful. Our Art Series currently has a membership of five. All are one-off builds. Some have owners and others are available for purchase. Nevertheless, if you’d like something similar or have some of your own ideas, bring your creativity and lets see what can be achieved!
Espresso Art Series: #1 Rocket Espresso Mozzafiato Evoluzione
SOLD
This Rocket Espresso Mozzafiato Evoluzione R was the first to receive bead blasting and anodising. We were so excited to introduce these new finishes. More photos are available here. The works consisted of:
- Bead blasting to external panels and drip tray
- Side panels were stripped, etched and then a custom engine machined finish was applied to each.Lastly, they were anodised in a striking grey
- Grey anodised feet
- Brushed finish to valve handle inserts
- Installation of digital shot timer
Espresso Art Series #2: Rocket Espresso Mozzafiato Tipo V
SOLD
This amazing Rocket Espresso Mozzafiato Tipo V continued our custom serie
s and we were sad to farewell it. It showcased timber in the way it should be done….
- Bead blasting to external panels and drip tray
- Custom heat resistant bamboo laminate side panels in hand-applied Japan black
- Matching anodised feet
- Brushed finish to valve handle inserts
- Installation of digital shot timer
We think it reminiscent of older Sugden and Luxman audio equipment!
Rocket Espresso Art Series #3: Rocket Espresso Mozzafiato Evoluzione R
Art Series #3 is a Mozzafiato Evoluzione R and it was an all out, no expense spared build. We think it’s the best yet! It has been named Aranciata Corsa and one look will show why…
- Satin bead blasting to external panels and drip tray
- Matching anodised feet
- Brushed finish to valve handle inserts
- Two sets of Aluminium panels which are laminated for double thickness. Both were stripped, etched and machined to match. The inner set is finished in a striking orange anodised finish. The outer set was grey anodised and the Rocket Espresso logo has been machined into each side. Look carefully and you will see the subtle starburst also machined into the outer panels. We are thrilled with the result. Click away on links or the photo to see more!
Rocket Espresso Art Series #4: Rocket Espresso Appartamento
SOLD
Arts series #4 was a custom Appartmento and was dubbed named Luminosa.
- Satin bead blasting to external panels and drip tray
- Matching bead blasted feet and valve handle inserts
- Aluminium billet side panel inserts were also bead blasted for a cool and understated finish. It positively glowed in the light!
Art Series #5 : ECM Giotto Phoenix
This incredible machine has literally arisen from the ashes. This was an abandoned ECM Giotto Classic which was originally manufactured in the early 2000’s
- The chassis was drilled to accomodate sexy, retro brass toggle valves. The drain panel received strengthening inserts as well.
- The group and body were bead blasted
- Shot timer and group activity displays were fitted. Why was group activity needed? Good question!
- The group received an Izzo stainless steel mushroom and gicleur and a Stealth PID controlling 2 x 250W cartridge heaters to cure one of the biggest limitations of this configuration. The e-61 group typically requires 30 minutes to reach operating temperature. The Giotto Phoenix reaches operating temperature in 8 minutes! The group is tuned so that the PID can control shot temperature. This is how you can achieve dual boiler performance from a heat exchanger machine. The group activity display provides a visual cue that the group is ready for you to work. Steam pressure is outstanding
- Rotary pump and motor were fitted with associated hardware to run the machine near silently. It’s super quiet
- Boiler insulation wrap
- Custom drain box- not plastic, but pretty much all machined copper!
- CNC manufactured custom gauge with billet brass bezel. The gauge alone represents three full work days.
- Current series trapezoid profile Rocket Espresso Giotto feet, drip tray and drip tray insert
- Custom badging
The brains trust…
Every one of these amazing creations reflects the blood, sweat and incredible talent of our mate Rick aka The Coffee Machinist who refines our ideas and then brings them to life. We cannot say thanks too many times! Not only has Rick brought the concepts to fruition, he is the man behind the lens as well.
Rick also has a very sharp ear. If you’re into sound, check out Lucie Audio for some more great design which is amazing to touch, hear and see!