Astoria
Astoria machines are a top seller in North America. They are manufactured by C.M.A. Spa and distributed through syster company General Espresso Equipment Corp. See their web page: www.astoriaespresso.com.
Bialetti
This Italian company was the original creator of the famous Moka Express, commonly known as moka pot. They advertise that 18,000 coffee pots are beeing manufactured every day at Bialetti Industries. You can find them at www.bialetti.it
Bodum
The company was first established in Denmark, in 1944. They are creators of the Santos coffeemaker, based on a vacuum brewing system. But it wasn't untill 1974 that they produced the first French coffee press, under the brand name Bistro. The main competitor of Bistro is the French Press Coffee Maker from BonJour. Also see www.bodum.com.
BonJour
In 1995 BonJour Company from USA introduced the French Press Coffee Maker, that had a great success on the market. The Wall Street Journal honoured BonJour Company as the most innovative in the houseware industry. One important innovation is the thermal insulated french press, Triomphe. Also see www.bonjourproducts.com.
Briel
Since 1978, this Portuguese company specialises in the manufacture of espresso machines and coffee makers. They are recognised worldwide for the quality of the pump espresso machines. See www.briel.pt.
Bunn
The Bunn-O-Matic Corporation, located in Springfield, Illinois was created in 1957. Bunn invented the first paper filter, the first pour over coffee maker and the first drip coffee maker. However, they are also wide known for their quality coffee grinders. See www.bunnomatic.com.
Capresso
Capresso has an interesting history. The company was established by Michael Kramm, former president of Krups USA. He devoted his work eclusively to the high-end coffee & espresso machine market. In 2002 Capresso USA and the swiss company Jura created a joint venture in order to produce high-end super automatic espresso machines. Jura Impressa S9 was born from this match. See www.capresso.com
Cimbali
This is one of the earliest companies in the industry (born in 1912 in Milan, Italy). In 1958 LaCimbali patented the automatic hydraulic group, and 2 years later the thermo-compensation system. Their most famous brand today is Dolcevita. See also www.cimbali.it.
Conti
Located in Monte Carlo, Conti has been manufacturing commercial espresso machines since 1956. See www.conti-espresso.com.
Cuisinart
Carl Sontheimer and his wife assisted an espresso demonstration in 1971 in France, and were immediately convinced of the utility of the espresso machine as a kitchen appliance. However, it was only in 1994 when Cuisinart made it's way in the coffee making business. See details on www.cuisinart.com.
DeLonghi
Heating, air conditioning, house keeping, food preparation and cooking are business branches where DeLonghi brought its contribution. In the coffee making area it is known for the Combi Machines, KG 39 and KG 30 coffee grinders, and all types of coffee makers. See www.delonghi.com.
E C M
Another Milanese company, created in 1995, but sells on five continents. It is famous for the Giotto espresso line. See details on E C M home page.
Elektra
Was created by the Fregnan Family more than fifty years ago. See their home page for details.
Expobar
Expobar manages to manufacture the only professional espresso machine for home use at a decent price. Their model sells around 1,000 without breaking down the quality. See www.expobar.com.
Faema
The company was established by Carlo Ernesto Valente in 1945 in Milan, Italy; today, Faema sells its appliances in 100 countries all over the world. They manufacture all kind of espresso machines, from lever to semi automatic. See www.faema.it.
Francis Francis!
Their machines would definitely be the winners if there were a beauty contest among espresso machines. But the most beautiful part of this affair is that Francis Francis! does not overlook high quality coffee either. We believe the company was at first established in Switzerland (by Francesco Illy) and then opened subsidiaries all over the world. See their web page at www.francisfrancis.com and enjoy the beauty of coffee world.
Gaggia
In 1938, Achiles Gaggia patented his ideea for the modern, steamless, professional coffee machine that was able to produce espresso with crema. In 1947 he put the basis of the Gaggia Company. Nowadays, all the products are manufactured in the Robecco sul Naviglio factory, in Milan, Italy. Achiles Gaggia is considered the grandfather of espresso machine manufacturers. In December 1999, The Saeco Group acquired the control of Gaggia S.P.A. See www.gaggia.it.
Isomac
Isomac is present on the market since 1977. The company was founded by Giovanni Fontana, and established in Mancherio, the Milan area (where else?). See them for yourself at www.isomac.it.
Jura
This Swiss company produces both home and commercial espresso machines and targets the high-end user. It was born in 1931, thus can be considered one of the pioneers. Impressa F90 won the famous 'Red Dot' award in 2004. Also, Impressa E75 recently received 1st place in the Germany "Stiftung Warentest" list (similar to the US Consumer Reports). Their web page: www.jura.com.
Krups
Krups (Germany) was founded in 1846 by Robert Krups, and in 1970 attacks the coffee making market with its 'touch of a button' espresso machines. Their home page: www.krups.com.
La Marzocco
Established in Firenze (Italy) in 1927, La Marzocco developed and patented the first horizontal boiler in 1939. See www.lamarzocco.com.
La Pavoni
La Pavoni Spa was founded in 1905 by Desiderio Pavoni. His first innovation has been pattented by Luigi Bezzera in 1903, which was the moment that the first steam coffee machine was born. It was named Ideale. Europiccola (their firts electric model for home use) and Professional are the most famous product lines. Also see www.lapavoni.com.
Mr. Coffee
Mr. Coffee comes from USA and produces coffee makers, burr grinders, espresso machines and accessories. However, it sells only for the US market. There is a legend circulating that the initial commercial for Mr. Coffee that featured Joe Di Maggio was the one which kicked the business on it's road to success. See www.mrcoffee.com.
Nespresso
Nespresso, a Nestlé brand, is headquartered in Switzerland. Its encapsulated, portioned coffee pods meant a revolutionary breakthrough in the coffee making industry. They produce Nespresso Espresso Machine, that work in perfect symbiosis with (guess what) Nespresso capsules. See for yourself at www.nespresso.com.
Pasquini
Established in US, the company produces espresso machines for home, office and commercial use. Their best selling model is Pasquini Livia 90. See www.pasquini.com.
Rancilio
Rancilio (Italy) made their name on the market with commercial espresso machines. Their home-use appliances are very similar to the commercial ones, whole metalic parts, very solid and reliable, and a good trade for the price. The Rancilio Silvia model is their 'cover-girl', and makes a good couple with Rancilio Rocky burr grinder. Take a look at www.rancilio.it.
Saeco
Saeco was created in 1981, by Sergio Zappella and Arthur Schmed. In 1985 they have built their first fully automatic espresso machine, and in december 1999 the company reinforced its position on the market by the aquisition of Gaggia S.P.A. They are the world's best selling brand for the commercial sector, and the exclusive distributor for Starbucks (the machine they manufacture for Starbucks is called Estro). Find them at www.saeco.it.
Solis
Solis is a Swiss company that made its name worldwide known when lounching the first fully automatic espresso machine for home use. The most popular brands from this manufacturer are Solis SL-90 Crema and Solis SL-70. They're home at www.solis.ch.
Spidem
This Italian company ownes over 30 patents in the espresso machines manufacturing. It was founded in 1984 and produces fully automatic, combination and traditional espresso machines. Find them at www.spidem.it.
Starbucks
For many of us, Starbucks may sound less like an espresso machine manufacturer and more like the nearest coffee house. This company owns over 8,000 cafes in the world, 6,000 of which in US. They're planning to open 5,000 more on the American theritory. While the history of Starbucks Cafes goes further on its walk of fame, Starbucks also manufactures one of the most appreciated espresso machines, Starbucks Barista, drip coffee brewers, french presses and grinders. See also www.starbucks.com.