The World’s Most Expensive Espresso Machine: Bezzera

If you’ve ever savored a velvety shot of espresso with a deep crema and layered flavors, you might wonder—how did we get here? The modern espresso experience, with its rich aroma and intense body, didn’t appear overnight. It began with a 19th-century invention that transformed how coffee was brewed and consumed around the world.

The most expensive and historically significant espresso machine brand is Bezzera. Founded by Italian inventor Barazi Bezzera, it holds the first patent for a steam-driven espresso machine, registered in Milan in November 1901. Bezzera machines are still considered luxury items, favored by European royalty and collectors like Sophia Loren and Warren Buffett.

The Origins of the Espresso Machine

Coffee gained widespread popularity in Europe during the 17th century, but public coffee preparation methods remained basic well into the 1800s. By the mid-19th century, as demand for faster service grew, engineers and designers began experimenting with espresso brewing. Among them was Italian inventor Barazi Bezzera.

After years of trial and error—including over a hundred prototypes—Bezzera succeeded in creating a vertical, steam-powered espresso machine model. This groundbreaking design was officially patented and registered in Milan in November 1901. It marked a leap forward in both function and form, far surpassing existing home and commercial machines.

Bezzera’s Patent and Its Legacy

In 1906, Bezzera improved his original model and showcased it at the Milan Expo, where it won a gold medal. His design utilized steam pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee—a revolutionary method that produced concentrated shots of coffee much faster than traditional brewing. This machine laid the foundation for what we now know as espresso.

The Bezzera design became the blueprint for future espresso machines. For decades, many manufacturers used Bezzera’s core concepts, refining them in terms of materials, pressure systems, and aesthetics. His invention catalyzed an industry-wide transformation, birthing a wave of innovation in Italy’s coffee equipment sector.

Why Bezzera Machines Are So Valuable

Bezzera is recognized as the oldest continuous brand in the espresso machine industry. Its early machines are rare and highly collectible. The brand gained prestige among elite circles, including European royalty and Saudi Arabian royalty. Renowned actress Sophia Loren and billionaire investor Warren Buffett have both owned and admired Bezzera machines.

Originally crafted to solve the need for speed and efficiency in coffee service, Bezzera’s inventions gave rise to the concentrated, crema-topped espresso shots beloved today. Owning a Bezzera is not just about functionality—it’s about preserving a piece of coffee history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented the first espresso machine?

Barazi Bezzera, an Italian inventor, created the first patented espresso machine in 1901. It was the first to use steam pressure to brew concentrated coffee and was registered in Milan.

What year was the Bezzera espresso machine patented?

The original Bezzera espresso machine was patented and registered in Milan in November 1901. An improved version was shown at the Milan Expo in 1906, where it won a gold medal.

Why are Bezzera machines considered luxury items?

Bezzera machines are among the oldest and most historically significant espresso machines. They were favored by European royalty, Saudi Arabian royalty, and celebrities like Sophia Loren and Warren Buffett, making them prestigious collectibles.

How did Bezzera influence modern espresso?

Bezzera’s 1901 patent introduced the steam-driven espresso brewing method, which led to the fast extraction of concentrated coffee. This design became the basis for all modern espresso machines and revolutionized coffee preparation.

Where can I see historic Bezzera machines?

While the article doesn’t specify museums, Bezzera machines are often displayed in specialty coffee museums, private collections, and high-end espresso equipment exhibits due to their historical importance.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso

For espresso lovers inspired by the Bezzera legacy, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—a bright Ethiopian single origin with notes of blueberry, jasmine, and tropical fruit, ideal for highlighting crema and complexity. Pair it with FrontStreet’s Classic Blend, a balanced mix offering chocolate, caramel, and nuts for a traditional espresso profile. Both beans showcase the clarity and depth that modern espresso owes to Bezzera’s pioneering design. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.