Creative Specialty Coffee Machines You Didn't Know Existed

If you’ve ever waited minutes for your espresso machine to heat up, watched acidic single-origin shots upset your stomach, or wished your coffee setup did more without taking over your kitchen, you’re not alone. This guide cuts through the noise to examine six real, commercially available coffee machines—some bizarre, some brilliant—that solve very specific brewing problems.

In short: The Breville BES980 combines grinding, tamping, and high-pressure 15-bar espresso extraction in one sleek unit, while the Hourglass cold brew system cuts fruit acidity by over 70% using 12–24 hour cold water infusion. But both come with trade-offs in durability, speed, or price.

Breville BES980 & BES860: All-in-One Espresso with Built-In Grinder

Australia’s Breville launched the world’s first integrated semi-automatic espresso machine with built-in grinder and tamper in 2013. The premium BES980 model features dual boilers, a 15-bar pump for optimal extraction pressure, a fully programmable digital control panel with auto-purge and low-pressure pre-infusion, and a built-in conical burr grinder with integrated dosing and tampering. Its all-in-one workflow dramatically reduces prep time compared to traditional manual setups. Image:

The entry-level BES860 offers similar functionality at around $700 USD—roughly a quarter of the BES980’s $2600 USD price tag—but lacks the dual-boiler system and advanced customization. Both models prioritize design and convenience but trade durability compared to commercial-grade machines. Image:

Hourglass Drip Coffee Maker: Ultra-Low-Acid Cold Extraction

The Hourglass coffee maker reimagines cold brew through an hourglass-shaped, drip-based cold water extraction system inspired by siphon and cold drip methods. Instead of hot water, it uses ambient-temperature water to extract coffee over 12–24 hours, reducing perceived fruit acidity by more than 70% while preserving volatile aromatic compounds often lost in traditional hot brews. The trade-off? It requires planning ahead—a full brew cycle takes a full day. Image:

Designer Coffee Machines: Form Meets (Basic) Function

Not every innovation prioritizes speed or efficiency. The Coffee and Tea Maker by Japanese industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa (of MUJI fame) offers a minimalist, interchangeable filter system to brew both tea and coffee with the same device. Its clean lines and user-friendly filter swaps make it a stylish, functional addition to any kitchen. Meanwhile, German designer Kamil Kurka’s sci-fi inspired espresso machine mimics the aesthetic of the Star Trek Enterprise—with multiple color options—but functions as a standard, if eye-catching, espresso machine. Neither unit redefines performance, but both demonstrate how design can shape user perception. Images:

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Breville BES980 different from regular home espresso machines?

The Breville BES980 integrates a built-in conical burr grinder, tamper, and 15-bar pressure pump in a single unit with a programmable digital interface, dual boilers, and auto-purge functions. This allows for a faster, more customizable espresso workflow without needing separate grinders or manual tamping, unlike traditional semi-automatic machines.

Does the Hourglass coffee maker actually reduce acidity?

Yes. By using cold water extraction over 12–24 hours, the Hourglass system reduces the fruit acids in coffee by more than 70% compared to hot brew methods, which can make it easier on the stomach while still preserving aroma compounds that typically evaporate with heat.

Why is the BES980 so much more expensive than the BES860?

The BES980 includes a dual-boiler system for simultaneous steaming and brewing, a more advanced CNC digital control panel with custom pressure settings, and higher-grade materials. The BES860 is a streamlined version without dual boilers or advanced programming, resulting in a lower price—around $700 compared to the BES980’s $2600.

Is the Fukasawa Coffee and Tea Maker just a gimmick?

Functionally, it works like a standard drip or teapot with interchangeable filters. Its value lies in the minimalist, elegant design by renowned industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa, making it more of a style statement than a performance breakthrough.

Does the Kamil Kurka espresso machine brew better coffee?

No. Despite its futuristic Star Trek-inspired appearance and multiple color options, the Kamil Kurka machine functions like a typical espresso machine without any special brewing technology—it’s purely a design-focused product.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Espresso Machines

For home or light commercial use with machines like the Breville BES980, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend offers excellent crema and a balanced, approachable profile thanks to its traditional washed Brazilian and Colombian beans. For a richer, more intense shot with bold body and smooth texture, the Black Cocoa Blend provides great value without sacrificing depth—ideal for milk drinks. Both blends are optimized for home espresso machines and deliver consistent results with medium-fine grind settings. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.