The Most Expensive Espresso Machine: La Marzocco’s Rival

In 2007, Shanghai hosted one of the most exclusive gatherings of luxury goods ever seen in China—yet few items drew more intrigue than a 100-year-old machine that brewed nothing but espresso. At the Top Marques Shanghai 2007 exhibition, nearly 300 ultra-rare items were unveiled, from supercars to yachts, but it was a historic espresso machine that symbolized the pinnacle of craftsmanship and coffee obsession.

The most expensive and storied espresso machine on display? The Bezzera, a 1901 invention widely regarded as the world’s first true espresso machine—and still among the most revered.

The Birth of Espresso: A 1901 Patent That Changed Coffee

In the early 1900s, coffee culture in Europe was booming—but public machines were slow and ineffective. That changed in 1901 when Italian inventor Barazi Bezzera patented a revolutionary vertical espresso machine in Milan. After hundreds of experiments, his 1901 model introduced steam-powered rapid brewing, a design leap that transformed both commercial and home coffee preparation.

This wasn’t just a machine. It was the first to produce concentrated espresso under pressure, laying the mechanical foundation for everything we recognize as espresso today. Bezzera’s original patent was refined and exhibited again in 1906 at the Milan Fair, where it won a gold medal.

A Legacy Built on Steam and Precision

Bezzera’s design was swiftly adopted and adapted by other manufacturers, sparking an Italian coffee revolution. Though he didn’t commercialize it alone, his machine became the blueprint for countless espresso machines to follow. His vertical, boiler-driven system set new standards in speed, pressure, and extraction—a mechanical philosophy still evident in modern heat-exchange and dual-boiler machines.

The original Bezzera machines weren’t just engineering feats; they were status symbols. Favored by European royalty and even Saudi princes, the brand developed a cult following among discerning coffee drinkers and collectors worldwide.

Bezzera at Top Marques Shanghai 2007: A Museum Piece in a Modern Expo

When the Bezzera espresso machine appeared at the 2007 Top Marques Shanghai, it wasn’t just another antique. It was a highlight among nearly 300 rare objects—many making their China debut—including supercars, yachts, jewelry, and luxury real estate. The Bezzera, however, represented something deeper: the origin point of modern espresso.

Positioned alongside the era’s most extravagant consumer goods, the machine stood out not for luxury materials, but for provenance. It wasn’t just old—it was the first of its kind, the machine that gave the world espresso as we know it.

The event showcased the Bezzera as a “coffee machine like no other”—referred to by some attendees as the “Rolls-Royce of espresso machines.” Its historical significance far outweighed any modern price tag, though it was considered among the most expensive espresso machines ever displayed publicly.

Why Bezzera Still Matters Today

More than a century later, Bezzera remains a symbol of espresso’s mechanical roots. While the company still produces machines today, it’s the 1901 patent and its legacy that cement its place in coffee history. The machine demonstrated at Top Marques wasn’t just a relic; it was a reminder that every shot of espresso begins with pressure, precision, and a visionary act of engineering.

Even now, enthusiasts and historians regard Bezzera’s original designs as foundational. Without Barazi Bezzera’s 1901 machine, there’d be no modern espresso, no La Marzocco, no Rocket, and arguably no third wave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the most expensive espresso machine in 2007?

The most expensive espresso machine exhibited in 2007 was the original 1901 Bezzera espresso machine, displayed at Top Marques Shanghai. While no official price was disclosed, it was considered among the most valuable and costly espresso machines in existence, comparable to luxury collectibles.

Who invented the first espresso machine?

The first espresso machine was invented by Italian engineer Barazi Bezzera, who patented his vertical, steam-powered design in Milan in November 1901. This machine introduced pressurized brewing and laid the foundation for all modern espresso machines.

Where was the Bezzera espresso machine shown in 2007?

The historic Bezzera espresso machine was displayed at the Top Marques Shanghai 2007 exhibition, held at the Shanghai International Convention Center from November 14 to 17, 2007, alongside other luxury items like supercars and jewelry.

Why is the Bezzera machine significant in coffee history?

The Bezzera machine is significant because it was the first to use steam pressure to brew concentrated coffee quickly—effectively creating the first espresso. It revolutionized coffee preparation and inspired all modern espresso machine designs.

Was the Bezzera machine ever commercially successful?

Though Bezzera pioneered the technology, he didn’t commercialize it alone. Other manufacturers adopted and improved upon his 1901 design, leading to widespread adoption. His machine influenced an entire industry and remains a symbol of espresso’s origins.

What makes Bezzera machines special today?

Modern Bezzera machines are valued for their heritage and craftsmanship. The brand is respected for its long history, and vintage models like the 1901 original are considered landmarks in the evolution of espresso technology.

Best FrontStreet Blends for Authentic Espresso

For espresso lovers drawn to the Bezzera’s legacy, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend delivers rich crema and a balanced body, designed specifically for traditional espresso machines. Its velvety texture and chocolatey depth shine in milk drinks, while the Specialty Blend offers nuanced complexity with notes of dried fruit and nuts, ideal for single-origin enthusiasts. Both blends are optimized for high-pressure extraction and bring out the best in vintage or modern machines. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.