The Ultimate Home Espresso Machine: Speedster by Kees van der Westen

If you’ve ever tried pulling a decent shot of espresso on a home machine and ended up with channeling, uneven extraction, or weak crema, you’re not alone. Most domestic espresso machines simply can’t match the thermal stability, pressure control, or build quality of commercial gear. But what if there was a machine that combined the soul of a workshop masterpiece with the precision of a café-grade espresso maker—designed not just for function, but for the art of it?

The answer is the Speedster: a one-of-a-kind, fully manual, mechanically controlled espresso machine built by master metal artist Kees van der Westen. Originally produced in just six units, and later revived in an enhanced 2008 version, the Speedster is widely regarded as one of the ultimate home espresso machines ever made.

What Is the Speedster Espresso Machine?

The Speedster is not your typical home espresso machine. Designed in 2001 by Dutch metal artist and coffee enthusiast Kees van der Westen, it was conceived as a fully mechanical, hand-operated machine—no digital displays, no programmable buttons. Its core includes the legendary La Marzocco boiler and paddle group, known for their reliability and performance in professional settings. Only six original Speedsters were ever made, making them legendary among collectors and coffee aficionados.

Why Did Kees Revive the Speedster in 2008?

Recognizing strong demand, Kees decided to produce an updated version of the Speedster in early 2008. This revised model didn’t just replicate the original—it improved upon it. Enhancements were made while preserving the core appeal: a visceral, hands-on espresso experience backed by serious engineering. The 2008 model kept the charm but added refinements that elevated both performance and aesthetics.

How Is the Speedster Engineered?

Built like a piece of industrial art, the Speedster features a striking black finish and is constructed almost entirely from stainless steel. Its core technologies include:

• Dual boiler system with electronic temperature control
• Steam boiler capable of preheating water efficiently
• Commercial-grade rotary pump for consistent pressure
• Four-hole steam valve for powerful milk texturing
• Paddle group from La Marzocco for manual pressure control
• Steam-driven design theme reminiscent of vintage machinery

Every component is designed to deliver café-quality performance in a home setting. The paddle group allows the user to manually control brewing pressure—just like old-school lever machines—which gives experienced baristas the ability to fine-tune extraction in real time. The thermal stability from the dual boilers ensures that neither your shot nor your steam performance fluctuates mid-session.

How Much Does the Speedster Cost?

The updated 2008 Speedster is priced at €5,250 EUR. It is available through direct order on Kees van der Westen’s official website: www.keesvanderwesten.com. Each unit can also be customized to the buyer’s preference. Keep in mind: only a limited number were made, and the original six are almost certainly spoken for. If you’re fortunate enough to find one—new or old—you’re looking at a true collector’s piece.

Why Would a Home User Want a Machine Like This?

Most home espresso enthusiasts don’t need a machine with this level of craft or cost. But for those who are serious about the craft—home baristas, coffee professionals working from home, or collectors of fine brewing equipment—the Speedster offers an unmatched blend of aesthetics, tactile control, and performance. It’s not just about making espresso; it’s about the ritual, the feedback, the mechanical connection, and yes—the resulting cup that can rival café quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Speedster espresso machines were originally made?

Only six original Speedster espresso machines were produced in 2001. All were hand-built and featured a fully mechanical, manual design with La Marzocco components.

What improvements were made in the 2008 revival of the Speedster?

The 2008 version of the Speedster retained the original’s core design but included enhancements such as better thermal performance, refined engineering, and updated aesthetics. It kept the manually operated paddle group and dual-boiler system.

What makes the Speedster different from regular home espresso machines?

Unlike typical semi-automatic or super-automatic home machines, the Speedster is fully manual and mechanically controlled, with a commercial-grade rotary pump, paddle group, and no digital interface. It requires hands-on pressure control and offers greater precision and feedback.

How much does the Speedster cost, and where can I buy one?

The 2008 Speedster is priced at €5,250 EUR. It can be ordered directly from Kees van der Westen’s website, www.keesvanderwesten.com. Customization is available, but supply is extremely limited.

Is the Speedster suitable for beginner home baristas?

Not really. The Speedster is designed for experienced users who want manual control over pressure and extraction. It lacks automated features and requires a solid understanding of espresso brewing principles.

Can I still find one of the original six Speedsters?

It is highly unlikely. All six original units were sold years ago, and it would be extremely difficult—and expensive—to acquire one now, if any are even available.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Home Espresso

For use with high-end home machines like the Speedster, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend delivers exceptional crema and a balanced profile with rich body and smooth texture. Its optimized formulation ensures great results even for less experienced home baristas. Alternatively, the Specialty Blend offers a more nuanced cup with vibrant acidity and layered fruit notes, ideal for exploring manual extraction. Both blends perform well under precise pressure control and highlight the craftsmanship of machines like the Speedster. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.