Who invented the espresso machine?

The history of the espresso machine is often oversimplified as a single 'eureka' moment, but it was actually a decades-long transition from bulk brewing to individual extraction. Angelo Moriondo’s 1884 patent was a massive, steam-powered apparatus designed for speed in Turin’s cafes, yet it functioned more like a high-volume percolator than a modern espresso machine. It lacked the precision and pressure required for the concentrated, emulsified shot we recognize today. The true shift toward the modern 'espresso' experience began with Luigi Bezzera, a mechanic who introduced the portafilter. This allowed for individual, on-demand brewing, though his machines still relied on steam pressure, which limited extraction quality and often scorched the coffee. For the farmer and producer, this early era was problematic; the high heat of steam-driven machines often masked the nuanced profiles of the coffee they worked so hard to cultivate. It was not until Achille Gaggia’s 1948 invention of the spring-piston lever that the industry moved away from steam. By using a manual lever to force water through the grounds at high pressure, Gaggia bypassed the need for boiling water to touch the coffee, preserving delicate oils and creating the iconic crema. This technological leap finally allowed the distinct characteristics of a specific origin to shine through in the cup, shifting the focus from mere 'instantaneous' caffeine delivery to the appreciation of coffee quality.