illy X1 Anniversary Coffee Machine — Black

An ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pod is a pre-measured coffee in a paper format, 44 mm in diameter. It is an open European standard defined in the 1990s, before the explosion of proprietary capsules (Nespresso, Iperespresso, Dolce Gusto, etc.). Its specific characteristics:

• Standardized format — any roaster can produce ESE pods (illy, Bristot, Kimbo, Segafredo, Covim, etc.). At Cafemalin : Covim Honduras 100% Arabica. Not to be confused with soft pods like Senseo (Carte Noire), which do not fit in a 44 mm filter holder.
• Compostable paper — biodegradable pod, to be disposed of in home compost.
• ~7g of packed coffee — standard professional dosage, extraction close to true Italian espresso.
• Dedicated machines — 44 mm filter holder on espresso machines (X1 Anniversary ESE edition, Bezzera, Ascaso…) or on dual-use filter holder (traditional coffee maker ground beans + ESE pods).

The illy X1 Anniversary is available in 3 main colors:

• Black (this product) — an intense, contemporary color that highlights Luca Trazzi's signature curved lines. This edition is configured for 44mm ESE pods.
• Stainless steel — premium brushed silver colour , traditional Italian bar style or industrial design .
• Red — illy's signature red color , the embodiment of passionate Italian coffee.

Depending on the model and the portafilter installed by illy, each color can be configured for ESE pods only, Iperespresso Home only, or dual systems. We recommend checking the exact configuration with Cafemalin customer service before purchasing.

Luca Trazzi is an Italian designer born in 1962 in Verona, trained at the Politecnico di Milano. In 1994, he designed the X1 machine —a home espresso machine that broke with the utilitarian conventions of the time. His design choices:

• With its curved and massive silhouette — the X1 resembles a small train or a miniature steam locomotive, going against the grain of utilitarian cubic machines.
• Lacquered sheet metal chassis — noble materials, manufactured object feel, substantial weight (5-6 kg).
• Signature lever handle — a nod to historic 1950s bar espresso machines.
• Architectural details — integrated tray, cup lighting, round buttons, total visual consistency.

The X1 has been exhibited in several design museums (MoMA New York, Triennale di Milano) and has become a classic of Italian industrial design. The Anniversary celebrates this heritage by making it available to the general public once again.

It is quick and easy :

1. Heat the machine — ~1 min to reach extraction temperature (~92 °C).
2. Place the ESE pod in the dedicated 44mm filter holder, ensuring the pod is centered. Some X1 models accept a second pod for double extraction.
3. Lock the filter holder — quarter turn, traditional espresso bar gesture.
4. Start extraction — dedicated button, continuous flow ~25-30 seconds for a 30 mL espresso.
5. Remove and dispose of the pod — in home compost (biodegradable paper).

Result : authentic Italian espresso with dense crema (thanks to the 15 bars of pressure), without dependence on a proprietary system.

Simple maintenance , suitable for premium home use:

• Rinse the filter holder — after each use, under warm water to prevent the coffee from drying in the filters.
• Empty drip tray — every 8-10 espressos.
• Water tank refill — every ~15-20 espressos.
• Descaling — every 3-6 months depending on local water hardness. Use the official illy descaling kit or a universal descaler compatible with espresso machines.
• Exterior cleaning — damp microfiber cloth on the black lacquered finish; avoid any abrasive products that could dull the signature shine of the chassis.

illy caffè is an Italian coffee roaster based in Trieste (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Northeast Italy), founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy. Renowned for its 100% Arabica blend composed of nine select origins, illy is present in over 140 countries and supplies most of the world's leading hotels and high-end restaurants. The brand invented the Iperespresso capsule in 1996 and regularly collaborates with renowned Italian designers (Luca Trazzi for the X1, Francis Kéré for the Art Collection editions, etc.). The Illy family still owns the company (Andrea Illy is president).