illy X1 Anniversary coffee machine — Black

An E.S.E. pod (Easy Serving Espresso) is a pre-measured portion of coffee in a paper pod 44 mm in diameter. It is an open European standard established in the decade of 1990, before the boom in proprietary capsules (Nespresso, Iperespresso, Dolce Gusto…). Its features:

• Standardised format — any roaster can produce ESE pods (illy, Bristot, Kimbo, Segafredo, Covim…). At Cafemalin: Covim Honduras 100% Arabica. Not to be confused with larger Senseo-style soft pods (Carte Noire), which do not fit in a 44 mm portafilter.
• Compostable paper — biodegradable pod, suitable for disposal in home compost.
• ~7 g of tamped coffee — standard professional dose, with extraction close to authentic Italian espresso.
• Dedicated machines — 44 mm portafilter on espresso machines (X1 Anniversary ESE edition, Bezzera, Ascaso…) or a dual-purpose portafilter (traditional coffee machine for ground coffee + ESE pods).

The illy X1 Anniversary is available in 3 main colours:

• Black (this product) — a deep, contemporary colour that highlights the signature Luca Trazzi curves. This edition is configured for 44 mm ESE pods.
• Stainless steel — premium brushed silver finish, with traditional Italian café or industrial design styling.
• Red — signature illy red, embodying the passion of Italian coffee.

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

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

• A curved, substantial silhouette — the X1 resembles a small train or miniature steam locomotive, in contrast to boxy, utilitarian machines.
• Lacquered sheet-metal chassis — high-quality materials, the feel of a manufactured object, substantial weight (5–6 kg).
• Signature lever handle — a nod to historic coffee bar espresso machines of the 1950 era.
• Architectural details — integrated tray, cup lighting, round buttons, complete visual coherence.

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 edition celebrates this heritage by making it available to the public again.

It is quick and easy to use:

1. Heat up the machine — ~1 min to reach extraction temperature (~92 °C).
2. Insert the ESE pod — into the dedicated 44 mm portafilter, making sure the pod is centred. Some X1 models accept a second pod for a double extraction.
3. Lock the portafilter in place — with a quarter turn, just as in a traditional espresso bar.
4. Start extraction — dedicated button, continuous flow for ~25–30 seconds for a 30 ml espresso.
5. Remove and dispose of the pod — in home compost (biodegradable paper).

The result: authentic Italian espresso with dense crema (thanks to 15 bar of pressure), without relying on a proprietary system.

Simple maintenance, suited to premium home use:

• Rinse the portafilter — after each use, under lukewarm water to prevent coffee from drying in the filters.
• Empty the drip tray — every 8–10 espressos.
• Refill the water tank — approximately every 15-20 espressos.
• Descale — every 3–6 months, depending on local water hardness. Use the official illy descaling kit or a universal descaler suitable for espresso machines.
• Clean the exterior — use a damp microfibre cloth on the black lacquered finish; avoid abrasive products that could dull the body's signature shine.

illy caffè is an Italian coffee roaster from Trieste (Friuli Venezia Giulia, north-eastern Italy), founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy. Known for its 100% Arabica blend made from 9 selected origins, illy is present in more than 140 countries and supplies equipment to 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 chairman).