illy X1 Anniversary Iperespresso Eco Mode Coffee Machine — Red

The red X1 Anniversary can be configured according to the edition:

• 44 mm E.S.E. pod-only mode — 44 mm portafilter fitted, open European standard, compostable paper pods weighing ~7 g.
• illy Iperespresso Home-only mode — dedicated illy portafilter, proprietary dual-chamber capsule.
• Dual-system mode — interchangeable portafilter; you switch between ESE and Iperespresso to suit your mood or preferred coffee.

The configuration supplied depends on the illy edition provided. Contact Cafemalin customer service before purchasing to confirm the exact configuration of this red model. Note: the black version #36862 is explicitly configured for 44 mm ESE pod mode.

The illy X1 Anniversary is available in 3 main colours:

• Red (this product) — signature illy red (deep cardinal red), embodying the passion of Italian coffee. The colour most closely associated with the brand.
• Black — an intense, contemporary colour that highlights the signature Luca Trazzi curves. Configured for 44 mm ESE pods.
• Stainless steel — a premium brushed silver finish, with a traditional Italian coffee bar or industrial design style. The most visually versatile option.

Depending on the edition and the portafilter fitted by illy, each colour may have a different configuration. We recommend checking the 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.

Using it is a simple ritual:

1. Heat up the machine — ~1 min to reach extraction temperature (~92 °C).
2. Insert the ESE pod or Iperespresso capsule — into the appropriate portafilter (44 mm for ESE, illy format for Iperespresso).
3. Lock the portafilter — a quarter turn, the X1's signature traditional coffee bar gesture.
4. Start extraction — dedicated button, continuous flow for ~25–30 seconds for a 30 ml espresso.
5. Remove and dispose of the pod / capsule — compost paper ESE pods and place Iperespresso capsules in the capsule recycling bin.

Result: authentic Italian espresso with dense crema (thanks to 15 bar pressure) and a distinctive hands-on ritual.

The signature illy red lacquer needs simple, regular care:

• Daily cleaning — use a damp microfibre cloth (wrung out), avoiding excess water that could seep in around the edges.
• Products to avoid — scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, solvents (acetone, white spirit), bleach. These products can dull the shine or discolour the red lacquer.
• Coffee marks / splashes — wipe off immediately (fresh coffee can leave marks if left on the lacquer).
• Tip — occasionally apply a few drops of cooking oil with a soft cloth to restore the shine.
• Descaling — every 3–6 months, depending on local water hardness, using an official illy or universal descaling kit.

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).