World of Coffee 2025 in Geneva: New espresso machines and grinders for home

The World of Coffee 2025 in Geneva offered coffee enthusiasts a colorful fireworks display of innovations. We took a critical and curious look on-site – and present to you here all the important new espresso machines and grinders for home use.

These are actually new products and innovations. At the same time, many manufacturers sell old wine in new bottles in their usual manner and present a new color variant of an espresso machine as a quantum leap. We skip such offerings and focus on what matters. From smart grinders to motorized lever espresso machines to portable devices – here you'll learn what's moving the industry and where it's headed.

As always with this trade show report: we have not tested any of the mentioned devices and can only describe a first impression. We will only be able to report how well what was announced actually works in practice after a thorough test in our coffee academy.

Varia VS4 – Single Dosing Made Easy

We start with a grinder that made our espresso grinder tester Michel Indelicato positively glow at the trade show: Varia VS4, the latest offspring of the renowned Varia grinder series. This single-dose grinder closes the gap between the compact VS3 and the larger VS6. What makes it special?

• Conical burr set: The VS4 works with newly developed conical burrs (diameter 53 mm) – not identical to those of the VS3, but its own design.
• Adjustable speed: For the first time, Varia offers RPM adjustment even on a smaller model to further optimize grinding speed and consistency.
• Lightning-fast cleaning: The highlight is how easy it is to clean. With just a few handgrips, the grinder opens without changing the grind setting. Michel was thrilled: Finally you can clean the burrs without having to readjust afterwards!
• Anti-static: The discharge chute contains a kind of ionizer or anti-static technology, so hardly any coffee grounds should stick to the housing.
• Price and availability: The VS4 is expected to hit the market at the end of 2025, with an estimated price of around €450 – a strong offer for so much grinder.

Classification: The smaller VS3 was already a price-to-performance hit, and the VS4 raises the bar even further. For single-doser fans on a limited budget, this grinder should be very exciting. Innovative features like speed adjustment and easiest cleaning show the trend: user comfort and ease of maintenance are high priorities.

Zero:Hero – Portable Espresso Machine with Power

On my outdoor tours, I like to test portable espresso brewers. One such device is the hand espresso brewer from Zero:Hero, which won a Red Dot Award.

At the trade show booth, we tried out the small, mobile espresso maker, which suspiciously resembles a competitor's product – but makes one crucial promise: it gets hot enough!

This handy device is conceptually reminiscent of familiar portable espresso devices, but should be able to heat water up to 92 °C. This is exactly where I had a criticism of a competitor – the brewing temperature. The Zero:Hero aims to end that. I'll do a comparison and test as soon as possible.

Key Facts Zero:Hero:

• Operation: Battery-operated, usable with hot or cold water. With already hot water, up to 200 shots are possible; from cold water approximately 4–5 espressos per charge.
• Brewing group & handling: Fill in coffee, twist together, tamp – the ritual remains manual. The design is based on familiar predecessors, which immediately provides familiarity.
• Temperature: According to the manufacturer, the device reaches approximately 92 °C brewing water temperature. If that really works, it would be a game changer in this segment. Personally, I'd even go higher.
• Fun factor: If Zero:Hero lives up to expectations, it's the ideal companion for espresso on the go and will soon accompany my kayak and road bike tours.

Classification: There are many portable devices, but often they fall short on temperature or the number of possible shots. Zero:Hero promises to solve both. We remain (cautiously) optimistic. If the little hero actually gets hot enough and lasts, it could become the reference among travel espresso makers. Price-wise, we expect it in the range of similar devices (there were no concrete details on this at the trade show).

Source: meticulous

Meticulous Espresso – The Robot Lever for Home

Next was the booth from Meticulous – and here espresso tech dreams came true. Meticulous is a unique espresso machine that executes a classic manual lever shot completely mechanically - but much more dynamically controllable. We pre-ordered this beauty via crowdfunding some time ago; according to the manufacturer, the first devices should be delivered in summer 2025.

What makes Meticulous special? Basically, you get an electronically controlled manual lever machine, just without a visible lever. An internal piston handles the pressing, and numerous sensors monitor the extraction process in real time:

• Plenty of sensors: Built-in sensors measure flow, pressure, and temperature during the shot. Nothing is left to chance – every parameter is captured.
• Single-dose water system: Before each shot, you fill a defined amount of water in a front chamber directly above the portafilter, which is then precisely heated to temperature. Only the necessary water is heated.
• Integrated scale: A scale is built into the drip tray – ingenious for accurate output measurement. Simply put the cup on it, press the button, and the weight of the espresso appears on the display. Dosing and even manual single-dosing for filter coffee are thus possible.
• Digital profile control: Pressure curves can be freely programmed and controlled. The machine can theoretically automate everything from pre-infusion to flow to pressure profiling. Profiles can be saved and recalled at any time.
• Brewing process: At the press of a button, the piston rises in the brew head, so the water fully wets the puck. Then the pressure or flow is gradually built up according to the program. Flow, pressure, temperature – everything is controlled to the second. The espresso tinkerer has no limits here.

Planned price: Kickstarter supporters invested around $1,200; officially, the Meticulous Espresso should cost about $2,000 (without optional milk frother). If everything works as Meticulous promises, that's more than competitive.

Classification: Meticulous could be the link between professional lever and smart machine. At the same time, the Meticulous brews directly! No hoses, no distance between brewing element and brewing chamber. The heating and pressure creation moment happens at the brewing chamber or portafilter. There are many more strengths and few weaknesses that the Meticulous will likely have. We're looking forward to our model like few machines before.

Muvna Switch-Grinder – Two Grinders in One

At trade shows you see all sorts of things – but this innovation amazed even us: A manufacturer showed an espresso grinder where you can change the complete burr set in seconds. Yes, you read that right: Conical or flat? You don't have to decide anymore, you just switch!

The grinder – announced in the European market under the name Muvna – features two interchangeable burr sets: a massive 98 mm conical burr set and a flat set with 83 mm discs. Using a lever, you remove the entire front part, which is attached to the main body of the grinder via metal pins. The other burr set is then set back on. The "burr change" is done in 3–4 seconds.

More facts about Muvna:

• Minimized retention: Due to the design of the switching system, apparently hardly any coffee grounds remain in the grinder. Less retention = less old coffee in the next shot.
• Target audience: High-end home users and lab technicians? Just kidding – Muvna appeals to hardcore geeks who want to choose the optimal burr type depending on the bean (conical for more traditional espressos, flat for light roasts, for example). Or to the indecisive who simply want both or want to experiment.
• Performance: Specific technical data (motor, rotations, etc.) were not mentioned on site. But the burr sizes alone show: We're playing in the top league here.
• Price & availability: The Muvna grinder is expected to be market-ready around August 2025. A price of around $3,000 was hinted at – certainly not a bargain.

Classification: Muvna pursues a radically innovative approach. Whether you really constantly switch between conical and flat in everyday life is debatable – but as a technology demo alone, it's impressive. For well-heeled espresso nerds, Muvna could be the all-in-one solution. Retention, flexibility, and engineering excellence were clearly in the foreground. We're genuinely curious to see how this grinder performs in testing and whether the switching mechanism is robust long-term. Definitely one of the most exotic highlights of the WOC in Geneva 2025.

WPM Primus – Professional Features in Compact Format

WPM is no longer an insider tip when it comes to affordable espresso machines. In Geneva, the Hong Kong company delivered twice over: with the new Primus espresso machine and exciting updates to their grinders.

Primus: Dual Boiler, Thermoblock & Pressure Profiling

The WPM Primus looks like a typical 1-group home machine at first glance, but inside it's pure high-tech. It targets ambitious home baristas and small cafés. What makes it special?

• Innovative heating system: The Primus combines a classic 0.8l boiler with PID control for espresso with two thermoblocks – one for hot water and one ("Supersteam thermoblock") for steam. Result: rapid heat-up time and strong temperature stability despite compact design. In fact, according to the manufacturer, the machine is ready to use in about 2 minutes – impressive if that works. Many have claimed it and few have delivered. We'll see.
• Gear pump with profiling: Instead of the usual vibration or rotary pump, WPM uses a quiet gear pump. This allows precise pressure profile control: You can adjust the pressure curve during the shot or even (in the future) control by flow. Multi-stage profiles with programmable phases are already possible – from pre-infusion to pressure ramp-down.
• Built-in sensors: The machine also has a flow meter and according to manufacturer information in the hot water area. That's actually more than just extraordinary in this price range. Plus a rather intuitive LED display that shows all parameters.
• Plenty of steam: The dedicated steam thermoblock delivers dry steam with plenty of power – fine-pored microfoam for latte art is achievable. How achievable was shown to us by the developer right at the machine. It was the most beautiful latte art I've ever seen from a technician. The steam boiler only runs when you need it, saving energy.
• Tank & plumbed: WPM supplies both a water tank and the plumbed water connection as standard – at no extra cost, at an estimated price of about €2,000. Many other manufacturers charge for the plumbed option, here it's standard.

Classification: The Primus combines many trends in one machine: quick heat-up technology, pressure profiles or stepped control, and energy efficiency. That WPM offers this for ~€2,000 is quite a statement. Of course, we need to check how the hybrid approach (boiler + thermoblock) proves itself in practice and whether the machine can actually deliver the heat-up time and temperature stability. But what WPM is showing here is very, very promising.

WPM ZP-1 and KONOS: Single-Dosers in Double Pack

In addition to the machine, WPM also showed new grinders. Already known is the WPM ZP-1, a compact single-dosing grinder that debuted at the last Frankfurt coffee trade show. In Geneva, the surprise: KONOS, a new conical grinder that builds on the ZP-1.

WPM ZP-1 – the flat burr single-doser:

64 mm flat burrs, adjustable RPM, and very low retention. Praised for its solid construction. (We haven't tested it ourselves yet, but an order is out to catch up.)

• Single dose conical: KONOS uses a 71 mm conical burr set.
• Adjustable speed: Like the ZP-1, KONOS also offers adjustable burr RPM to control ground consistency and speed.
• Easy-clean mechanism: Inspired by the ZP-1, KONOS features a mechanism for quick cleaning of the grinding unit. Removing coffee grounds should be child's play – important for single-dosing.
• Design & quality: Aluminum housing, modern look.

Classification: With ZP-1 and KONOS, WPM has two arrows in the quiver to shake up the single-dose market. The strategy is a bit reminiscent of Niche (which also offers flat vs. conical options with Zero and Duo). What's exciting is the combination of speed adjustment and cleaning comfort. In short: WPM is on the gas to appeal to ambitious home users. We can't wait to take both grinders under the microscope!

Fellow Espresso Series 1 – High-Tech in Plastic

The manufacturer known for stylish water kettles and accessories Fellow is now entering the espresso stage. At the Fellow booth, the brand new Espresso Series 1 was presented, Fellow's first portafilter machine. Here are the key impressions:

Technology & Features:

• Three heating elements: The Series 1 uses a thin-film heater + mini boiler + brew group heating in combination. Specifically: An upstream flow heater quickly heats water and feeds a small boiler, which in turn supplies the brew group, which also has a heating element. This results in triple water heating along the way. This should make the machine heat up quickly and maintain temperature very stably – ambitious!
• Full profile control: Remarkable for a machine in this class: You can program pressure profiles. Pre-infusion and pressure ramping – all of that should be possible and easily adjustable via dial/display. Plus a profile save function, so you can store recipes for different beans (including temperature, pressure, and flow throughout the shot).
• Quick steam with a caveat: The Series 1 is dual-use (espresso & milk), but technically acts more like a single boiler when switching to steam. To froth, the mini boiler needs to heat up, which takes a while, and then cool down again for espresso. Fellow emphasizes that they've implemented smart solutions – how well that works (and how quickly they cool the temperature back down) remains to be tested. Additionally, there's an Assisted Steaming function: The machine offers pre-selected steam temperatures for different milk types (e.g., less heat for oat milk).
• Operation & looks: The device has a modern, sleek design (available in black, red, brown) and reminded us of some existing machines in terms of form factor – though aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder. Operation is via a twist-click wheel and a display. Everything should be very intuitive. In practice, we couldn't easily navigate out of some menus - but you'll get used to that.
• Price & material: Here it gets interesting: An estimated price of around €1,500–1,600 is announced (Fellow USA states $1.499 MSRP, early birds paid $1.399). That's extremely competitive considering the features – but it's only possible through generous use of plastic for the housing. The machine is almost entirely made of robust plastic, with metal found only in a few places. This keeps costs down, but raises questions about feel and longevity.

Classification: Fellow has taken a bold step with the Espresso Series 1. On paper, it combines features you'd expect from more expensive machines in a sleek, compact device at mid-range price. If the concept works, Fellow could land a real price-to-performance hit and challenge established players like the Lelit Bianca. However, skepticism is warranted: How well does temperature control work with the small boiler? How long will the plastic housing hold up to daily use? Critically, but curiously, we await a test unit. Because if the Series 1 lives up to its promises, many home baristas could soon be pulling "pre-programmed shots from saved profiles" – without spending a fortune. Innovative, but please also solid – that will be key.

ECM & Profitec Innovations – Exacto Grinder and More

At the joint booth of ECM / Profitec, there were two highlights for us: a new single-dosing grinder called Profitec Twist SD54 (already tested by us) and the prototype of the ECM Exacto, a grind-by-weight grinder.

ECM Exacto – Grind-by-Weight with Brains

The ECM Exacto is expected to arrive at the end of 2025 and marks ECM's entry into weighing-precise grinding. Its name says it all. Here are the key facts we learned:

• Direct dosing by scale: The Exacto has a built-in scale that weighs the ground output in real time and automatically stops the grinding process as soon as the target dosing amount is reached.
• 64 mm burrs are used.
• Stepless adjustment with digital display: Grind size adjustment is stepless via a knob, but with a digital scale on the display. That means as you change the grind size, a display shows the numerical value in high resolution.
• Portafilter recognition: The grinder automatically recognizes whether a single or double portafilter is installed. It could accordingly suggest different standard dosages. This gives it an edge over other weighing grinders under €1500.
• Development status: The prototype at the trade show felt good but needed some refinement. ECM wants to show an improved version at the HOST show in the fall and then quickly get to market. Visually, the grinder is somewhat larger than previous ECM grinders – not surprising given it has much more technology in the housing.

Classification: With the Exacto, ECM enters a trend that companies like Baratza and Eureka have already picked up: smart grinders with weighing technology. For ECM fans who value German craftsmanship and sleek design, the Exacto could be a great addition to an ECM portafilter machine.

There's been no pricing information yet, but the grinder will likely cost more than €1,000. If accuracy and reliability check out, the Exacto will certainly find customers – "nice powdery grinding result" was what Michel already attested to on the show shot. We're staying on it and hope to be able to report more soon and test the particle distribution.

The DACH-Arkel Connection was also at the trade show. Lukas Brenneis from Brewspire, Markus Berger from Vitudurum (Switzerland), and Wolfgang Köppl from Die Röster (Austria) closely accompanied Fernando Moreira from Arkel in developing the new Arkel Coast dual boiler. The machine wasn't at the trade show. But a unit arrived at our place today and will be tested in the coming weeks.

Sage/Breville Oracle Dual Boiler – When the Machine Adjusts Grind Size

Sage Appliances (known in Germany as "Sage", worldwide as Breville) took another step in integration at the WOC 2025 with their compact machines: espresso machine and grinder merge into an intelligent system. Specifically, we got a preview at the Sage booth of the next generation of the Oracle series and the Dual Boiler machines. And they were impressive.

What's new from Sage? In short: the Sage Oracle Dual Boiler with more user control and automatic adjustment by the machine. In detail:

• Fine-tuning of all parameters: The new models offer much more adjustment options than before. Grinding mode selectable (by time or amount) – even with integrated grinder. Pre-infusion can be time-controlled (with constant low pressure, ~1–2 bar), similar to a "blooming" phase. Overall, the machines seem much more open to the user, where much was previously preset and limited.
• Integrated grinder with auto-adjust: The combo machine Sage Oracle Dual Boiler monitors the extraction and automatically adjusts grind size. If the shot runs through too quickly, the machine sets the grinder finer; if it runs too slowly, it goes coarser – all by itself. You know this feature from professional gastronomy, like self-regulating grinders in large super-automatics or the Mahlkönig grind-by-weight plus sync system in networked form. Sage brings this to the home now.
• Connectivity: The machines have smart features like remote start capability. Via app, you can preheat the machine, e.g., from bed. Cozy!
• No turbo heater, instead parallel operation: Sage deliberately chose against a pure thin-film heater/thermojet to enable simultaneous espresso extraction and milk steaming. The new dual boilers heat up in about 10–15 minutes, which is somewhat mitigated by remote start.

Classification: Sage/Breville is taking a big step toward "machine learning" in the espresso kitchen. The grinder responds when the espresso runs too quickly or slowly. Since the Sage Oracle Dual Boiler also features automatic tamping, the machine now controls the entire process.

For entering the world of espresso, that could be worth its weight in gold: Fewer mistakes, more consistency. Experienced users might turn their nose up ("I'll set it myself!"), but they also benefit from expanded control (pre-infusion, etc.). The question is what this will all cost.

The networking topic (i.e., machine "talks" to grinder) is striking here. Sage has led the way – and as we heard, other manufacturers are working on it too (Rocket is experimenting with a Bentwood grinder in tandem at the pro level). Conclusion: the path from fully automatic espresso machine to portafilter machine is getting shorter, as more smart mechanisms make espresso and coffee preparation easier.

Baratza Encore ESP Pro – Espresso Entry 2.0

One of the most pleasant news among the grinders was the Baratza Encore ESP Pro. Baratza is known for home grinders (Encore, Virtuoso, Sette…), but now they've significantly upgraded their entry-level Encore model. The Encore ESP Pro was unveiled at the Houston expo and was also at the center of the booth in Geneva.

What does the Encore ESP Pro Offer?

• Stepless & fine: Unlike the classic Encore with coarse clicks, the Pro version has a stepless burr set with an ultra-fine resolution of 2.2 micrometers per step in the espresso range. This allows precise dial-in for portafilters, but it also continues to cover a wide range up to filter coffee (the burr set has two zones: espresso and brew).
• Digital display & timer: For the first time, Baratza installs a proper display. This not only shows grinding time in 0.1-second increments but also the grind size as a number! When you turn the hopper, the display switches from timer display to numerical grind size – a huge help for reproducing settings. We were impressed by how precise and repeatable it felt.
• Auto-off for single dosing: The grinder has two operating modes: timer mode (classic for hopper operation) and single-dose mode with auto-stop. In SD mode, the grinder recognizes when there are no more beans in the burr set based on resistance and then shuts off. No more grinding into empty space – practical! For single-dosers, a small air blower can also be attached to get the very last crumb out – though Baratza has another innovation here…
• Integrated ionizer: Yes, you read that right – Baratza has given the Encore ESP Pro a static remover via ionization. A small plasma generator module creates ions that neutralize the static charge of the ground coffee. Result: Hardly any more static and sticking in the discharge. Baratza has essentially brought big anti-static technology into the entry-level segment. Hats off!
• Other details: LED lighting in the discharge area (so you see what you're doing), improved material quality inside (more metal parts for stabilization), and an easily swappable bean hopper (you can switch between a single-dose hopper and a small attachment for continuous operation). Oh, and best of all: according to their own statement, practically no retention – we'll see and measure ourselves.
• Price & market launch: The Encore ESP Pro will be surprisingly affordable at $300 (around €299). It eventually replaces the old Virtuoso series and forms with the existing Encore ESP (non-Pro) the new entry-level duo from Baratza. Market launch is expected fall 2025.

Classification: Here might come the new reference for under €300. Baratza combines in the Encore ESP Pro much of what you previously only saw in more expensive grinders: stepless fine adjustment, timer & display, anti-static. Especially for espresso beginners, the new Baratza should be extremely attractive.

Eureka Mignon Specialità Smart – When the Grinder Thinks

Italian grinder manufacturer Eureka has given their bestseller, the Mignon Specialità, a brain upgrade. The new model is called Specialità Smart and brings along patented "smart technology" that is mainly designed to guide beginners.

What Can the Smart-Specialità Do?

• Burr-distance display: The grinder features a digital screen that shows the burr spacing in real time. When you adjust grind size, you immediately see the change in micrometers on the display as the burrs move. No more guessing about your position – it doesn't get more precise.
• Extraction time assistant: It really gets clever with the new assistant function: You can enter your target extraction time into the grinder (e.g., 25 seconds for an espresso) and then the actual flow time of your last shot. The grinder then calculates a grind size suggestion – specifically it might say: "Go from setting 195 to 200, so coarser, to reach your target." The whole thing also works with stored recipes (dosing, output, time): you can save recipes (multiple profiles, for example for different beans) and then get a grind size hint depending on which recipe you choose to get back to that point.
• Recipes & memory: Up to 12 recipes can be saved, including desired input weight, output amount, and extraction time. If you switch beans and load a saved recipe, the grinder says: "For 18 g in, 36 g out in 30 seconds set from 201 to 175." Something like that – very helpful to quickly find the right point that you determined at some point.
• High-precision design: Eureka has apparently also optimized mechanically to ensure repeatability. Plus, they announced they're extending the motor warranty to 10 years – a testament to durability.
• Price: The Specialità Smart costs about €600 and is available from June/July 2025.

Classification: Eureka is taking a similar path to Sage and Co., but from the grinder's perspective. The grinder "coaches" the user to the right grind size – something we haven't seen in grinders before.

Exactly what smart machines (e.g., the new Sage) already do – give users tips ("set finer/coarser") – Eureka now does standalone in the grinder. The industry trend is clear: devices should support beginners, flatten the learning curve. For pros, it might be a nice gimmick, but for beginners, such a digital helper can save frustration.

The conclusion suggests that Eureka is also thinking about connectivity: Today the grinder reads the time from the user – tomorrow perhaps directly from the machine? Just a small step until machine and grinder directly exchange data and respond automatically. That's not happening yet, but we can easily imagine a future Eureka picking up info from an espresso machine with an open interface and adjusting automatically.

Conclusion: The Mignon Specialità Smart is an exciting bridge from classic grinder to the smart era. And even without networking, it's simply a top grinder with modern user interface – innovative and user-friendly for beginners.

Gilda Dual Boiler – Swiss Turbo Machine with Volume Doser

Just before the end of the trade show, we ran into Bruno Trepp from Kaffeewelt GmbH, a Swiss barista and business legend. Bruno stood on stage with us more than ten years ago at barista championships. The busy "Kafimaa," as he's called himself for years, took over the Swiss espresso machine manufacturer Gilda this past winter. It was founded by Marco and Dorothea Tschümperlin in 2012.

Bruno wants his team to help the already innovative machine gain wider distribution. Here's some info on the dual boiler machine:

• 2 minute heat-up time: Yes, dual boiler, but thanks to a tiny coffee boiler (120 ml) and four heating cartridges totaling 1600 watts, the machine is ready in 2:00 min! (The portafilter needs another ~6 minutes of heat-up, or by flushing through.) That's record time in the dual boiler segment, but needs thorough testing in our lab to confirm.
• Eco-Steaming on Demand: The steam boiler stays off until you need it – then it heats to steam readiness in 40 seconds. That saves tremendous electricity.
• Matching the Gilde espresso machine, there's also a grinder, with unique volumetric dosing: The bean hopper has two chambers (for single and double portions); you fill the beans there, flip it over, and the volume roughly matches the required dose.
• A built-in flow meter in the machine ensures the right amount of water is used for the shot.

Classification: This project shows what's possible in energy saving and speed without sacrificing dual boiler comfort (simultaneous operation). The price of the Swiss-manufactured machine at CHF 3,995 is considerable, though.

Mahlkönig X64 SD – Big Player Embraces Single Dose

A real treat to finish: Mahlkönig – the epitome of coffee grinder quality Made in Germany – is now also jumping on the single-dosing bandwagon. X64 SD looks interesting and presents itself primarily with a very competitive price of €499. That's only possible because Mahlkönig, for the first time with its core brand, is relying on production in China. That's why almost all other grinders in the same price range come from there too. The key question will be: can Mahlkönig ensure quality across the distance? The first impressions of the grinder I gathered in Geneva are certainly promising:

• Flat 64 mm burrs
• Flexible use: The X64 SD can be used classically as a single dosing grinder with air blower or with a small bean hopper. Since it has no timer control, that makes less sense. Three different attachments are included. That's nicely versatile.
• Magnetic dosing cup: The included dosing cup snaps magnetically into the holder. The cup itself can be extended upward to neatly catch coarser grounds with a tendency toward static charge.
• Easy cleaning: The entire discharge unit can be removed with one hand and brushed out. To access the burr set, three screws need to be loosened.
• Price & availability: Mahlkönig is targeting a price under €499, which sounds quite attractive for a premium brand. Market launch is expected very soon.

Classification: Mahlkönig officially enters the single dosing game for the home espresso machine. Unofficially, they started it. The EK43, with Matt Perger, paved the way for this trend. But you still need to spend more than €2,300 for an EK43 today.

Between the rise of the EK43 as the favorite grinder of many baristas and 2025, more than three dozen single dosing grinders from other manufacturers were brought to market. For the home segment, Niche paved the way.

Ten years later, Mahlkönig is now responding with its own version and doing so very competitively. The first impression of the Mahlkönig x64 single dose is positive. The price offer is tempting. We're already looking forward to thoroughly testing our unit in the coming weeks and months.

The Mahlkönig X64 SD will be available from recommended retailers like Stoll Espresso .

Industry Trends: Intelligence, Connectivity and Comfort

After this tour through the innovations, it's worth taking a look at the bigger picture. What trends are emerging in the home espresso industry in 2025?

1. Smart helpers & automation: Whether Sage's self-adjusting grinder in the Sage Oracle Dual Boiler or Eureka's grind-size advising Specialità – devices are thinking more and more. The goal is to support the user, prevent mistakes, and simplify the perfection process. Espresso machines and grinders synchronize or at least give clear hints. Especially beginners benefit from a shorter learning curve. The barista isn't replaced, but guided.
2. Networking and communication: First steps toward machine-to-machine communication are visible. Today the combo machine corrects its own grind size; tomorrow maybe the portafilter machine signals the external grinder: "Shot was too fast – set finer!" Rocket Espresso showed something like that at the pro level (connection machine ↔ Bentwood grinder). Hemro (Mahlkönig) recently acquired the German machine brand Xenia – likely to advance such integrations. In coming years, we'll see increasingly networked ecosystems where machine and grinder work harmoniously together. Thus the systems we know from Dalla Corte and Mahlkönig from the pro market are coming to the home segment too.
3. Sensors and data logging: The Meticulous impressively shows how sensors (pressure, flow, temperature, weight) let us capture every shot in data. Such data will increasingly be used to create profiles, make auto-corrections, or simply give users feedback. Scales in machines (see Meticulous) or IoT modules will become more common. The home barista of tomorrow might have more graphs on their tablet than the roaster of yesterday had. 😉
4. Speed and energy efficiency: Nobody wants to wait 30 minutes for heat-up anymore. Thick E61 brew groups are under pressure from new technologies. Whether Fellow's three-heater system, WPM's boiler + thermoblock combo, or Gilda's 2-minute boiler – quick hot is the motto. At the same time, manufacturers are conscious of saving energy: thermoblocks only on when needed; small boilers insulated; standby modes and app-controlled startup. The ecological footprint of the home espresso oasis should shrink without sacrificing comfort.
5. Single dosing and low retention: With grinders, the trend clearly continues toward single-dose concepts. Reasons: less retention, easier bean switching, flexible grind size. At the same time, we see innovation in anti-static (ionizers, coatings) and cleaning (tool-free opening, interchangeable burrs). Manufacturers have understood that premium coffees only show their complexity when home baristas can easily clean their grinders.

Finally, it should be noted: The World of Coffee 2025 in Geneva was an intense ride. For three days we talked to many manufacturers and gathered information for you.

The industry is becoming increasingly diverse, smarter, and more user-oriented. Sure, we coffee people also love the analog, the manual – but who says a few clever chips and motors can't make our lives easier? As long as the coffee gets better as a result, innovations are welcome. And there were quite a few this year. Many manufacturers, however, have saved their innovations for the Host in Milan, which takes place at the end of October. We'll naturally stop by and report.

In that spirit: We look forward to numerous tests with proper depth, as soon as all the exciting machines and grinders arrive at our place. As always, we'll keep you updated with videos and articles. The home barista world stays in motion – and we stay on top of it for you, critically, curiously, and having lots of fun. Until then: Take care of yourselves and drink good coffee!