Hunter S. Mencken points out this amazing espresso machine from Swiss designer Carlo Borer, noting it “looks like WWII naval mine.” It’s gorgeous—and might even be available for purchase, although I can’t quite determine if that’s so. (I’m nearly positive it is, but the Saeco web site linked at Appliancist doesn’t seem to list it.)
While it does remind me a of a mine, as well, the tripod legs and the phallic handle below remind me of a Vernsian Wellsian Martian automaton.
Saeco Etienne Louis espresso coffee machine Appliancist via Born Rich via Coolest-Gadgets]
Unfortunately, I believe the design is all on the subject of “looks†with nothing useful added in the way of functionality, so what you end up with is essentially a Saeco Magic in a pretty shell with a one liter tank. It’s unfortunate to have an attractive looking (and pricey!) appliance when the interior parts are bottom-end.
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DeLonghi Coffee Maker
Yes – a Wellsian war machine – with an alarming phallus! Enough to make Tom Cruise’s eyes water.
Ive seen one for sale in Melbourne – Myer city dept store has it and another design. both AU$2000
Surely you mean Wellsian?
Surely I do. I’m not firing on all actuators today.
No matter what -ian you meant, I must have this.
Our existing espresso maker was a cheapie bought on sale to try out a pump-based machine. It’s ugly, and steaming is slow, but it works and cost me a grand total of about $30. If this thing works well and isn’t a multi-grand designer-masturbation fest, then it might grace my counters next year. (hope hope)
Sadly, it looks like they stopped making them in 2001. A total of 1700 were made. German page:
http://www.cbindustries.ch/site/products/etiennelouis/~description/
(crying)
I’ll have to make my own.
Awesome design, so much so I used to put it on the CG Holiday Gift List.
Too bad it’s got such a shitty machine inside of it. It’s basically got a $125 Saeco Via Veneto driving the ‘spro out of it. Boo.
Dude! It’s the Espresso-Fucker!
Anyone who is a fan of penny-arcade can identify this immediately: it is obviously the sinister offspring of penny-arcade’s fruit fucker and a naval mine. The resemblance is just too uncanny to be anything else.