9Barista Espresso Machine Review: Is it everything I've ever wanted?

If you’re on the hunt for a unique espresso brewing experience, the 9 Barista espresso machine is a game changer. This ingenious device doesn’t require electricity, making it perfect for home use while delivering genuine espresso with impressive 9 bars of pressure.

In our unboxing and assembly, we discovered that the machine is comprised of three parts, including a fascinating bottom water chamber that plays a crucial role in its operation. This chamber contains two water compartments, which hold up to 120 mL of cold water. When heated, the water builds pressure, allowing for a perfectly brewed espresso.

The design features a cooling system where boiling water from the lower chamber cools the upper compartment, preparing the water for extraction. The spiral middle compartment ensures the water reaches just the right temperature before passing through a shower screen and into an upside-down portafilter.

While the 9 Barista is not for everyone—it requires some finesse to dial in your grind and has a six-minute wait time for extraction—it’s ideal for coffee enthusiasts eager to explore a different brewing method. For those looking to experiment with their coffee, this innovative machine is highly recommended and earns the Dipacci stamp of approval. Happy brewing!

Buy The 9 Barista Espresso Machine

9Barista Espresso Machine Features:

• Machine weight 1.8kg (4lbs)
• Machine height 18cm
• Materials The machine is made from die-cast and machined brass, with an electroless nickel plating, giving it both excellent resistance to acids, and good thermal uniformity.
• Other materials used are;
• Silicone rubber: All seals, the thermal break and basket cap
• PTFE: the valve pin
• PEI: the group insulator.
• Stainless steel: basket and heat exchanger coil
• There is no aluminium in the machine.

9Barista Espresso Machine Specifications:

• Espresso output: 40g – a large double shot. (approx. 40ml)
• Brew pressure: 8-10 bar (Maximum 12 bar)
• Brew temperature: 90-95ºC
• Ground coffee weight: 15-20g of freshly ground coffee
• Grinder required: a burr grinder designed for espresso is highly recommended
• Water required: 110-120ml.
• Time to make espresso from cold: 3 to 6 minutes, depending on stove.
• Time to make a repeat espresso: 3 to 6 minutes, depending on stove.
• Recommended extraction time: 25 – 30 seconds.
• Maximum time on stove: 8 minutes.
• Compatible stove types: Gas, induction (with plate, available separately), electric halogen, electric ring, traditional stove (Aga, Rayburn), camping gas stove.

9Barista is elegantly straightforward. The item lacks any electronic components and consists solely of a single component capable of motion.

The 9Barista espresso machine is a genuine breakthrough and an impressive accomplishment in the field of coffee machine engineering. Created by William Playford, an espresso enthusiast and aerospace engineer, this gadget is capable of brewing authentic espresso directly on the stove. By what means? Utilising similar concepts to those employed in jet engines, such as high pressures, meticulously regulated temperatures, and meticulous engineering to effectively integrate all components.