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

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

There are indeed some genuine novelties and innovations. At the same time, many manufacturers are, in their usual fashion, selling old wine in new bottles and presenting a new color variant of an espresso machine as a quantum leap. We will spare you such accounts and focus on the essentials. From smart grinders to motorized lever espresso machines and portable devices – here you will find out what is moving the industry and where the journey is heading.

As always with this trade fair report: we have not tested all the devices mentioned and can only provide a first impression. We will only be able to report on how well the announced features actually work in practice after an extensive test in our Coffee Academy.

Varia VS4 – Single Dosing made easy

Starting off is a grinder that truly made our espresso grinder tester Michel Indelicato beam at the fair: Varia VS4, the latest offshoot of the well-known Varia grinder series. This single-dose grinder fills 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 (53 mm diameter) – not identical to those in the VS3, but a unique design.
• Adjustable speed: For the first time, Varia offers RPM adjustment even on a smaller model, to further optimize grinding speed and grinds.
• Lightning-fast cleaning: The highlight is the ease of cleaning. The grinder can be opened in just a few steps without shifting the grind setting. Michel was thrilled: Finally, you can clean the burrs without having to recalibrate afterwards!
• Anti-static: The chute contains a type of ionizer or anti-static technology, which means that hardly any coffee grounds should stick to the housing.
• Price and availability: The VS4 is scheduled to hit the market at the end of 2025, with a target price of around €450 – a strong offer for so much grinder.

Assessment: The smaller VS3 was already a price-performance hit, and the VS4 goes one better. For single-dose fans on a limited budget, this grinder should be very exciting. Innovative features such as speed control and the simplest cleaning demonstrate the trend: ease of use and ease of maintenance are high priorities.

Update: Unfortunately, it turns out that the extremely positive first impression is not fully confirmed in our test of the Varia VS4.

Zero:Hero – Portable espresso machine with power

On my outdoor tours, I like to test portable espresso makers. One such device is the manual espresso maker from Zero:Hero, which was awarded a Red Dot Award.

At the booth, we tried out the small, mobile espresso maker, which looks suspiciously similar to a competitor’s product – but makes a crucial promise: it gets hot enough!

In terms of concept, this handy device reminds one of well-known portable espresso devices, but is supposed to be able to heat water up to 92 °C. That was exactly my point of criticism with a competitor – the brewing temperature. The Zero:Hero aims to put an end to that. I will do a comparison and test as soon as possible.

Key Facts Zero:Hero:

• Operation: Battery-operated, can be used with hot or cold water. With water already hot, up to 200 shots are said to be possible, and about 4–5 espressos per charge from cold water.
• Brew group & handling: Add coffee, screw together, tamp – the ritual remains manual. The design is modeled after well-known examples, which provides instant familiarity.
• Temperature: According to the manufacturer, the device reaches a brew water temperature of approx. 92 °C. If that really succeeds, it would be a game changer in this segment. Personally, I would even go higher.
• Fun factor: Should Zero:Hero meet expectations, it is the ideal companion for espresso on the go and will soon accompany me on my kayak and road bike tours.

Assessment: There are many portable devices, but they often lack temperature or the number of possible extractions. Zero:Hero promises to solve both. We remain (cautiously) optimistic. If this little hero is actually hot enough and has enough endurance, it could become the benchmark among travel espresso machines. In terms of price, we expect it to be in the range of similar devices (there was no concrete information on this at the fair).

Source: meticulous

Meticulous Espresso – The robotic lever for home

Next stop was the Meticulous booth – and here espresso tech dreams came true. Meticulous is a unique espresso machine that performs a classic manual lever shot completely mechanically, but with much more dynamic control. We pre-ordered this beauty via crowdfunding a while ago; according to the manufacturer, the first devices are to 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 takes over the pressing, and numerous sensors monitor the extraction process in real time:

• Abundant sensors: Built-in sensors measure flow, pressure, and temperature during the pull. Nothing is left to chance – every parameter is recorded.
• Single-dose water system: Before each shot, you fill a defined amount of water into a front chamber directly above the portafilter, which is then brought to the precise temperature. Only the water needed is heated.
• Integrated scale: A scale is built into the drip tray – brilliant for accurate output measurement. Simply place your cup, press the button, and the weight of the espresso appears on the display. Dosing and even manual single-dosing for filter coffee are also possible this way.
• Digital profile control: Pressure curves can be freely programmed and controlled. Theoretically, the machine can automate everything from pre-infusion to flow profiling to pressure profiling. Profiles can be saved and retrieved at any time.
• Brewing process: One push of a button, and the piston lifts in the brew head, allowing water to fully wet the puck. Then the pressure or flow is built up step by step according to the program. Flow, pressure, temperature – everything is controlled to the second. There are no limits for the espresso tinkerer here.

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

Assessment: Meticulous could become the missing link between professional lever and smart machine. At the same time, the Meticulous brews instantly! No tubes, no path between the heating element and the brew chamber. The heating and pressure creation moment takes place at the brew chamber or portafilter. There are still many other strengths and few weaknesses that the Meticulous will likely have. In any case, we are looking forward to our model like hardly any other machine before.

Muvna Switch-Grinder – Two grinders in one

You see a lot at trade fairs – but this novelty even made us marvel: A manufacturer showed an espresso grinder where you can change the entire burr set in seconds. Yes, you read that right: Conical or flat? You no longer have to decide, you simply swap them out!

The grinder – announced in the European region under the name Muvna – has two interchangeable grinding units: a huge 98 mm conical burr set and a flat set with 83 mm discs. Using a lever, you take off the entire front assembly, which attaches to the main body of the grinder via metal pins. The other grinding unit is attached the same way. The “grinder swap” is done in 3–4 seconds.

Further facts about Muvna:

• Retention minimized: Due to the design of the swapping system, apparently almost no coffee grounds stay stuck in the grinder. Less retention = less stale coffee in the next shot.
• Target group: High-end home users and lab technicians? Kidding aside – Muvna is aimed at 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 at those who are undecided and simply want both or want to experiment.
• Performance: Concrete technical data (motor, revolutions, etc.) were not given on-site. But the burr sizes alone show: We are 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 no bargain.

Assessment: Muvna pursues a radically innovative approach. Whether one really constantly switches between conical and flat in everyday life is debatable – but as a technology demo alone, it is impressive. For well-heeled espresso nerds, Muvna could be the all-in-one solution. Retention, flexibility, and engineering were clearly the focus here. We are honestly curious to see how this grinder fares in testing and whether the swap mechanism is robust in the long term. Definitely one of the most exotic highlights of the WOC in Geneva 2025.

WPM Primus – Professional features in a compact format

WPM is no longer a hidden gem when it comes to affordable espresso equipment. In Geneva, the Hong Kong-based company delivered twice over: with the new Primus espresso machine and exciting updates for their grinders.

Primus: Dual boiler, thermoblock & pressure profiling

At first glance, the WPM Primus looks like a typical 1-group home machine, but inside it is packed with high-tech. It is aimed at 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 the espresso with two thermoblocks – one for hot water and one (“Supersteam thermoblock”) for steam. Result: rapid heat-up time and strong temperature stability despite the compact design. In fact, according to the manufacturer, the machine is ready for use in approx. 2 minutes – impressive if that works. Many have claimed it, few have delivered. We will 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 pull or even (in the future) regulate for 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 flowmeter, and according to the manufacturer, in the hot water area as well. That is actually more than just extraordinary in this price class. In addition, there is a quite 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 doable. How doable, the developer showed us directly on the machine. That was the most beautiful latte art I have ever seen from a technician. The steam boiler only runs when you need it, which saves energy.
• Tank & plumbed-in: WPM supplies both a water tank and a connection for direct plumbing as standard – at no extra charge, with a target price of approx. €2,000. Many other manufacturers make you pay dearly for the plumbed-in option; here it is standard.

Assessment: The Primus combines many trends in one machine: fast heat-up technology, pressure profiles or step control, and energy efficiency. That WPM offers this for ~€2,000 is a statement. Of course, we have to check how the hybrid approach (boiler + thermoblock) holds up 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 a double pack

In addition to the machine, WPM also showed something new in grinders. The WPM ZP-1 is already known, a compact single-dosing grinder that debuted at the last Frankfurt Coffee Festival. Now the surprise in Geneva: 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 has been placed to catch up on that.)

• Single dose conical: KONOS relies on a 71 mm conical grinder.
• Adjustable speed: Like the ZP-1, KONOS also offers an adjustable grinder RPM to control grind and speed.
• Easy-Clean mechanism: Inspired by the ZP-1, KONOS has a mechanism for quickly cleaning the grinding unit. Removing coffee residue should be child's play with this – important for single-dosing.
• Design & quality: Aluminum housing, modern look.

Assessment: With the ZP-1 and KONOS, WPM has two arrows in its quiver to shake up the single-dose market. The strategy reminds us a bit of Niche (which also offers flat vs. conical options with Zero and Duo). The combination of speed control and cleaning comfort is exciting. In short: WPM is pushing hard to appeal to ambitious home users. We are already looking forward to putting both grinders through their paces!

Fellow Espresso Series 1 – High-tech in a plastic shell

The manufacturer Fellow, known for stylish water kettles and accessories, 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 most important impressions:

Technology & features:

• Three heating elements: The Series 1 uses a thick-film heater + mini-boiler + brew group heater in combination. Specifically: An upstream flow heater heats water lightning-fast and feeds a small boiler, which in turn supplies the brew group, which also has a heating element. This results in triple temperature control of the water along the way. This should allow the machine to come to temperature quickly and keep it very stable – ambitious!
• Full profile control: Remarkable for a machine of this class: You can program pressure profiles. Pre-infusion and pressure ramping – all this is supposed to be possible and intuitively adjustable via rotary knob/display. There is also a memory function for profiles, so you can save recipes for different beans (incl. temperature, pressure, and flow throughout the draw).
• Fast steamer with a catch: The Series 1 is dual-use (espresso & milk), but technically behaves more like a single-boiler when switching to steam. To froth, the mini-boiler must be heated up, which takes some time, and then cooled down again for espresso. However, Fellow emphasizes that they have implemented smart solutions – how well that works (and how fast it lowers the temperature again) will have to be shown by tests. In addition, there is an assisted steaming function: The machine offers pre-selected steam temperatures for different types of milk (e.g., less heat for oat milk).
• Operation & look: The device has a modern, slim design (available in black, red, brown) and reminded us of some existing machines in terms of form factor – although aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder. It is operated via a rotary-push knob and a display. Everything is supposed to be very intuitive. In practice, we couldn't easily get out of some menus - but you will get used to that.
• Price & material: Here it gets interesting: A price of approx. €1,500–1,600 is announced (Fellow USA states $1,499 MSRP, early birds paid $1,399). That is extremely competitive, considering the features – but this is only possible through the generous use of plastic for the housing. The machine is almost entirely made of sturdy plastic; metal is only found in a few places. That keeps costs down but raises questions about quality and durability.

Assessment: Fellow has taken a bold step with the Espresso Series 1. On paper, it combines features usually found in more expensive machines into a chic, compact device at a mid-range price. If the concept works out, Fellow could land a real price-performance hit and challenge market leaders like the Lelit Bianca. However, skepticism is permitted: How well does temperature control work with the small boiler? How long will the plastic housing stand up to everyday use? Critically, but curiously we are waiting for a test device. Because if the Series 1 lives up to its promises, many home baristas could soon be drawing “unpacked shots with saved profiles” – without spending a fortune. Innovative, but please also solid – that will be the key.

ECM & Profitec novelties – Exacto grinder and more

At the ECM / Profitec joint booth, 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 scheduled to be released at the end of 2025 and marks ECM's entry into weight-accurate grinding. The name says it all. Here are the key facts we learned:

• Direct dosing via scale: The Exacto has an integrated scale that weighs the ground coffee output in real time and automatically stops the grinding process as soon as the target dosage is reached.
• 64 mm burrs are used.
• Stepless adjustment with digital display: Grind adjustment is stepless via a rotary knob, but with a digital scale on the display. This means that while you are changing the grind, a display shows the numerical value with very fine resolution.
• Portion detection: The grinder automatically detects whether a single or double portafilter is inserted. Accordingly, it could, for example, suggest different standard dosages. This puts it ahead of all other weighing grinders under 1,500 euros.
• Development status: The prototype at the fair felt good but still needed fine-tuning. ECM wants to show an improved version by the HOST fair in the fall and then bring it to market quickly. Visually, the grinder is slightly larger than previous ECM grinders – not surprising, as it has significantly more tech inside the housing.

Assessment: With the Exacto, ECM is entering a trend that, for example, Baratza and Eureka have already picked up: smart grinders with weighing technology. For ECM fans who appreciate German craftsmanship and chic design, the Exacto could be a great addition to their ECM portafilter machine.

There was no information on price yet, but the grinder will likely cost more than 1,000 euros. If the accuracy and reliability are there, the Exacto will certainly find customers – Michel had already attested to a “beautiful powdery grind result” for the fair shot. We will stay tuned and hope to report more soon and test the particle distribution.

The DACH Arkel connection was also at the fair. Lukas Brenneis from Brewspire, Markus Berger from Vitudurum (Switzerland), and Wolfgang Köppl from Die Röster (Austria) closely supported Fernando Moreira from Arkel in the development of the new Arkel Coast dual boiler. The machine was not at the fair, however. But one unit arrived at our place today and will be tested in the near future.

Sage/Breville Oracle Dual Boiler – When the machine adjusts the grind

Sage Appliances (in Germany known under “Sage”, known worldwide as Breville) took another step towards integration in its compact machines at the WOC 2025: Espresso machine and grinder merge into an intelligent system. Specifically, we got a preview of the next generation of the Oracle series and the dual boiler machines at the Sage booth. And they were quite something.

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

• Fine-tuning of all parameters: The new model offers many more adjustment options than before. Grinding mode selectable (by time or amount) – even with the integrated grinder. Pre-infusion can be set by time (with constant low pressure, ~1–2 bar), similar to a “blooming” phase. Overall, the machines seem much more open to the user, where previously much was predetermined and limited.
• Integrated grinder with auto-adjust: The combo machine Sage Oracle Dual Boiler monitors the extraction and automatically adjusts the grind. If the shot runs through too fast, the machine sets the grinder finer; if it runs too slow, it sets it coarser – all by itself. This feature has previously only been known from the catering industry, for example from self-regulating grinders in large fully automatic machines or the Mahlkönig grind-by-weight plus sync system in a networked form. Sage is now bringing this into the home.
• Connectivity: The machines have smart functions such as a remote switch-on option. You can preheat the machine via app, e.g., from bed. Cozy!
• No turbo heater, but parallel working: Sage has consciously decided against a pure thick-film heater/thermojet to allow for simultaneous espresso extraction and milk frothing. The new dual boilers heat up in about 10–15 minutes, which is somewhat mitigated by remote start.

Assessment: Sage/Breville is taking a big step towards “machine learning” in the espresso kitchen. The grinder reacts if the espresso runs too fast or slow. Since the Sage Oracle Dual Boiler also relies on its own automatic tamping again, the machine now masters the entire process.

For getting started in the world of espresso, this could be worth its weight in gold: Fewer failed attempts, more consistency. Experienced users might turn up their noses (“I adjust it myself!”), but they also benefit from the expanded controllability (pre-infusion, etc.). It is questionable what all this is supposed to cost.

The topic of networking (keyword: machine “talks” to grinder) is striking here. Sage paved the way – and as we heard, other manufacturers are working on this too (Rocket is experimenting with a Bentwood grinder in a bundle on the gastro level). Conclusion: The path from fully automatic coffee machine to portafilter is getting shorter, as more and more smart mechanisms make preparing espresso etc. easier.

Baratza Encore ESP Pro – Espresso entry 2.0

Among the grinders, one of the most pleasing novelties was the Baratza Encore ESP Pro. Baratza is known for home grinders (Encore, Virtuoso, Sette...), but now they have heavily souped up their entry-level Encore model. The Encore ESP Pro was introduced at the Expo in Houston 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 grinder with an ultra-fine resolution of 2.2 micrometers per step in the espresso range. This allows precise dialing-in for portafilters, but it also continues to cover a wide range for filter coffee (the grinder has two zones: espresso and brew).
• Digital display & timer: For the first time, Baratza is installing a real display. This shows not only the grind time in 0.1-second increments, but also the grind setting as a number! If you turn the hopper, the display switches from the timer display to the numerical grind setting – a super help for reproducing settings. We were impressed by how precise and repeatable that seems.
• 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 detects based on resistance when there are no more beans in the grinding unit and then switches off. No more running into empty space – practical! For single-dosers, a small bellows can also be attached to really blow out the last crumb – although Baratza has another novelty in store 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 grinds. Result: Hardly any static charge or sticking in the chute. Baratza has effectively brought big anti-static technology into the entry-level segment. Hats off!
• Other details: LED lighting in the chute recess (so you can see what you are doing), improved material quality inside (more metal parts for stabilization), and an easily swappable bean container (you can switch between single-dose hopper and a small attachment for continuous operation). Oh, and the best part: according to their own statement, practically no retention – we will see and measure for ourselves.
• Price & market launch: The Encore ESP Pro will be surprisingly affordable at $300 (approx. €299). In the long term, it will replace the old Virtuoso series and, together with the existing Encore ESP (non-Pro), forms the new entry-level duo at Baratza. Market launch is expected to be in the fall of 2025.

Assessment: This might be the new benchmark for under €300. In the Encore ESP Pro, Baratza combines much of what was previously only seen 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 for itself

The Italian grinder manufacturer Eureka has put its bestseller, the Mignon Specialità, through a brain boost. The new model is called Specialità Smart and comes with a patented “smart technology” that is primarily intended to guide beginners by the hand.

What can the Smart-Specialità do?

• Burr-distance display: The grinder has a digital screen that shows the burr distance in real time. If you turn the grind setting, you see the change in micrometers on the display immediately while the discs move. No more guessing where you are – it doesn't get more precise than this.
• Extraction time assistant: It gets really brilliant 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 run-through time of the last shot. The grinder then calculates a grind suggestion – specifically, it might say, e.g.,: “Go from setting 195 to 200, so coarser, to reach your target.” The whole thing also works with saved recipes (dosage, output, time): you can save recipes (multiple profiles, e.g., for different beans) and then get a grind hint depending on the selected recipe to get back to that point.
• Recipes & memory: Up to 12 recipes can be saved, incl. desired input weight, output amount, and extraction time. If you change the bean and load a saved recipe, for example, the grinder shows: “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 construction: Eureka has apparently also optimized mechanically to ensure repeatability. In addition, they announced they would extend the motor warranty to 10 years – a proof of trust in durability.
• Price: The Specialità Smart costs about €600 and is available starting June/July 2025.

Assessment: Eureka is following a similar path to Sage and Co., but from the perspective of the grinder. The grinder “coaches” the user to the right grind – something we haven't had in grinders like this before.

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

The conclusion is obvious 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 the machine and grinder exchange data directly and react automatically. That is not happening yet, but we can well imagine that a future Eureka will grab the info from an espresso machine with an open interface and readjust independently.

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

Gilda dual boiler – Swiss turbo machine with volumetric doser

Shortly before the end of the fair, we met Bruno Trepp from Kaffeewelt GmbH, a Swiss barista and entrepreneur veteran, again. Bruno already stood on stage with us at barista championships more than ten years ago. The busy “Kafimaa,” as he has called himself for years, took over the Swiss espresso machine manufacturer Gilda last winter. This was founded by Marco and Dorothea Tschümperlin in 2012.

Bruno and his team want to help the machine, which was already innovative back then, to achieve wider distribution. Here is some info on the dual boiler machine:

• 2 minutes heat-up time: Yes, dual boiler, but thanks to a tiny coffee boiler (120 ml) and four heating cartridges with a total of 1600 watts, the machine is ready in 2:00 min! (However, the portafilter still needs ~6 minutes of follow-up heating, or rinsing through the portafilter.) That is a record time in the dual boiler segment, but needs extensive testing in our lab before confirmation.
• Eco-steaming on demand: The steam boiler stays off until you need it – then it heats up to steam readiness in 40 seconds. That saves a huge amount of electricity.
• Matching the Gilda espresso machine, there is also a grinder, with unique volumetric dosing: The bean hopper has two chambers (for 1 and 2 portions); you fill the beans in there, turn it around, and the volume corresponds almost exactly to the required dose.
• A built-in flowmeter in the machine ensures that the appropriate amount of water is used for the extraction.

Assessment: This project shows what is possible in terms of energy saving and speed without giving up dual boiler comfort (simultaneous working). However, the price of the machine, which is manufactured in the Swiss factory, is considerable at 3,995 francs.

Mahlkönig X64 SD – Big player bets on single dose

A real treat at the end: 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 market price of 499 euros. This is, however, only possible because for the first time, Mahlkönig is also relying on production in China for its core brand. Therefore, almost all other grinders in the same price range naturally come from there too. The most important question will be: will they succeed in ensuring Mahlkönig quality in the long-distance relationship? In any case, the first impressions of the grinder that I was able to gather in Geneva are promising:

• Flat 64 mm burrs
• Flexible use: The X64 SD can be used classically as a single dosing grinder with bellows or with a small bean hopper. Since it has no timer, that makes less sense, however. Three different attachments are included. That is nicely versatile.
• Magnetic dosing cup: The included dosing cup clicks magnetically into the holder. The cup itself can be extended upwards and thus also solidly catches coarser grinds with a tendency to static charge.
• Easy cleaning: The entire output unit can be removed and brushed out with one hand motion. To access the grinder, three screws must be loosened.
• Price & availability: Mahlkönig is aiming for a price under €499, which sounds quite attractive for a premium brand. Market launch is expected to happen soon.

Assessment: Mahlkönig is officially entering the single dosing game for the home espresso machine. Unofficially, they started it. The EK43 paved the way for this trend with Matt Perger. But you still lay down more than 2,300 euros for the EK43 today.

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

10 years later, Mahlkönig is now reacting with its own variant, and very competitively right from the start. The first impression of the Mahlkönig X64 Single Dose is positive. The price is enticing. We are already looking forward to testing our model extensively in the coming weeks and months.

The Mahlkönig X64 SD will be available from retailers we recommend, such as Stoll Espresso.

Industry trends: Intelligence, connectivity, and comfort

After this tour of the novelties, a quick look at the big picture is worthwhile. 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-advising Specialità – the devices are thinking along more and more. The goal is to support the user, avoid mistakes, and simplify the perfection process. Espresso machines and grinders synchronize or at least provide clear hints. Beginners in particular benefit from a shorter learning curve. The barista is not replaced but guided by the hand.
2. Networking and communication: The first steps towards machine-to-machine communication are visible. Today, the combo machine corrects its grind itself, tomorrow perhaps the portafilter machine radios the external grinder: “Shot was too fast – set finer!” Rocket Espresso presented something like this on the gastro level (connection machine ↔ Bentwood grinder). Hemro (Mahlkönig) recently acquired the German machine brand Xenia – likely also to drive such integrations. In the next few years, we will see more and more networked ecosystems where machine and grinder work together harmoniously. With this, the systems we know from Dalla Corte and Mahlkönig from the gastro sector are also arriving in the home segment.
3. Sensors and data logging: Meticulous impressively shows how sensors (pressure, flow, temperature, weight) allow us to turn every shot into data. Such data will be used even more in the future to create profiles, make auto-corrections, or simply provide feedback to the user. Scales in machines (see Meticulous) or IoT modules are becoming more frequent. The home barista of tomorrow might have more charts on their tablet than the roaster of yesterday. 😉
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 triple-heating system, WPM’s boiler + thermoblock combo, or Gilda’s 2-min boiler – fast and hot is the motto. At the same time, manufacturers are paying attention to energy saving: switching on thermoblocks only when needed; insulating small boilers; standby modes and app-controlled switch-on. The ecological footprint of the home espresso oasis is supposed to shrink without us giving up comfort.
5. Single dosing and low retention: In grinders, the trend is clearly continuing towards single-dose concepts. Reasons: Less retention, easier bean change, more flexible grind. At the same time, we see innovation in anti-static (ionizer, coatings) and cleaning (tool-free opening, interchangeable burrs). Manufacturers have understood that high-quality coffees can only show their complexity if home baristas can clean their grinders easily.

Finally, it should be mentioned: The World of Coffee 2025 in Geneva was an intense ride. We spoke with many manufacturers for three days and collected information for you.

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

In this spirit: We look forward to numerous tests with the necessary depth as soon as all these exciting machines and grinders arrive with us. As always, we will keep you up to date with videos and articles. The home barista world remains in motion – and we remain on the ball for you, critical, curious, and with a lot of fun in the matter. Until then: take care of yourselves and drink good coffee!