This espresso machine represents the recent growth in popularity of domestic espresso machines. The coffee machine has become a desirable kitchen accessory as Australians have become more knowledgeable about coffee, often grinding their own beans and entertaining guests by making espresso coffees at home. In 2005 Australians were buying domestic espresso machines at twice the rate they were in 2002, with nearly 200 000 units worth $54 million being sold in 2005. There were at least ten brands on the market selling machines from prices less than $100 to $4000. The espresso machine had become the dominant type of coffee maker sold, outselling filter coffee machines and percolators.

This espresso machine is part of the Breville '800 Class' range of 'professional grade tools' inspired by heavy duty industrial cooking equipment. This range was developed in response to the rise of consumer interest in making cafe style or gourmet food at home. It also reflects the trends in the marketplace towards 'affordable luxury' goods. The 800 Class products are aimed at the premium end of the market, towards consumers who are food lovers and want products that last. The designers used commercial components and finishes to communicate product quality and status to the consumer.

The Breville 800 Series Class Espresso Machine received an Australian DesignMark in 2005. It contains a number of innovative features, such as an illuminated water tank window to indicate the water level and a removable water tank for easier filling.

The development process for the espresso machine is typical of contemporary products designed in Australia. Designers at Housewares International create all their products using 3D computer modelling. Products are designed in 3-D on computer, and the data is sent to a prototyping machine to produce a one-off for testing. Once the design is finalised, the 3D data is sent to the toolmaker and manufacturer in China for testing and production.

The espresso machine was designed by the Breville Design team at Housewares International in Botany, NSW, Australia and made in China.

In 2005 the Breville brand was owned by the Australian company Housewares International. Breville was founded in Melbourne in 1932 and for over 40 years had been researching and developing new appliances. The Breville studio works closely with the Housewares International - Homewares design studio also located at Botany. The two studios work with local marketing, sales and engineering staff to create electrical appliances and homewares that are manufactured in Europe and China and sold all over the world.

In early 2007 Housewares International sold its Homewares division to McPherson's Limited, distributor of consumer and personal care products under brands including Wiltshire, Crown glassware and Lady Jayne.

This espresso machine was displayed in the exhibition 'Sydney designers unplugged: people, process, product' from 6 August to 9 October 2005 and subsequently donated to the Museum. It has not been used.

The Breville 800 Series Class Espresso Machine received an Australian Design Mark in 2005. Over 190 products were entered in the Australian Design Awards in 2005. The judging panel recommended 49 of these products receive an Australian Design Mark and of these, 20 products for an Australian Design Award. The products receiving the Australian Design Award were announced at a dinner and awards ceremony on 22nd April 2005 at Melbourne Museum.

Espresso machine and packaging, 'Breville 800 Class Espresso Machine', metal / plastic / paper, designed by Breville Design - Housewares International, Botany, New South Wales, Australia, made by Breville, China, 2003-2004

This stainless steel and die cast metal espresso machine has a detachable drainer grille and an internal plastic water tank. It is accompanied by a filter holder (portafilter) and two filter baskets, a plastic combined spoon and tamper device, a pin cleaning tool with instruction card, a stainless steel jug, a box for the jug, a cardboard box for the whole, advertising tags, an instruction manual, a warranty card and a bookmark.

Designed: Breville Design; Botany, New South Wales; 2003 - 2004

Made: Breville Pty Ltd; China; 2003 - 2004

2006/16/2

2003 - 2004