Classic Machine Aesthetics

Like many other folks, I've always admired espresso machines that had the "classic" European look. You know, those big gold-domed machines with the eagle on top.

So when the GS3 prototypes first made the rounds, I loved the function but found the appearance lacking. That's when I posted my first GS3 "appearance mod" on Coffeegeek.com:



For those of you who didn't see the discussion back then, the interesting result was a faux-angry response from Bill Crossland at La Marzocco. He was pissed that I had put an "Astoria eagle" on top of his beloved machine, and sent me a freshly photoshopped version that replaced the eagle with a La Marzocco lion:



That was pretty inspiring, and since I had a picture of Bill on my computer, it was only a few minutes before I was able to post a version that "honored" Bill's contribution to coffee technology:



As far as I know, this "Bill" version will eventually go into production, but those folks who want it will be forced to pay a steep premium. I know I have my order in.


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Fast forwarding a little bit, the latest high tech machine is now the Clover brewer. I would like to generously offer a suggestion to Zander and company for improving the "classic" look of their rather austere-looking machine.

You may remember that the Clover prototype version used a shower head type sprayer to help disperse water over the ground coffee:



Apparently this spray head had an undesirable effect: it mixed the hot water with a great deal of room temperature air on its way to the coffee, lowering the carefully controlled water temperature. So the Clover engineers devised a single spigot version:






That was a big improvement in function, but it looks plain...barren...so UNclassical.

In looking for aesthetic inspiration, I always find myself drawn to the wonderful fountains that are placed so conspicuously in European public squares.

And for Clover, I found my inspiration in a classic fountain sculpture that perfectly marries proven single-spigot technology with old-world artistic expression.

And so, from the bottom of my heart, I humbly and respectfully offer a new design suggestion for the high-tech "Clover Classic":














[edit, 12:03 AM]
I bow deeply, in appreciation of a finer aesthetic mind: Mark Prince has kindly sent his own "Clover Classic Mk. III" version.

I am going to put my order in, now!