AnZa Espresso Machines: Design, Performance, and Materials
Summary: A Sculptural Approach to Espresso
AnZa espresso machines distinguish themselves from mainstream brands by combining architecture-grade materials with professional-grade internal components.[7, 20] Rather than traditional stainless steel, AnZa offers models with hand-cast concrete or seamless Corian shells, treating the appliance as a sculptural statement piece for the kitchen.[14, 2] This design-first philosophy, born from the Montaag design firm, prioritizes build quality, tactile feedback, and visual impact over the entry-level pricing or rapid heat-up speeds found in popular alternatives like the Breville Bambino Plus and Gaggia Classic Pro.[7, 16]
Design and Materials
The core of AnZa's appeal lies in its unconventional use of materials, intended to provide a more tactile and engaging user experience.[1] The design departs from the typical kitchen appliance aesthetic, incorporating high-quality touch-points like brass, porcelain, and wood to complement the unique shells.[10] The brass components, such as the drip tray, are designed to be polished for a high shine or left to develop a natural patina over time, allowing the machine to age gracefully.[10]
Models and Aesthetics
- AnZa Concrete (R2): Described with terms like "Brutalist," this model features a hand-cast concrete shell, ensuring no two machines are identical.[2, 7] It is accented with a wooden base, porcelain steam knobs, powder-coated steel, and brass details.[10, 14]
- AnZa White: This model uses a non-porous, minimalist white Corian shell paired with natural wood and brass components for a seamless, modern look.[10, 9]
Build Quality and Internal Components
Beyond aesthetics, the material choices serve functional purposes. The substantial mass of the machines (approximately 17-22 kg) increases thermal stability and effectively dampens the vibration and noise from the pump.[13, 9] Internally, a robust steel frame supports the weight, while a low-nickel 304 stainless steel boiler is used for its corrosion resistance.[10]
Brewing Performance and Technical Specifications
While design is a primary focus, Anza machines are equipped with capable "prosumer" components to produce high-quality, consistent espresso.[7] They are semi-automatic, single-boiler machines controlled by a PID for precise temperature management.[4, 10] Some early sources mentioned potential Bluetooth connectivity for temperature control, though this was noted as a feature still in development.[7]
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Semi-automatic, Single Boiler[4] |
| Boiler | 300 ml (16 fl/oz), low-nickel 304 stainless steel[10] |
| Heating Element | 1350W[9] |
| Temperature Control | PID-controlled, factory-set at 93°C (199.4°F) with ±1°C accuracy[10, 9] |
| Pump | 15 bar ULKA pump, factory-limited to 9 bars at the group head[10] |
| Group Head | Commercial-standard 58mm portafilter[10] |
| Steam Wand | Cool-touch with a detachable, three-hole tip[10] |
| Water Tank | Glass[9] |
| Weight | AnZa White: ~17.2 kg (38 lbs) / AnZa Concrete: ~17-21.8 kg (38-48 lbs)[9, 3] |
- The PID temperature controller delivers café-level shot consistency, a significant upgrade from the simple thermostats found in many single-boiler rivals.[12]
- The full-size 58mm group head allows users to adopt a professional workflow with commercial-grade accessories like VST or IMS baskets, tampers, and distribution tools.[10, 19]
- The detachable three-hole steam tip is designed to produce dry micro-foam suitable for latte art, and the machine features ample cup clearance for taller vessels.[10]
User Experience: Strengths and Drawbacks
Strengths
- Unique Aesthetic: The machine is often described as a functional piece of art that serves as a countertop statement piece.[4, 14]
- Premium Build & Materials: The heavy, solid construction provides stability, dampens noise, and offers a tactile experience.[13]
- Temperature Consistency: PID control ensures brew water is kept at a precise and stable temperature for repeatable, high-quality extractions.[10]
- Professional-Grade Group Head: The 58mm portafilter opens the door to a wide range of high-quality, industry-standard accessories.[10, 19]
- Hand-Finished: Each unit is hand-finished, meaning no two machines look exactly identical, adding to their unique character.[7]
Drawbacks and Considerations
- Single-Boiler Workflow: Users must wait for the machine to change temperature when switching between brewing espresso and steaming milk, which can slow down the process for making milk-based drinks.[4, 17]
- Premium Price Point: The cost is high for a single-boiler machine, rivaling some dual-boiler models that offer more advanced features. The price reflects the unique materials and design as much as the internal components.[4, 17]
- Reported Inconsistencies: Some users have reported issues with shot-to-shot consistency and the steam wand purging a significant amount of water before producing dry steam.[17, 18]
- Heavy and Stationary: The substantial weight makes the machine difficult to move for cleaning, refilling, or service.[4]
- Niche Support Network: As a boutique brand, AnZa has a smaller service and support network compared to mass-market manufacturers.[5]
Comparison with Mainstream Alternatives
To put the AnZa in context, it's helpful to compare its specifications against popular, more affordable single-boiler and thermoblock machines.
| Machine | Boiler / Heating | Temp Control | Key Materials | Approx. Price (USD) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnZa R2 Concrete | 300 ml SS single boiler | PID | Concrete, brass, porcelain | $1,850[3] | ≈17 kg[13] |
| Breville Bambino Plus | ThermoJet coil | Electronic | Stainless steel | $500[16] | ≈3.5 kg* |
| Gaggia Classic Pro | 118 ml brass boiler | Thermostat | Stainless steel | $449[16] | ≈7.3 kg* |
*Approximate retailer weights; manufacturers do not publish official figures.
Maintenance and Care
The unique materials require specific care to maintain their appearance:
- Corian (White Model): The non-porous surface is easy to clean with a standard household cleaner and a Scotchbrite® pad.[9]
- Concrete (Concrete Model): The concrete is sealed but can develop a patina over time with use.[8]
- Brass Components: The brass tray and top plate will oxidize with exposure to moisture. They can be regularly polished to maintain their shine or left to develop a natural patina.[9]
- Wood Trim: Wood accents should be wiped dry after use and can be treated with a food-safe wood polish.[9]
Conclusion
The AnZa espresso machine is a compelling choice for a user who values sculptural design, tactile materials, and PID-controlled consistency as much as the final cup of espresso. It is a functional art piece that makes a bold statement. However, its single-boiler design, heavy weight, and premium price point mean it is not for everyone. Budget-minded users, or those who need to quickly prepare multiple milk-based drinks, may still prefer the faster, lighter, and more affordable performance of machines like the Breville Bambino Plus or Gaggia Classic Pro.[16]
Works Cited
- AnZa Coffee Official Website
- AnZa Concrete, the brutalist espresso machine - DOMUS
- AnZa Concrete Espresso Machine | Curated by Arjé
- AnZa Concrete Espresso Machine Review By Kevin Marshal
- AnZa FAQ
- AnZa Kickstarter – technical details
- AnZa Makes Espresso Theory Concrete For the Brutalist Kitchen - Daily Coffee News
- AnZa R2 - AnzaCoffee (Blog)
- AnZa White - Espresso Machine - industrialkonzept
- AnZa White Espresso Machine - Element Made
- Breville Bambino Plus product page
- Breville blog – PID control explanation
- CoffeeSnobs forum discussion on AnZa build
- Design Sleuth: The AnZa Espresso Machine - Remodelista
- Gaggia Classic Pro product page
- GQ “Best Espresso Machines” guide
- Reddit r/espresso thread on AnZa performance
- reviewing and making a coffee with the "Anza" espresso machine - YouTube
- Serious Eats – espresso machine upgrades
- The AnZa Espresso Machine Brings Concrete and Corian into the World of Kitchen Appliances - Core77
- The Concrete AnZa Coffee machine for the perfect brutalist beverage - DesignWanted
- Uncrate Supply – AnZa Product Page