Alessi 9090 Espresso Coffee Maker

The Alessi 9090 is an iconic piece of industrial design, recognized as the first espresso coffee maker in the history of the Italian brand Alessi. Designed by the renowned industrial designer Richard Sapper in 1978 and released in 1979, it broke away from traditional moka pot designs with its sleek, cylindrical body and innovative lever-lock mechanism. It was the first Alessi product to win the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award and is featured in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

Originally manufactured in the Crusinallo region of Italy, the 9090 continues to be produced in Italy, maintaining its status as a benchmark for high-quality "Made in Italy" design. The product is crafted from 18/10 stainless steel and features a magnetic copper or steel base to ensure compatibility with modern induction cooktops.

Ownership of the brand has evolved over its century-long history. Founded in 1921 by Giovanni Alessi, the company remains largely under the control of the Alessi family, with Alberto Alessi serving as President. In 2019, the British private equity firm Oakley Capital acquired a 40% stake in the company to support its global expansion and digital transformation, while the family retains a 60% majority share.