Alessi 9090 espresso maker

The Alessi 9090, designed by Richard Sapper in 1978 and launched in 1979, is an iconic piece of industrial design. It was the first espresso maker in Alessi's history and the first of many to win the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award. Notably, it was also the first Alessi product to be inducted into the Permanent Design Collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

Crafted from 18/10 stainless steel, the 9090 is celebrated for its innovative lever-lock mechanism that allows the pot to be opened with a single hand, replacing the traditional screw-on design. Its wide base is engineered to maximize heat absorption, and it is compatible with various heat sources, including induction.

Manufacturing takes place at the Alessi plant in Omegna, Italy. The brand remains deeply rooted in Italian craftsmanship while having a global presence. As of 2026, Alessi continues to be a family-led 'design factory,' with the Alessi family maintaining a majority 60% stake, while the British private equity firm Oakley Capital holds a 40% minority stake since 2019.