9Barista Mk2

The quest for the perfect espresso often leads coffee enthusiasts toward massive, chrome-plated machines with noisy pumps and complex electronics. However, the 9Barista Mk2 challenges this paradigm by utilizing the same thermodynamic principles found in jet engines to produce cafe-quality espresso on a simple stovetop. Designed by William Playford, a Cambridge PhD, this machine isn't just another gadget; it's a masterpiece of engineering that achieves the elusive nine bars of pressure without a single electrical component. It represents a collision between rigorous science and the romantic tradition of Italian coffee culture. The Engineering of Pure Pressure At its core, the device functions as a high-pressure steam engine. Most stovetop brewers, like the ubiquitous Moka pot, only generate about 1.5 bars of pressure, resulting in a thin, watery extraction. The 9Barista overcomes this limitation through a dual-boiler system separated by a sophisticated valve mechanism. Water in the lower boiler reaches 179°C, building the pressure necessary for a true extraction. What makes this machine remarkable is the management of that heat. Brewing coffee at 179°C would result in a bitter, charcoal-tasting mess. To solve this, the water passes through a heat exchanger coil and a finned heat sink, dropping the temperature to a precise 93°C just as it hits the coffee puck. This ensures the pressure stays high while the temperature remains gentle enough to extract the delicate sugars and oils of the bean. It's a closed-loop system that demands respect for its precision. Materials and Build Quality The 9Barista Mk2 comes in two tiers: the Standard and the Pro model. While the mechanics remain identical, the Pro model features anodized aluminum handles, a high-performance IMS competition basket, and a stainless steel shower screen. These upgrades aren't just for show; they enhance the tactile experience and provide more consistent water dispersion across the 53mm basket. One polarizing aspect of the design is the reliance on O-rings. The machine is essentially "O-ring city," using multiple silicone seals to maintain its high-pressure environment. While these require periodic maintenance and lubrication, they are the reason the machine can be built with such modularity. The use of PTFE for the internal valve is a stroke of brilliance, providing a low-friction, sterile surface that can withstand the rigors of daily brewing. This is a machine built to last decades, provided the user is willing to perform the occasional seal swap. Performance: From Dark Roasts to Gushers In practice, the 9Barista delivers a texture that rivals or even surpasses top-tier commercial pump machines. When pulling a traditional dark roast like Saka Crema Bar, the result is a syrupy, heavy-bodied espresso with thick crema that transports you straight to a Neapolitan coffee bar. The machine provides a level of thermal stability that is almost impossible to find in other manual brewers. Light roasts present a different challenge. Since the machine is fixed at nine bars of pressure, you have less control over the flow rate compared to a manual lever machine. However, it still produces remarkably sweet "gusher" style shots. Even when the extraction runs fast, the consistent temperature prevents the sourness typically associated with under-extracted light roasts. It's a "set it and forget it" approach to high-end espresso. The Workflow Trade-off Beauty and engineering come at a cost: time. The workflow is not for the impatient. From filling the boiler with cold water to the final extraction, the process takes approximately six minutes. Back-to-back shots are a labor-intensive affair, requiring the user to cool the base under running water and disassemble the unit while it's still hot. It isn't a machine for hosting a dinner party; it's a personal ritual. Final Verdict: Who is it For? The 9Barista Mk2 is a specialized tool for the coffee purist who values engineering over automation. At $750 for the standard and $940 for the Pro, it's a significant investment. However, for those who want the best possible texture without a bulky machine on their counter, it has no equal. It rewards those who appreciate the process, offering a tactile, scientific way to achieve the perfect cup.