Geez, it's been a long while since I posted anything new. I've seen a trickle of info coming from 2021 Host Milano, thanks primarily to the german Espresso TV youtube channel. They did a short interview with Daniele Berenbruch, who is the partner of Andrew Meo of Rocket Espresso. They didn't bring Rocket to the show directly this year and instead are showcasing this new spin off called Stone-Espresso. I was surprised at the tech they are using in these machines which is unlike any Rocket builds that I've seen. Pricing seems competitive, unfortunately no specifics on availability.

Here's the company website - https://www.stone-espresso.com/

And the youtube interview:
Cheers, Jodie

This is pretty cool, looks like it packs a lot of functionality into a tiny package (9" wide!). The swappable panels are a bit gimmicky, but beyond that it seems like a solid machine at a competitive price. $1200 would put it at the low end of HX machines and only a little more than the most expensive SBDUs.

I think we'll see more and more machines with electrically heated groupheads, both for temp stability and warm-up time. I do wonder about long-term longevity/servicability - that coiled thermosyphon looks like it would be a bear to descale if it ever fully clogs and it has a lot more proprietary bits than E61 clones.

New video that shows the machine unpacking and in action.

A full video overview of the new Stone-Espresso machine. It also includes allot of the basics of making espresso and a great explanation of the inside workings of the machine. They mention a starting price of $1099. Not sure if that is Euro's or dollars.

1.2L reservoir. Seems pretty small and the way it lifts out would be very annoying under a cabinet. I'd think one would have to resort to wiggling a pitcher back there and hope it fits otherwise the 50lb machine would be moved nearly every morning. Not sure what I think about the side panels. Neat idea, but they only offer gray, black, fake wood, green, and stainless. Not many vibrant colors to mix and match. Maybe in the future though. Not sure many "youths" are spending $1k+ on an espresso machine. I can see this being nice for city professionals in smaller apartments depending on the tank fill situation under a cabinet.

For younger crowd that doesn't care about difference between voltage and wattage...

Nice to see they finally have it here in the US. I think it would have been allot more competitive at the original $1,200 price target. At $1,500 for the version with black base side panels, or $1,600 for the satin stainless side base panels there is allot more competition.