In a time where the specialty coffee industry is thriving, it’s difficult to make a coffee product stand out from the rest. But fortunately for Craig Hiron – the mastermind behind of the revival of stovetop classic the ‘Otto’ – this nifty machine attracts the limelight all by itself. The concept of the ‘Otto’ admittedly was not Craig’s idea, but it was his passion for quality espresso that led him to revive the design.
After months of research and numerous consultations with thermo-nuclear engineers and industrial designers, the ‘Otto’ went in to production. Re-imagined with intelligent tweaks, the Otto is an adaptation of the ‘Atomic’ – a 1950’s Italian model manufactured by Bon Trading.
This stovetop machine is ideal for the home barista who understands and indulges in sophisticated coffee – slowly and methodically. What makes the ‘Otto’ unique is the internal brewing system. This system is responsible for accurately controlling the pressure and temperature of the body, to enable two perfect extractions per pour. It also allows air pressure to build within the machine (about the equivalent of two car tyres) to generate enough compression to texture the milk to ab – so -lute perfection.
This means the ‘Otto’ does not require any electronic or moving parts, there is simply an option to purchase the purpose built ‘Otto Induction Top’ – the little square that sits like a hard drive beneath the main machine.
The stovetop component offers an optimum heat source featuring induction to assist with accuracy and efficiency.
The streamlined design of the ‘Otto Induction Top’ makes it portable and accessible for travellers who may like to take their cup of coffee with them.
Scottie Callaghan- winner of numerous barista championships- describes the Otto as, “A serious bit of gear”.
He says: “The espresso shots are excellent and there’s loads of steam pressure for texturing milk”.
The Otto is now available from various boutique coffee outlets Australia wide and online at www.ottoespresso.com priced at $799.
If you take your coffee seriously – why not explore your inner-barista skills and wake up each morning to the perfect pour.