Illycaffé two-shot espresso machine from Euro Food Brands

The new Francis Francis! X2 machine from Illycaffé will brew up two espressos at the same time and is aimed at small hotels, restaurants and bars that typically serve between 50 and 60 coffees a day. The stainless-steel machine, which has been created by leading Italian architect and illycaffé designer Luca Trazzi, uses two separate extraction group heads and three boilers to ease busy periods by speeding up the coffee process.

Unlike traditional espresso machines, the X2 uses a two-stage extraction process of hyper-infusion and emulsion via tailor-made plastic capsules, which also prevent the coffee coming into contact with the machine. Each 30p capsule - which contains a single serving of medium, dark or decaffeinated roast Illy coffee - is placed in the machine, where pressurised hot water dissolves and extracts the coffee particles. A valve allows uniform pressure (hyper-infusion) to build, while a small hole in the valve delivers the liquid espresso directly into the cup.

The X2, which sells for £700, also features a five-litre water capacity, steam spout and cup warmer.

To buy it, call: 01604 821 234
Euro Food Brands