Copper coffee machine «HERONUS»

Coffee. This drink can cause deep and constant affection and inspire dedicated fans to spend time and money on achieving the ideal coffee. For some people, the attributes should reflect the cult of coffee, and then the coffee machine becomes the object of pride and admiration for the lovers of the coffee ceremony.

Among the unusual coffee machines there are truly unique samples. The machine of copper, brass and bronze under the name "Heronus" is the work of Dmitriy Tikhonenko's Metal Art Studio, designed in steampunk style, is one of the rare coffee machines that have become art objects.

History of the coffee machine

Dmitriy Tikhonenko, the author of the coffee machine is not fond of the simplified process of brewing coffee in modern coffee machines, which is often limited to one button. As a true connoisseur, he believes that the sequential coffee ritual can bring a true pleasure.

And as the author creates his works in the technique of vintage styling, the idea to create a retro-style coffee machine organically fit into the idea of customizing an ordinary coffee machine. The process of creating this coffee machine took 6 long months and required a lot of imagination, strength and diligence. A steampunk coffee machine "Heronus" was collected from two professional coffee machines. “Heronus” was named after the outstanding Greek mathematician and engineer Heron of Alexandria.

Coffee machine «HERONUS»

Heron of Alexandria

Heron lived in the Greek city of Alexandria around 10-75 AD. His works that have survived to this day tell us about various mechanisms and automata powered by steam. Heron gave formulas for calculating figures, angles and coordinates, laid down the foundations of artillery and applied mathematics in his writings. It is believed that it was Heron who invented the steam turbine, quick-fire crossbow, vending machine, odometer (distance measuring device), as well as automatic doors and theatrical scenery.

We can say that Heron is the first man to master steam. This is why, the coffee machine "Heronus", which creates clouds of steam around itself and looks like an ancient mechanism, is dedicated to this person.

Heron of Alexandria

Exterior view

"Heronus" is a professional coffee machine, manually modified in vintage style. "Heronus" was created from two Italian coffee machines, since the characteristics of each of them individually were not enough to implement the project. Coffee machines were dismantled and assembled in a new copper housing.

Using only natural materials is the key rule of the Metal Art Studio, so there isn’t a single plastic part inside or outside the a coffee machine. We use copper and brass components instead of chrome, plastic and painted elements, and plastic wires are replaced with copper wiring.

Copper wires

The clock on gas-discharge lamps as an important element of the steampunk culture crowns the housing of the coffee machine and attracts immediate attention. There is a massive pressure gauge with illumination next to them, which shows the pressure in the copper boiler and pump. The central part of the machine, the brewing group which is the heart of the coffee machine, as we call it, draws particular attention. Copper handles, steam feed handles, bolts and rivets make up a beautiful steampunk composition. All plates and inscriptions are made in Russian. The nozzle has been reworked and the water level sensor built, as the "donor" coffee machine didn’t have the water sensor.

Clock and manometer

The backlight makes the coffee machine even more "live" and attractive. Both the working area and the internal mechanism of the coffee machine, visible in custom-built windows, are highlighted.

It’s impossible to make good coffee without freshly ground coffee beans. A copper coffee grinder was created in addition to the coffee machine, and all this was installed on a handmade cabinet, in which the coffee machine can be transported. The cabinet is encrusted with natural oak veneer and brass, it has a reinforced stainless steel frame, as well as a double case. The emblem on the reverse side is illuminated with a warm orange light.

Holders and tempers for coffee deserve separate attention. They are also handmade from copper, and a special stand is placed under the tempera, located on the cabinet together with a knock-box (a container for used coffee).

A holder and a temper for coffee

Technical features

"Heronus"coffee machine is a real coffee station that can function both autonomously and with plumbing connected. Having acquired additional parameters (gauges, sensors) during the modification process, the coffee machine has retained the characteristics of the "CMA Astoria" coffee machine, namely: 2 brewing groups, remote pump, cup heating and cappuccino maker.

All the elements are handmade

Project development

The "Heronus" coffee machine has become the basis of the whole coffee project, which is in the process of constant growth and development. In addition to a coffee machine and a coffee grinder, now it includes a rack-gear, horn speaker system and TV on a special rack in an alternative Victorian style.

This project has no deadline. There are plans to replenish the project with products in an alternative Victorian style, moving machinery and gears, which will be natural and operating, not sham, serving only for decoration.

If you would like to see a coffee machine at your event, please contact us and we will be happy to answer all you questions!

Coffee station «Heronus»

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