Kickstarter, the wildly innovative platform that transforms dreams into reality through public funding, has seen its fair share of coffee-centric projects. However, the latest entrant into this caffeinated arena is not just brewing up a storm, it's making Kickstarter history. Meet the Meticulous Espresso machine, an endeavor that has brewed over $4 million in funding and counting, possibly becoming the most funded food-related campaign on the platform.
Meticulous Espresso boasts itself as the “world’s first robotic lever espresso machine” and the “first home espresso machine with an integrated high-precision scale.” A one-touch coffee wonder, you simply supply the coffee and water, and the machine does the rest. Design aesthetics channel the Fellow coffee school of design, and functionality leans heavily on technology with a built-in Acaia scale, and 10 sensors in the brew chamber—six dedicated to water temperature. Users can customize shots based on selected profiles, including classic and expert-crafted ones, with the option to program pressure profiles via a smartphone app. An optional automatic steam wand is also on offer.
Over 3,200 backers have collectively contributed more than $4.2 million, with an average of $1,300 each. This has catapulted Meticulous Espresso closer to the top spot of the most funded food-related Kickstarter campaign, currently held by the Otto G32, a gas grill that raised roughly $4.9 million USD.
But, success isn't always a cause for celebration on Kickstarter. High-profile campaigns like ZPM, PicoBrew, and Anova often struggle with delivery commitments, crushed under the weight of their own success. The high-ticket Otto has reportedly been battling similar issues.
Interestingly, the high price tag of the Meticulous Espresso machine—retailing at $2,000, or $2,350 with a milk steaming machine—could work in its favor. Even with a Kickstarter discount, the machine's price hovers above the $1,200 mark. The result? A hefty funding total, but fewer units to deliver compared to other high-earning Kickstarter projects.
However, the past struggles of successful Kickstarters doesn't necessarily predict a similar fate for the Meticulous Espresso machine. Adventurous backers can anticipate their potential dream home espresso machine as early as December.
A note to end on - Kickstarter has another brewing success: the Timemore grinder, which just surpassed the $5 million mark, beating out the Otto. As both campaigns near their end, it's shaping up to be a close call.
For more information or to participate, check out the Meticulous Espresso Kickstarter page.