I designed the DE1 to replace an espresso machine called ZPM. I wanted the brand to stand apart from ZPM or the "Mr Coffee" look so I took my inspirations from professional espresso machines that have the group head extending from the body. This lowered the profile allowing for a tablet on top.
I noticed on my home espresso machine that it's difficult to get the porta-filter tight without tipping the machine over so I added a handle to the body. This and many other innovations I came up with have been well received in many reviews.
Heat transfer is a big concern with espresso machines. Drawing off my experience with heat transfer in LED products I designed the group head to contain heat rather than transfer it to the case. The machine can boil water and steam milk wile maintaining case temperatures acceptable to UL.
Three initial prototypes were built with a 200 part BOM. All functioned as planned and were demonstrated in many places around the world.
