Quite a few people commented that our new pump for Bengle is "too quiet" and they'd like audio feedback of the pump operating, like how our DE1 does.
People often mock the DE1 espresso machine as "sounding like a motorcycle", so I thought I'd run with that. <grin>
I made a demo of this idea:
https://decentespresso.com/f/5/moto.html
That is a javascript I vibe coded and modified.
The web page creates a buzzing sound that varies in pitch under software control, based on how quickly you move the mouse.
It'd be super easy for us to have the pitch here, tied to the current flow rate of the espresso machine pump, paying on the tablet while you make espresso. <evil grin>
People often mock the DE1 espresso machine as "sounding like a motorcycle", so I thought I'd run with that. <grin>
I made a demo of this idea:
https://decentespresso.com/f/5/moto.html
That is a javascript I vibe coded and modified.
The web page creates a buzzing sound that varies in pitch under software control, based on how quickly you move the mouse.
It'd be super easy for us to have the pitch here, tied to the current flow rate of the espresso machine pump, paying on the tablet while you make espresso. <evil grin>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIZrOjf6nZM
DE1 news: v1.46 now released and available, lower prices for UK, Europe.
Two weeks ago we quietly started selling v1.46 of all models of our DE1 espresso machine.
Here's what's new with v1.46
https://decentespresso.com/blog/whats_new_in_de1_model_v146
Why Quietly?
Because… we were several months late and there was a lot of pent up demand for the new model. I was concerned that we'd get a big rush of orders, and then people who had sent us money would have to wait for my team to build more machines. I really didn't want to do that: receive money, and not ship right away. Not cool.
We now have caught up with the initial demand, and we have stock of all models of v1.46, so we can ship orders out the next day.
Price Decrease in Euros and British Pounds
Despite 2.5 years of inflation, and …. “the world situation”, we did not raise our prices.
We recalibrate our prices in other currencies, every time we launch a new DE1 model.
This means that for all our products (accessories and espresso machines included) :
- Euro prices went down 5.5%
- GBP prices went down 4.3%
- CAD prices went up 4.8%
- USD, AUD and HKD prices are unchanged.
DE1 news: v1.46 now released and available, lower prices for UK, Europe.
Two weeks ago we quietly started selling v1.46 of all models of our DE1 espresso machine.
Here's what's new with v1.46
https://decentespresso.com/blog/whats_new_in_de1_model_v146
Why Quietly?
Because… we were several months late and there was a lot of pent up demand for the new model. I was concerned that we'd get a big rush of orders, and then people who had sent us money would have to wait for my team to build more machines. I really didn't want to do that: receive money, and not ship right away. Not cool.
We now have caught up with the initial demand, and we have stock of all models of v1.46, so we can ship orders out the next day.
Price Decrease in Euros and British Pounds
Despite 2.5 years of inflation, and …. “the world situation”, we did not raise our prices.
We recalibrate our prices in other currencies, every time we launch a new DE1 model.
This means that for all our products (accessories and espresso machines included) :
- Euro prices went down 5.5%
- GBP prices went down 4.3%
- CAD prices went up 4.8%
- USD, AUD and HKD prices are unchanged.
YouTube
DE1XL v1.46 (black)
https://decentespresso.com/blog/next_years_de1_model_v146_preview
New in this DE1 v1.46 revision:
- black resin handles (same material and appearance as piano keys)
- black front plate
- the shot mirror is optional
- internally, the "manifold" (how the water…
New in this DE1 v1.46 revision:
- black resin handles (same material and appearance as piano keys)
- black front plate
- the shot mirror is optional
- internally, the "manifold" (how the water…
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Bengle's new pump makes espresso sooooooooo quietly. And this is with the cover off!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/p2YXtPzRq5Q
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/p2YXtPzRq5Q
YouTube
Bengle's new pump makes espresso
sooooooooo quietly. And this is with the cover off!
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This free chapter from Jonathan Gagne's book on the Physics of Espresso discusses the main types of espresso extraction recipes:
- preinfused
- flow controlled
- blooming
- Rao Allongé
- Turbo
- Adaptive
- Extractamundo
He also discusses filter brewing on an espresso machine, and the Nomacano/Noruego approaches.
Download PDF: free Gagne book chapter on espresso beverage recipes
https://decentespresso.com/f/0/gagne_chapter_vevs.pdf
This PDF was graciously provided by Scott Rao, who is the publisher of this book. You can buy The Physics of Espresso book at Scott Rao's web store. Scott has warehouses in both the USA and Germany, so it'll get to Americans and Europeans quickly and unmolested by tariff problems!
Related: Free book extract from The Physics of Espresso: Shower screens and headspace
https://decentespresso.com/blog/free_book_extract_from_the_physics_of_espresso_shower_screens_and_headspace
- preinfused
- flow controlled
- blooming
- Rao Allongé
- Turbo
- Adaptive
- Extractamundo
He also discusses filter brewing on an espresso machine, and the Nomacano/Noruego approaches.
Download PDF: free Gagne book chapter on espresso beverage recipes
https://decentespresso.com/f/0/gagne_chapter_vevs.pdf
This PDF was graciously provided by Scott Rao, who is the publisher of this book. You can buy The Physics of Espresso book at Scott Rao's web store. Scott has warehouses in both the USA and Germany, so it'll get to Americans and Europeans quickly and unmolested by tariff problems!
Related: Free book extract from The Physics of Espresso: Shower screens and headspace
https://decentespresso.com/blog/free_book_extract_from_the_physics_of_espresso_shower_screens_and_headspace
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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HV5sPhYPQC0
Happy year of the horse! We had our company feast today and some of us are very excited to get Bengle done !
That's Ruby, she has built all the group heads herself, for all the espresso machines we've shipped, now for several years.
Happy year of the horse! We had our company feast today and some of us are very excited to get Bengle done !
That's Ruby, she has built all the group heads herself, for all the espresso machines we've shipped, now for several years.
YouTube
Decent Espresso Tech
8 likes. "Bengle! Bengle! Bengle!"
I wanted to announce that our next-generation "Streamline" app is now available.
Here is the blog entry about it: https://decentespresso.com/blog/streamline_app_from_decent_espresso_developer_preview_version
I also wanted to announce that the USBC adaptor for our DE1 espresso machine is available for beta testing. We only have 30pcs available today (another 20 next week, and another 50 after the new year). It works with the new Streamline app.
More info: https://decentespresso.com/blog/now_in_beta_usbc_adaptor_for_de1
Here is the blog entry about it: https://decentespresso.com/blog/streamline_app_from_decent_espresso_developer_preview_version
I also wanted to announce that the USBC adaptor for our DE1 espresso machine is available for beta testing. We only have 30pcs available today (another 20 next week, and another 50 after the new year). It works with the new Streamline app.
More info: https://decentespresso.com/blog/now_in_beta_usbc_adaptor_for_de1
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFkKUzBcylE
The inventor's journey: Why the Half Decent Scale is so unique
Before the Half Decent Scale became a feature-rich, Bluetooth-enabled espresso scale, it began as a DIY side project by a content creator named Soso. This video is his story—from hacking kitchen scales in his apartment, to building firmware, PCBs, and enclosures by hand, all in the spirit of open-source collaboration.
The inventor's journey: Why the Half Decent Scale is so unique
Before the Half Decent Scale became a feature-rich, Bluetooth-enabled espresso scale, it began as a DIY side project by a content creator named Soso. This video is his story—from hacking kitchen scales in his apartment, to building firmware, PCBs, and enclosures by hand, all in the spirit of open-source collaboration.
YouTube
The inventor's journey: Why the Half Decent Scale is so unique
Before the Half Decent Scale became a feature-rich, Bluetooth-enabled espresso scale, it began as a DIY side project by a content creator named Soso. This video is his story—from hacking kitchen scales in his apartment, to building firmware, PCBs, and enclosures…
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Bengle with black wings!
Yes, believe me, I'm well aware that many people want an all-black version of our upcoming Bengle espresso machine.
So, to start working on that, we've made two one-off prototypes in two different styles, and I'd love to get your thoughts on them.
This one photographed here is using our sculptural wings approach, which unfortunately does add a thousand US dollars to the price, but I think it looks quite unique.
We also have a one off Bengle made in black with a walnut outer case. I'll be sharing photographs of that in a few days, and that version would be available at no extra cost (ie USD$6000).
Our plan is to offer a black version of our Bengle Espresso machine in a year, likely June 2027, as part of our version 1.2 builds.
Yes, believe me, I'm well aware that many people want an all-black version of our upcoming Bengle espresso machine.
So, to start working on that, we've made two one-off prototypes in two different styles, and I'd love to get your thoughts on them.
This one photographed here is using our sculptural wings approach, which unfortunately does add a thousand US dollars to the price, but I think it looks quite unique.
We also have a one off Bengle made in black with a walnut outer case. I'll be sharing photographs of that in a few days, and that version would be available at no extra cost (ie USD$6000).
Our plan is to offer a black version of our Bengle Espresso machine in a year, likely June 2027, as part of our version 1.2 builds.
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SALE 20%: DE1PRO black 220V MASHUP v1.46
These MASHUP machines are brand new and fully warrantied.
https://decentespresso.com/de1_sale
They are significantly discounted because some of the parts are earlier designs (the tablet stand), or not in black (the drip tray) or has cosmetic flaws (the outer case). Your machine will not necessarily exhibit all or even any cosmetic defects. Examples of potential cosmetic defects.
Machines are ready to ship.
MASHUP differences:
- an earlier design for the tablet stand, where 3 screws attach it to the machine.
- front face is brushed steel and attached with 4 screws.
- drip tray is white, can be used both plumbed in or not.
- drip tray cover is our V3 model and made of steel.
- black wood handles. As this is a natural material the wood grain between the two handles may not match perfecty.
We have quite limited stock. Machines are available on a first-paid, first-served basis.
More info:
https://decentespresso.com/blog/20_discounted_mashup_de1sale
These MASHUP machines are brand new and fully warrantied.
https://decentespresso.com/de1_sale
They are significantly discounted because some of the parts are earlier designs (the tablet stand), or not in black (the drip tray) or has cosmetic flaws (the outer case). Your machine will not necessarily exhibit all or even any cosmetic defects. Examples of potential cosmetic defects.
Machines are ready to ship.
MASHUP differences:
- an earlier design for the tablet stand, where 3 screws attach it to the machine.
- front face is brushed steel and attached with 4 screws.
- drip tray is white, can be used both plumbed in or not.
- drip tray cover is our V3 model and made of steel.
- black wood handles. As this is a natural material the wood grain between the two handles may not match perfecty.
We have quite limited stock. Machines are available on a first-paid, first-served basis.
More info:
https://decentespresso.com/blog/20_discounted_mashup_de1sale
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How we designed Bengle's sculptural wings
In this article I will explain how we were inspired by artists and cutting-edge industrial machine control, to create something new to espresso machine design.
Our Bengle espresso machine features a steam-shaped, curved wood back inspired by the iconic Charles and Ray Eames Chair.
Our aim was to create a shape for Bengle that would draw inspiration from the golden era of Italian espresso machine design. We wanted to create something made of metal that was both of its time and firmly rooted in its historical context. We wanted to create a design that would provoke the reaction, "I've seen this design before in a classic espresso machine. No, I haven't, but it feels like I have."Decent designer Ben Champion found inspiration in the organic, curvy lines of this high-end knife handle.
The curves have a natural quality to them, reminiscent of art deco.
Researching how this was made, Ben found articles about controlling milling machines directly instead of relying on CAD software to do so.
Clean, soft curves are usually impossible (or extremely expensive) with CNC because the CAD software converts those shapes into slow back-and forth motions using fine tools. This process is not only very slow, but it also leaves slight grooves. Also, creative possibilities are limited as the CAD software usually avoids "artistic" milling tools, and carves with the tool at 90º to the surface.
With direct control of the milling machines, however, creative possibilities greatly expand. You can use different carving tools for vastly different effects:
You can adjust the angle of your tool as it meets the metal surface. There's no reason your tool has to be perpendicular!
I wanted our design to hark back to the Art Deco sculptures I saw while drifting through museums in Paris during my time at university.
The first step in creating the Wings design was to define the 2D back-and-forth path that the tool would take, as well as its travel speed and angle.
Then draw a 2D line to define the tool's up-and-down motion over time.
Make one, then iterate.
In general, all of the tests/techniques were successful to some degree, however some of the results were rather predictable. The more interesting aspects (converging paths, overlapping and distorted areas, various depths, etc.) seemed a result of unforeseen factors (not controlled in Rhino or Inventor HSM). These occurrences seemed to yield particularly rich areas in the aluminum - where texture and visual affect are amplified.
Serendipity plays a significant role in this process. While some things don't work as expected, others turn out to be vastly better and more interesting. For example, we achieved particularly good visual results when experimenting with tool angles and depths.
The final step is to bend this flat shape by hand without damaging it, so it fits on the espresso machine.
Ultimately, this object is milled in three passes, with different tools and paths used each time. Human post-processing steps, such as sandblasting, painting, drilling and bending, all have to be perfected. We decided to make it in both silver and gold, as each color had its own virtues with this design.
The entire process took 18 months, during which time Ben collaborated closely with our manufacturing partner and his expert machinist to bring this project to completion.
We're very proud to have created something that is not only new to espresso, but also to medium-to-large-scale manufacturing. We have not seen any other company use this approach for anything other than small objects and short manufacturing runs.
The process was very R&D-intensive, unpredictable and creative. We loved doing it, and we hope you enjoy having it in your home, should you decide to purchase it.
- Written by John Buckman and Ben Champion
In this article I will explain how we were inspired by artists and cutting-edge industrial machine control, to create something new to espresso machine design.
Our Bengle espresso machine features a steam-shaped, curved wood back inspired by the iconic Charles and Ray Eames Chair.
Our aim was to create a shape for Bengle that would draw inspiration from the golden era of Italian espresso machine design. We wanted to create something made of metal that was both of its time and firmly rooted in its historical context. We wanted to create a design that would provoke the reaction, "I've seen this design before in a classic espresso machine. No, I haven't, but it feels like I have."Decent designer Ben Champion found inspiration in the organic, curvy lines of this high-end knife handle.
The curves have a natural quality to them, reminiscent of art deco.
Researching how this was made, Ben found articles about controlling milling machines directly instead of relying on CAD software to do so.
Clean, soft curves are usually impossible (or extremely expensive) with CNC because the CAD software converts those shapes into slow back-and forth motions using fine tools. This process is not only very slow, but it also leaves slight grooves. Also, creative possibilities are limited as the CAD software usually avoids "artistic" milling tools, and carves with the tool at 90º to the surface.
With direct control of the milling machines, however, creative possibilities greatly expand. You can use different carving tools for vastly different effects:
You can adjust the angle of your tool as it meets the metal surface. There's no reason your tool has to be perpendicular!
I wanted our design to hark back to the Art Deco sculptures I saw while drifting through museums in Paris during my time at university.
The first step in creating the Wings design was to define the 2D back-and-forth path that the tool would take, as well as its travel speed and angle.
Then draw a 2D line to define the tool's up-and-down motion over time.
Make one, then iterate.
In general, all of the tests/techniques were successful to some degree, however some of the results were rather predictable. The more interesting aspects (converging paths, overlapping and distorted areas, various depths, etc.) seemed a result of unforeseen factors (not controlled in Rhino or Inventor HSM). These occurrences seemed to yield particularly rich areas in the aluminum - where texture and visual affect are amplified.
Serendipity plays a significant role in this process. While some things don't work as expected, others turn out to be vastly better and more interesting. For example, we achieved particularly good visual results when experimenting with tool angles and depths.
The final step is to bend this flat shape by hand without damaging it, so it fits on the espresso machine.
Ultimately, this object is milled in three passes, with different tools and paths used each time. Human post-processing steps, such as sandblasting, painting, drilling and bending, all have to be perfected. We decided to make it in both silver and gold, as each color had its own virtues with this design.
The entire process took 18 months, during which time Ben collaborated closely with our manufacturing partner and his expert machinist to bring this project to completion.
We're very proud to have created something that is not only new to espresso, but also to medium-to-large-scale manufacturing. We have not seen any other company use this approach for anything other than small objects and short manufacturing runs.
The process was very R&D-intensive, unpredictable and creative. We loved doing it, and we hope you enjoy having it in your home, should you decide to purchase it.
- Written by John Buckman and Ben Champion
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