You have cult object status. Do you enjoy this role?

Cremina: Yes, a lot. It helps me in every respect.

Can’t say much more about that.
Of course not – I can only try to meet those expectations. It’s mainly my American friends who won me that status.

To what do you owe your popularity over there?
I think it’s about my Britishness, my Swiss understatement.

And when you ask your American friends what they like so much about you?
They mostly say “I’ve had my Cremina for 40 years. I love you and I would never give you away”.

Sounds like you’re a member of the family.
Yes. Particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, I was sold a lot in New York; I was presented as a wedding and birthday gift.

What classically makes your families tick?
They love beautiful things, good music, ne design, special architecture.

And they own things that last.
Yes. Like me, for instance.

Do you get a lot of post?
Yes.

That’s unusual for a coffee machine.
You think?

What do people write to you then?
“I have had one of your siblings since 1984 and would like to have a drip pan from back then”. Or, “It needs servicing – 30 years later. Where can I take it?”

What’s the most common topic?
Mostly the perfect way to prepare an espresso. So I often reply, “It’s not me! Buy decent coffee, buy a decent grinder!”. Or, “Descale me, then you’ll get a proper milk foam!”.

But a lot of people write to you for no reason.
That’s right. They get in contact for the pure joy of it. Stuff like “I’ve had my Cremina since 1981. We bought it in New York and we like it so much!”.

What’s your life motto?
“Perfect espresso since 1967.”

What are you most proud of, in retrospect?
That I have retained my youthful looks.

And what are you less proud of?
In the words of an Italian diva: nothing!

 

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