Revolutionizing Home Brewing: The Smart Espresso Machine by Datum
By Editor • August 21, 2026 • 2 min read
Imagine a world where your espresso machine does the heavy lifting in your morning coffee ritual. Austrian startup Datum is on the brink of making this dream a reality with their innovative espresso machine and grinder duo that sets itself up for optimal brewing.
Founded by mechanical engineers Christoph Konheisner and Nikolaus Potapow, Datum aims to alleviate the frustrations of home espresso enthusiasts. Their system integrates a grinder and machine, designed to communicate seamlessly. With a simple scan of your coffee bag, the machine adjusts itself to brew according to the roaster's specifications, eliminating the guesswork that often leads to wasted shots.
Datum's design is a standout in the coffee appliance market. The hardware features a digital grind size adjustment with 64mm flat burrs, ensuring precision every time. A notable innovation is the auto-tamp function, which automatically compresses the coffee grounds in the portafilter—an essential step often overlooked by amateur brewers. This feature promises to make home brewing errors a thing of the past.
Visually, the machine reflects contemporary design trends with its sleek, monochromatic aesthetic. The matte off-white and charcoal colors evoke a sense of modern Scandinavian elegance, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen. Moreover, it prioritizes sustainability with its modular design and energy-efficient heating system, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.
Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of Datum is its open recipe platform, allowing coffee roasters to upload their brewing recipes. This innovation bridges the gap between the artisan and the consumer, ensuring that high-quality coffee is brewed to perfection in the comfort of one’s home.
Although currently a prototype, the machine is set to launch on Kickstarter in late 2026, with an early bird price of €1,199. Datum's concept could redefine the espresso experience, striking a balance between high-end complexity and user-friendly simplicity.
Source: www.yankodesign.com
