Open Sorso
Build It. Understand It. Use It.
Open Sorso is an experimental, open-design espresso machine. A documented prototype meant to be assembled, modified, and explored to understand how portable espresso can work.
The Core Ingredients
of the first Sorso
Coffee grains are core to making an espresso, but they are not enough.
Here are the milestones that have guided us in the development of the portable coffee machine. We haven’t given up on fulfilling even one of them.
Heating Water
The machine should be able to provide heat in order to warm water at the right temperature (85-90°C) to get coffee.
Autonomous Machine
The coffee machine should have a battery to store enough energy to make at least two hot coffees. You don’t necessarily need to put hot water in it.
Use of ESE Pods
ESE pods are compostable single-serve coffee pods offering convenience, consistent flavor and minimal cleanup.
Easy to Disassembly
The machine should be easy to disassemble to ensure proper cleaning of its components.
At Least 2 Coffees
The machine configuration should include at least two coffee cups to allow sharing the ritual of a coffee break.
Ritual Gestures
The machine should incorporate manual gestures to evoke the ritual aspects of making coffee.
Mix Things up,
Make Them Work
An Open Library from the First Prototype
The first Sorso is based on a modular, 3D printed prototype developed through testing and iteration. Files can be downloaded, modified, and combined to explore different configurations and understand how the system works.
Each Component Has a Role to Play
Every single component was designed for a specific function, and all together they made the first Sorso.
Do you want to learn more about each one?
Drop After Drop
Preparing coffee can become a real ritual, as fulfilling as drinking it. Making coffee with Open Sorso is an experience: here’s how, step by step.
1. Put the Pod In
Before anything else, put the ESE pod inside the pod holder and close it to secure the machine.
2. Pour the Water
Then pour the water into the flask placed on top of the coffee machine.
3. Turn On
At this point, turn on the coffee machine and wait for the water to be heated. Then, switch it off.
4. Create Pressure
Once the water is hot, use the syringe to create the right pressure and to activate the water flow system.
5. Take the Cup
Now that the coffee is ready, it’s the moment to take the cup and enjoy the espresso!
Where Sorso has made Coffee
Each place tells a different moment, but the same gesture. This map collects the locations where Sorso has been used to make coffee: real contexts, conditions, and situations. A way to see how a habit can travel without changing.
Before Making Coffee,
Sorso…
The creation of a coffee machine is a long journey. Here are the most fun, yet essential, steps that the team took to create the prototype.
…splashed Water Everywhere
Discover more…
Water is tricky, it can spread everywhere if not directioned appropriately. Using moka gaskets and a metallic moka filter was essential to channel the water in the right direction.
…uplifted 9 Kilos
with a Syringe
Discover more…
To make an espresso, the water passing through the coffee needs to reach 9 bars of pressure. A simple system succeeded in lifting a weight of 9 kilograms, thus achieving 9 bars of pressure.
…was covered with
Wool and Cork
Discover more…
To build the heating system, several insulation methods were carefully tested and evaluated. The most effective one turned out to be the combination of wool and cork sheets.
Build Your Open Sorso
We’ve done the bad work for you. All the experiments ended up in the first prototype. You can build your own machine, since the project has CC BY-NC-SA license.
Make All by Yourself
Maker? 3D printer enthusiast? Designer? You certainly have all the skills to build the machine on your own, from the battery system to printing the parts. You just need to know what to do.
For that, you have the complete instructions.
Got a Better Idea?
Sorsois an open project, designed to grow with the contribution of passionate people like you.
If you’ve found a smarter solution, a clever tweak, or simply have a suggestion, share it with us: every sip of creativity can make the machine even more unique.
Get in touch and become part of this collaborative design journey.
A Sip of News
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