Seattle, Washington, USA
The Starbucks Phantom Espresso machine is a specialized coffee maker that would transform the experience for both the barista and the customer in a cafe by highlighting an open-concept design.
By moving the espresso engine below the counter and incorporating bottom-fill espresso glasses, the Phantom Espresso opens up the bar and, as if by magic, presents delicious, swirling coffee and smooth crema right before customers’ eyes.
The espresso machine has a tower-inspired design that is far less bulky than the existing equipment in the brand’s coffeehouses and is achieved by moving the components under the counter.
The Starbucks barista measures out exactly the right amount of coffee beans, weighing the precise amount of grams of coffee.
From the perspective of the barista, she selects one of four settings, calibrated for each coffee bean so that it will be exactly dosed with the right amount of pressure applied to the coffee.
The espresso would then be pulled upwards into see-through fluted vases in order to create something of a visual experience for customers before being poured into a cup for serving.
The Starbucks Phantom Espresso machine is the design work of Starbucks Industrial Design, Starbucks Equipment Development and Thermoplan AG, and identifies what could be the next step for the brand to enhance customer experiences.
Initially developed and tested as a prototype in 2017, the Starbucks engineering and industrial design teams partnered closely with long-term supplier Thermoplan of Switzerland to commercialize the Phantom, which recently debuted in all the SoDo Starbucks Reserve stores.
Starbucks Phantom Espresso Machine
Designers: Starbucks Industrial Design
Manufacturer: Thermoplan AG
