It can make as many as 165 different drinks, all with the touch of a button, but doesn’t require the expertise of a barista. What is going on here?

The world’s most expensive espresso machine doesn’t require the hands of a barista to use it, can also create hot chocolates and chai lattes, and is at its best intended use when it’s being operated by none other than the customer himself. Confused?

I’ll back up a bit. A company in Bellevue, Washington, is currently manufacturing the world’s most expensive super automatic espresso machine, but it’s a far cry from the machines that merely grind, brew, and self-clean. These machines create shots and also steam the milk and add flavored syrup.

At a cost of between $10,000 and $40,000 each, Concordia Coffee Systems is marketing a machine that lets a customer create his or her own latte, cappuccino, or chai drink all with the touch of a button. It can make up to 165 different drinks and lets customers pay with a credit or debit card without ever stepping up to the coffee counter.

So far, companies like Seattle’s Best and United Airlines have embraced the self-serve espresso bar as somewhat of an ATM of coffeehouses and restaurants. David Isett, CEO of Concordia Coffee Systems, told the Seattle Times Monday that the idea isn’t to replace baristas, it’s to replace other machines.

“We don’t draw a leaf in the foam and dust it with chocolate,” he said.

Pushing the coffee business’s buttons

Isett says he takes pride in the machine’s standing as the world’s most expensive. While the company is currently courting restaurants and cafes as a way to replace several machines (like a milk frother, grinder, drip pot, and hot chocolate maker) with just one, Isett hopes to take the machines to an even bigger, more recognizable level.

“Think every fifth gate at the airport,” he said.

For now, Concordia remains somewhat of a small business. The company has about 40 employees who develop, test, and provide customer service for the machines that are currently in use. Approximately 1,000 have been sold worldwide with about 100 going to Seattle’s Best alone.

It was Concordia’s size that kept them from getting the perfect contract for their business: McDonald’s McCafe, an application that would be ideal for what Concordia is marketing. Isett says that doesn’t bother him, though.

“McDonald’s is selling dessert,” he said of the Golden Arches espresso drinks. “They have whipped cream on them.”

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