Espresso just like a barista makes.

Espresso machine and designer object. GILDA® – the love of a lifetime

Time for a rethink

It all started with seven simple words: “How about making our own espresso machine?” The suggestion was made by Marco Tschümperlin to his team shortly before Christmas 2010. And with good reason too – for years, he had unsuccessfully searched for an espresso machine with dual-boiler system that heats up quickly, meaning the machine is ready to use in just two minutes. At the same time, the machine had to be energy efficient and – despite the complex inner workings – also easy to use. Above all, form and function had to come together in perfect harmony to establish a clear, functional look. Not the easiest of challenges, most definitely …

Admittedly, his suggestion was not exactly met with widespread enthusiasm by his team. “Aren’t there enough coffee machines on the market already?” was one of the first reactions. “Well, yes,” replied Marco Tschümperlin, “but maybe it’s time for a rethink.”

Making visions a reality

For over 20 years, the team at MTE Engineering AG has developed machines for industrial applications. The possibility of developing a new kind of espresso machine was music to the ears of our team of innovators.

We scrutinised everything. This led to the creation of two new boilers – one for hot water and one for steam – plus an energy-efficient heating system with high-precision PID controllers and an easy-to-use control system. Each individual part was discussed in detail, prototypes created and tested, ideas abandoned and new ones put into action until every detail was perfect.

Two years later in 2012, and GILDA was presented with the “Red Dot Design Award” in the Product Design category, just a couple of months before it hit the shelves at the retailer. Customers were now on the lookout for a grinder in the same design. We were already on the ball here and, two years later, the first GILDA coffee grinder with patented dispensing system was launched.

GILDA spreads its wings

After two development periods each lasting two years and a successful market launch, GILDA became a company in its own right in 2014 – GILDA Kaffeemaschinen AG.

Quality made in Switzerland

The GILDA® espresso machine and GILDA® coffee grinder have been manufactured in Switzerland from the outset. The individual components are produced at various manufacturing facilities and assembled by us by hand with painstaking precision.