The 9090 is the first espresso machine in the history of Alessi, as well as the first of countless Compasso d’Oro awards and the first Alessi project to be exhibited at the MOMA in New York. It is the Alessi coffee maker that people love for its ability to be carried directly to the table to serve espresso. “I wanted to give this espresso machine a look that others don’t have.” With these words, Richard Sapper described his idea behind the design of the 9090 espresso machine. It was meant to be not just a mundane coffee maker, but a true "steam machine," to quote the inventor. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, the 9090 is unique not only for its conical shape but also for several useful innovations, such as the larger base for better heat utilization, or the drip spout and cone closure, which allows the coffee maker to be opened with a simple hand movement.