LaCimbali history
Milan. Craftsmanship. Espresso.
The story of espresso.
Since 1912.
A small Milan workshop grew into a brand that helped shape espresso preparation. Its story brings together craftsmanship, Italian design and technologies created for the people behind the coffee bar.
1912–1969
From the workshop to the coffee bar
The first machines, lever extraction and design that became part of espresso history.
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1912
Giuseppe Cimbali opens his workshop
A copper-working workshop opens in central Milan. Its founder, Giuseppe Cimbali, begins the story of what will become a professional coffee machine brand.
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1930
Rapida: the first LaCimbali machines
Production begins under the LaCimbali brand. Rapida is a column machine with a vertical boiler, a type then heated mainly with coal or wood.
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1945
Albadoro transforms the working area
Two independent vertical boilers, three to six brew groups and a cup warmer. The groups move to the front of the machine, so the operator no longer needs to walk around it during service.
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1947–1950
The era of the lever and coffee crema
Electricity and the lever mechanism bring a fundamental change to extraction. Ala, Gioiello and Brillante use pressure to prepare espresso with richer flavour, aroma and body.
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1955–1956
Granluce and the hydraulic group
The patented hydraulic group replaces the lever spring’s force with mains water pressure, which the mechanism raises to around 9 bar. It makes operation easier and supports the brand’s expansion abroad.
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1962
Pitagora wins the Compasso d’Oro
Designed by the Castiglioni brothers, the machine receives the prestigious Italian design award. Clean lines, stainless steel and an emphasis on series production open a new chapter in the appearance of professional coffee machines.
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1969
Superbar: a step towards full automation
LaCimbali presents its first fully automatic machine for bars. Superbar brings grinding, drink preparation and grounds disposal into a single workflow.
1970–2009
Design meets electronics
Ergonomics, electronic control and automation broaden the possibilities of professional coffee preparation.
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1970–1979
M15 and M20: everything closer to the barista
The M15 and M20 are developed with designer Rodolfo Bonetto. Operation is adapted to the barista’s workflow; the M20 moves the controls and electrical components to the machine’s base.
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1983
ET: the brand’s first electronic machine
Designed by Matzunaga, the ET brings electronics to the traditional LaCimbali machine. Electronic control gradually becomes an important part of the brand’s development.
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1990–1999
Microprocessors enter everyday use
The M30, M31 and M32 use more advanced microprocessor control. Alongside core functions, they offer automatic switching on and off, anticipating today’s focus on energy efficiency.
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1992
Dolcevita and consistent coffee preparation
The fully automatic Dolcevita series develops the idea of automation. It helps bring Italian espresso to markets without a long-established tradition of espresso and cappuccino preparation.
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2000
M3 Superbar2
At the start of the new millennium, the M3 Superbar2 marks another milestone in LaCimbali’s fully automatic range.
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2009
Q10: a wider drinks menu
The compact Q10 expands the drinks menu to include soluble ingredients. From 2012, it is complemented by a cooling unit with a device for preparing and dispensing cold milk foam.
2011–2021
Precision. Connectivity. New possibilities.
Independent boilers, connectivity and new generations of fully automatic machines meet a commitment to coffee culture.
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2011
M39 TE introduces connectivity
Advanced electronics enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. The M39 TE also introduces technological developments including Turbosteam Milk4 for milk foam preparation.
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2012
M100: control over extraction
Independently controlled coffee boilers, the GT system and the HD version with adjustable extraction pressure extend control over coffee preparation. The M100 adds touchscreen operation and further electronic functions.
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2012
A centenary and the opening of MUMAC
The MUMAC museum of professional coffee machines opens in Binasco to mark the centenary. Historic machines from the Maltoni and Gruppo Cimbali collections illustrate espresso’s development, while MUMAC Academy adds education and training.
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2016
S30 Perfect Touch
A new generation of fully automatic machines combines straightforward operation with a wide choice of coffee and milk-based drinks. The S30 is developed with an emphasis on reliability and repeatable preparation.
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2017
S20 joins the fully automatic family
The S20 joins the fully automatic range. In its historical timeline, the manufacturer presents it as a model for venues requiring around 200 cups a day.
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2018
Technology Heart. Human Mind.
The brand introduces an idea connecting technological innovation with people. It highlights the specialists who design and manufacture the machines and work with them every day.
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2019
M100 Attiva and a new experience space
The M100 Attiva series is introduced. At the same time, Technology Heart Human Mind Lab opens as a new LaCimbali experience and demonstration centre.
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2020
S60 for high-volume venues
LaCimbali expands its fully automatic family with the S60. The model is also intended for large café chains, restaurants and venues in airports, railway stations and busy city centres.
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2021
S15: compact, intuitive preparation
The S15 brings the brand’s technologies into a compact fully automatic machine. Intuitive operation allows drinks to be prepared even without barista experience.
The story continues
Italian roots.
Your next coffee.
More than a century of development lives on in today’s LaCimbali machines. Find a configuration for your venue, drinks menu and workflow.
Based on LaCimbali’s official history. The timeline covers the milestones from 1912 to 2021 listed by the manufacturer. Historic photographs: LaCimbali.