Alessi

DC09 Automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine (UK plug) metal / Built-in grinder

Alessi DC09 Automatic Bean-to-Cup Coffee Maker: The Coffee Ritual According to David Chipperfield

With the DC09 automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine, David Chipperfield has designed a new way for Alessi to approach home coffee brewing. Behind its sleek, minimalist design lies a comprehensive system featuring a built-in grinder, pre-programmed drinks, and customizable settings. Yet the experience remains deliberately simple and tactile. Two physical dials control the digital system and maintain a direct connection with the machine. This approach transforms coffee preparation into a calm, precise, and almost ritualistic gesture.

An automatic machine that prioritizes the gesture

The DC09’s most distinctive feature lies in the blend of digital technology and analog controls. David Chipperfield chose not to make the screen the centerpiece of the experience. Two physical dials allow the user to select settings and customize the coffee brewing process. Automation is still present, but it takes a back seat to a more intuitive and familiar interaction.

This approach echoes the tradition of manual preparation. The gesture remains perceptible, even as the machine automatically manages the grinding and extraction. The user thus maintains a physical connection with the machine rather than navigating solely through a digital interface.

A rational design down to the smallest detail

The DC09 is built according to a precise compositional grid. Its bases slightly elevate the main body like small symmetrical pillars, while also helping to ventilate the motor. The metal cladding envelops the internal technology in a seamless shell with clean lines.

The upper section conceals the water and coffee reservoirs, arranged symmetrically beneath the lid. The choice of materials reinforces this architectural aesthetic. Painted steel defines the vertical forms, while satin steel covers the horizontal surfaces. This subtle contrast gives the machine a domestic presence more akin to a piece of architecture than to a conventional household appliance.

From bean to cup: a fully automated brewing process

The DC09 uses whole coffee beans stored in a 160-gram hopper. The built-in grinder grinds only the necessary amount immediately before extraction. The grind size is adjustable to tailor the brew to individual preferences.

Three drinks are preprogrammed: Espresso, Lungo, and Americano. The cup volume, coffee strength, and temperature can be adjusted. Up to five profiles allow you to save different settings—a real advantage when multiple people use the machine daily.

A machine designed for milk-based beverages as well

The steam wand allows you to heat or froth milk manually. This opens the door to cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks, while preserving the tactile experience envisioned by Chipperfield. A hot water dispenser rounds out the package, allowing you to top off a coffee or prepare another hot beverage.

How much space should you set aside for the DC09 coffee machine?

The DC09 measures 19.2 cm wide, 44.5 cm deep, and 36.5 cm tall. Its particularly narrow front panel minimizes its lateral footprint on the countertop. However, you’ll need to allow for sufficient depth to accommodate its 44.5 cm width.

What is the capacity of the reservoirs?

The machine has a removable 1.3-liter water tank and a 160-gram bean hopper. These capacities are suitable for daily use while maintaining relatively compact dimensions for an automatic machine with a built-in grinder.

Can you customize your coffee with the DC09?

Yes. The DC09 allows you to adjust the volume, strength, temperature, and grind size. Preferences can then be saved in up to five user profiles, making it easy to access your usual settings.

What drinks can you make?

The machine offers Espresso, Lungo, and Americano directly. Thanks to its steam wand, it also allows you to manually froth the milk needed for a Cappuccino or Latte Brown. The hot water function rounds out these options for non-coffee beverages or diluted coffees.

With the DC09, David Chipperfield does not seek to pile on visible technological features. Instead, he prefers to organize the technology around the gesture and integrate the machine into a genuine domestic ritual. It’s a calmer, more tactile way to go from bean to Cup, while making the machine a standout piece in the kitchen.

In detail:

• Variation : Grey

• Brand : Alessi

• Designer : David Chipperfield

• Type : Automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine (UK plug)

• Colour : Grey

• Material : Painted steel and satin steel

• Dimensions : L 19.2 cm x W 44.5 cm x H 36.5 cm
• Weight : 32.34 lb
• Characteristics : Automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine with built-in grinder—For whole beans—160 g bean hopper—1.3 L removable water tank—State-of-the-art digital system controlled by two physical dials for intuitive, analog operation—Preprogrammed drinks: Espresso, Lungo, Americano - Steam wand - Hot water dispenser - Adjustable volume, strength, and temperature - Grind setting - Up to 5 user profiles can be saved - Power: 1350 W - 220–240 V - 50/60 Hz