Capresso Background After 20 years as president, Michael Kramm left the helm of Krups USA to launch Capresso in 1994. Michael created his own brand of espresso machines, coffee makers, and coffee grinders with a different viewpoint than those he formerly developed. "When you work for a large multi-national company there are certain things you can't do. Products have to appeal to many customers. So you aim more for the middle. Now we can concentrate on what I know is the best solution for the true coffee lover, not necessarily the most affordable." This philosophy allowed Michael Kramm to concentrate his efforts on simply providing the best, resulting in a product line that continually receives recognition and acclaim among the coffee industry and consumers alike. Capresso's values also brought Jura AG into their path in 2002, and Capresso joined forces with the Swiss company to begin production of the Impressa line of super automatic espresso machines. These comprehensive espresso coffee makers have been the launch pad for progressive technology - like the one-touch cappuccino feature found on 2005's Z5 model - and have earned a reputation as some of the most technologically advanced espresso machines available today. Capresso Qualities Michael Kramm began Capresso with the sole intent of developing espresso and coffee makers that cater to the sophisticated coffee connoisseur. As Kramm himself has said, "Frankly, our machines are not for everyone. But for those who won't settle for second best, we produce high-quality European products that deliver superior performance with the utmost convenience and reliability." The most advanced, high-quality internal components allow Capresso machines to achieve this from a mechanical standpoint, but this emphasis on the best doesn't simply stop with the inside of their products - equally important are the design aspects of each machine. "A coffee maker sits on the kitchen counter 365 days of the year," says Kramm. "It should look great and complement any kitchen." Capresso's focus on delivering products that are beautiful inside and out has elevated them beyond simply selling espresso coffee makers, coffee grinders, and coffee makers - it's put them in the business of luxury.