Whether it's a rainy morning, a busy afternoon, or a social gathering, coffee remains a great companion to many Indians. For most South Indians, especially in cities like Bengaluru, filter coffee or "filter kaapi" forms an essential component of their daily routine. Walk past any local breakfast joint and you will find people sipping strong, frothy filter coffee while they enjoy their idlis or dosas. But beyond that staple of traditional India lies a much more vibrant coffee culture - the artisanal coffee, single-origin beans, and brewing methods, slowly but surely making their way into popularity. But what’s the secret to this change? Coffee machines. On International Coffee Day, let's explore how these have had an important role in shaping the kind of coffee that has been brewed, from humble filter coffees to sophisticated espressos and cappuccinos.
The Emergence of Coffee Machines in India
For years, filter coffee remained the brew of choice in many Indian homes. Brewed with a simple stainless steel filter, Prepared using a simple stainless steel filter, this method brewed strong, frothy coffee blended with chicory, forming the perfect drink to start the day. GD Prasad, founder VS Mani & Co., a South Indian filter coffee and snacks brand says, "In the South of India, people enjoy filter coffee and it is available in various formats and touch points - at restaurants & local coffee bars where it's freshly brewed and prepared, and in offices and canteens with automatic dispensing machines like one from our brand, Filter Coffee machine offering the same aromatic and a frothy experience".
"In contrast, in the rest of India, where tea is the predominant beverage, coffee gained popularity through office machines that dispensed it in a pre-mix format or cappuccinos without the need for a barista. Frankly, while there were times when these machines did not produce the best cup of coffee, they did make the beverage more accessible in non-Southern states. And today, you see these very same customers ordering cappuccinos when they walk into a café. It's because of the familiarity that the machines created", Prasad adds.
As the culture of coffee matured, people began exploring new flavours and brewing techniques. According to Abhinav Mathur, CEO and Managing Director of Kaapi Machines, " Coffee has evolved beyond a mere beverage; it has become a symbol of culture, innovation, and personal experience."
In the 1990s, automatic drip coffee makers entered Indian homes. These machines were very convenient, though the quality of the coffee often left much to be desired. Mathur elaborates, “The introduction of bean-to-cup machines in the 2000s marked a significant turning point. These machines, utilizing freshly ground beans and advanced brewing technology, resulted in a richer flavour profile and more consistent quality.” This period also witnessed the growth of many national coffee chains, which helped introduce many Indians to coffee beyond filter kaapi.
GD Prasad elaborates, "Over the past 20 years, we’ve indulged in coffee and conversations, thanks to the prominent coffee houses. More recently, with a growing interest in speciality coffee, we’ve entered a new era of coffee consumption with the rise of chains and many international brands coming up. This trend also extends to new-age instant coffee brands, offering Indians a café-at-home experience".
"What we’ve observed, however, is that the preference for filter coffee as a beverage hasn’t changed significantly in the South. It remains the staple, everyday drink at home and the most preferred choice when dining out. While younger customers are open to experimenting with Western coffees in cafes, overall filter coffee consumption habits have largely remained the same for us. And now, with our Easy Filter Coffee, we are making it easy for customers to relish authentic South Indian filter coffee without having to go through the hassle of brewing fresh filter coffee.", he points.
Artisanal Coffee and the Role of Coffee Machines
As India's coffee palate matured, so did its demand for artisanal coffee. Prime cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi found high-quality, speciality coffee shops sprouting everywhere. " Early adopters of advanced coffee machines, such as Café Coffee Day, played a pivotal role in popularizing coffee culture nationwide, However, some regional winners quickly won popularity with their unique brews and embracing high technological coffee machines," says Mathur.
These machines have entirely transformed the way coffee is brewed and consumed in India. Today, coffee enthusiasts are exploring single-origin beans, cold brews, French presses, and pour-overs, all made possible by modern brewing equipment. Even traditional Indian filter coffee is evolving, with some coffee houses using machines to enhance the consistency and richness of the brew.
Coffee Machines in Corporate Spaces
Besides cafes and homes, coffee machines have penetrated corporate offices in the country. With the rise of premium coffee demands, companies are investing in high-quality coffee machines for their employees. Mathur points out, “In recent years, the popularity of high-quality coffee has extended beyond cafes and into the corporate world. Offices and large corporations are increasingly investing in state-of-the-art coffee machines to meet the growing demand for premium coffee among employees.”
“In this regard, offices can now offer their employees freshly made coffee through modern automated machines and provide them with the freshest coffee without the necessity of a trained barista. Such machines are not only highly efficient to be able to deliver a hot cup of coffee but also maintain the flavour consistently, which is exactly what busy workspaces demand", adds Abhinav.
Technological Advancements in Coffee Machines
Over recent years, technological advancements have stretched coffee machines to levels previously unimaginable. Smart coffee machines have also taken the world by storm, offering unprecedented convenience through a phone application interface. " This technology enables users to customize brewing settings remotely, ensuring consistency and precision in every cup," Mathur explains. Among the other features of smart machines are brewing time, temperature, and grind size, accessible with the mere touch of a button.
Such precision in brewing has sparked innovation in the brewing of coffee. Suddenly baristas and home brewers alike find themselves experimenting to take the art of brewing into novel realms, inventing new flavours and textures that once were exclusive in the high-end coffee shops.
Why Coffee Machines Matter in the Indian Coffee Scene
The growth of coffee culture in India cannot be imagined without the contribution of the coffee machines. More so, as people explore different types of coffee, from cold brews to cappuccinos, the need for advanced brewing technology grows. Coffee machines have not only made high-quality coffee accessible to all but have also redefined the coffee-drinking experience for homes, cafes, and corporate settings.
Mathur therefore states that smart machines would continue to gain popularity in the Indian market. "With smart homes and the Internet of Things (IoT), coffee machines will be even more connected and intuitive, making brewing up a perfect cup of coffee easier than ever for consumers. The quality of coffee will improve, and the experience will get better in terms of having coffee."
From traditional brewing methods to modern smart machines, the focus has shifted from mere convenience to delivering superior quality. Today, the Indian coffee industry has traveled a long way, and the upgrading process of coffee machines became the requisite catalyst for this change.
Future of Coffee Machines in India
As the Indian coffee culture continues to evolve and shine bright, we can expect to see even more advanced coffee machines emerge. With increased awareness of specialty coffee and the growing demand for artisanal brewing methods, machines will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian coffee. Whether it’s the latest smart coffee machine or a vintage-style manual espresso maker, the future of coffee in India looks bright and flavourful.