cilio coffee history: a little Italy at home, since 1993
Founded in Solingen, cilio has built its name on espresso makers, coffee makers and milk frothers inspired by Italian coffee culture. Here is how it grew from table accessories to a coffee specialist.
What is cilio?
cilio is a brand founded in 1993 in Solingen, Germany, known for design-led products around Italian coffee culture and Mediterranean lifestyle. Its best-known products are espresso makers such as Classico and Kontessa, alongside coffee makers, milk frothers and table accessories. cilio is part of the Küchenprofi Group.
Why can you trust cilio when you buy coffee equipment?
Coffee gear is used every morning, so a clear record matters. cilio’s can be checked on five points.
More than 30 years in coffee
cilio was founded in 1993 and gained wide recognition early on for its design-led products around Italian coffee culture. Its espresso makers are still well known and popular today.
Materials chosen for daily use
cilio relies on durable materials: aluminium for classic espresso makers, stainless steel for induction-ready models, hard porcelain for cups and pots, and glass. It says its products are built to withstand daily use.
A coffee range that covers the routine
From espresso makers and coffee makers to milk frothers, espresso cups and a tamper, cilio offers most of what you need to make espresso, cappuccino and more at home.
Models for different kitchens
Some models suit all hobs except induction, others are made for induction, and electric versions work without a hob. Clear sizes and variants help you match one to your kitchen.
Clear about where it is from
Despite its Italian flair, cilio is a German brand based in Solingen. It is part of the family-owned Küchenprofi Group, which also includes Zassenhaus and Spring. Country of origin can vary by product, so check the label for the item you choose.
How cilio keeps innovating in coffee
cilio’s approach is to take a traditional way of making coffee and adapt it to modern homes: new materials, new power sources and new accessories. These are the ideas that define it.
From table accessories to coffee1993 onward
cilio began with cups and jugs, then found its strength in Italian coffee culture. The collection has been developed continuously, incorporating successful ranges and new trends.
The Classico espresso makerSignature design
Named for its octagonal shape and solid aluminium, the Classico comes for 1, 3, 6 or 9 cups with a flat base. It has become one of cilio’s best-known products.
Induction-ready stainless steelKontessa Classic and induction models
Kontessa Classic is polished 18/10 stainless steel with a flat base for all hobs including induction, and it has interchangeable handles and knobs in three colours. There is also an induction version of the Classico.
Electric espresso makersTravel and camping
The electric Classico for 6 cups lets you make espresso where there is no hob, which is handy for travel and camping. It carries the Classico look into a new use.
Two-spout brewingCaffettiera
The Caffettiera for 2 cups brews in the traditional Italian way with two spouts that pour straight into the espresso cups, and it suits induction hobs.
Milk frothers and accessoriesBarista range
cilio extends beyond the pot with cordless Crema frothers, Latteforte, Barista, and the induction Perfetto frother that froths milk without burning it. Espresso cups, a tamper with a coffee measure and a mini hotplate round out the range.
cilio history timeline: from 1993 to today
Dates beyond the founding year are not publicly documented in detail, so later stages are shown as phases.
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cilio is founded in Solingen
The company starts in Solingen with table accessories such as cups and jugs, which is still reflected in its name, cilio tisch-accessoires GmbH.
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Early years
Italian coffee culture takes centre stage
The brand quickly gains recognition for design-led products around Italian coffee culture and Mediterranean lifestyle, led by its espresso makers.
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Growth years
A wider kitchen and table world
The range grows beyond the dining table to coffee makers, milk frothers, lunch boxes, insulated bottles, wine accessories and outdoor products.
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Küchenprofi Group
cilio joins forces with sister brands
cilio is established as a subsidiary of Küchenprofi and forms the Küchenprofi Group with Zassenhaus and Spring, all based in Solingen.
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A group milestone
The Küchenprofi Group celebrates 100 years and invests in a new high-bay warehouse at its Solingen site, while presenting around 2,500 items from its four brands.
cilio coffee range: which product fits you?
These are the main cilio coffee product types and what they suit.
| Product | Best for | Key facts |
|---|---|---|
| Classico | Classic stovetop espresso | Octagonal aluminium, flat base, for 1, 3, 6 or 9 cups, all hobs except induction |
| Classico Induktion | Induction hobs | Classic look made for induction use |
| Classico electric | Travel and camping | Electric espresso maker for 6 cups, no hob needed |
| Kontessa Classic | Stainless steel fans | Polished 18/10 stainless steel, all hobs including induction, interchangeable coloured handles |
| Caffettiera 2 cups | Serving straight into cups | Stainless steel and plastic, two spouts, suitable for induction |
| Coffee makers | Filter-style and French-press brewing | Models include Gloria Oro, Sara (double-walled) and Classic 1 L thermo |
| Milk frothers | Cappuccino and lattes | Crema cordless, Latteforte, Barista and induction Perfetto |
| Cups and tools | Completing the setup | Porcelain espresso cups with thick walls, tamper with coffee measure |
What makes a cilio espresso maker good?
A stovetop espresso maker works by heating water in the lower chamber until steam pressure pushes it up through ground coffee. Good results come from even heat, a stable base and a tight seal, so the material and shape matter.
Aluminium heats quickly and is light, which suits classic models like the Classico. Stainless steel is more hard-wearing and can work on induction hobs, which is why cilio offers models such as Kontessa Classic. Whether a model works on induction also depends on the minimum pan diameter your hob recognises.
Care differs by model. Aluminium espresso makers are usually washed by hand rather than in a dishwasher, so always follow the product instructions.
How to buy a cilio espresso maker with confidence
These checks help you choose the right model.
- Pick the cup size. Choose 1, 3, 6 or 9 cups. Remember that one cup is a small espresso serving of around 50 ml.
- Match the hob. Standard aluminium Classico does not work on induction, so choose an induction or stainless steel model if you have one.
- Choose the material. Aluminium for classic, lightweight brewing; stainless steel for durability and induction.
- Consider electric. An electric model suits travel, camping or a kitchen without a hob.
- Add the right accessories. A tamper with coffee measure, porcelain cups and a milk frother complete the setup.
- Check spare parts. Replacement funnels and filters are available for popular models such as the Classico.
- Check the country of origin and buy from authorised sellers. This keeps support and returns simple.
cilio frequently asked questions
What is cilio?
cilio is a brand founded in 1993 in Solingen, Germany, known for design-led products around Italian coffee culture and Mediterranean lifestyle. Its best-known products are espresso makers, but it also makes coffee makers, milk frothers, espresso cups and other kitchen and table accessories. It is part of the Küchenprofi Group.
When and where was cilio founded?
cilio was founded in 1993 in Solingen, where it is still based. It began with table accessories such as cups and jugs, which is still reflected in the company name cilio tisch-accessoires GmbH.
Is cilio an Italian brand?
No. Despite its Italian flair, cilio is a German brand based in Solingen. Its range is inspired by Italian coffee culture and the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Is cilio good quality?
cilio is regarded as a dependable mid-range coffee and kitchen brand. It says it combines fine materials, distinctive design and careful workmanship, and uses durable materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, hard porcelain and glass. Quality and features vary by product, so check the product details.
Are cilio espresso makers induction compatible?
It depends on the model. The aluminium Classico with a flat base suits all hobs except induction, while stainless steel models such as Kontessa Classic, and induction versions of Classico, are suitable for induction. Induction use can also depend on the minimum pan diameter your hob detects, so check the product page.
What sizes does the cilio Classico espresso maker come in?
The Classico comes in sizes for 1, 3, 6 or 9 cups of espresso. The aluminium pans range from about 6.5 cm to 10.5 cm in diameter and from about 12.5 cm to 23.5 cm in height. There is also an electric Classico for 6 cups, handy for travel and camping.
Who owns cilio?
cilio belongs to the Küchenprofi Group, a family-owned company from Solingen, alongside the brands Küchenprofi, Zassenhaus and Spring.
What does cilio make besides espresso makers?
cilio also makes coffee makers including French-press styles, cordless and induction milk frothers, porcelain espresso cups, an espresso tamper with a coffee measure, lunch boxes, insulated bottles and other kitchen, wine and outdoor accessories.
How do I use a cilio espresso maker?
Unscrew the lower part and fill it with water up to the maximum mark. Insert the funnel, add ground coffee, and screw the upper part back on tightly. Heat on the stove over medium heat, and the coffee rises into the upper chamber or spouts. Follow the instruction manual for your specific model.
Sources
- cilio coffee and espresso (cilio brand shop)
- cilio electric products (cilio brand shop)
- cilio Espresso Maker Modena product page
- cilio brand overview (feinkosten.de)
- cilio: Italian coffee and outdoor lifestyle (Porzellantreff)
- cilio brand profile (Bremer Gewürzhandel)
- cilio coffee accessories (roastmarket)
- Espresso maker Classico (KochForm)
- Caffettiera 2 cups (vanDorp)
- 100 Jahre Küchenprofi, on the group brands (Trendwelten)