Kees van der Westen

As part of our trip to Holland we set up a day of visits to two locations that were “must see” destinations. So off we went to the Amsterdam Central station, and onward to Eindhoven, where we were to met our friend Kees. Fortunately when we arrived Kees was on the platform waiting for us. When we walked down to his car, we  all piled into an awesome 1962 Cadillac! I love this guy, and his style.

Sometimes hard work pays off. Success, is something that I think we all strive for, and at the same time that success can be the thing that keeps us from doing what we do best. I was reminded of that on a recent vist to see the workshop and espresso machines of Kees van der Westen. 20 years ago Kees, started design studies of espresso machines. Noting that they were basically boxes, Kess set of to create a look and style that is very distinctive, and recognizable. Many of his first machines were one off designs, that were commissioned pieces. Kent Bakke of La Marzocco USA, has a few machines in his collection, that Kees built, and they are very unique.

Eventually, the relationship with La Marzocco and Kent, turned into an opportunity to build the Mistral machine based on La Marzocco internals. This of course lead to the production La Marzocco Mistral as we know it today.

During this time Kees had developed a machine called the Speedster, and it was also based on La Marzocco parts. It utilized the GS series paddle group, and looks like it’s going 250 mph. Also being produced is the Mirage, which I always thought was just another E61 brew group machine. I was amazed as Kees went on to explain that he has the group built to his specifications, and while it looks like an E61, thats where the comparison ends. A brilliant bit of engineering keep the thermosyphon moving which of course provides better temperature stability. The Mirage was a surprise, as it is far more advanced that I had assumed, but I guess I should have expected it as well.

The workshop itself is fantastic, with areas set up for each assembly function. Super organized and again, really an inspiration. The rest of our visit with Kees was a delight and we really can’t say thanks enough for the hospitality.

Next Stop….. Den Haag