MONTEBELLO, CALIF. — Genesis, the first automated bean-to-cup machine from Wilbur Curtis designed around pressure-brewed coffee, recently arrived ahead of the company celebrating 80 years in business.
The pressure-brewing method is a process similar to making espresso, where whole beans are ground coarsely and channeled into a brewing mechanism and lightly tamped. Under pressure, hot water evenly extracts flavor and oils consistently for each cup, the company said. Upon pressure extraction, coffee is dispensed into a single-serve cup.
The Genesis delivers consistency and other labor-, water- and waste-saving features, Curtis said.
It’s the latest machine from a company that launched in 1941 in Hollywood, Calif. On a mission to create the perfect cup of coffee, Curtis built a reputation for excellence in manufacturing coffee brewing equipment, the company said. Fueled by a growing line of products and sales, Curtis expanded with commercial accounts nationwide and grew into a multimillion-dollar operation with customers worldwide.
Ecully, France-based Groupe SEB acquired Curtis in 2019, giving Curtis an infusion of innovation, advanced engineering expertise and even greater access to international markets.
“Curtis has a longstanding reputation for producing intelligently engineered equipment,” said Emmanuel Couppey, vice president of marketing at SEB Professional North America. “Additionally, our strong connections to roasters, convenience-store owners, foodservice operators and other key industry leaders enhance our global enterprise and potential to deliver the highest-quality machines to foodservice channels across the globe.”
The Genesis, with two hoppers featuring integrated grinders that allow merchandising multiple coffee blends, is the latest example of this engineering. The easy-to-navigate machine features a 10-inch touch display with an intuitive user interface.
Other features:
- Ideal for self-service or staff operation.
- Slim, space-saving footprint.
- Crafts 150 16-ounce drinks daily.
- Optional telemetry provides a 360-degree view of coffee business.
- Optional under-counter grounds kit.
Many employees have been with the Montebello, Calif.-based company for decades, the company said. There’s a spirit of teamwork that has helped Curtis thrive in a competitive market by developing segment-specific brewing solutions that add greater productivity and profitability to convenience stores, restaurants, high-volume venues and roasters. In addition to the Genesis, products include the GemX line of satellite batch brewers, the recently introduced GemX Narrow brewer, the intuitive ThermoPro X thermal brewers, PCGT Cappuccino Machines and iced tea brewers.
“Curtis is all about drive, innovation, team spirit and a global mindset,” Couppey said. “Now powered by SEB Professional North America, these qualities will continue driving our company to a bright future with limitless possibilities.”
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