The history of espresso starts in 1885 when Italian Angelo Moriondo invented a bulk brewer that pushed pressurised steam and water through coffee. In 1901, Italian Luigi Bezzera improved upon the machine and in 1905, the La Pavoni company began to produce the machines which could now be used for single servings.
Because the machine is so bulky, and did not become available for home use until the 1970s, espresso is mainly associated with coffee houses. However, as machines have become smaller, more espresso enthusiasts are pulling shots at home.