Entirely mechanical
No electronics to glitch, no electric pump to fail, and no throwaway plastic core.
Farm-built manual espresso machines from South Africa
Stainless steel espresso, pulled by hand and built to be repaired.
A compact manual espresso machine made in a farm workshop for people who want serious coffee without electronics, pumps, or disposable plastic internals.
- ~5 bar
- manual extraction
- 25-30s
- target pull
- 12+ yrs
- prototype history
Durability, not gadgetry
Made for buyers who trust steel, leverage, and serviceable parts.
The Silver Lily story is not about automation. It is about a physical machine that turns grind, water, and hand pressure into espresso with fewer failure points.
Stainless by design
Available in polished 304 stainless steel or durable powder-coated 3CR12 stainless steel.
Repairable for years
Heavy-duty components are designed so every part can be repaired or replaced.
Workshop proven
Early prototypes have been running for over a decade and the machine has been tested by experienced local baristas.
Workshop-to-cup ritual
Manual brewing that feels deliberate, not difficult.
- 01
Boil and grind
Start with just-off-boiling water and a fine grind. The tactile feedback helps you dial in pressure and crema.
- 02
Prepare the brew unit
Dose the coffee, break up clumps with the needle tool, set the filter disc, and lock the brew unit in place.
- 03
Pour and pull
Pour hot water directly into the brew unit, place your cup underneath, and pull the lever slowly and firmly.
- 04
Extract in 25-30 seconds
A well-matched grind gives steady resistance and a rich extraction in roughly half a minute.
Where it belongs
A manual machine for counters, cottages, boats, and quiet workspaces.
The Silver Lily is not trying to be a cafe appliance. It is a durable, tactile machine for places where the process is part of the pleasure.
Home ritual
A quiet morning machine for buyers who enjoy grinding, preparing, and pulling each espresso by hand.
Guest cottages and farms
Compact, mechanical, and easy to explain to visitors without adding another electric appliance to the counter.
Boats, campers, and off-grid kitchens
Manual brewing and a small footprint suit places where durability and repairability matter more than automation.
Design-led workspaces
Stainless steel, hardwood, and visible leverage make the machine a conversation piece as much as a brewing tool.
Documented configurations
Choose a finish, handle, and mounting style without turning it into a cart.
Polished 304 stainless
Classic high-grade stainless steel finish for maximum durability and a bright workshop-machined character.
Powder-coated 3CR12 stainless
Durable stainless foundation with premium color options for homes, cottages, boats, and workspaces.
Locally sourced hardwood handles
Blackwood, Meranti, or discussed custom preferences add warmth to the steel frame.
Base options
- Stable tabletop base for counters, campers, cottages, and boats.
- Wall-mounted base for a permanent, space-saving coffee station.
- Pressure
- Approx. 5 bar, depending on grind coarseness
- Weight
- 1.93kg tabletop / 1.66kg wall-mounted
- Height
- 24cm lever down / 36cm lever up
- Width
- 17cm tabletop / 26cm wall-mounted
- Depth
- 13cm tabletop / 26cm wall-mounted
- Dose and water
- 9-18g coffee with 25-30ml water guidance
Built to order in South Africa
Ready to discuss a Silver Lily machine?
Share your email for a direct South African order follow-up with current production timing, finish choices, mounting options, and the best next step for your machine.