Beginnings

Millers has been strongly influenced by the espresso machine. 

The first machine, a Faema E61, was a ‘3 Group’, which enabled it to extract coffee into 6 espresso cups, simultaneously.

The E61, as it is fondly known, was purchased in 1984 and took pride of place in ‘Another Roadside Attraction’ – a small local cafe opposite the hospital in Grafton. 

This beautiful, vintage machine is still in use today at Millers Coffee Roasting & Refreshment Room, 31 Cross Street Newton, Auckland. 

It began the Italian connection to espresso, and in particular to the city of Milan where many of the best espresso machines are manufactured and where the culture of espresso had its beginnings to become the strongest influence on the modern cafe culture. 

A culture where people visit a favourite espresso bar on a daily basis as part of their lifestyle, creating a sense of community.  Coffee is served at the bar and people take the time to meet friends, discuss business or have some time out by themselves while still having a feeling of connection and recognition. Along with the espresso machine came the roasted coffee. 

In Milan, the market was controlled by only a few very large and established coffee companies. But in New Zealand, the way was open for individuals to more easily begin roasting their own to give themselves greater quality control. 

When Millers began roasting coffee there were only 10 roasters in New Zealand.  Today there are more than 100.

History, cafe culture and today
In those days there was the coffee lounge.  Sandwiches and cakes were displayed in a way that people were able to help themselves.  The coffee offered was usually ‘cona style or filter but it was the last consideration.  Today it is often the first.

Then in 1988 came Millers – freshly roasted on an Otto Swadlo 3kg Roaster, with the aid of the espresso machine.

As more successful cafe owners took control of roasting their own coffee, their understanding and confidence grew and the new players who secured a brand of espresso machine were able to identify their machine with their particular brand of coffee and attract new customers keen to be a part of this new phenomena.

Along with the high standard of espresso machine know-how, came a desire to continue sourcing a high standard of green beans. 

Combined with concientious roasting, New Zealand has created much mana around the humble cup of coffee. We have become world leaders in setting a consistently high standard.

Millers coffee has been able to make a valuable contribution to this standard and continues to do so by encouraging many who have wanted to take part in helping shape this important industry.