Overview
The illy Francis Francis Y3.3 is a masterpiece of Italian industrial design that doubles as a capsule espresso machine, featuring a distinctive angular silhouette that has earned it a permanent place in the Museum of Modern Art design collection. Designed in collaboration with leading Italian architects, the Y3.3 uses illy iperEspresso capsules — a proprietary system that brews through a two-stage extraction process for enhanced crema and flavor complexity compared to single-stage capsule systems. The first stage extracts under high pressure, while the second stage emulsifies and develops the crema in a separate chamber within the capsule. At just 10 centimeters wide, the Y3.3 is extraordinarily slim, fitting into spaces no other machine could occupy. Despite its art-piece appearance, the machine is functionally straightforward — two buttons for espresso and lungo, a 0.75-liter water tank, and 19-bar extraction pressure. The machine heats up in approximately 30 seconds and auto-powers off after an adjustable idle period. Available in a range of bold colors including red, black, white, lime, and orange, the Y3.3 makes a design statement that few coffee machines attempt. illy supplies its capsules in a curated range of blends and single origins, all roasted to illy exacting standards. For design-conscious coffee lovers who value aesthetics as much as their morning espresso, the Y3.3 is an icon.
It features a thermoblock boiler system made of aluminum. The vibratory pump delivers 19.0 bars of pressure for optimal extraction. It uses a Proprietary group head.
Priced at $150, the illy Francis Francis Y3.3 is designed for budget-conscious beginners and casual coffee drinkers. As a pod/capsule machine, it prioritizes convenience and consistency, delivering quality espresso with minimal effort.
In terms of build quality, the illy Francis Francis Y3.3 is a substantial machine, weighing in at 3.2 kg, manufactured in Italy, drawing 1000W of power. With dimensions of 100 x 310 x 254 mm (W×D×H), make sure you have adequate counter space. The built-in water reservoir holds 750 ml, making it easy to set up anywhere in your kitchen.
Full Specifications
| Brand | illy |
|---|---|
| Model | illy Francis Francis Y3.3 |
| Category | Pod/Capsule |
| Status | Current |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Year Introduced | 2019 |
| Boiler Type | Thermoblock |
| Boiler Material | Aluminum |
| Pump Type | Vibratory |
| Pump Pressure | 19.0 bar |
| PID Control | No |
| Pre-Infusion | No |
| Pressure Profiling | No |
| Flow Control | No |
| Group Head | Proprietary |
| Steam Wand | None |
| Water Source | Reservoir |
| Reservoir Capacity | 750 ml |
| Cup Warmer | No |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 100 x 310 x 254 mm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) |
| Wattage | 1000 W |
| Voltage | 120V/220V |
| MSRP | $150 |