Strietman CT2

Overview

The Strietman CT2 is a minimalist Dutch lever espresso machine that strips the brewing process down to its absolute essence — heat, water, pressure, and the human hand. Designed and manufactured in Amsterdam by Wouter Strietman, the CT2 is a completely manual lever machine with no pump, no boiler, and no group head in the traditional sense. Instead, a cylindrical brew chamber sits atop an integrated heating element, and water is heated directly in the brew chamber before you pull the lever to generate extraction pressure through a piston mechanism. This design eliminates every unnecessary component, resulting in a machine of striking visual simplicity — polished stainless steel cylinder on a minimal base, with a beautifully machined lever arm. The CT2 uses a standard 58mm portafilter for compatibility with quality baskets and accessories. The manual lever gives you direct, physical control over every moment of the extraction — pre-infusion pressure, ramp-up speed, peak pressure, and decline are all in your hands. There is no steam wand — the CT2 is a black coffee purist machine. The 400ml chamber produces one to two shots before refilling. Each CT2 is precision-machined from solid stainless steel in small batches. For the espresso minimalist who wants an intimate, hands-on relationship with their extraction and values engineering beauty, the CT2 is a remarkable object.

The Strietman CT2 comes equipped with pre-infusion for even extraction, pressure profiling for advanced shot manipulation, flow control for barista-level precision. It features a none boiler system made of stainless steel. The manual lever pump delivers 9.0 bars of pressure for optimal extraction.

Priced at $2,800, the Strietman CT2 is designed for dedicated prosumers who demand professional-grade equipment. As a lever machine, it offers a hands-on, tactile brewing experience that many espresso purists find deeply satisfying.

In terms of build quality, the Strietman CT2 is a substantial machine, weighing in at 7.0 kg, manufactured in Netherlands, drawing 1400W of power. With dimensions of 195 x 195 x 370 mm (W×D×H), make sure you have adequate counter space. The built-in water reservoir holds 400 ml, making it easy to set up anywhere in your kitchen.