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The Fresh Eyes behind Slayer Chris Flechtner

The design of Slayer espresso machines wows both baris- With an academic background
tas and consumers. It’s the ability the brand has to react quick- in graphic design, jewelry-mak-
ing, and metalsmithing,
ly in response to the market demands in high-quality espresso Flechtner earned an MFA from
extraction, as well as the courage to take on the challenge in renowned Cranbrook Academy
producing something that is truly artwork itself. “Slayer Espres- of Art where he studied
so was created because people in the industry were reluctant furniture design. He has been
to take the risks necessary to see big changes,” shared Flecht- the Industrial Designer for
Slayer since 2007, and now has
ner. “It’s our hope that we can inspire our fellow coffee friends an independent design office in
to continue pushing the limits of what we already are comfort- Kyoto, Japan.
able with in all of our processes associated with coffee — we
want to be the catalyst for change.”
During the innovation and change, Flechtner also en-
countered challenges. “As an industrial designer, the distinction A hand-made touch of uniqueness and a combination of
lies not in aesthetics, but process,” he said. When a ceramic aesthetics and functionality make Slayer a big name in the
artist designs as they go, it can turn out to be something that coffee world. All of its cafe owners love taking shots with their
is one of a kind, but not easily duplicated. Industrial design is beautiful espresso machines. The pale pink Slayer at Host
another story. The challenge that Flechtner faces is creating Milano 2019 was the apple of people’s eye. “Each piece made
designs that are practical and replicable, “built with consisten- with these materials displays eccentricities that make it truly
cy for each of the hundreds — and thousands — of machines unique. In the case of wood, time only adds to its beauty, as
that we would produce by hand.” He said: “Industrial design the handles show subtle wear,” shared Flechtner. Also at Host,
has the unique goal of mass production.”
the Steam Wand X preview cheered many baristas and cafe
[1]
owners. “This stand-alone steam wand offers the cafe owner/
barista the ability to increase their milk or alternative steaming
capacity without adding an additional full size machine,” ex-
plained Flechtner.
‘Design’ at Slayer means a machine needs to be both a
practical tool and an elegant centerpiece, according to Flecht-
ner. Having him on-board since 2007 has turned Prefontaine’s
vision into a reality.
Improve as I Create

Now, Flechtner runs an independent design office in
Kyoto as he designs espresso equipment exclusively for Slayer
and Gruppo Cimbali . The passion for design and constant
[2]
quest to improve what he has created means he is always fo-
cused on what’s coming next. “I think my favorite model of
Slayer is the one in my head that I have not yet designed.”
[1] The Steam Wand X is in the final
With appreciation for antique hand tools used for hand- phase of development, it is not yet for
brewed coffee and tea, Flechtner is happy to be embraced by purchase but is ready for volume
the rich cultural history and eye-opening rituals, beautiful yet stress testing and customer facing
inspiring, in Japan. “Even our six-year-old son is learning the engagements that help the brand
gather consumer opinions.
tea ceremony in school now,” he said. Photo / Slayer Espresso
[2] Gruppo Cimbali and Slayer joined
Although surrounded by great coffee and espresso bars hands in partnership in 2017, which also
in Kyoto, he confessed: “I am not as much of a coffee snob as assists Slayer in streamlining its
I probably should be.” Instead, he enjoys making coffee with manufacturing process through
his Bialetti Moka Pot at home and in the office, as well as “a consultation and lean production
implementation, enhance its engineering
local Japanese brand of coffee from an old-time producer”.
expertise and provide access to build a
Next time, you walk past a coffee shop and spot a Slayer, large, high-quality team to truly achieve
you may stop to take a closer look at the machine. all of Slayer’s goals.

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