Olympia Express Maximatic – Heat Exchanger Espresso Machine, Made in Switzerland
A whole Swiss manufacturing tradition fits on just under an A4 sheet. The Maximatic hums softly while heating up, the illuminated Olympia logo glows warmly, and with the push of a button, espresso flows from the extra-long spout – at precisely the temperature that truly unlocks a bean's aroma: 92 °C at the brew head, supplied by a heat exchanger that heats fresh water to over 100 °C and then dispenses it precisely.
Since 1974, Olympia Express has been building the Maximatic in its own factory in Schwanden, Canton Glarus. Every single component is designed and manufactured in-house – from the vibration-damped vibratory pump to the chrome steel boiler. This is precisely what makes it the most compact heat exchanger espresso machine worldwide: 19.5 cm footprint, 18.5 kg of Swiss engineering, quiet, reliable, built for generations.
What defines the Maximatic
Heat exchanger instead of dual boiler – the aroma profile of a heat exchanger machine
The Maximatic is a classic heat exchanger machine: Fresh water runs through a coil in the 0.75 liter boiler, is heated to over 100 °C, and reaches the optimal brewing temperature of 92 °C in the brew head. The same boiler produces steam for frothing milk. This design allows for parallel espresso and milk foam – with a single heating element and a single boiler. Our opinion: For anyone who wants espresso and cappuccino in the same sequence, the heat exchanger machine is one of the most hassle-free solutions the market offers.
Swiss chrome steel, hand-assembled
Water tank (1.5 liters, refillable during operation) and boiler (0.75 liters) are made of taste-neutral chrome steel. The front is made of highly polished stainless steel, frame and casing in a particularly durable powder coating. Manometer, illuminated Olympia logo as heating indicator, water level indicator, extra-long steam wand, thermal overload protection, mechanical safety valve – all designed for longevity.
Made in Schwanden – not in Italy, not in Germany
Olympia Express has been producing in Switzerland for over 95 years, today in the mountain canton of Glarus. Only a few hundred machines leave the factory each year. Repairable, durable, with spare parts available for decades – Cremina models over 40 years old are still in daily use today. The same applies to the Maximatic: no seasonal product, no expiry date.
All Features at a Glance
Heat exchanger espresso machine with a compact 19.5 cm footprint. 1.5 liter fresh water tank, refillable during operation. 0.75 liter chrome steel boiler for parallel espresso and milk steam. Vibration-damped vibratory pump. Brew temperature 92 °C in the brew head. Illuminated Olympia logo as heating indicator. Manometer with boiler pressure display. Extra long steam wand for latte art. Thermal overload protection, mechanical safety valve. Drip tray and drip grid removable. Surface usable for cup pre-warming. Heating time for classic heat exchanger machines is about 20 minutes. Available in Anthracite, Red, White.
At a glance
| Type |
Heat Exchanger Espresso Machine, Semi-automatic |
| Brew Group |
Proprietary Olympia design with heat exchanger |
| Boiler |
0.75 L chrome steel, taste-neutral |
| Fresh Water Tank |
1.5 L, refillable during operation |
| Brew Temperature |
92 °C in the brew head |
| Pump |
Vibration-damped vibratory pump |
| Portafilter Size |
57 mm Olympia standard |
| Heat-up Time |
approx. 20 minutes (heat exchanger) |
| Housing Material |
Highly polished stainless steel, powder-coated frame |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) |
19.5 × 34 × 37 cm |
| Weight |
18.5 kg |
| Power Supply |
220–240 V / 50 Hz, 1000 W (alternatively 120 V / 60 Hz / 850 W) |
| Cable |
160 cm, removable |
| Colors |
Anthracite, Red, White |
| Scope of Delivery |
Funnel, portafilter, 1- and 2-cup spouts, 1- and 2-cup baskets, blind basket, tamper, owner's manual |
| Origin |
Schwanden, Canton Glarus, Switzerland |
Who the Maximatic is Made For
The Maximatic is for anyone who wants Swiss manufacturing quality in a small space – without compromising on espresso and milk foam. It fits into any kitchen, any studio, any law firm, any practice. Its operation is simple enough that coffee in the morning doesn't become a ceremony, but the result bears the signature of a machine built with over 95 years of experience. Those who appreciate the aroma profile of a heat exchanger – a little warmer in body than an E61, a little more direct in aroma development – will find one of the most compact answers worldwide here.
Accessories that match the Maximatic
For grinders, there are two legitimate paths. Those looking for an affordable and precise electric solution will find it in the Varia VS3. Those who want to step up to a premium grinder will reach the highest level with the Weber Workshops EG-1 or the Option-O Lagom series. For hand grinders, we recommend the Comandante C40 or the Timemore Hand series.
For scales, the easy route is through the compact and reliable models from the Normcore Collection. Those who want app connectivity with flow rate display should go for the Acaia Collection. The same logic applies to tampers, puck screens, WDT tools, and tamping stations: Normcore is affordable and solid, Weber Workshops is premium. Consultation tool for grinder and machine selection: Coffee Machine Comparison and Consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Olympia Express Maximatic
Is the Maximatic a dual boiler?
No. The Maximatic is a heat exchanger machine. It has a single boiler (0.75 L) in which a heat exchanger brings the brew water to brewing temperature. Dual boilers have two separate boilers – one for espresso, one for steam. The Maximatic achieves the same task – parallel espresso and milk foam – with a significantly more compact design.
Where is the Maximatic built?
In Schwanden, in the canton of Glarus. Schätti AG Metallwarenfabrik has been designing and manufacturing the entire Olympia Express line there since 2011, in its own workshop. Made in Switzerland in the strict sense.
How long does it take to heat up?
Classic heat exchanger machines need about 20 minutes for the boiler and brew group to become thermally stable. A timer or smart plug makes mornings more convenient.
Where can I buy the Maximatic or see it live?
Order online via coffeecoachingclub.ch with delivery in 2–4 working days to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Discover it on-site in our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44, 3011 Bern) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b, 8050 Zurich). Click and Collect is possible at both locations. Not every model is permanently available in both showrooms – transport from one location to another takes 1–3 days. When ordering a coffee machine costing CHF 1500 or more, you receive a free 60-minute private barista course in Bern, Zurich, or online. Financing available.
Who services a Maximatic?
Maintenance and repairs are handled by Olympia Express itself in Schwanden or by authorized Swiss service partners. Olympia Express is known for servicing machines for decades – even 40-year-old models still find spare parts from their own workshop.
Which beans are suitable for the Maximatic?
From experience in our coffee roastery: For the vast majority, we recommend Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight – dense, aromatic, full-bodied, with the sweetness and chocolate notes that a heat exchanger transports particularly beautifully. For those who want maximum body without any acidity, choose Very Nutty. For the curious with a penchant for fruity profiles, the Wild Peach is a Sunday discovery.
Roastery Tip from our Coffee Roastery
The Maximatic is one of the machines we particularly like because it brings together two things that rarely come together: it is compact enough for any kitchen and at the same time a true heat exchanger machine with the aroma profile usually found in much larger machines. When it comes to bean selection, we keep it simple: Cozy Chocolate as the main course, Nutty Delight for days with a little more body. The Maximatic's heat exchanger transports caramel and chocolate notes more directly than an E61 – that's our observation, others may see it differently. Every shot remains unique: bean, humidity, and person change daily. That's what makes it enjoyable.
