The First 100 Years: The 1920s

Mahlkönig turned 100 this year and to memorialize this occasion, we are sharing a special blog series highlighting each decade of our journey. Join us as we rewind through time and explore the rise of Mahlkönig to "The King of Grinders," along with the evolving landscape of coffee culture in the 1920s.

Mahlkönig Milestones:

Founded in the pivotal trade city of Hamburg, Germany in 1924, amid the hum of industrial progress, Stawert Mühlenbau GmbH & Co. KG laid the foundation for what would become one of the world's foremost manufacturers of coffee grinders—Mahlkönig.

 The brand name Mahlkönig, meaning “King of Grinders”, was first registered in December of that year, setting an intention for the excellence, precision, and passion our company is known for today.

Mahlkönig's first coffee grinder the Type 0, served as the predecessor to the EK0 (an ancestor to the EK43). The Type 0 marked the beginning of Mahlkönig's journey toward excellence in coffee grinding technology. 

The Coffee Industry:

Coffee cultivation expanded during this period, especially in regions with favorable climates such as Central and South America, Africa, and parts of Asia. Brazil remained the largest coffee producer globally, followed by countries like Colombia and Ethiopia.

Espresso-based drinks were already known in Europe, particularly in Italy, but they were not as widespread or popular in other parts of the world during the 1920s.

Coffeehouses remained popular gathering places for intellectuals, artists, and activists, particularly in major cities like Paris, New York, and Vienna. The rise of the "cafe culture" during this period contributed to the spread of coffee consumption as a social activity.

Overall, the 1920s were a dynamic period for the coffee industry, characterized by expansion, innovation, and cultural significance. The developments during this time laid the foundation for the modern coffee market that we see today.