What is portable espresso coffee machine Review

The popularity of espresso coffee has not declined for decades. Of course, companies are responding adequately to huge consumer demand by offering a wide range of devices for its preparation. This listing today includes fully automatic espresso coffee machines, traditional drip, carob, geyser coffee makers and Moka (Bialetti) pots, and nespresso single-serve coffee makers. Each of these devices has pros that allowing them to compete successfully in the market. Moreover, companies are constantly expanding the functionality of their models. For example, until recently, the comparison of automatic espresso vs nespresso single-serve coffee makers was incorrect due to the huge difference in their price and coffee quality. But today they are quite comparable.

Of course, fully automatic espresso coffee machines remain among the most popular. Industry leaders regularly update their range with new series. In particular, the market has expanded with Delonghi PrimaDonna, Dinamica, Magnifica and Autentica series, Philips EP 1200, 2200 and 3200 espresso machines, Jura Impressa S8 and E8 models, Gaggia Cadorna series, etc.

But, of course, manufacturers of other coffee makers also do not stand aside. For example, this year Norway’s Wilfa introduced the second generation of the popular Drip Svart Precision WSP coffee makers.

Wacaco portable espresso makers

But apart from development in the traditional segments, companies offer fundamentally new solutions. In particular, about 10 years ago, Wacaco introduced portable espresso coffee makers to the market.

This company appeared in 2013 as a startup. Hugo Cailleton, founder of Wacaco, brilliantly implemented his idea of the portable espresso machine, allowing users to pull their own drink on the go. Of course, he had to go through a difficult path of experimentation while developing the first mass-produced Minipresso model. But ultimately, the inventor developed an efficient coffee extraction technology using a portable hand-held mechanical device.

Like a drip coffee maker, the portable model uses pressure to force hot water through ground coffee or a coffee capsule. But, of course, unlike traditional coffee makers, it doesn’t have a boiler, grinder and electro pump. Accordingly, the pressure is provided by a piston that is driven by a pusher or a threaded driver. In addition, the user must have boiling water, ground coffee, or a capsule.

Some models can use ground coffee or capsule. Of course, the serving size is limited due to the compactness of the device. But Wacaco offers a solution to this problem, for example with Tank+.

Today Wacaco offers:

– Minipresso GR – $ 50, ground coffee, 8 bar, 70 ml (2.35 fl oz).

– Minipresso NS – $ 50, NS capsules, 8 bar, 70 ml.

– Minipresso SA – $ 50, Caffitaly System and Tchibo Cafissimo capsules, 8 bar, 70 ml.

– Nanopresso – $ 65, 18 bar, 2017, 80 ml (2.7 fl oz).

– Pipamoka – $ 47.

This new model uses an innovative twisting mechanism that creates vacuum pressure inside the mug.

Minipresso vs Nanopresso

In fact, Nanopresso can be positioned as the second generation of Minipresso with pressure increased to 18 bar. But preparing a classic espresso requires only 8-9 bar. At the same time, the absence of filters and valves in Minipresso minimizes the water resistance, providing the required pressure. Therefore, its advantage is manifested in a decrease in the required pressing force on the lever. Wacaco Minipresso requires significantly more lever pressure and can be difficult for a fragile girl.

Additionally, Nanopresso uses a collapsible dispenser and a very comfortable spring-loaded valve.

The rest of the models are identical. It consists of three modules, including a hand pump with a retractable activator lever, a tank and a brew group. In turn, brew group contains a plastic filter for ground coffee or an adapter for Nespresso / Caffitaly and a dispenser.

The filters hold 7-8 grams of ground coffee. Unfortunately, they are different and not interchangeable. In particular, Nanopresso uses a plastic filter, the Minipresso filter has a metal mesh insert. Nanopresso offers an optional 16 gram dual filter in the Barista Kit.

Both models provide fairly high organoleptic qualities of coffee. Unfortunately, they have a common problem. As known, the correct espresso preparation requires a certain pressure and temperature. Inconsistent pressure is not a problem. For example, the PEP technology in the Jura models and the Doppio+ mode in the Delonghi also use intermittent pump operation.

But the inconsistent and relatively low water temperature is a problem. In testing, it dropped to 60 degrees during the brewing process. This is mainly due to the heat exchange between the water and the pump, which weighs about 200 grams. As a result, the water cools very quickly.

Staresso portable espresso coffee machine

But, of course, Wacaco isn’t the only brand in this segment.

International Staresso also successfully specializes in the design and manufacture of coffee and tea devices. Its lineup includes:

– Staresso Portable (Basic) – $ 65, pressure of 15 ~ 20 bars, ground coffee or Nespresso pod without adapter, 100 ml (3.50 fl oz) water capacity.

– Staresso Portable (Mini) – $ 66. Similar specs at smaller dimensions (2,6 x 8,5 in vs 3,35 x 8,86 in).

– Staresso Pro (Mirage) – $ 80.

This 3rd gen model supports 3 cup sizes, including Single Shots, Doppio or Lungo.

Conclusions

In general, modern portable espresso coffee machines are a great solution for active espresso lovers who spend a lot of time in travels or on business trips. Today the market offers reliable AeroPress coffee makers, very popular Wacaco Minipresso, Nanopresso, Pipamoka models, etc. At an affordable price of $ 30 to $ 100, these devices ensure the making coffee of a sufficiently high quality. Unfortunately, the lack of a boiler creates a problem with boiling water. Perhaps in the future, companies will be able to use new technologies to heat water without electricity. But today they can only offer a thermos that partially solves this problem.

This video offers the Minipresso vs Nanopresso comparison.