Handpresso
The Evolution of Espresso
(2)
Like most of the writers here at Gear Patrol, I’ve developed an addiction and a fine appreciation for caffeine. A straight cup of black coffee is my standard, but I like to up the ante with an occasional shot of espresso. I’ve owned the nice combo machines that froth the milk and pull shots, but the amount of clean up required has lead to them acquiring a nice collection of dust atop my machine. Additionally, the bulky espresso machines are stuck at home on the counter. I want to meet my caffeinated needs while on the go; be it at the office or while camping.
I’m convinced that the Handpresso was made specifically for me. At first glance, the machine looks a bit like a miniature space station or deep sea diving vessel, but this is due to the amazing simplicity of its creation and its notable lack of moving parts. The Handpresso is very simple to use:
- About 30 seconds of pumping to get the gauge in the “green zone”.
- Unscrew the portafilter and add about 2 ounces of hot water.
- Place an espresso pod (easily found at most grocery stores) on the top of the portafilter.
- Press the pressure release forcing the hot water through the pod.
- Espresso has been created.
I stared down into the small cup of espresso. A beautiful layer of caramel colored crème hovered on the surface of this caffeine packed shot. A small sip led to the exquisite taste of espresso goodness. The best part about this shot? Nearly zero clean up required; I dumped the used pod and rinsed the spout of the Handpresso and I was good to go. When the Handpresso is paired with their unbreakable espresso glasses and a padded protective carrying case, you are only minutes away from having delicious espresso literally anywhere. The Handpresso would be great to keep in the desk drawer (for a boost from that after lunch hump) or thrown in a backpack for the next camping trip (skip that nasty instant stuff).
Cost: $100
Wow sounds great! Do you have to use those pod thingys, and also, are they reasonably priced (cos I remember someone telling me that although Nespressos- which sound similar- are great, the refill pods cost a bomb)? Thanks!
yes, you are correct, the handpresso feeds on the common little pods you see at the grocery store. there is a pretty good variety of brands and roasts but generally speaking the pods run about fifty cents each.
here is a link to some pods via amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E5DYU8
yes, you are correct, the handpresso feeds on the common little pods you see at the grocery store. there is a pretty good variety of brands and roasts but generally speaking the pods run about fifty cents each.
here is a link to some pods via amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E5DYU8
I am from Puerto Rico and got my Handpresso through Coffee World Puerto Rico(http://www.coffeeworldpuertorico.ecrater.com) I received my Handpresso about a week ago. The first expression is that this Handpresso is just nicely built, as well as the case. Making espresso is very easy, and it takes a minute or so to make a cup. I was impressed with the coffee. Believe me for a portable machine, coffee was great. Now my Handpresso substituted my Krups machine. I use Island Joe's ESE pods and Lavazza Grand Crema. A good hint is: to make sure espresso has an ok temperature, I heat up my cup as well as the water container before actually adding the boiling water. I always fill a bit more water (a few drops more) so the ESE pods gets soaked before extraction. And it really takes about 30-38 pumps, no big deal. With this I get a great espresso and crema too. I recommend buying ESE pods buy bulks of 100 or 150, it gets cheaper. The unit works best with the standard 7g E.S.E pod.