Pressopump Espresso Machine
A handheld portable espresso machine fitted with a USB powered water pump. The Pressopump can be connected to a regular USB charger, power bank or even a laptop computer.
Highlights
- Makes a rich espresso with a thick crema
- Pump generates 16 bar of pressure
- Can be used from any 5V USB power source
- Easy to prepare and clean
Pros and Cons
Where to Buy?
Intro
For those of you that have watched the video, you’ll know I had some very delicious espresso coffee beans to try out with the Pressopump. Unfortunately, when I made the video, they were just too fresh to use, but today is the day they peak. I’m currently sipping on my 4th espresso as I write this review. Each one was made with the Pressopump and each one was an absolute pleasure to drink. So, if you’re reading this review to find out if the Pressopump makes a good quality espresso, then the answer is an unequivocal yes, but for those who’d like to dig a little deeper, please feel free to read on.
Unboxing
When I first unboxed and handled the Pressopump, I was a little underwhelmed by some aspects of the presentation and the product design. Although it’s superficial, I think the packaging could be improved somewhat. It didn’t feel like I was unboxing a premium quality item. Five weeks on, I have a far better appreciation for the product, but my initial reservations could have been avoided with a few small tweaks to the design. I’ll share my honest critic with you a little later on, but first, lets find out what the Pressopump is all about.
About the Pressopump
The Pressopump is unique from all other portable espresso machines. Typically they require manual pumping either before or during the extraction process. The Pressopump, however, is powered entirely by USB. The internal pump provides a constant 16 bar of pressure during the extraction.
For those that haven’t already watched my video demo here’s a brief run down of the process.
How To Use the Pressopump
- Plug the USB cable into the Pressopump and connect it to a wall adapter, portable power bank or even a laptop.
- Pour boiling water in the tank up to the max level and screw it to the main body.
- Add the grinds basket with 8-10 grams of coffee and screw on the portafilter.
- Flip the Pressopump upside down and hold your finger on the button to engage the pump.
- After a few seconds, the Pressopump will begin extracting the espresso.
- Once you’ve extracted the desired amount, release the button to stop the pump.
Tips to get the Best Possible Espresso
- Pre heat the espresso cup with boiling water
- Run boiling water through the Pressopump without coffee to pre heat the device.
- Use freshly ground coffee and experiment with the coarseness and tamp to get the right extraction speed.
- Keep the portafilter as close to the cup as possible to help keep the temperature high and avoid air bubbles in the crema.
How Good is a Pressopump Espresso?
The extraction is extremely consistent and the temperature is respectable (assuming you’ve taken the time to pre-heat the device). The crema is smooth with rich tones especially if the portafilter is close to the glass. Most importantly, the delicate notes and flavours you’d expect in a good espresso are present.
Given the choice of the Red Brick Seasonal Espresso I’ve been making today using the Pressopump or a shot at my local Starbucks, it’s an easy decision. Assuming you’re happy with a single shot of espresso you certainly won’t be disappointed with the results.
My Design Critique
Firstly, there are two espresso cups that sit over the portafilter. The outer cup is a little on the thin side with an equally thin rubber sleeve around its body. The internal cup feels a little more robust, but is let down by a slight burr around its rim. I’d have much preferred to see a single espresso cup with a better build quality.
The water tank feels far more solid and tightens nicely. It does, however, have small fill markers on the inside that are rather difficult to see. I’d have preferred it to have a couple of continuous lines around its entire diameter to signify levels.
Luckily there’s a well-defined line a few millimetres above the max level which makes it easy to gauge when you’ve added enough water.
As well as a more visible water level marker, I’d have like to see a vertical line on the outside of the tank to provide a visual aid when tightening it to the main body. If you haven’t screwed the water tank on sufficiently, it will leak when you flip it over prior to extraction. A reference line like the one found on the Handpresso would avoid this from happening and also ensure you’re not over tightening it.
My last little niggle regarding the design is the small rubber cover that protects the power input port. I’d have liked to see a cover that was permanently attached to the body of the Pressopump.
Fortunately, all of these minor aspects don’t have any real effect on its performance when it comes to making a good quality espresso.
The important components such as the basket and the portafilter a very well designed and are easy to prepare and clean out after the extraction.
Would I recommend the Pressopump?
After using the Pressopump for almost five weeks I have to say I’ve been very impressed. The few flaws it has in its design is easily made up for by the end result. It handles variations in grinds, weight and the tamping pressure better than most other portable coffee makers. It’s easy to prepare and even easy to clean out after use. The automatic pump does a good job of ruling out the pressure inconsistency that you’d typically experience with other manual espresso machines. Assuming there is no catastrophic pump failure on the horizon, the Pressopump is most definitely worth the money.
I’ve watched your video and also read your comments. Great review, well done. I have just ordered mine and waiting eagerly for it’s arrival. I also have the Handpresso that took a while to get the grind just right. Worked well for 3 months then started leaking everywhere
Very dissenting. Have returned it and still waiting on reply. You seemed very impressed with the NanoPresso and barista kit. In your opinion is it the best one?
Most definitely, the Nanopresso with the Barista kit is amazing. I need that double shot and it’s the only portable espresso machine that I know of that will manage it
very interesting. Seems a nice one.