[Closed] tell me about handpresso

Interested in getting one of these too, so I'll just hang around and watch if no-one minds. 😀

I have one will post later when I have more time

I bought a "wild" one for Mrs Mc at xmas,as having first heard about it here.

It works fine, but I haven't been blown away by it. Coffee is nice and remember it produces a genuine "Italian sized" espresso. - Ideal for one of those ultra teeny pre-warmed cafe-cups because that's what it's designed to do after all.

If there are two of you and you want a couple of shots each, then it's quite a bit of messing about, banging out the coffee grounds, re-filling the filter and water, pumping it up, all that stuff. A bit of a ritual if you like that sort of thing, but it can take three or four minutes to make a couple of doubles even when you are quite adept.

So we don't always use it even though it's available. Often easier to get out the carafe even though the coffee from that is obviously not as good.

[i]Handpresso[/i] - always sounds like a euphemism for onanism to me. Frothed milk with your handpresso madam?

Aeropress for the coffee-on-the-go win. Cheap, robust and great coffee from them.

tootall I've seen them, the principle looks a bit like a cafetiere - what are they and how do they pump up the pressure? also, to cut down on the faff when out in the wilds, i'm looking at the ese pod 'presso - does the aeropress support pods?

Often easier to get out the carafe even though the coffee from that is obviously not as good.

Different rather than not as good, I'd have said.

They work like a syringe / plunger and the pressure comes from that. You put a filter paper in, coffee on top, hot water, stir then push the plunger in, wait, then push down slowly. This forces the water through the coffee and the filter. It is practically self-cleaning too and the waste is biodegradable. It isn't exactly an espresso shot, but it is close and excellent coffee for less money and less to go wrong. I have a few mates who used them for 6 months in Afghanistan with no problems.

I'll also recommend an aeropress. Easy to use and a nice cup of coffee in under a minute.

I got one like this:

[img] [/img]

Real espresso 🙂

molgrips - that looks like a variant on the stovetop spresso maker, which fine but it is only generates about 3 or 4 bar. I suspect the aeropress is much the same. The handpresso works on 16 bar which is closer to "real" espersso.
Anyway, fao pimpmaster - I've ordered one from fairfax as they have a deal on just now [url= http://www.fairfaxcoffee.com/Coffee-Machine/Handpresso/Handpresso-Wild-Portable-Espresso-Machine-Red.aspx ]with a case and 18 pods.[/url]. The red isn't compulsory, I just have an incredible record of poor buying decisions
Update to follow if I can be arsed

It generates as much pressure as you allow it to, by choosing the beans, the grind and how you tamp it.

You can make some phenomenal concoctions from one of those if you are careful.. Much much stronger than espresso if that's your bag.

EDIT: however it can be a faff.. that handpresso looks easy to use.

It's to use at work and out on away days - I'm not sure the stovetop thing would work - looks nice though.
However, the handpresso wins on pose value I'm almost ashamed to say

Re Handpresso....Yes, they are as good as reviews suggest.
I have a domepod version and have also used ese pods successfully in this machine. I get AMAZING espresso shots out of grounds once you get the hang of the machine (like any espresso machine I guess)
Important to use correct grinds (espresso fine) and adjust tamp pressure to suit, depending on age of beans, grind setting etc. Also find a tamper that fits if you can or use the handle of the machine which fits perfectly. Prcatice will make perfect.
There is an accessory called the domepod case which allows you to 'preload' 3 espresso if going on a picnic, ride etc. Very cool.
A nice trick when riding with a group is to find a friendly cafe at some point where your mates will purchase their coffees whilst you ask for a small jug of hot water (normally free)!! Works a treat and has been done!
Regarding pods, these are a great alternative for convenience although grinds will produce a better shot.
With regards to ease of use, once you get the hang of it, its a breeze....even your mates can get involved by producing there own shots so you dont have to do the work!
Lastly, the designer from Denmark is an enthusiastic tramper, cyclist and coffee drinker...hence the whole design phylosophy. 😀

Hope this helps

John

I've got the handpresso wild, domepod- had to have it replaced under warranty after 6-7 months after the pump stopped pumping. Not sure what was wrong, but it couldn't be cured by replacing the seal. I did use it a helluva lot though.
Doesn't work with coarser grinds- I just use illy black (fine) now- red, for instance doesn't work. Haven't been able to find a decent tamp yet. Coffee can be good, but you need to experiment with pressure and tamping.
Overall, not perfect, but pretty good.

Ahhhh, had already ordered the wild because the websites seem to say that it's an either or decision - either wild/pods or dome/grinds. As it's mostly for being out and about pods seemed like less faff i went for the pods option, but being able to choose would have been good. Looking at the design, i can't see why that's so difficult.
So, anyway, it's arrived. Around 24 hrs after ordering, well done fairfax the supplier (linked to from the handpresso site). So obviously, it needs played with
first impressions - really nice and well made. fair bit of weight though. Instructions, straightforward enough, so pumpity pump, add water, in goes pod, press button and water everywhere, with some coffee in cup. taste what there is of it in the cup and a good strong caffeine hit. Try again being a bit more careful about locating the locking ring. crema seems to take a while, but the whole process (not including boiling the kettle) from pupming to drinking is under 3 minutes. Supplied pods are Esspresione arabica, and ye gods what a caffeine hit. Seriously, after 1 1/2 shots, I'm buzzing. Certainly way stronger than my stove top. Really nice coffee as well, smooth but with a taste kick as well as a caffeine one and no bitterness.
is a degree of faff, but as OH doesn't drink coffee and the caffeine hit froma single shot is enough, I can't see having to do it more than once (other than a spot of showing off/posing), so result is worth the faffing, but will stick with machine at home.

@Pimpmaster_j - yes, do it. And based on one go, I'd recommend the supplier from the handpresso site.

EDIT - note that the pods are supplied as part of a deal from fairfax, not normally included. thought I shold mention that. Also comes with a holder.