Have you seen the Handpresso? It's a marriage of a bicycle pump and an espresso machine - two very functional items that obviously belong together. Right? OK, maybe not. It's a portable espresso machine that works through a hand-pump. Can you really make a good espresso with a perfect crema with a modified bike pump?
That's what the website claims. We are deeply skeptical about this, especially since the gadget only works with coffee pods. It doesn't look like you can use your own freshly roasted, freshly ground espresso beans.
The pump works up air pressure, so you can get a high-pressure extraction, but we are wondering what the point is, if you don't have fresh beans to extract from. But it would let you have something approximating espresso when camping or out away from civilizations and proper coffee shops. We would probably choose the Aeropress for a camping trip, though, or try our hand at cowboy coffee.
But maybe we are too cynical - has anyone tried this gadget? It's available in their web store for 99 euros.
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I've never used this gadget, but I can attest that you *can* generate enough pressure manually to make real espresso -- complete with crema -- using the Presso (which also has a much more beautiful design, though it's a bit too bulky for camping trips). I've been using mine a couple of times a day for two years, and it still delivers.
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I haven't used this particular device (although it sounds very interesting), but I don't think you should just dismiss espresso pods. The ESE (easy serving espresso) system is well-established and a number of reputable firms make espresso pods, including Lavazza and Illy. Nespresso is also in there, but their pods are not ESE-standard. The pods are shipped in vacuum-sealed canisters, if not also individually wrapped to maintain freshness. It is more than possible to produce a great espresso, with crema, using a high-quailty ESE machine. Francis Francis is a brand I have used and would highly recommend.
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