Initial Impression
I was a bit skeptical that I could get a decent shot of espresso from a portable machine. And while it doesn't develop as much crema as my home machine (and I wouldn't expect it to considering that machine is over $1,500) - this thing is a GREAT way for me to get my espresso fix at work.
Value
The build quality of the Handpresso is top notch, commensurate with its price (i.e. you get what you pay for). It should last quite a while. I was pleased to find that it comes with an extra O-ring gasket.
It's already paid for itself in savings - I don't buy espresso at Starbuck's anymore. It also IMHO brews a way more drinkable shot than Starbucks ever did - they really need to clean their machines and train their alleged "baristas".
Tips
For hot water, I use my office kitchen's hot water dispenser - and you really need very hot water to get a good shot, so take some care not to scald yourself. The only downside is I'm getting a lot of requests from co-workers to brew them a shot.
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Handpresso Wild 16-Bar Hand-Pump Portable Espresso MachineProduct Description: Make cafe-quality espresso wherever you are and wherever you go with the Handpresso Wild. Measuring just 8-2/3 by 3-8/9 by 2-4/5 inches, the Handpresso is small and convenient to carry on vacation, business trips, hiking, boating, or virtually anywhere. Yet it produces cafe-quality espresso big on taste, with no electricity required. Hot water and any E.S.E Pod are all that are required to ensure premium quality. Short for "Easy Serving Espresso," E.S.E. pods are sealed coffee pods designed specifically for use in E.S.E.-compatible espresso machines. They are easily acquired at coffee houses and grocery stores. To work the Handpresso, just pump it until the needle is in the green area on the pressure gauge, which indicates 16 bars of pressure. Next, add hot water from a kettle or a thermo-insulated bottle. Place an E.S.E. pod in the filter, close the top and press the button to dispense the espresso. It's never been easier or required less clean up to make espresso. The sealed pods eliminate mess associated with espresso making. There are no messy grounds spilling out. When the brewing is done, simply throw away the pod and rinse out the water receptacle. The product easily pays for itself in a short time with the money saved on store-bought espresso. Handpresso Wild makes an excellent gift idea.
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A good-looking coffee pot and makes a good cup of coffee. However, a nine-cup pot actually makes only 8 cups. I really enjoy the smell of fresh coffee being made in the morning and seeing the coffee perculating through the glass top. Nonetheless, after making less than a dozen pots of coffee, while pouring coffee in a cup the glass top just broke off and tumbled into the cup.So order a couple of more glass perculator tops along with the pot because the pot is useless without it.
