Wacaco Picopresso: Portable Espresso Machine
I love a fresh espresso pull. There’s really no comparison between a cheap espresso and high end espresso pull. A high end espresso pull needs no milk or sugar and has a deep, dark profile. There’s nothing like it. So when I was contacted by Wacaco to review their latest Picopresso portable espresso machine: https://www.wacaco.com/collections/shop/products/picopresso, I jumped at the opportunity.
The video above shows how I used the Picopresso for the first time. And while it is somewhat easy to use, it definitely takes some practice to pull a good shot. It took me about 5 uses to get an espresso shot that I was happy with — complete with the crema on top!
The Wacaco Picopresso comes in a great package: Picopresso, double filter basket, tamper, scoop, brush, distribution tool, funnel, and protective case. The Picopresso itself is about the size of a coffee mug, weighs .77lbs, measures 4.17x3.07x2.8 inches, and costs $129.90. If you live in the United States, UK, or HK all orders are exempt from import tax and duties. It also includes a 2 year warranty from purchase date.
So what’s great about the Picopresso? The compact size, durability, and espresso output. I love how compact and durable the Picopresso is. It ships with a zippered protective case and is about the size of a mug. It is made of high-end, heavy duty aluminum and plastic. It surprised me at how tank-like the Picopresso is. And all of the parts needed to use the Picopresso fit inside of itself. So you don’t have a bunch of random pieces in a separate pouch. All you need is the Picopresso, throw it in your backpack, and you’re good to go. Well, I guess you need a way to heat water as well but besides that it is all self-contained.
Once I received the Picopresso I immediately wanted to use it. I unwrapped the packaging and went at it. I would suggest reading the first couple pages of the manual the first few times but instead of only pumping 8 times to prime the pump, go up to 10 or 12 pumps and instead of letting it rest for 10 seconds maybe let it rest a little longer. The first time pulled an espresso shot I followed the instructions to a “T.” Unfortunately, it was a little weak and I didn’t get that great crema on top. What is most important when using the Picopresso is the proper espresso grind (the finer the grind the better for me), freshly boiled water, and letting the water rest after the initial pump priming.
When initially using the Picopresso I run hot water through the pump a few times to get it loosened up. Then I scoop my espresso ground espresso using the included scoop into the basket with the included, magnetic funnel. I then place the basket into the lower metal chamber and screw it on to the main body of the Picopresso. This is where I prime the Picopresso basket with hot water with 10 pumps, then let it rest for about 15 or 20 seconds. Once rested, I will continue pumping the Picopresso into a double-walled espresso cup if I have one around.
So what didn’t I like about the Picopresso? The only actual criticism I have is with the screw-on lid that covers the hot water chamber. It’s flimsy. Especially when compared to the bottom, heavy duty screw on cap — the problem with the top screw on lid, is that the water is so hot that when you fill it up and the lid doesn’t screw on easily — it will spill on your hands and boiling hot water burns. However, once you use the Picopresso a few times you can figure out how to balance the Picopresso on an espresso cup. So if the top lid could match the bottom lid I think the Picopresso would be unstoppable. One little criticism is that when the Picopresso is priming, it doesn’t balance well on it’s own. If the bottom-removable cap was a little sturdier and had a stand it would be immensely more helpful. The cleanup takes a few minutes as well. It’s easy to clean up but to do it properly you will spend about 5 minutes cleaning the Picopresso which if you let your newly pulled espresso sit may let it get cold. But the parts are very easy to clean.
In the end, I really like the Wacaco Picopresso: Portable Espresso Machine: https://www.wacaco.com/pages/picopresso. Whether I want to bring along a great espresso machine on a family trip to Disneyland or when camping, the Picopresso is a wonderful-all in one portable espresso machine. As long as you bring along boiling water and a bag of freshly ground espresso, you will be on your way. For under $130, the Wacaco Picopresso is a wonderful addition to your traveling, espresso loving expedition. Or if you have kids and don’t have room (or thousands of dollars) for a proper espresso machine, the Picopresso will help give you the caffeine you need!
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