Excellent, clean fresh coffee in no time at all and with the minimum of fuss and mess
Positive Product Points
Quick to make a coffee Don't have to alter grinder from espresso to use this device Quick and easy cleanup Clean tasting coffee. Not powdery or gritty like some other methods Strong and durable (should last a good while) Bargain basement price
Negative Product Points
Can only really make 1 good cup or 2 sml at a time (holds around 6oz) Not really espresso in intensity despite marketing (but i didn't expect otherwise so not really negative) Lacks a certain depth (but again, its not a bad coffee ... just different) Would be nice to have a metal filter (its been talked about being in the works but nothing so far)
Detailed Commentary
I, like many others, have spotted many random threads on forums about this new product. Now i love my espresso and have invested heavily on this ritual but sometimes i just want a coffee and can't be bothered to wait for machines to heat up.
Personally, i've never got on with presspot (just don't seem to enjoy it)...so this seemed an ideal choice....so given the small investment required (can't say fairer for £25) i thought i would get one especially since i trust the retailer (doesn't usually stock inferior products).
Package came... set up required? Open box...rinse under tap ... put a disk of filter paper (loads provided) into the holder and screw it on ... use the provided spoon to "dose" the coffee ... i find 2.5 scoops of espresso grind (i didn't even bother trying to adjust my grinder for this)...put device on cup...filled from a recently boiled kettle to about 3/4 ..... stir for 10 or so seconds with the large provided paddle...press slowly with the rubber tipped plunger to force the water through the coffee
Result! First time/every time....its a lovely cup of coffee ... clean and crisp yet has all the flavour notes of an espresso...yes it doesn't quite have the body of espresso or presspot but its a fine cup to enjoy quickly.
The cleanup is a 10 second job too ... just unscrew the bottom of the filter ... knock out the dry puck of coffee and if you wish rinse the filter paper and let dry (they can be used a couple of times each) and rinse the main unit.
The whole thing takes <1 minute (mostly the time is taken by the grind and stir portions) and the cleanup likewise.
I would certainly buy another if this one wears out (i guess the rubber plunger might not quite seal eventually) but the main body should stand up to some abuse, its pretty thick clear plastic.
I'm also considering packing one in my bags for when i work away ... just need to get me a portable grinder too
Buying Experience
Not a problem, box comes with a stack of filter papers (which can be used 2 or 3 times as they rinse under the tap) and even a big paddle to stir (so as not to tear the papers as the blurb says)
