Can make top-notch espresso yet is portable and inexpensive.
Negative Product Points
Limited capacity and requires either an espresso grinder or an extra $20 filter.
Detailed Commentary
The Handpresso is surprisingly well made and ought to be able to produce as good a short espresso as any device on the market. However, as with any espresso machine, the bolus of coffee needs to be dense enough to withstand the water pressure for 20 seconds. We no longer own our commercial espresso grinder and use a Baratza Maestra instead, which proved to be unsuitable for the filter that comes with the Handpresso. (Coffee came out in less than nine seconds at the finest grind.) However, the $20 "intense" filter turns the trick. If I tamp the beans hard several times as I fill the basket, the brewing time ends up perfect and so does the drink. (NB: the handle is sized to serve as a tamper.)
The Handpresso is not quite so easy to use as a conventional machine but neither is it difficult, it takes up no counter space, and it does not waste electricity heating a large thermal mass. It will not make Starbuck-sized American enormities but it will make superb espressos. For the occasional cappuccino I can easily froth some milk in a French press.
The Handpresso requires boiling water--the temperature drops off appropriately inside the device--and like any short espresso, a pre-heated cup. The instructions say that the filter ("domepod") ought to be replaced after 500 uses.
Buying Experience
Mountain Equipment Coop plus filter direct from the Canadian importer. No problems with either.
