Wacaco Picopresso - 0.08 Liter

Product Description Wacaco pico machine Accessories for Picopresso Picopresso Gauge Exagrind Exagram Picopresso Stand Protective Sleeve Picopresso 12g Basket Picopresso 18g Basket Review: Fun to use - I haven't had mine long. But I love it so much I bought two! One to keep at work. I'm not a trained barista or massive coffee connoisseur. But I appreciate good coffee. I doubt there is a better way to get a decent espresso shot for cheaper than this. I got my first one on prime day and ended up paying £75. That's really hard to beat. Especially as it's still good value at £119. The Instagram friendly packaging was nice... but completely wasted on me, as it just got ripped open and responsibly sorted into the appropriate bins for disposal ;) I got the IMS basket for it. Maybe it's better... people who know more than me seem to think so, so why not. The original basket definitely fits better, although the IMS works fine despite the awkward fit. I can't speak to how well this will last, there is a lot of plastic, so it could crack I guess, but this doesn't seem to be a thing just yet, looking at other reviews. I think this is a brilliant coffee tool, it allows just the right amount of engagement and experimentation to be intriguing and dare I say, fun to use. I have definitely been able to impress people with the quality of shot this can produce. There is a "but" though... you need a good grinder. It's very sensitive to grind size and quality. You'll be able to squeeze a decent tasting shot either way. But if you're after a decent crema, you need to dial in your grind size. I initially ground too coarse and had no crema, then I ground too fine (Turkish) and it wouldn't push water through, there is a pressure bypass, so it will just cycle water back into the chamber if there is too much pressure in the pump. Then I hit the goldilocks and got some beautiful golden crema. Very happy. I feel like the trick is short, quick pumps to build good, consistent pressure. To sum up, it's pretty affordable (though that's subjective) it's easy to get great results. But if you invest some time and effort, you can really produce some amazing espresso - which can be very rewarding. Making this a great purchase in my opinion. Review: The best portable espresso device - Ever - The Picopresso is absolute genius and the closest I can get to a portable device that delivers barista quality espresso. I own multiple portable espresso devices and this one leaves them all standing. I also have a pretty hefty espresso setup at home (yes I know a bit sad) and I therefore have high expectations when it comes to my daily shot or two. The Picopresso if used correctly can deliver trully exceptional results. When my home machine went in for its service a few weeks ago I used the Picopresso every day and was more than happy. However ,there are a few howevers. You need a good quality espresso grinder for your (fresh - dark/espresso roast) beans and preferably some scales so that you use the same amount of grind every time. I use approx 15g. You can go up to 18g but thats a matter of taste. Properly tamp the beans with the funnel removed from the basket. Ideally replace the supplied basket with a 51mm full size basket (La Pavoni Europiccola baskets fit) - but only if you are as fussy as me. Most importantly pre-heat every element before you make your coffee otherwise the results are going to be lukewarm. Avoid getting water inside the plunger. There's some great youtube videos out there. It's a bit of a faff when you start but well worth it once you get used to it. I regularly take mine to work with my coffee pre-ground.