Strictly speaking, the Staresso can only use ground coffee. However, the manufacturers do claim that it will work with Nespresso pods but this is stretching the truth a little. To use, you need to open the pods and tip the contents out and the coffee machine doesn’t include anything to pierce the foil. The Nanopresso is actually the successor to the Minipresso, a very popular portable coffee maker in its own right. Having tried both versions, we feel that with this latest portable espresso maker, Wacaco has created the best device an espresso-lover could hope for in the absence of a real espresso machine.

It’s far from a plug-in-and-go job, but the Nanopresso actually had us asking why coffee had become so complicated, when all you really need for a wake-up call is a small and mighty piece of kit like this. It is worth noting that Lattissima One does not come with a steam wand for making micro foam, but it does have its own automatic ‘Rapid Cappuccino System’ to dispense milk straight into your cup. This capsule machine won’t allow you to experiment with freshly ground beans and artisan filter flavors, either, which is the case for all of the machines featured in this guide.But, notice how I said “coffee machine” and not “espresso machine”. Though AeroPress markets itself as an espresso maker, this isn’t entirely true. Its pressure maxes out around 0.7 bars ( 3), nowhere near what is needed to achieve a true espresso with a rich crema. What it does make is a very strong shot of coffee, suitable to be diluted with hot water or milk into your favorite beverage. If anything else, that strong cup of coffee is undeniably delicious. Therefore, the AeroPress is highly popular. Have a look at our Aeropress Coffee Maker review for more information. The Verdict For us, theWacacoNanopressois a superior portable espresso maker though. Whilst it is slightly more expensive, it more than makes up for that. It iseasytouse and pulls a high-quality espresso shot. This ultimately comes down to the pump mechanism which is incredibly quiet and smooth on theWacaco.On the Staresso, this is a bitnoisyand can jam. Staressoclaim their espresso makes creates between 15 and 20 Bar of pressure, and I’m sure it theoretically can. But in reality, you’re getting a smidge north of 15 bar. This creates a good espresso, but not a great espresso. Nevertheless, that pressurized portafilter is also the reason that the espresso the Nanopresso produces won’t be as good as the Picopresso. The Mirage’s 53mm pressurized double filter basket offers plenty of room for error in grind size, making it a solid beginner-friendly option.

Compact, light and very easy to use, the Nanopresso is an elegant option to carry with you while travelling. Most importantly, it creates a surprisingly authentic and flavourful espresso, especially combined with a portable coffee grinder, fresh beans and the Barista Kit upgrade. Our reviewer found that this pod coffee machine was easy to use and produced delicious results. The machine does come with a selection box of nine capsule samples which is plenty to get going - although we would have preferred some more decaf options - and each one did not disappoint. The most useful out of the three settings we found was Lungo because it suited our 350ml mugs the best.Some machines only pull single shots, a concession that allows for a more compact design. If this doesn’t sound like enough to get your engine running, make sure to choose a travel espresso maker that offers a double shot.

It’s surprising how much the move away from plastic gives you confidence in the durability of the Picopresso. (Excluding the distribution tool and coffee spoon which are both plastic and aren’t great).Some pre-grounds espresso blends are a little bit too fine for the Nanopresso. I got a bag of Costa grinds and they were a little on the fine side. It’s been a while since I bought pre-ground but if I remember correctly the Lavazza espresso is ground just right. If you really want to persist with the Illy ground coffee you could either try adding 15g instead of 16g that might help. You’ll notice that the portafilter does actually tamp the coffee deeper once it’s screwed on tightly (it sort of self tamps) So by having a gram less, it may just improve the flow. You could also remove the small silicone piece from the spring in the portafilter (non-pressurized mode) this will also help.

Heat your Water: This will need to be done separately (for a portable coffee maker that heats water, your best bet is a battery-powered machine). The Picopresso’s build quality is exceptional. Everything from the way it all fits together, to the comforting weight of the stainless steel parts, to the smooth operation of the pump. TheWacaco,on the other hand, consistently creates 18 bar pressure. Andthis can bring out more nuanced flavors, especially from light or medium roast coffee. Once I learn “where the edge is”, I will start using the Barrista Kit, also bought strictly on your recommendation. If you plan to make the most of this portable espresso maker while on the road, you’ll need a manual grinder like the 1Zpresso J-Max (that’s what we use when we travel). Or, if you’ll only use it at home, an electric grinder like the Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a good option. Whatever you choose, it needs to be capable of grinding well for espresso– not all grinders excel at the finer end of the spectrum.

NANOPRESSO L-CASE

Whether you’re travelling, camping or simply want to enjoy a cup of coffee at your desk, then a single serve coffee machine is perfect for you. Can I use my own coffee grounds in a single serve coffee maker? The timing of this question is perfect and I might be able to help you out here regarding your issue.