​Wacaco Minipresso NS Portable Espresso Machine Review

​Wacaco is an up-and-coming brand that manufactures manual espresso machines that look like a high-end manual espresso maker.

The company aims to produce portable espresso presses that make a coffee that's as good or better than in-home machines. They accomplished this goal with the Minipresso NS, which costs the same as affordable mid-range units.

The Wacaco NS looks like a giant pill with a tough outer shell, but it's not as simple as it appears.

Inside, the Minipresso contains a unique mechanism that lets you make the delicious black elixir your soul craves without electricity or magic spells.

In short, it's the quality of a bulky, in-home unit in a powerful little package.

​Who Is This Product For?

​The Wacaco Minipresso's small, sleek, and featherweight design makes this espresso maker highly portable.

Pilots, sailors, salespeople, and other individuals who travel frequently will love having a reliable cup of espresso before they start their day. And because the system doesn't require electricity, campers and hikers will enjoy this coffee maker, too.

The compact Minipresso is much more convenient to use than standard coffeemakers.

It cleans easily, and you don't have to keep it on your kitchen counter.

These features make it the ideal option for office workers and occasional coffee drinkers as well as those living in dorms or small homes.

​What's Included?

​The Minipresso NS from Wacaco comes with a built-in measuring scoop and drinking cup on the bottom of the device.

A set of barista towels come with the unit as a standard gift from the manufacturer.

Wacaco also sells a larger water tank, matching insulated travel flask, and protective case separately.

​Overview of Features

​Wacaco designed the Minipresso NS for mobility.

The entire capsule weighs less than a pound. It's also less than 8" tall and 3" around, so you won't have to fight to get it into a cup holder.

Advertised as using eight bars of force, the NS espresso maker requires some effort to pump.

However, it works with Nespresso coffee pods for consistent, high-quality espressos each time. These pods cost more than ground coffee, but it makes up for the extra expense with quick and easy cleanup.

Each use of the Minipresso espresso machine produces a 1.7 oz of espresso. You'll find it leaves a sufficient amount of crema on top. And once the brew cycle ends, you can enjoy it as it is, add water to make an Americano, or fill the cup for a full-bodied coffee.

Cleaning isn't a problem for the Wacaco NS Minipresso, either.

Because the mess stays in the Nespresso capsules, you can clean the system with a quick rinse. Dry it, snap it all back together, and store it until you're ready for another espresso.

​How to Use

​You'll find the Wacaco NS espresso maker is simple to use.

Run hot water through the system to warm everything up.

Then, insert the pod, add the water, close everything up, flip the unit over and push the plunger until it stops. You can see the Minipresso in acion in the video below:

​Alternative

​If you like the Wacaco NS espresso maker, but don't want the expense of Nespresso capsules, you might like the Wacaco GR espresso machine. 

Both units are the same size and use the same method. They both make a delicious espresso with a thick crema.

Rather than using coffee pods or capsules, the Minipresso GR uses ground coffee in a refillable filter.

The GR version of the Minipresso also requires a bit more to clean because of the loose grounds. However, a lot of espresso enthusiasts like the ability to customize their brews and use custom roast blends.

​Conclusion

When you're traveling or busy but don't want to live without your daily espresso, the Wacaco Minipresso NS might be ideal for you.

The pods are convenient to use, and you can store the small but stylish units almost anywhere.

​The device is affordable, but the espresso it makes is far better than many in-home systems you'll find on today's market.

UniTerra ​Nomad Portable Espresso Machine​Review

​Unlike most portable espresso machines available, there are a few exceptions, the luxury Nomad Portable from UniTerra got its start on Kickstarter in 2013​. 

Since then, it has taken off and is now available in blue, green, white, and red. When you take a closer look at this machine, it's easy to see why it's gaining popularity.

Instead of focusing on portability alone, UniTerra dedicated itself to replacing your standard in-home espresso makers.

As a result, it makes a superb espresso with all the crema you could want. The Nomad coffee manual espresso machine isn't as compact as other portable coffee makers, but the enjoyment you get from every cup will make it worth the extra effort.

Once you experience the quality of this coffee gadget, it could become your most favored personal espresso machine.

​Who Is This Product For?

​The Nomad Portable Espresso Machine is for dedicated espresso drinkers.

​When you want to replace your bulky machine at home, make an impression at the office, or are tired of portable units that don't live up to your standards, this espresso maker is worth considering.

Take it hiking, camping, to the cabin, or on your next business trip.

​What's Included?

​The Nomad portable espresso machine comes with an anodized aluminum 48mm tamper.

You'll also find the metal cup filter, coffee drawer tray and the Nomad True Crema Valve tray tucked inside.

These three items make up the coffee drawer and are also purchasable along with replacement valves on the company website.

​Overview of Features

​The first thing you notice about the Nomad Portable Espresso Machine is ​the strikingly unique look. 

​The design is not rounded, capsule-like, or full of chrome -- the espresso doesn't look like a coffee machine at all. Instead, it has a shape and design reminiscent of antique coffee grinders with a modern twist.

The retro Nomad Portable Espresso Machine uses a small bar rather than a central piston or press mechanism. To operate, you seesaw the lever with your fingertips to build 8 to 10 bars or pressure. It takes minimal effort and produces a single shot, double shot, or full-bodied coffee in minutes.

To make sure you get perfect crema even when the coffee grounds or tamping isn't the best, the Nomad has a patented True Crema Valve. This valve automatically adjusts to make sure you get a perfect pull each time. There's nothing to set and no need to guess.

UniTerra's Nomad machine uses an interactive pressure control gauge to track the pressure. It's easy to read and adjust your seesaw motions to make sure you get the best possible espresso. It clearly shows where the force needs to be for the best possible brew.

All of these features combine to create an espresso machine that everyone can use.

Experienced espresso home baristas will love the high-quality espresso it makes. Newbies and beginner baristas will find the entire thing easy and fun to brew the best drinks they've ever tasted.

​How to Use

​Remove the tray, add 8-16g of grounds to the cup, and tamp it down.

Put the ground filter into the valve tray, the valve tray into the coffee tray, and put it back in the Nomad.

Then, add 10 oz of hot, cold, or iced water to the tank, place a cup underneath the spout, and seesaw the lever.

​Alternative

​If you're looking for an alternative to the Nomad, consider the Flair Signature Espresso Press. 

Another luxury lever design, the Flair takes the minimalist approach to portable espresso making. The machine comes with a custom carrying case and tamper.

The Flair isn't for those in a hurry:

There are no pressure gauges or valves to adjust, so you'll need to start with the right freshly ground beans, tamp them just right, and use water at the proper temperature.

It takes a bit of strength and knowledge to pull the perfect espresso, but with a bit of practice, you'll enjoy the simple and elegant Flair machine.

​Conclusion

​If you're tired of the sub-part espressos made by portable espresso machines or want a smaller espresso maker for your home or office, you'll love the Nomad Portable Espresso Machine.

You could say this system is in a different class than the average travel espresso maker. It costs considerably more than typical espresso portables but far less than professional at-home appliances. ​

​However, the price won't matter after you discover how easy it is for anyone to pull the perfect espresso with this fun and exciting espresso maker.

​Primula Single Serve Coffee Brew Buddy Review

​Who Is This Product For?

​The Primula Single Serve Coffee Brew Buddy is an ideal companion to the true coffee lover who wants to have their cup of coffee freshly brewed no matter where they are going!

Traveling business people, vacationers, and campers would equally love this gadget, and they could feel as thou they were sitting in a cafe, even when they were not.

​What's Included?

​This is a simple item that comes with a lid and brew-through coffee filter bag that sits down into your cup as you pour hot water into the top to brew your coffee. It is simple to use and store.

​Overview of Features

​This is such a simply-constructed item that it doesn't have that many features.

It is perhaps one of the easiest one-cup coffee brewing solutions out there today. You get everything you need to brew a perfect cup of coffee every time, provided you use the right kind of coffee grounds.

You can take the devive with you easily anywhere you go - it's ultra-portable - whether to the office, on vacation, or anywhere you want.

This no-effort coffee brewing system is a great idea for people in a hurry who still want to enjoy the rich flavor of freshly-brewed coffee.

​How to Use

​To use the Primula Single Serve Coffee Brew Buddy, all you have to do is to place the rubber lid on the top of your cup or mug.

Then pour hot boiling water down the center of the filter. The patented "turbulence" effect creates a swirling effect that is similar to what happens in a full-scaled coffee maker.

The result is delicious, bold, strongly brewed coffee. However, you can control the strength of your coffee by simply removing the filter top once you get it to the strength you want it. This gives you more control over how strong you want your coffee to be.

​Alternative

​Because the idea of single cup fresh brewed coffee is so popular, there are plenty of other options to consider.

One is the Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker​ a similar product that allows you to put a funnel device in the top of the stainless steel thermos mug and pour hot water over the filter inside the funnel to produce coffee on-the-go.

I didn't think the Coffee Gator was as convenient, however. 

People who are considering the Primula Single Serve Coffee Buddy are usually looking for a solution that involves using one cup, and the Coffee Gator looks more like a tall thermos which cuts down on the convenient size feature and, when compared to the Primula Coffee Buddy, is not as easy to take with you on-the-go.

​Conclusion

​There are many different types of single brew coffee products on the market today:m you can find most of them on Amazon any day of the week. However, I think this product is one of the most simple, compact coffee brewing products I've ever seen.

When compared to other products that produce similar results, it is a better solution if you want something small and simple. Plus, for the price, you won't find anything that competes.

For campers, business people on-the-go, and anytime you'd like a hot brew without having to start up your big coffee maker, this is a great solution.

Many people seem to like the idea of the universality of the style, too. You can just place the filter and lid on top of virtually any type of cup and it will work fine.

The price is also amazing when you think about the fact that you can get similar results with something that usually costs three times as much!

​Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker Review

​​Coleman has been a leading manufacturer of camping and hiking gear for decades. The company, known for producing rugged, reliable products, generally charges more than its competitors, but they're usually worth it. The automatic Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker is no exception.

The Coleman QuikPot is a top-of-the-line camping coffeemaker that runs off disposable propane canisters. And it works just like the coffee pot you have at home. Load it up, press a button, and enjoy delicious homemade coffee with your campfire breakfast.

​Who Is This Product For?

​Campers, hikers, and fishing fanatics are just some of the outdoor coffee addicts who will enjoy the Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker.

It's big, but it fills a thermos with minimal effort. This coffee machine is also ideal for areas under fire bans or in situations where you can't build a fire.

Sports fans will also like the Coleman QuikPot. You can set it up next to the barbeque and serve up fresh coffee with your favorite food at your next tailgate party.

People who love holding backyard gatherings, family reunions, or outdoor events will want to try this coffee pot as well.

​What's Included?

​The QuikPot propane coffeemaker comes with a reservoir and lid, filter holder, and regulator.

It also includes a glass 10-cup carafe, but you can replace it with a stainless-steel carafe that Coleman sells separately.

You can also purchase a specially-designed carrying case to keep the unit protected.

​Overview of Features

​The durable, propane-powered Coleman QuikPot coffee machine brings the quality of a home brewer to the great outdoors.

The rugged coffee maker weighs just over nine pounds, not including the propane cylinder, and 13.3" high. The overall design is sleek and modern in appearance right down to the metal safety sheet on the back of the machine.

To perk a pot of coffee, the Coleman propane coffee maker uses an InstaStart push-button ignition to light the propane instead of matches. One push of the button will start the burner and heat the water.

​The device is equipped with "PerfectFlow technology", which gives you consistent brewing quality regardless of the outdoor temperature or altitude.

The 10-cup glass carafe included with the machine is dishwasher safe. However, these are famous for breaking, so purchasing the extra stainless-steel carafe may be a good idea.

If you choose to stick with the glass carafe, leave the coffee pot on low to keep the coffee warm or transfer the coffee to a thermos.

To power the unit, the Coleman QuikPot will use a 16.4 oz cylinder of propane, which equates to about 4.5 hours of heating capacity. 

When you turn the coffee machine off when it finishes the brew cycle, one canister should hold enough propane for about nine full pots. So, one cylinder will likely have enough fuel for an entire week's supply of coffee.

​How to Use

​To make coffee with the QuikPot propane coffee maker, add a standard 12-cup paper filter to the filter holder, add grounds to the basket, and fill the reservoir with water.

Then, press the InstaStart button.

​Don't leave the brew unattended because, approximately mid-way through the brew cycle, you'll want to add around 8 oz of additional water to fill the carafe.

​Alternative

​If you'd like to avoid using propane, the Sterno Inferno Stove Kit might be a better option. 

This system uses canned camp fuel to make a 16 oz pot of coffee. Each can of fuel burns clean and is equivalent in heat to 7.24 oz of propane.

The Sterno pot has built-in wind resistance, which the Coleman system lacks.

The Sterno system is significantly smaller than the Coleman, weighs 9 oz, and is considerably more portable.

One significant benefit of the Sterno is the price; it costs less than a third of the price of the QuikPot.

​Conclusion

​The Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings or for outdoor enthusiasts who consume large amounts of coffee.

It takes about thirty minutes to make a pot, but the quality is well worth the wait.

​When you only drink a single cup, however, you might prefer the speed and money savings of the Sterno or a portable manual coffee machine.

​Trimm Portable Hand Held Espresso Machine Review

​​The Trimm manual travel espresso machine is a middle-of-the-pack-brand espresso press.

The espresso maker and travel mug resemble an expensive camera or set of binoculars on the outside. Inside, however, it is a quality espresso coffeemaker and travel mug.

The Trimm Hand Held Espresso Machine makes a basic espresso or coffee, but the thermos has a distinctive basket built into the lid that you can use to make tea or infused water blends. We decided to look at the Trimm machine ourselves to see if it was as good as it seemed.

​Who Is This Product For?

​Some consumers will find this machine works perfectly in the office or at home if they're fighting for space. They can tuck the espresso maker out of the way when they're done using it and carry the travel mug alone. And because the coffee stays hot for hours, they don't have to worry if they get distracted or pulled away and have to leave their drink behind.

Campers and hikers will particularly enjoy it. Because the travel mug and espresso maker are separate, you won't have to carry the machine with you if you don't want to. It's one less thing to pack up and less weight in your backpack.

​What's Included?

​The Trimm Portable Espresso Machine arrives in a sturdy gift box.

Inside the box, you'll find the manual coffee maker and a matching stainless-steel travel mug that resembles a thermos.

You'll also get two black matching carrying cases, a scoop, and a set of instructions. (You can find additional instructional videos on YouTube.)

​Overview of Features

​The first thing you'll notice about the Trimm Travel Espresso Maker is the sturdy but stylish design of its exterior. While it comes with a separate travel mug instead of the usual integrated cup, the system is still light, compact, and easy to take on the road.

The 11.8 oz travel mug that comes with the machine is quite impressive. It has all the standard features of a stainless-steel travel mug or thermos. It's vacuum-sealed, double-walled, and will keep drinks hot for hours.

Inside the lid of the travel mug, you'll find a basket built into it. This feature lets you make tea or infused water right in the cup without the coffee press. Just fill it with tea or fruit and turn the mug upside down to steep.

The espresso maker takes a no-fuss approach to travel coffee making. It uses any coffee to make 2.6 oz at a time and no pods, cups, or filters to carry around. It rinses clean in a few minutes, too, so the only mess to deal with are the grounds.

Trimm built the pump system in espresso press to last. Robust and well-made, it takes a bit of effort to finish brewing a cup of coffee, espresso, latte, or cappuccino, but the quality of the espresso it makes will help you forget about your hard work.

​How to Use

​To make a cup of coffee or espresso, dismantle the espresso machine, fill the bottom basket with coffee, and put the second basket on top.

Fill the water tank with hot water and screw everything back together.

Then, unlock the piston and pump the machine with the spout over your cup.

​Alternative

​If the Trimm Hand Held Espresso Maker isn't quite what you're looking for, the AmoVee French Press Travel Coffee Press Mug is an affordable option. It's half the price of the Trimm model, but still makes the same amount of coffee or tea. 

Unlike the Trimm model, however, it's BPA-free plastic.

The AmoVee system also works more like a French Press. Put the grounds in the bottom of the cup, fill it with hot water, and press the center cylinder into the mug. It does have a second plunger in the middle to stop the brewing process and customize the strength of your tea or coffee.

​Conclusion

​The Trimm Portable Hand Held Espresso Machine makes a fantastic tasting drink considering the type of system.

What it lacks in crema and refinement produced by traditional machines it makes up for with ease of use, portability, and functionality.

​When your office or camping trip is in dire need of a decent coffee or espresso, this may be the ideal machine for you.