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Permalink Reply by Brandon on May 7, 2009 at 4:05pm

I saw this at the SCAA convention and it vaguely reminded me of this

It's coffee like. It's probably better or about on par to a thermo block entry level type machine when done properly. For $129 its also about the same price though. You get what you pay for, but i guess its portable so that's a plus maybe. You still need a hot water source. We'll see how this sells, but I can't personally imagine it being more than the next camping trip novelty for coffee. REI will probably sell a ton.

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Permalink Reply by Chris DeMarse on May 8, 2009 at 5:42am

Brandon is right about water delivery. Furthermore, there seems to be no thought to temperature stability. Are the water volumes controllable or does it always pull 2 oz? I can't imagine carting it around with a digital thermometer on a camping trip and an adjustable hand mill just to get seemingly "flash in the pan" espresso. Also, I can't get past the selling point that it's compatible with pods.
I think that their scaa endorsement for best product may have come from a lack of other innovations this year, though I couldn't make it to the show.

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Permalink Reply by Jesse -D-> on May 8, 2009 at 5:51am

looks like it is producing crema. I am still pretty skeptical though.

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Permalink Reply by Andi C. Trindle on May 11, 2009 at 7:42am

All valid points. I will say, however, that the taste was much better than anticipated--better than the average home machine. It's more novelty ultimately than groundbreaking, though.

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Permalink Reply by Jay Caragay on May 11, 2009 at 11:59am

As a former best product judge for the SCAA, let me state that the criteria for best product is very open to personal interpretation by the judges. It is not necessarily an indication of brew quality.

That said, I had the opportunity to spend a little time with the Espressi prototypes at their booth. If I recall correctly, the length of brew is determined by how long you hold the trigger on the bottom of the portafilter handle. Hot water goes into the upper chamber and a portafilter basket is secured in the lower chamber. A 12gram nitrogen cartridge fits in the handle.

Pressure is delivered by the cartridge and is regulated by the internal orifices within the device to deliver a constant pressure. There is no provision to delivering a precise water temperature, and considering the limitations of the device, it is ridiculous to expect a level of control over water temperature. Simply heat water, pour it into the upper chamber, connect both halves and brew coffee.

The 58mm basket allows you to use proper grind, dose, distribution and tamping techniques. Bear in mind that the device is not meant as a replacement for a La Marzocco GB5 and any expectations of performance at that level are absurd. The unit is best for brewing espresso away from a machine, perhaps while traveling or camping.

After having sampled some of the other portable espresso brewers on the market, I have to say that the Espressi is the most promising unit to come in several years.

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Permalink Reply by Jesse -D-> on May 11, 2009 at 12:04pm

thanks Jay, makes me want to try one.

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