Portaspresso - Quality Portable Espresso Maker

[wildsprig]

It looks like something from the 19th century! Stunningly beautiful.

I bought a Presso, but had I seen this machine prior to my purchase, I would've had a difficult decision to make.

However, one thing I couldn't help noticing was your pouring of boiling water into a small *hand-held* container. Maybe I'm just an overly-cautious American, living in an overly-litigious country, but I'd eat the cost and include the stand, if for no other reason than avoiding the impending lawsuits.

Cheers.

[Portaspresso]

@wildsprig

Good point. I encourage people to buy the stand because it makes it easier to use and it's great for storing the device. I originally included the stand, but separated it out to lower the cost because some people were freaking out at the cost. Most people do buy the stand, and less people seem to freak out at the price, so I will consider putting them back together. Thanks for the feedback.

[violector]

it looks good. How many grams have you used for that single shot, though?

[Portaspresso]

@violector

That shot was done some time ago so can't exactly remember, but it would have been somewhere around 21 grams.

[establishmentME]

I distribute the mypressi TWIST and also use it every day. Your machine looks very interesting. It looks very crafty and although I probably wouldn't use it all the time I would keep it around because it's just an item to have and it looks like quality. Is the portaspresso retailed any where else besides your website?

[Portaspresso]

@establishmentME

It's only available through the website at this stage, and this is unlikely to change because of the high manufacturing cost. I think a retailer markup would make this device too cost prohibitive for the average person. Then again, if people knew how good this thing actually is, price would not be an issue. So who knows, perhaps as more of them get out there, the word might get around, and retailers could then sell them for a premium price.

[antonc81]

it'd be good to see a vid of a shot being pulled from one of these with a naked portafilter, if such a thing exists.

[Portaspresso]

@antonc81

I've uploaded a video showing a naked demo. The naked filter head is available through the website.

[antonc81]

Is the entire device machined out of metal.. looks very tight! Nice crema on the shot too!

[Portaspresso]

@antonc81

Except the insulated grip, its machined from solid brass billet. I've also added a close-up video of extraction.

[zck7]

If the cost of making your espresso maker is substantial, I'd recommend trying to sell it to the luxury goods retailers like Sharper Image.

The world always needs a better espresso machine, so I wish you luck.

[zck7]

At $400 per unit, I cannot imagine who is going to buy this.

[Portaspresso]

Thanks for your feedback. I am curious though, what do you think is a fair price for this product?

[zck7]

@Portaspresso

In its current form, maybe $80. You're competing with the Handpresso which is easier to operate.

[Portaspresso]

@zck7

Unfortunately for me, there is a common misconception that this device performs the same job as other portables. I can assure readers that this is not the case; otherwise I wouldn’t have wasted my time developing it if I could’ve just bought something as good. I think cheaper products are great for people not overly concerned about quality coffee, but for those who are, this device has no competition, and I’m sure that people will eventually realize that my claims are not marketing spin.

[Portaspresso]

@zck7

Those who understand espresso know the importance of temperature and pressure, and so far I haven’t been able to design a cheaper device capable of controlling these variables well enough to produce the coffee quality I expect. Nonetheless, a true comparison against any machine capable of producing similar quality espresso will reveal that this device is actually a bargain. People need to look past its size and portability. And as they say, “Size does not matter; it is how it is used”.

[zck7]

@Portaspresso You sound sincere but it's not obvious how either temperature or presssure could be controlled in your device. Temperature depends on the water added, which is not under the control of your device, and pressure depends on the rotational force on the crank, which will vary depending on the person's technique.

[Portaspresso]

@zck7

That is a reasonable question which is comprehensively explained on the website's Master Class page. As noted, the device does not control anything. It is merely a tool to enable the user to control the variables, which is why it is possible, in skilled hands, to rival espresso quality from any machine. FYI - hand pressure profiling is surprisingly easy and very effective.

[zck7]

@Portaspresso

Well then you've confirmed my suspicion that it could be difficult to operate.

I don't think you realize that most consumers, even espresso fanatics, will not take your claims at face value. At $400, you need to prove to people -- in person -- that the resulting espresso is excellent.

Videos on Youtube are not enough.

No one is going to spring for one at $400.

It's a leap of faith.

And who's to say it costs you more than $10 to make?

[Portaspresso]

@zck7

I agree. Of course everyone will say that their products are the greatest, especially on the internet. I’m under no illusion that most readers will dismiss my claims, but I try to present the product honestly, and I’ll answer all questions as objectively as I can. It is not a product for everyone, but it is perfect for the few who want the best. Perhaps people will believe me, or maybe they won’t. I guess time will tell. Either way, I certainly enjoy my coffee experience!

[Portaspresso]

@zck7

I would need a time machine to be able to make this for $10. If anyone doubts the price, show the website pictures to an experienced engineer for an opinion. Is it difficult to operate? If you lack coordination, do not buy this device. There are no buttons to press; you have to use your hands. If you like coffee and gadgets, and don’t have two left hands, the coffee making process with this device is very satisfying. If you have more questions, I am happy to answer them.

[kb1ooo]

@zck7 The temperature control comes from the claim that the device retains heat very well, which is not an easy task. I'm not sure why you are confused by the pressure control. The speed at which you turn the crank controls the pressure, so the device enables manual pressure profiling. What exactly did you expect?

[Portaspresso]

@kb1ooo

Just found your comment, but not sure if you asked a question or not. I have posted another video with more explanation. I plan to post more, especially about pressure profiling. I profile every shot, and the results are very good; far superior to one constant pressure. I can't imagine not being able to vary pressure during extraction. Would be like having a car that is stuck in second gear.

[kb1ooo]

@Portaspresso the question was directed at @zck7 who challenged the ability of the Rossa to control pressure. Not sure why he/she was confused.

[evelhelper]

good idea, crap video

[Portaspresso]

Thanks to the person who sent the HB link. It’s always interesting to read others’ opinions. If I post replies to that site I’m sure they’d be pulled, but feel free to ask questions here.

[kb1ooo]

Clever device, but I wonder how you can be so interested in

pressure profiling (a controversial technique), when you seem to be so

cavalier in your demo with critical variables like dosing, distribution,

and tamping? Getting those right will do far more for producing a good

shot than anyone can seem to agree that pressure profiling will achieve.

And how to achieve consistency in your pressure profile, for a brewing method

that is already so hard to make repeatable with existing variables?

[Portaspresso]

@kb1ooo

1 of 4 - Thanks for your comment. I can assure you that there is nothing cavalier with my technique, and I certainly agree that you must master the variables you mention. However, once you master them, finding the right profile for a particular bag of beans can and does improve quality. And believe it or not, if perfection is what you desire, it is sometimes necessary to use slightly different profiles for different bags of the same type of beans.

[Portaspresso]

@kb1ooo

2 of 4 - I vary grind (of course), and temperature, pre-infusion time, pressure build up speed, overall pressure and flow, and what is perhaps the defining feature of the device which is the ability to adjust pressure during extraction in response to unpredictable changes as water passes through the coffee.

[Portaspresso]

@kb1ooo

3 of 4 - Changes can be felt as you turn the handle and corrections can be made in response. The net result is as close to perfection as I have experienced, but it may take a couple of shots when you open a new bag to find the sweet spot. That said, even the experimental shots are better than most cafes! Also, I rarely alter tamping pressure.

[Portaspresso]

@kb1ooo

4 of 4 - As far as repeatability, I get it right almost every time, and I’m sure anyone with a feel for quality could do the same with a little practice. I should also note that this video only demonstrates the basic operation. I’m sure you can appreciate that there is more to it than my limited description above, and keep in mind that this level of detail is taking already great espresso to another level. I intend to post further videos to demonstrate advanced techniques.

[kb1ooo]

@Portaspresso I appreciate all the comments, thank you. Looks like a cool device. How do you get a feel for producing a fairly specific profile? E.g. if I wanted a standard 9bar profile as a reference?  Also, do you have a measurements on temperature profile? Thanks again.

[Portaspresso]

@kb1ooo

1 of 4 - Thanks for your questions. The device does not currently have a gauge. This may change in the future, but I personally don’t think it’s required. I designed it to provide the user with total control over variables, and I also tried to design it so that people who don’t care that much for detail will be able to produce quality results. During development, I watched how people seemed to “naturally” operate it, and made modifications so that this typical operation was about right.

[Portaspresso]

@kb1ooo

2 of 4 - I have a test assembly with gauge fitted I use to pressure test the device, but during operation, I find feel and watching the espresso stream gives a better indication. Of course, people using the device will not know the exact pressure, but you soon learn the relationship between crank arm turning effort and pressure by observing the resulting espresso shot. Pressure and flow is controlled by grind and crank arm turning speed.

[Portaspresso]

@kb1ooo

3 of 4 - Even though you don’t know the exact pressure, once you learn the relationship between grind, crank arm turning speed and results, you should be able to experiment with different pressures very consistently. I use grind size and timing of extraction phases as a reference for comparative purposes, but it is essential that you use a quality grinder.

[Portaspresso]

@kb1ooo

4 of 4 - I haven’t recorded any temperature profiles that I can supply. However, temperature is very easy to control. A thermometer can be used to initially calibrate your preheating technique, and then I find that holding my little finger beneath the device on the metal gives a good indication of internal temperature. The temperature on the metal is much lower than internal, but again, you soon learn the relationship.

[kb1ooo]

@Portaspresso Thanks again. As for the thread at HB, I don't see why you would be pulled for responding to a discussion about your product as long as you disclosed who you are? There is a difference between peddling a product and informing a discussion that was independently initiated. I'm sure you figured out that I started the thread :) Given the large amount of support and interest in the mypressi at HB (and others), I'm surprised that the portaspresso hasn't yet been given a close look.

[Portaspresso]

@kb1ooo

OK. I'll post comments on HB in response to questions asks. The reason that few people know about this device is that I've done my best to limit exposure while still getting a few out there to gauge feedback to determine whether I should invest further. I originally made it because I couldn't buy a portable capable of commercial quality coffee and I wasn't sure if any others sort the same quality as I and whether they would want a manual device. Either way, I've fulfilled my need!

[kb1ooo]

@Portaspresso Well, I think the success of the mypressi is an indicator that there is clear interest in portables. Though I think it's as much or more about delivering very high quality espresso at an inexpensive price point, as it is about portability. If you would be willing to ship one to the US, I'm very tempted to go for it.

[Portaspresso]

@kb1ooo

As far as quality goes, I'm sure I don't have some mystical ability to make great coffee, and I'm sure others will learn to use the device just as well. As far as price goes, well, taste the coffee then you tell me! I've currently sold out of stock, but will have more in approx 3 weeks. The website will have automatic order processing once stock is available, and will include international shipping.

[vyapada]

Thanks for the reply! Sounds very cool, will be checking back :)

[be99rnm]

I'd definitely be interested in a hand grinder and porta combo. What is ur timeframe? Otherwise there are the ceramic hand grinders on the maker already.

[Portaspresso]

@be99rnm

The grinders won't be released for at least another month as I'm still tweaking the cutter design, but the portaspresso is available now. Send me an email via the website and I'll let you know when the grinder is released.

[vyapada]

Any chance of seeing a naked pf clip with a bit of extra zoom? :)

Looks like a great device and quite stylish - a little steampunky, too!

[Portaspresso]

@vyapada

I'm planning more clips and will upload once done. They will show and I will explain how to get the most from the device, which will include a zoomed in shot of the naked. I also want to demonstrate pressure profiling with the device; results are amazing to say the least! I'll also add a clip of my prototype hand grinder. Double shot in less than 10 seconds. Grinds directly into the portaspresso filter head and pre-tamps as you grind. Better grind and 3 times faster than my Rocky!

[IpsilonStudio]

Water to cold :(

[Portaspresso]

@IpsilonStudio

Water temperature is perfect. The device is designed to ensure water temperature stability. In fact, one of its unique features is the ability to control temperature. If you have the device, please read the instruction manual to help refine your technique. If you are unable to make the best espresso you've ever tasted, please make contact via website and I will help you. The device is truly remarkable and most people need to taste the espresso to believe just how good it is :)

[pquodling]

yum...