Recommendations for handheld espresso gadgets?

[Piglet]

What are the options for handheld (non electric) espresso gadgets - Aeropress, handpresso? Any others?

What would you recommend?

[Dr G]

From a recent thread I now can't find I think the Aeropress came out significantly above handpresso.

[Truckosaurus]

I have an Aeropress. It is simple enough that it is unlikely to break. It is a doddle to use and clean. I got mine from the Has Bean fellow.

[vsonix]

Aeropress is a nice bit of kit for not too much money and makes a great cup of coffee, although I would consider it more of an alternative to the plunger/cafétiere rather than an espresso maker. Because it uses a paper filter you don't get 'crema' - although you definitely get a stronger/denser brew than you would with a classic filter setup. The main points in its favour are ease of use, very easy to clean and has to be about the neatest thing ever when it comes to disposing of the grounds; eject the cake straight into the compost bin - I peel the filter paper off and reuse it throughout the day with good results but you could use a fresh one every time if you felt strongly - and a quick rinse off.

The 'Presso' probably makes the closest thing to a machine espresso - my friend has one and I used it myself for the first time a couple of months ago. It's a little more complex to use as like a commercial espresso machine you need to have the grind and the tamp perfect to achieve the intended results but once you've mastered it... it's impressive. Downside is 4x the price of an Aeropress and not as portable - I take an Aeropress and a Porlex hand grinder practically everywhere with me if I'm planning on being away from home longer than 12 hours, Presso would be too bulky. Also my friend had to get his Presso replaced under warranty as the arms broke - but apparently newer versions are tougher anyway.

[F-Stop Junkie]

As has been said, the Aeropress doesn't do 'proper' espresso (thick, and with a rich crema) more like a shot of strong filter coffee. Very nice though.

There's a couple of hand held espresso machines which require you to add hotwater, then either hand pump upto pressure before dispensing, or there's another one that uses CO2 cartridges I think. Both are £100+, where as the Aeropress is £25 and lightweight!

[Piglet]

Thanks all, that's useful info.

I've used a plastic filter, filter papers and ground coffee at work for years (six or seven years) and it's always worked great and I've enjoyed drinking the coffee.

BUT we bought a bean to cup machine for home recently which produces such great coffee that I'm not enjoying my filter coffee as much, it just doesn't seem to have as much taste as it did.

The price difference is an issue at the moment, I either need to make do for now until I can justify the Handpresso or take a punt on the Aeropress.

Hmmmm decisions...

[vsonix]

£35 pound on a manual Porlex grinder and buying whole beans and grinding a load every time you want a cup is the way forward. Obviously an electric one for home use too - the Porlex is for out and about! The Aeropress is cheap at £25-ish, it gets used two or three times a day in addition to my Hario dripper (I prefer that for lighter roasts) and my Bialetti Moka pot which I use if I fancy a cappucino or other milk-based thing. I'm saving for a 'serious' espresso machine anyway. As you can tell I am a bit of a coffee geek, having recently started working in the biz it's all getting out of hand now, haha!

[bodysnatcher]

Piglet, our mutual friend McDonald of Dublin has had a handpresso for years, uses it regularly trackside. I think Ter has experience of more than one version.
Me, I use a cafetierre for proper tea, made with leaves & freshly brewed.

[Piglet]

Thanks BS, I knew someone had one and couldn't remember who. I think I'm going to try the Aeropress for now and see how I get on with it and then stump up for a handpresso in a couple of months once I've paid the last vets bill off!

I could impress the DTM guys with espresso in at Brands out of a handpresso next year!

[Piglet]

I've ordered an Aeropress and I'll see how I get on with that, still very tempted by the Handpresso but it'll have to wait for now. Thanks for the input.