****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
After 6 months of use I'm confident that the Picopresso has to be the greatest portable espresso makers out there. I don't usually write reviews, but this product deserves one. I bought this in June for use in my camper and I now use it to make my daily coffee at home as well.The build quality of the Picopresso is fantastic. The actual reservoir/pump and it's lid are the only plastic pieces (thankfully, otherwise it would be very hot to hold). The remainder of the pieces - dosing funnel, tamper, basket, basket holder, shower screen are all made of machined aluminum and precision engineered to fit into a tiny, beautiful, portable package. The design is impeccable and all parts fit together into a carry case not much larger than a Coke can. I use it inconjuction with a few other accessories - a scale, WDT tool, tamping mat, etc. - and carry it all, along with my coffee beans and grinder, in a small tupperware bin the size of a shoe box. The included photo shows all of the individual parts of the Picopresso (plus the scale, pot/stove, and grinder that I use when camping - not included).I will say that the process to make an espresso shot may not be for everybody. It definitely requires a routine to boil water, grind beans, prepare your espresso puck, and brew. It takes about 10 minutes all said and done to hand grind and brew a double shot of espresso, then clean the device. With an electric burr grinder and kettle, the process is definitely simplified and does not take much longer than a traditional espresso machine. I much prefer the cleanup with this device as opposed to a french press, Aeropress, or drip coffee brewer. Only the shower screen, basket and basket holder touch the espresso and they all screw off the bottom to be rinsed easily.Like any espresso machine, the Pico is finicky in regard to the grind size of the coffee you put into it. If you do not own (or intend to own) a capable burr grinder, then I would look at an alternative device. If your coffee is too course you will end up with dilute bean water, and if too fine, you will not be able to pump any water through the device. However, I paired mine with a simple, $150 hand grinder (VSSL Java) and have had great results. Super rich, creamy espresso shots without the need for an expensive and bulky countertop unit.For us milk coffee drinkers, obviously a huge drawback to a device like this is that there is no milk steaming. I will usually make an americano with milk, or an iced coffee, but I sometimes bring a countertop milk frother with me if a cappucino or latte is desired - a non-issue for me, but worth considering.Overall, I'd highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates a cafe-quality espresso and is willing to spend a few minutes each morning on their coffee rountine. I would amplify this recommendation for those who need something portable for camping, travel, at work, or living in a small space, and would also recommend the Pico to anyone who is eager to learn, experiment and have fun with the science of espresso as it's a great starting point and produces amazing coffees!
