In the vibrant and ever-evolving universe of coffee, one petite gadget has been stirring up quite a buzz on my Discord server: the Picopresso from Wacaco. This compact and clever contraption pledges to revolutionize how we savor our espresso while on the go.
Exploring the Design and Construction of the Picopresso
Unveiling the Package
It’s quite rare for me to highlight the packaging of the products I review on the blog, as I typically regard this element as less significant. Although there’s a certain charm in unwrapping a meticulously packaged product, I view it as a minor detail in the grand scheme of things.
Yet, in this particular instance, I can’t help but emphasize its exceptional quality. Upon unboxing, I found myself thinking, “They must have allocated a significant portion of the item’s budget just for this beautifully designed cardboard box”. This level of meticulous attention to detail and the evident aspiration to enhance the product’s value from the get-go is truly commendable.
What’s Inside the Box?
The Picopresso is thoughtfully packaged with a variety of accessories. Ingeniously, these accessories can be stored right inside the machine itself, enhancing its portability and making it delightfully easy to use.
Let’s take a peek at what’s inside the box:
- A Picopresso and instructions for use
- A cleaning brush
- A grind distributor for even coffee distribution
- A measuring spoon
- A protective carrying case
- A funnel for easy filling
- Filter and hand shower for optimum extraction
- A tamper to pack the coffee
Exploring the Design and Handling of Picopresso
Boiling it down to a nutshell, the Picopresso stands out as a marvel of exceptional design and craftsmanship.
While it’s true that the body is crafted from plastic, it’s a high-quality material that you can feel the moment you touch it. The device exudes a sense of sturdiness when you hold it. Even when the piston is fully extended, there’s no wobble, giving you a reassuring sense of its durability and resilience. The hand shower and filter, which can be effortlessly detached for a comprehensive clean, are secured by an aluminum ring. This adds a delightful touch to the experience of handling these components.
Allow me to highlight the travel cover that comes with the Picopresso. This sturdy cover is not only visually appealing but also provides superior protection for your appliance, courtesy of its plush velvet interior. The robust zipper further enhances this sense of durability, guaranteeing top-notch protection while you’re on the move with your Picopresso.
Every accessory that comes with the Picopresso is of exceptional quality. This includes the tamper and funnel, which are ingeniously designed to fit snugly inside the unit. This smart design not only optimizes space but also enhances the portability of the device.
While the provided splitter does its job, it might not be the best choice for those who use it frequently. If you’re one of them, consider spending a little more on a portable WDT. The WDT, or Weiss Distribution Technique tool, ensures an even distribution of your coffee before tamping. This helps to avoid channeling during extraction, especially when you’re on the go.
Mastering the Use of Your Picopresso: A Simple Guide
Once you’ve unboxed your Picopresso, the first step is to heat some water using your kettle. Next, measure out 16g of your favorite coffee and grind it. If you’re unsure about which grinder to use, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a detailed section here. Here’s a handy tip for you: use the hot water to warm up your cup and the Picopresso before you start brewing. This will ensure your coffee stays hot for longer.
Here’s a handy tip for all you travelers out there: always keep a Thermos filled with hot water close by. It’s a lifesaver!
First, I carefully position the funnel over the filter. Next, I pour in the freshly ground coffee. To ensure an even distribution, I gently smooth it out using a WDT tool. This crucial step aids in preventing channeling during the extraction process, ensuring a perfect brew every time.
Next, we move on to the tamping stage. With the help of a tamper, I apply a steady pressure of 12 to 13 Kg. It’s crucial to maintain a straight angle during this process. As highlighted in this insightful article, an uneven tamp can result in a thinner section of the coffee puck, which can inadvertently guide the water to flow through this path preferentially.
For me, adding a puck-screen to the coffee cake is a game-changer. While this step isn’t mandatory, it does come with some noteworthy benefits. For instance, it ensures a uniform water distribution over the cake and helps keep the spray head spotless.
First, I carefully discard the water that was used to preheat both the Picopresso and the cup. Next, I attach the filter to the Picopresso, making sure to position the spray head over it in advance. After that, I pour hot water into the Picopresso. Remember, it’s crucial to avoid using boiling water, as it can scorch the coffee and spoil its delightful taste.
Don’t hesitate to experiment by preparing your coffee at different temperatures, as this has a significant influence on its aroma. Here are a few tips to guide you:
- Fairly hot, ideal for dark roasts.
- Warm, dedicated to medium roasts.
- Very hot, for light roasts.
Gently, I position the lid atop the Picopresso reservoir, ensuring it’s not sealed too tightly. This is to prevent a vacuum from forming during the pumping process. With everything set, I begin to pump. In just a few moments, the delightful aroma of coffee fills the air as it starts to flow.
Voila! Quite impressive, don’t you think? As you can clearly observe, the outcome is truly remarkable. This compact travel coffee machine delivers a genuine, rich espresso.
Here’s a friendly suggestion: Consider using a coffee grinder
Wacaco, the manufacturer, confirms in their product guide that the Picopresso is compatible with pre-ground coffee. However, as a true espresso enthusiast, I beg to differ. It’s not just preferable, but absolutely crucial to use a coffee grinder to grind freshly roasted beans right before brewing. This practice helps to prevent the coffee grounds from oxidizing when exposed to air, thereby maintaining the full spectrum of their delightful flavors.
When it comes to using supermarket ground coffee, we recommend steering clear of a bottomless filter holder. It’s a better idea to use the provided pouring spout. Why, you ask? Well, with pre-ground coffee, there’s a higher chance of channeling, and we certainly don’t want that, do we?
Choosing the Perfect Coffee Grinder for Your Picopresso
Wacaco has recently introduced a manual, portable coffee grinder to the market. While it’s a decent option, it may not be the ideal choice for espresso preparation. For a more precise grind, I’d suggest considering a top-adjustable coffee grinder. These grinders allow for finer adjustments to the spacing of the grinding wheels with each notch, offering a superior grind compared to bottom-adjustable models. If you’re in the market for a new coffee grinder, the 1Zpresso brand is a fantastic choice. Models like the 1Zpresso X-ultra or K-ultra have consistently demonstrated their excellence in espresso preparation.
If you’re on the hunt for a reliable coffee grinder, the Kingrinder K4 or K6 could be just what you’re looking for. I’ve personally put these models to the test, and you can check out my detailed review here.
Explore Exciting Add-Ons for Your Picopresso
In a previous discussion, I recommended the addition of a handy WDT tool to enhance your coffee distribution process. Another aspect worth your attention is the filter replacement. While it’s true that Wacaco hasn’t included a high-quality IMS filter as standard with the Picopresso, don’t worry! You can easily get one due to its standard size, especially from platforms like Amazon. Choosing IMS filters over those from less popular brands guarantees a superior espresso extraction experience, notably by preventing channeling.
Wacaco also provides a nifty leatherette protective cover for the Picopresso. Based on the reviews I’ve come across, this little addition enhances the grip of the device while in use. While I haven’t had the chance to try out this accessory myself, it’s worth mentioning that it comes in a variety of appealing colors.
Wrapping It Up
For those of you who are regular readers of my blog, or have had the pleasure of engaging with me on my Discord server, you’re well aware of my unwavering standards when it comes to espresso. In this regard, the Picopresso has truly exceeded expectations. This handy gadget allows you to brew a genuine espresso, even when you’re on the go. Plus, the Picopresso provides the flexibility of using it with a bottomless filter or attaching a spout, catering to your personal preference.
In conclusion, if you’re someone who cherishes the taste of authentic espresso and wants to savor it on the go or during your travels, I wholeheartedly recommend the Picopresso. It’s a game-changer!
To ensure you have the most delightful experience, we highly suggest pairing the Picopresso with a hand-operated coffee grinder. This combination is sure to elevate your coffee-making journey!
The Bright Side
- Manufacturing quality
- Possibility of extracting a real espresso
- Despite the high price, I find the item to be good value for money.
- Filter can be used in bottomless mode
Areas for Improvement
- The splitter, which I recommend replacing with a portable WDT tool.
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