Topic: Brewing Manual Espresso At-Home.
Guest: Chris O’Brien
Title: Founder & Head Roaster at Coffee Cycle Roasting
Connect: www.coffeecycleroasting.com • @coffeecycleroasting
What do you consider a manual espresso maker? In listening to the recording of Chris and me, I realize that we never really define what we’re talking about. In my opinion, a manual espresso maker is one in which the pressure pushing hot water through ground coffee is created by using a pump or lever or some other manual device, and not simply by hitting a button. However, I’ve learned that human ingenuity—in particular regarding coffee—knows no boundaries.
There are all kinds of espresso makers that meet a wide range of functional needs. Some are portable for those of us who like to brew up a shot while camping or riding our bike to the beach. There are elegant countertop options that are completely manual and look more like art than machine. Finally, some hybrid brewers combine the convenience of steaming hot water via a plugged in electric boiler with the pure joy of clasping a lever to pull a shot.
The best advice we can offer you is to think about how you will most likely use your espresso machine, and start shopping accordingly. Don’t forget to consider what other accessories you may need, the long-term durability (or repairability), and how it will be stored. Most importantly, do you have a coffee grinder that can create a fine enough grind to meet the demands of great espresso?
LEARN CRAFT COFFEE ROASTING WITH A COFFEE SMARTER PRO
R!WC Industry Partner Hacea Coffee Source has coffee education classes on the horizon. Be sure to sign up now to get your spot in one of their comprehensive coffee education courses including Complete Coffee, Coffee Roasting 101, Coffee Tasting 101, and Coffee Brewing 101.
MANUAL ESPRESSO BREWERS: A LIST
A note about the Moka pot. It is often referenced as a stovetop espresso maker, but considering the coffee is brewed using a very low pressure we aren’t including it in this list. There are some adapters that can turn coffee from the Moka pot into something more resembling an espresso. Similarly, the Aeropress isn’t quite an espresso machine but with the addition of an adapter like the Fellow Prismo it can get really freaking close.
Some manual brewers have water tanks and boilers. Some require you to heat water elsewhere and add it to the brewer. You’ll see the difference reflected in the price points. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it will help give you an idea of what is out there in the market, and narrow down what you are looking for functionally.
Wacaco Picopresso, Minipresso, and Nanopresso (recommended by Chris)
This is fairly in-depth video showing the functionality of the various Wacaco espresso brewers being used out in the world. We didn’t talk about portability, but that is one major advantage of this particular style of brewer.Bellman offers stovetop espresso brewers and steamers that look very cool, and are functional at home or at your favorite campsite. I like the CX25 as a simple brewer that enables you to use a filter or not, at your preference. At the time of this newsletter drop Bellman is offering pretty sizable discounts during their Winter Sale.
The Flair comes in five versions ranging from $99-640 dollars. It is likely you’ll find one that is offering the options you’re looking for. It has a modern lever handle design that is best for countertop use.
Photo via @flairespressmaker on Instagram. Click to view more on Instagram. Rok Coffee espresso machines get great reviews. I haven’t used one, but I like the design, which reminds me of a wine bottle opener. I also really like that most of the parts are replaceable. Repairability is a great step towards sustainability, and ROK stands behind the machines with a 10-warranty.
This “Human-powered” espresso machine’s product photos don’t quite convey its larger size. At the 40s mark in this video you’ll see a shot being pressed and have a better idea of how big it will be on your coffee counter.Staresso’s are similar to the Wacaco in design and functionality. They can be used at home or on the go, and have won the Red Dot Award for product design.
La Pavoni lever machines aren’t full manual. They offer a hot water boiler that needs to be plugged into the wall, but they have a manual lever for pulling your shot. They also have an iconic look, high price point, and long history. The first Pavoni espresso machines were built in 1905 in Milan, Italy.
With their shiny metals, glossy wooden handles, and what appears to be an eagle on the top they are guaranteed to be a conversation starter with anyone who steps into your coffee dojo. Coffee dojo is what I call the small bit of counter space I dedicate to coffee in the kitchen.
Photo via @lapavoni1905 on Instagram.
R!WC INDUSTRY PARTNERS
R!WC podcasts and newsletters continue to be free because we have some amazing industry partners and supporting listeners.
A huge, on-going thank you to this show’s industry partners. Click these links!
Roastar • Zumbar Coffee & Tea • First Light Coffee Whiskey • Steady State Roasting • Mostra Coffee • Coffee Cycle • Camp Coffee Company • Ignite Coffee Company • Ascend Coffee Roasters • Marea Coffee • Cape Horn Coffee Roasters • Hacea Coffee Source • Crossings Coffee • Acento Coffee Roasters • Sivitz Roasting Machines
Do you want to support the show without subscribing? Help keep us caffeinated by buying us a cup of coffee. Thanks for all your support.
Espresso At Home [Manual]