I bet there’s some espresso-loving lightweight backpacker out there who would sacrifice a tent just to have one of these. I can’t explain the obsession backcountry people have with coffee but I know I’m going to get me a cup of coffee right after I’m finished with this post. There are not many portable espresso makers around. So far we only know of two; Mypressi Twist and Handpresso. Both are great for camping.
The Similarities
- Both are relatively small and handy
- Both utilize high-pressure extraction
- Both are beautifully made
- The Handpresso used to work only with E.S.E. pods but now also works with ground coffee (Domepod version) just like Mypressi Twist
What’s Different
- You can make a double espresso with Mypressi Twist but not with Handpresso
- Mypressi Twist shots are comparable in quality to some espresso machines (HX machines for example which cost more than $1000)
- Handpresso shots are decent enough for some people but not better than Mypressi Twist shots
- Mypressi won the “Best New Product” award at the Specialty Coffee Association of America (dubbed the oscars for coffee)
- Handpresso works by pumping to about 232 psi inside the chamber
- The Twist makes use of a gas cartridge that delivers 135 psi of pressure. Only works for up to 8 shots
There you go. If you want the better espresso go for Mypressi Twist but you’d have to replace the cartridge after 8 shots. 24 cartridges cost $15.99 so that’s about 8 cents per shot not including the coffee.
If buying cartridges is too much of a hassle for you and you’re not too fussy about the espresso (it’s not too bad), then the Handpresso is for you. It’s also a lot cheaper and coincidently more popular than Mypressi Twist. Check out the demos.
Mypressi Twist Demo:
Handpresso Domepod Demo:
The picnic set comes with a gorgeous case:
Just so you know, these things tend to run out of stock pretty quickly so get it now.
If you’ve tried both, which one do you prefer?
