STARESSO Classic Portable Espresso Maker, 2 IN 1 Travel Coffee Maker Compatible Ground Coffee & NS Original Pods, Espresso Machine with Stainless Steel Chamber for Travel Camping, Manually Operated

As a coffee aficionado, I had given up on getting a great shot of espresso at home from a low cost machine. I had gotten rid of a commercial espresso machine due to space restrictions and have tried many smaller, cheaper espresso machines without any luck. I gave up and have been using an Aero Press for the last few years. It makes a decent cup of coffee but nowhere near espresso.When I found this little gizmo for under $50.00 I decide to give it a go.It works!It only took me a couple wasted shots to dial in the grind and, Voila! Perfect espresso. Rich creamy crema, robust heart and excellent flavor.Pre heating the gadget and your serving tasse is critical but easy. Clean up is simple and quick. The system looks to be very durable but only time will tell for sure, but at $40.00+/- if it needs replaced annually it's no great loss.I fill and tamp the filter cup twice so it is nearly completely full when tamped and fill the water reservoir completely with 190 deg, F water to produce an excellent double shot of espresso that is delicious straight or makes a very good Americano.The manufacturer claims it will froth milk as well. I have not attempted to do so as I do not drink cappuccino or Lattes. I doubt it can make decent cappuccino foam without steam, but it might make a decent Latte with heated milk.I travel extensively in my career. The Staresso pump and a Porlex Mini grinder travel with me now. Decent coffee beans can be found nearly everywhere now and most hotels have small single cup coffee makers that heat water quickly. Thanks to this little guy, I will never have to settle for lousy coffee in the morning while on the road.Pros:Extremely portable (takes up no space on the counter and travels in in your overnight bag)Excellent resultsEasy clean upEasy of operationVery low costCons:Single serving (first shot will be cold before a second shot can be produced)Requires a separate device to heat waterCannot steam milkOverall, I feel it is well worth the reasonable price tag and would recommend it to anyone who wants a low cost espresso maker

The media could not be loaded. I absolutely love this thing. I am actually rewriting my original review, as I have recently acquired an additional unit. Full disclosure, I originally purchased this on a whim for personal use…after I uploaded my review the manufacturer/seller reached out to me about utilizing some of my points in their design improvement. They have since then recently reached back out with me again to inquire if I would re-review this improved appliance in comparison to the original design. To be short, it is still amazing. Attached is a photo of the comparison of the old and new design. Attached is also a video of me demonstrating the device. As you can see, it is still very simple and straightforward to use. While in my video, I am using a slightly more coarse grind for my shot, the system is still able to build up enough pressure and power through this and pull a smooth and clearly defined shot (Crema, Body, Heart). I do appreciate the added spike to the portafilter to use nespresso pods for an even easier use case for camping, hiking, or other such on the go cravings. The inner wall is now what appears to be stainless steel and contains measurement markers. While not insulted, it does help to hold some heat retention. The main chamber is also now made with a black plastic to help hide any coffee staining in comparison to the prior clear. While I do prefer the prior aesthetic appearance of the prior included flower shot glass. I can still appreciate the replacements measurements to help with more accurate drink making and shot pulling. Now for everyone’s favorite part… cleaning. The portafilter itself can unscrewed and the inner filter can easily be ejected with the included spike/brush combo tool. Making it even easier to properly clean this device. You can also remove the inner plunger housing to clean the inner spring and plunger assembly. [important to know if aerating milk(instructions included)]. I would like to see a small long handled brush to clean this part. But you could use a store acquired straw brush just the same (as I did).As with the original design, the appliance still includes a pre-measured scoop that doubles perfectly as a tamper. The included manual also includes some tricks for frothing milk and more that are definitely a nice addition. And the modern aesthetic design gives it a nice look.I would still love to see an extra o-ring seal on the upper chamber for hot water reservoir to help mitigate spills with piping hot water. But in defense, this is not designed to be stored with hot water while traveling let alone who is swinging this thing around as such. (;) though that would be nice). I’d also like to see a small imprint on the top of the plunger. I did not have any issues with this, but I can see slippery fingers sliding across it’s smooth finish while out and about.Overall:This appliance is easy to setup, easy to use and easy to clean. It pulls a smooth and consistent shot that is enjoyable. It is a perfect companion for traveling, camping/hiking or the home enthusiast. I’d highly recommend this for anyone. It’s one of my daily go tos.