I have a confession: I have a serious espresso habit. I can’t live without it! So the thought of being separated from my permanent espresso maker sends shivers down my spine. But thanks to Wacaco, I no longer have to be afraid.
The Wacaco Minipresso GR is a mini machine that slips into a backpack or briefcase and brews delicious espresso. You can take it hiking, mountain climbing, camping, or anywhere you can’t take your coffee maker.
Can this be for real?
I’ve put this device through its paces and checked out the extraction process. Of course, I also enjoyed quite a few shots of espresso in the process. But I think you’ll be pleased with the results from the Minipresso GR.
What’s the big deal about Wacaco?
Wacaco started with a simple dream: a decent espresso for on-the-go coffee fans. That was in Hong Kong in 2013, and Hugo Cailleton has been perfecting that dream ever since.
Now Wacaco produces several effective espresso makers that you can take with you anywhere in the world.
Each convenient, portable espresso maker has a compact design that delivers fresh espresso, whether you’re jet-setting, camping overnight, or simply sitting in your backyard.
Wacaco also produces pour-over coffee makers, colorful vacuum insulated mugs, and portable espresso machines.
But is this handheld espresso maker the answer for all your travel needs?
Let’s take a closer look at the Minipresso GR.
Why Choose the Minipresso GR?
The Minipresso GR is the perfect travel companion that delivers excellent espresso on demand. This portable espresso machine is an amazing camping device because it fits easily into a backpack or carry-on luggage.
However, this mini espresso maker is not ideal for daily use.
The sturdy design and easy assembly process make this the perfect gift for coffee lovers who crave the convenience of shots of espresso while traveling. Just add boiling water and coffee grounds.
If you are looking for a daily espresso shot, you may want to check out this Espresso Maker review to find one that works for you. Unfortunately, this pocket-sized espresso machine isn’t meant for daily use.
Wacaco has won awards, too! The Nanopresso and Picopresso were listed among the Best Portable Espresso Makers, and Men’s Health recognized the Pipamoka as one of the greatest moveable espresso makers.
But does that mean it’s right for you? The Minipresso GR is a single espresso shot capacity machine that will deliver shots of espresso with delicious crema anywhere you can go: weekend business trips, in the privacy of your office, or out in the wilds.
This compact unit makes a convenient espresso shot.
If this is the answer for you, keep reading my Minipresso Kit Review.
Product Overview
| Features | Wacaco Minipresso GR |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 6.89" x 2.75" x 2.36" |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs |
| Water Capacity | 2.35 oz |
| Ground Capacity | 0.28 oz |
| Average Pressure | 116 psi |
This delightful diminutive 5-star espresso maker comes with everything you need for your morning espresso routine. Well, except espresso, of course.
The Minipresso GR includes a built-in espresso cup, an espresso filter basket, a water tank, an eight-gram coffee scoop, and a cleaning brush. Everything fits together into a single compact unit for storage.
The main body of the espresso maker has a pump piston lever. When you’re ready for your shot of espresso, you fill the water chamber to the line, add your finely ground, rich espresso, tamp it down with the scoop and replace the lid.
By simply squeezing your hand on the level, you charge the unit with the pressure that forces the volume of water from the water chamber and over the serving of espresso. In minutes, you’ll have a delicious shot of espresso with a velvety crema on top.
The entire unit is made of lightweight BPA-free plastic that rinses easily under cold water. However, parts must be hand-washed for deeper cleaning.
A one-year warranty registration card and two Wacaco brand stickers are included with this product, as well as a carrying bag.
The Minipresso GR is Wacaco’s original smart design that started this company on the road to being an award-winning espresso maker manufacturer. However, if you’re looking for a little more versatility, like a larger water tank or double shots, you may want to check out the Nanopresso.
But the Minipresso has so many incredible features that I don’t know if you’ll want to look at anything else.
Features and Benefits
Since I began using my new Minipresso, there are a few features I’ve come to love. Let me tell you about them.
Compact Size
The sleek, compact design of the Minipresso sets it above traditional countertop espresso machines. Wacaco specializes in handpump espresso machines, and this model is the design that started it all.
But, besides being small enough to slip in your pocket, the Minipresso is sturdy. It doesn’t have any fragile glass components that you have to worry about breaking. The only part that sticks out is the manual pump mechanism.
It’s light enough to slip into a backpack or carry-on without causing any inconvenience for you. Yet the rounded edges and sturdy feel make it a unit for hiking, camping, and the wild outdoors. This mini machine was made to climb mountains.
Integrated Espresso Cup
Wacaco honestly has thought of everything, and I appreciate that this device includes an integrated cup that holds my shots of espresso.
The Minipresso includes a single espresso capacity cup and easily fits onto the water reservoir. You have everything you need to enjoy your shot of coffee, whether you’re hiding in your office or out on the trails.
Pump Action
Minipresso features the side piston that puts all the power into your hands. With a simple screw-on process, you can lock and unlock the piston.
This Minipresso GR achieves up to eight bars of pressure by pumping several times with your hands. Once you have filled the water chamber with water, you pump to gather the pressure and pump about once per second until your cup is full of strong espresso.
All-in-One Coffee Scoop and Basket
This compact unit fits everything inside, including the coffee scoop and coffee basket that you’ll need to brew your authentic espresso.
The miniature coffee basket holds precisely eight grams of finely ground coffee. And you can use the coffee scoop to tamp it down because it doubles as a tamper.
Each part fits neatly inside the unit to create a sleek espresso machine to take on the go.
So Easy to Clean
Nobody wants to waste their time cleaning up a big mess when they’re on the trail or in the office. Wacacao makes cleaning simple.
Simply open every part of the unit and rinse under clean water. That’s it! The whole machine comes apart easily.
On occasion, you may need to deep clean the machine. You can do this with warm soapy water and hand washing.
Accessories for the Minipresso GR
The Minipresso Tank
If brewing only one shot isn’t enough, you may want to upgrade your machine with this large hot water tank. It holds twice as much water as the standard Minipresso so that you can brew an extra espresso cup.
The Minipresso Kit
Wacaco likes to make things convenient, and the Minipresso Kit will do that for you. The Minipresso Kit includes three additional filter baskets with caps. That means you can fill them ahead of time and bring them on the trail!
It also includes a large water tank that holds twice the water. So with the Minipresso Kit, you can make four shots of coffee. And all of the filter baskets fit right inside the large water tank for easy storage and travel.
The Minipresso Protective Case
Once again, Wacaco thinks of it all. This durable case contains EVA material and a soft interior that will protect your precious espresso machine from scratches and dents.
It also includes an attachment loop for a carabiner, making it the perfect outdoor brewing device.
Drawbacks
It takes a lot of pressure
This machine is going to give your forearms a workout! Even though it only gets up to eight bars of pressure, the Minipresso GR is not a soft-touch pump.
I also found that excess water sometimes got stuck in the chamber and required even more force to press the piston. Adjusting the grind size or the tamp might assist with this issue.
Heat loss
Unfortunately, the boiling water that goes into the water tank doesn’t come out as hot into your cup. Pressing the water through the machine takes time, which means the water cools off.
I was a bit disappointed by the lukewarm espresso shot at the end of all that work, but with practice and consistent use, you can get faster.
Water left in the reservoir
The piston sometimes runs out of pressure near the end, but I found water still in the reservoir when I opened the machine to clean it. You might avoid this issue with a coarser grind, less tamp, and quicker pumping.
I don’t know about you, but I want every single drop of my espresso.
Wrap Up
There aren’t many espresso machines that let you enjoy the nectar of the gods from anywhere in the world. The Wacacao Minipresso GR delivers consistent espresso coffee with a delicious crema. And it’s light enough to fit into a briefcase or backpack.
However, if you don’t want the hassle of grinding your espresso, I’d recommend upgrading to the Minipresso NS or the Nanopresso with an NS adapter. Both options take espresso capsules, making drinking on the go so much easier.
The Wacaco Minipresso GR is a well-priced espresso maker with a taste quality that you won’t find in any other portable machine. I have a feeling it will become your new favorite espresso machine.
Happy Caffeinating!
Wacaco Minipresso GR Review: The Perfect Travel Companion
Check out our Wacaco MiniPresso GR review if you're looking into bringing your espresso obsession with you everywhere you go!
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4.5
