Handpresso: bike pump espresso machine works without electricity

The Handpresso marries a bicycle pump with an espresso machine. You pump it up to 16 bars, pop in an espresso pod (ick -- I hate those things), add hot water and hit the release and the water is driven through the ground to make an instant espresso at a picnic, on the road, or wherever (assuming you carry around a thermos full of hot water). Runs about €100, which is the cost of a mid-range home machine -- but I suspect you wouldn't want to replace the kitchen machine with this. Link (via Geekologie)

Discussion

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Well, it's not steam pressure. I suppose useful for camping, assuming you have a fire to boil water. But I still say a french press is better for camping or home coffee making in general.

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It's interesting to look at and could be fun to use, but based on the available descriptions at least, it's no Aeropress. I bought one of those based on Mark's video demonstration, and it's awesome. I can grind my own bean, make a nice double-shot, clean and store the gear, and get on with enjoying my coffee in about 3 minutes total. No pods!

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I think I'll stick with my bit larger but much cheaper Aeropress* instead. Filters can be re-used ad infinitum, as far as we can tell, and no coffee "pods" required.

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#4 posted by Anonymous , January 16, 2008 10:22 AM

What is a coffee "pod" and does the Aeropress make espresso, and if so, does it create a crema?

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Rant:

16bars makes AWFUL espresso.

A normal or lungo should be pulled @ 9-10bars
A ristretto is @ 10-11 bars.

16bars is the spec for MFG pump rating , so you don't burn out the motor. every commercial/semi espresso machine has the overflow routinely calibrated somewhere around 10bars

I'm sick of people promoting the 'virtues' of 16 bars. someone at a department store tried to tell me how their Nespresso machine was amazing because it had 16 bars - and many commercial machines only go to 14. in response I asked her if it superheats the water to 300° to burn the coffee too.

end rant.

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And how many of us run food-grade lubricant in our bike pumps? I think I'll pass on this.

[I assume the compressed air is bearing down directly on the water reservoir. If there is an isolating diaphragm or piston I might reconsider.]

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The "pod" thing here is the killer for me. I could pack my Aeropress in probably about the same amount of space and get better tasting coffee, even though the Aeropress doesn't pressurize all that well...
Plus it's a LOT cheaper.
Get rid of the pods and I'll think about it...

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€100 is not the cost of a "mid-range home machine". I hightly doubt usable machines already start at that price tag.

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um, 16 bar = 232 psi (pounds per square inch)

very few bicycle pumps can go that high, though I believe the Campbell Hausfeld 12 Volt Inflator (cigarette lighter plug) goes over 200 psi.

And I do worry about pump lubricant in the compressed air.

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#10 posted by ps , January 16, 2008 1:45 PM

who would waste their money buying something like intelligentsia blackcat ese pods (best espresso beans I have ever encountered) when you can grind the coffee very easily yourself and use a frenchpress or areopress?

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I've been beaten to the punch on both 16 bars = too much pressure for any kind of decent espresso, and espresso pods = bad coffee.

So... you're all correct, and this is a terrible idea!!

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#12 posted by eap , January 16, 2008 3:08 PM

Comparing French press coffee to espresso is like comparing Cabernet to Scotch. They are both excellent when done right, but each has its own distinct role.

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Preva Cafe makes a much cheaper hand pump espresso maker - the Preva xSport(now about $30 - formerly $50). It works with pods or real coffee. The crema on top is basically foam but it makes a tasty espresso at a campsite, in a hotel room or during a blackout if you use good coffee beans. It's a bit fussy/messy to make shots for a big group but it works fine for one or two shots at a time.
link at http://www.prevacafe.com

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I like my enamel pot for making coffee. Yeah yeah I know I'm a heathen.
What sort of temperature do the coffee experts suggest for making espresso? I've got the message about pressure I think ;)
It's got me thinking. I've got an old bike tyre somewhere. I feel a hack coming on.
Oh yeah final question for the experts:
Am I right in thinking I have to 'unleash' the pressure through the coffee, rather than just pumping away with a bike pump to force water through? TIA

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crsbarn @ #13 "the Preva xSport"

I really really leery of plastic food devices and high temperatures because the temperature helps leach out stuff like Bisphenol A.

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It's a shock pump. Good for High pressures, but EXTREMELY low volumes.

My guess. Fill the chamber with the pump. Add the grinds.

Then press the black button - This is the bleed button on most shock pumps.

The pressure drops, and fast. That's probably why it needs to go to 16bar.

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#17 posted by Takuan , March 14, 2008 1:27 PM

I want one that takes a blank cartridge (9mm would be plenty) and uses the confined explosion pressure.
The Glock Coffee Maker.

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