Bottom Line
If you want cafe-level espresso, there’s no quicker way to make it than with the Wacaco Minipresso. Not only does it produce a strong shot quickly, but no other espresso maker we tested yielded a cup with crema, a barista-level accomplishment. However, you do have to put in some effort for your caffeine. Some pumping is necessary to build pressure and create one shot. That said, the device still made one of the fastest cups among the group.
What’s more, during testing on road trips and campouts on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, we were pleased to discover that it made hot or cold espresso, which was a blessing when we didn’t have the time or equipment to boil water, such as during quick road-trip pit stops.
It only brews one serving at a time, so if you’re not traveling solo, keep that in mind. It is on the pricier side among the coffee makers we tested, but we found that the quality of the coffee it produced made the price a worthwhile splurge. If you’d like to explore other options, consider our comprehensive guide to the best camping and backpacking coffee makers.
How We Tested
We’ve tested our fair share of espresso makers from Wacaco over the years, and the Minipresso is no exception. During backyard campouts, overnight trips in national parks, and solo adventures in the mountains of Utah, we were more than happy to put the Minipresso to the test.
Quick Specs
Wacaco Minipresso GR
Best camp espresso
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $55
Liquid Capacity: 2 oz
Weight: 12.7 oz.
Size: 2.76 x 2.36 x 6.89 inches
Pros
- Makes strong espresso
- Makes cold or hot coffee
- Quick preparation
- Two coffee basket size options
- Can be lengthened with water
Cons
- Lots of parts and pieces
- Takes longer to cleanup
- Not as durable
Portability
The Wacaco Minipresso wasn’t the lightest coffee maker we tested, so backpackers who tend to count grams may not prefer this device. However, for everyone else, the self-contained portable package is likely to be a delight. It even includes a fabric storage case to help protect it and keep small parts organized.
That said, the device itself does a good job of keeping accessories contained: items like the coffee scoop, cleaning brush, and drip tray all fit inside the Minipresso. However, during a camping trip in Washington, we found that it was a lot of pieces to spread out on the ground or a dirty picnic table when not in use.
However, the Minipresso fit neatly inside larger pots during camping trips, and we could easily tuck it into the corners of a packed backpack.
Ease of Use
The Wacaco Minipresso was the most complex coffee-making device we tested. It consists of nine pieces, some of which are accessories, while several are essential for use. This means there was a bit of a learning curve. Additionally, this was the only coffee maker we didn’t consider using without first reading the instructions.
At a minimum, we had to boil water, choose a basket size (8 or 12 grams), fill it with coffee that we ideally weighed using a digital scale, add hot (or cold) water, and screw everything together. Once that was done, we needed to use the hand pump to build pressure by squeezing it toward the body of the device about once every second or two. After a few seconds, coffee starts flowing into either the included demitasse or a cup of your choice.
Once we used it a time or two, we got the hang of it, and the process seemed less complicated. However, it is designed more for coffee connoisseurs than for those who will take their coffee any which way. It’s also worth noting that there may be some trial and error in dialing in the perfect grind size for those who are less familiar with grinding their own coffee, as a fine espresso grind is required.
Time to Brew
Despite all its parts and pieces, the Minipresso produced a shot of espresso in record time: 1 minute and 20 seconds, not including the time it took to boil water. This makes it the fastest machine of the bunch.
Yes, that brew time is completely active. This means there’s not a moment during which you’re not scooping, tamping, or pumping for your quaff. It may take a bit longer to set up than other devices, as measuring and weighing grounds and getting them into the small portafilter basket requires patience and attention to detail.
Ease of Cleanup
Perhaps it’s not surprising, given the number of parts involved, that cleanup took longer than most of the other coffee-making methods we tested—about 40 seconds. This is due to the number of sections that need to be unscrewed, removed, and rinsed off after use.
It wasn’t hard to rinse the used grounds out of the basket, which is good because it means the device can be reset to make a second cup without any hassle.
Coffee Strength
When it comes to strength and quality, the Minipresso excelled compared to other coffee makers we evaluated. It was the only one that produced a shot of espresso topped with a layer of foamy crema, and the brew itself was as strong and smooth as you’d expect to find in any coffee shop.
It makes only one strong, small shot at a time, but you can enjoy it as is, add hot water for a larger, medium-strength cup, or combine it with milk to create an espresso-based beverage.
When we tested it with cold water, the brew wasn’t quite as strong but still had more punch than a regular cup of drip coffee.
Should You Buy The Wacaco Minipresso?
The Wacaco Minipresso is crafted for coffee connoisseurs, including those who may have been baristas in the past or present, who understand coffee, are familiar with the intricacies of grind size, desire quality coffee no matter where they are, and likely have their home coffee routine perfected. We know this because that’s us. These individuals will likely find this portable espresso machine to be an excellent value. It certainly produced our favorite espresso of the bunch, and we’re particular.
On the other hand, coffee drinkers who are satisfied with almost any cup and don’t feel the need to fuss over high-tech gadgets will be less than impressed. The same applies to those who need to brew several cups for a group. There are more efficient methods to do so than with the Minipresso.
What Other Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers Should You Consider?
Looking for a different camp coffee maker that’s similar to the Wacaco Minipresso? Consider these alternatives, all featured in our coffee makers for camping and backpacking gear guide.
Bialetti Moka Express Review: If you want a strong cup of coffee but with less effort, check out this coffee maker. The all-in-one system means you don’t have to boil water separately before brewing. It also brews a strong, small cup or two of espresso and has a smaller learning curve.
GSI Mini Espresso Set Review: This device operates similarly to the Moka Express—through heat and pressure–but makes only one cup at a time. It also includes a cup, so everything you need comes with it, and it doesn’t require any pumping.
Aeropress Go Review: If you enjoy the idea of strong coffee at times but prefer having options, the Aeropress Go enables you to customize the brew strength while remaining easy to use, compact, portable, and simple to clean between uses.
