Coffee Machines 85: Presso Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I got this beauty about 2-3 weeks ago so I had to play with it a bit before I decided to review. The first few shots were not good at all to be honest. I tried to use the manufacturers plastic spoon/tamper and it yields poor results...no crema whatsoever! I was a little disappointed to say the least. So I did a little research online to see where I may be going wrong. Here's a list of things I've done to end up with great espresso and lots of crema:

1. I built a tamper @ work from aluminum. I made it almost exactly size for size with the basket (51mm diameter) so no grind sits on the wall of the basket after tamping. This also helps you stay level when tamping. If there is more clearance you may tamp off level and your shot will be uneven. You need a good tamper. I cannot stress this enough. Check out Reg Barber. I made mine with the C Flat shape to account for the indent for the snap ring that holds the basket to the PFilter body.

2. I cut the bottom off the stock PFilter (bottomless PF) to get feedback on my tamping technique. I found this the most worthy modification as it shows you whats going on with the shot, plus the crema you get is unreal. There is more oxygen hitting the coffee as it leaves the basket in turn giving you great crema.

3. I made a funnel for the PFilter so i can use the WDT method of dosing the PFilter. Then I chop and level the grind. Then tamp. Check out WDT online. It removes all the clumps from the grind so no air pockets and no cracks in the puck. All you need is a funnel (i used the bottom of a multivitamin container) and a bamboo skewer or any thin stick type object.

4. I overfill the water container past the 2 shot line, then I pull the arms to the top and pull down 1 time and hold at the bottom for about 5-10 secs...ive seen ppl pull down, then pull back up and go for a 2nd pull...i think this ruins the shot...there will be excess water in the canister, so once u remove your cup, then replace with another and toss the excess.

I would give this a 5 rating, but i had to make some changes and additions to get great, consistent shots. I recommend the presso to anyone who loves to tinker around with things. It will make great shots, you just need to be persistent.

I paid 75 bucks new...i got lucky.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Presso Espresso Machine

Product Description

Presso, the environmentally friendly espresso maker. Using only a little elbow grease and the power needed to boil a cup of water in your kettle.Each box contains:* Hand-polished, aluminium Presso* Milk frother* Chrome portafilter* 2 cup adapter* Combined coffee scoop and tamper* Instructions

+ PRODUCT DETAIL