The Caffeinated Blog

A Portable Espresso Machine?

Hi, my name is Kari, and I'm a StumbleUpon Addict.

Hi Kari.

Anyway, as I was Stumbling today, I came across this:
HandPresso Wild portable espresso maker

It's a portafiler-shaped, portable espresso maker.  No electricity required - just hot water and espresso pods.

Now I'm what you call an "espresso snob".  I like freshly ground coffee (preferably roasted within the last week), and a perfect shot of espresso crowned with dark, golden crema (see my profile pic above - that's what's called a "God shot").  Espresso pods are not my idea of freshly ground or roasted; however, this intrigued me.

I had to see it for myself:

This looks cool!  You can make a shot of espresso anywhere!

OK, I have to have one.  HandPresso - send me a free one and I'll try it out and review it right here on The Caffeinated Blog!

Rancilio Silvia

Rancilio Silvia
Vital Stats (according to CoffeeGeek.com):
   Avg. Price: $439
   Machine Type: Pump, Single Boiler, Reservoir, Semi Auto
   Colors: Satin Stainless Steel
   

Espresso Machine Cool Board

I love the UK show Top Gear, a car show that isn't your typical, Speed-Channel crap.  If you live in the UK or watch it on BBC America, you know what I mean.  Anyway, they have something called the Cool Wall, which displays pictures of cars that they categorize as Not Cool, Cool, and Sub-Zero.  I was watching their Cool Wall segment this evening and thinking to myself that there ought to be one of those on the web somewhere for espresso machines.  They can be categorized in much the same way, whether they look like crap but can consistently make the much sought-after "God Shots", or they just look slick and don't do much else.

So, I'm going to start posting pictures of espresso machines and let you, dear readers, comment.  Now, I'm just going to post basic info about the machine, because as much of an espresso enthusiast I am, I haven't used all of them myself (unless the manufacturers want to send me machines to try - but I don't think this blog is quite up to that level yet).  That's why I'm relying on you. 

This is what you do - just post your comments on the espresso machine posted.  Cool, Not Cool, or Sub-Zero.  Elaborate if you wish.