Picopresso Review: Innovation for Making Espresso While Traveling
Discover the Picopresso by Wacaco, an innovative and portable device that transforms espresso preparation while on the go. This article explores its exceptional features, its carefully crafted design, and how it enhances your coffee experience wherever you are. Never leave home without enjoying quality coffee, even when traveling, thanks to this practical tool!
In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of coffee, a small device designed for espresso preparation during travel frequently sparks discussions on my Discord server: it's the Picopresso by Wacaco. This compact and ingenious device promises to radically transform the way we enjoy espresso on the go.
Design and Construction of the Picopresso
The Packaging
I must admit that it's exceptional for me to mention the packaging of products I test for the blog, as I usually consider this aspect secondary. While it's pleasant to unbox a carefully presented product, it remains a minor detail for me.
However, in this case, I feel compelled to highlight its quality. When opening it, I even had this thought: "They must have devoted half the product's budget to designing this cardboard box". This demonstrates attention to detail and a desire to showcase the product from the first contact, which is quite remarkable.
The Box Contents
The Picopresso comes with a series of accessories, designed to be stored directly in the device, thus optimizing portability and ease of use.
Here is the contents of the box:
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A Picopresso and its user manual
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A cleaning brush
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A distribution tool for uniform coffee distribution
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A dosing spoon
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A protective carrying case
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A funnel to facilitate filling
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A filter and shower screen for optimal extraction
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A tamper to tamp the coffee
Design and handling of the Picopresso
If I had to summarize this paragraph in one sentence, I would say that the Picopresso is an extremely well-designed device.
Admittedly, its body is made of plastic, but it is a quality material, perceptible to the touch. The device offers an impression of robustness when handling it. Even with the piston deployed, there is no play, which inspires confidence in its durability and its resistance to use. The shower screen and filter, easily removable for thorough cleaning, are held by an aluminum ring, which adds a pleasant feeling when handling these components.
I would also like to mention the travel case. It is rigid, aesthetically pleasing, and offers excellent protection to the Picopresso thanks to its velvet interior. The zipper also reinforces this impression of solidity, ensuring optimal protection when transporting the device.
The Picopresso offers the possibility to use it in bottomless mode
Or to use it with a spout
The other accessories provided with the Picopresso are all high quality, notably the tamper and funnel, designed to be cleverly stored inside the device, thus optimizing space and portability.
In the Picopresso, the funnel and tamper can be stored
However, in my opinion, the distributor provided is not ideal for frequent use. I would rather recommend investing a few extra euros in a portable WDT for travel. A WDT tool (Weiss Distribution Technique) allows for even distribution of the coffee before tamping, thus helping to prevent channeling (channeling) during extraction.
How to use the Picopresso?
After opening my Picopresso, I heat water using my kettle, weigh 16g of coffee, then grind it. To choose the right grinder, check the dedicated section here. Quick tip: take advantage of the hot water to preheat your cup as well as the Picopresso.
Tip for travelers: bring hot water in a Thermos.
I position the funnel on the basket, pour in the ground coffee, then gently level it with a WDT tool. This step helps prevent channeling during extraction.
The next step is tamping. Using the tamper, I apply pressure of 12 to 13 Kg while ensuring I stay straight, to avoid, as explained in this article, having a part of the coffee puck thinner, encouraging the water to prefer this path.
Personally, I place a puck-screen on the coffee puck. Although this step is optional, it offers advantages, such as more uniform water distribution over the puck and keeping the shower screen clean.
I empty the water that was used to preheat the Picopresso and the cup, attach the filter to the Picopresso without forgetting to place the shower screen on it beforehand, then pour hot water into it. It is important not to use boiling water, as this would burn the coffee.
Do not hesitate to experiment by preparing your coffee at different temperatures, as this significantly influences the aromas of the latter. Here are some tips to guide you:
Fairly hot, ideal for dark roasts.
Hot, dedicated to medium roasts.
Very hot, intended for light roasts.
I place the lid on the Picopresso reservoir without sealing it tightly, to avoid creating a vacuum when pumping. Then, I start pumping. After a few seconds, the coffee begins to flow.
And here's the result! Impressive, isn't it? As you can see, it's a success. We get a real espresso with this small travel espresso machine.
My recommendation: use a coffee grinder
Indeed, Wacaco, the manufacturer, specifies in its documentation that the Picopresso is compatible with pre-ground coffee. However, I disagree, and any espresso enthusiast will confirm: it is preferable, even essential, to use a coffee grinder to grind freshly roasted beans just before each use. This practice prevents the coffee grounds from oxidizing upon contact with oxygen, which preserves all its flavors.
If you find yourself in the situation of using pre-ground coffee purchased at a supermarket, it is advisable to avoid using a bottomless portafilter. Prefer attaching the spout provided, because with pre-ground coffee, the risk of channeling is high.
Which coffee grinder should I use with my Picopresso?
Wacaco has launched a manual coffee grinder that is portable, but in my opinion, it is not the best choice for preparing espresso. I recommend opting instead for a top-adjustable coffee grinder, as they offer greater precision (the burr spacing changes more finely with each click) than bottom-adjustable ones. If you do not yet have a coffee grinder, I recommend grinders from the 1Zpresso brand, such as the 1Zpresso X-ultra or K-ultra models, which have proven themselves in espresso preparation.
Another sensible choice for a coffee grinder is the Kingrinder K4 or K6, which I tested here.
Additional Accessories for the Picopresso
I have previously suggested that adding a portable WDT tool would be beneficial for effective distribution of the coffee. It is also worth considering replacing the filter. Although Wacaco has not equipped the Picopresso with an IMS quality filter as standard, it is possible to acquire one easily, thanks to its standard size, particularly on platforms like Amazon. Opting for IMS filters, compared to filters from lesser-known brands, ensures superior quality in espresso extraction (notably by avoiding channeling).
Wacaco also offers a small faux leather protective case which, according to the reviews I have consulted, improves the grip of the Picopresso during use. Although I have not personally tested this accessory, it is worth noting that it is available in several colors.
Conclusion
Loyal readers of my blog or those who have had the opportunity to interact with me via my Discord server know how uncompromising I am when it comes to espresso. In this regard, the Picopresso has brilliantly risen to the challenge. This accessory makes it possible to produce an authentic espresso, even while traveling. In addition, the Picopresso even offers the possibility of using it with a bottomless filter or adding a spout, depending on the user's preference.
In summary, I can only highly recommend the Picopresso to all those who aspire to enjoy a genuine espresso during their travels or trips.
For an optimal experience, using the Picopresso in combination with a manual coffee grinder is strongly recommended.
- Build quality
- Ability to extract a real espresso
- Despite a high price, I find that the item offers good value for money
- Ability to use the filter in bottomless mode
- The distributor, which I recommend replacing.
