Picopresso Review: Innovation for Making Espresso While Traveling

Discover the Picopresso from Wacaco, an innovative and portable device that transforms espresso preparation while on the go. This article explores its exceptional features, its refined design and how it enhances your coffee experience wherever you are. Never leave home again without enjoying quality coffee, even while traveling, thanks to this practical tool!

In the dynamic and constantly evolving world of coffee, a small device designed for espresso preparation while traveling frequently sparks discussions on my Discord server: the Picopresso from Wacaco affiliate link. 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 is exceptional for me to discuss the packaging of products I test for the blog, as I usually consider this aspect secondary. While it’s nice 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 dedicated half the product’s budget to designing this cardboard box”. This demonstrates an attention to detail and a desire to showcase the product from 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 are the box contents:

• A Picopresso and its user manual

• A cleaning brush

• A coffee distribution tool for uniform coffee distribution

• A measuring spoon

• A protective carrying case

• A funnel to facilitate filling

• A filter and showerhead for optimal extraction

• A tamper to compress 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 resistance to use. The showerhead and filter, easily removable for thorough cleaning, are held by an aluminum ring, which adds a pleasant sensation 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 affiliate linkare all quality, particularly the tamper and funnel, designed to be cleverly stored inside the device, thus optimizing space and portability.

The funnel and tamper can be stored in the Picopresso

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 affiliate linkfor travel. A WDT tool (Weiss Distribution Technique) allows for even distribution of the coffee before tamping, thus helping to prevent channel formation (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. Little 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 filter, pour in the ground coffee, then gently distribute it with a WDT affiliate linktool. This step helps to prevent channeling during extraction.

The next step is tamping. Using the tamper, I apply 12 to 13 Kg of pressure while making sure to stay straight, to avoid, as explained in this article, having a part of the coffee puck that is thinner, encouraging the water to prefer this path.

Personally, I place a puck-screen affiliate linkon the coffee puck. Although this step is optional, it offers advantages, such as a more uniform water distribution on 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, remembering to place the shower screen on it beforehand, then pour hot water into it. It’s important not to use boiling water, as it would burn the coffee.

Don’t hesitate to experiment by preparing your coffee at different temperatures, as this significantly influences its aromas. 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 while 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 complete success. We get a real espresso with this little travel coffee 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 don’t agree, and any espresso enthusiast will confirm this: it’s 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 their flavors.

If you find yourself in a situation where you’re using pre-ground coffee purchased at a supermarket, it’s 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 affiliate linkthat is portable but, in my opinion, is not the best choice for making espresso. I recommend instead opting for a top-adjusting coffee grinder, as they offer greater precision (the burr spacing changes more finely with each click) than bottom-adjusting ones. If you don’t have a coffee grinder yet, I recommend grinders from the 1Zpresso brand, such as the 1Zpresso X-ultra affiliate linkor K-ultra affiliate linkmodels, which have proven themselves in terms of espresso.

Another reasonable choice for a coffee grinder is the Kingrinder K4 affiliate linkor K6 affiliate linkthat I tested here.

Additional Accessories for the Picopresso

I previously suggested that adding a portable WDT tool would be beneficial for efficient distribution of the coffee. It’s also worth considering replacing the filter. Although Wacaco hasn’t equipped the Picopresso with an IMS quality filter as standard, it’s possible to acquire one easily, thanks to its standard size, particularly on platforms like Amazon affiliate link. Opting for IMS filters, compared to filters from lesser-known brands, ensures superior quality in espresso extraction (notably avoiding channeling).

Wacaco also offers a small faux leather protective case affiliate linkwhich, according to the reviews I’ve consulted, improves the grip of the Picopresso during use. Although I haven’t personally tested this accessory, it’s worth noting that it’s available in several colors.

Conclusion

★★★★★

Loyal readers of my blog or those who have had the opportunity to chat with me via my Discord server know how uncompromising I am when it comes to espresso. In this regard, the Picopresso affiliate linkbrilliantly rose to the challenge. This accessory makes it possible to produce an authentic espresso, even on the go. Additionally, the Picopresso even offers the possibility of using it with a bottomless filter or adding a spout, according to the user’s preference.

In summary, I can only highly recommend the Picopresso to all those who aspire to savor a true espresso during their travels or trips.

For an optimal experience, using the Picopresso in combination with a manual coffee grinder is strongly advised.