Handpresso 16-Bar Hand-Pump Espresso Machine

It’s a bicycle pump. Close, but not quite. It’s a very small, hand-powered espresso machine.

You can pack it in your saddle bag when you’re out cycling, or when you’re hiking, or kayaking. Or even when you’re traveling on business.

The thing with making espresso is that it requires pressure. Regular coffee is made by dripping water through coffee grinds. Espresso is made my pushing water, under pressure, through a finer grind of coffee.

With most espresso machines the pressure is provided by an electrical pump. Hence the thump-thump sound you hear when the machine is running. There are other hand-powered espresso machines, but none of them are anywhere near as portable as the Handpresso.

Here is what you need to make a great espresso while sitting on the top of a mountain.

First, you need to have packed your Handpresso machine.

Also, you’ll need either a thermos-style insulated bottle filled with hot water, or you can heat your water with your camping stove. (Or use a kettle in a hotel bedroom.)

Finally, you need an ESE espresso coffee pod. These are like single-serve coffee pods, but are specially designed for making espresso.

To make your shot of espresso, add the water, put the ESE pod in place and then pump the handle until the needle settles in the green area. Then hold the Handpresso over your cup and press one button.

Instant espresso.

If this sounds like second best, think again. The quality of the espresso made by this machine is excellent. Once you have your espresso you can enjoy it as it is, or add hot milk, or add hot water to make an Americano.

And yes, it would be pretty cool to be able to make yourself a great espresso when you’re miles away from anywhere.

You can buy the Handpresso 16-Bar Hand-Pump Espresso Machine at Amazon for $98.95.