What is the Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker?

The Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker is a new device on the market that is great value for money, cheap and easy to use, providing you with a one-shot espresso in a matter of seconds. 

This device is the ideal appliance for those who crave that extra boost of energy from a delicious-tasting espresso with a beautiful layer of crema.

What is the Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker?

This Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker is a handheld brewing device with its own integrated pump. This small Travel Coffee Maker is manually operated from piston action; it is currently new on the market, creating a one-shot espresso in a matter of seconds. 

To allow this device to work, you will need compatible coffee pods which fit into the coffee pod chamber and boiling water. This may cause inconvenience for some people as not everyone always has access to boiling water. The Wacaco maker comes with a built-in espresso cup and scoop, easy carry bag and cleaning brush. 

When would you need to use a portable espresso maker?

If you need that boost of energy or that small jolt of coffee to get going, then the portable espresso maker is the ideal device for you. 

You can use a portable espresso maker no matter the environment, whether on a mountainside or at your office desk.

How does the Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker work?

The Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker works by first adding boiling water to the max fill line of the water chamber; this is approximately 70ml. When adding the boiling water, ensure you do not go past the max fill line provided as this could cause spillage and you may get burnt. 

You then place a compatible pod in the pod chamber, which you will find at the top of the maker. This section is labelled and also has a warning due to there being sharp edges inside to allow the pod to be cut open. 

When you have placed your pod in the chamber, ensure that the foil side is facing upwards and tightly screw the top back on, this will then pierce the pod. 

It is now time to create your espresso, so flip the piston open by gently twisting it, following the unlock arrows. Build pressure by steadily and consistently pumping the piston; you need to be doing this for approximately 30 seconds until there is no espresso left. 

Once you do this, you can enjoy the espresso straight or add your preferred milk. 

Can you use coffee pods in the Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker?

Yes, you can use coffee pods in the Wacaco Minipresso – this makes the espresso maker so convenient, as you do not need to carry around ground coffee. As well as the convenience, you can enjoy the wide range of flavours from the coffee pods. 

This Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker is suited with Nespresso-compatible pods. When making your espresso, your pod needs to be the correct size to fit into the pod chamber. 

Can you use ground coffee in the Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker?

The Minipresso does not hold ground coffee, only compatible coffee pods that will fit correctly into the coffee pod chamber. 

However, the upgraded version of the Minipresso device, also known as the Nanopresso, does accept ground coffee. It is manually operated and is compatible with ground coffee, which you can take on the go. 

However, there are also two versions of the Minipresso that Wacaco has to offer, one made to be compatible with pods and the other compatible with ground coffee, also known as the Minipresso GR.

How to clean the Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker

Cleaning the Minipresso is extremely simple to clean and maintain; it takes a matter of minutes. To keep your Wacaco Minipresso producing delicious-tasting coffee and maintain it’s great working condition, follow my easy step-by-step instructions:

30 minutes

1. Start by removing the pod and responsibly dispose of this.

2. Then, run a hot water cycle through the full device to clear any remaining coffee.

3. Drain this water into an unused cup or sink.

4. Ensure that the pump is also kept clean to reduce any stiffness.

5. When completed, thoroughly dry the Minipresso.

6. Carefully place the parts back together.

It’s as simple as that, with no need for de-scaling and deep cleaning compared to a coffee machine.

Wacaco Minipresso vs Wacaco Nanopresso

The Minipresso is the first portable device in the Wacaco range. Both machines are great for making coffee on the go; however, if you like to transfer between ground coffee and coffee pods, then the Nanopresso may be better for you as it accepts both. 

As well as this, the Nanopresso is lighter in weight and comes in a range of different colour choices. It also produces a larger amount of espresso due to it having a larger water tank. 

It is also capable of producing 18 bars of pressure versus the Minipresso’s 8 bars. 

Wacaco MinipressoWacaco Nanopresso
Average pressure8 bar18 bar
Best Price
Weight12.8 OZ11.8 OZ
Water Capacity70ml80ml
Warranty1-year1-year
Requires electricity?NoNo

Are portable espresso makers worth it?

If you crave that extra boost of energy in the day, or even just that taste of fresh espresso hitting your lips, then portable espresso makers are more than worth it. In my opinion, I think that they are great value for money, as well as being easy to use and maintain. 

Not only are they convenient because they are an on-the-go device, but you are also saving time and money as you do not have to invest in a coffee machine and spend hours learning how to use it, clean it and maintain it.
You can check out our full review on the Wacaco Minipresso portable espresso maker for more detail!

Photo of author

Liv Vining

Liv is a part-time barista with a passion for coffee and writing with an in-depth knowledge of commercial machinery and quality coffee. She's also an English and Maths tutor for home-educated children who are excited about learning and exploring, hence the passion for writing quality content!