WACACO Minipresso NS2, Portable Espresso Maker Compatible with NS Original Capsules and Compatibles, Manually Operated, 18 Bar Small Handheld Coffee Machine for Travel, Camping

I LOVE this little powerhouse of an expresso maker. It is literally a ‘Where have you been my whole life?” traveling essential for expresso lovers. This version is a newer model. I do not know how the Wacaco team did it but they made a great product even better! The Minipresso NS looks sleek and compact until you see the NS 2. The newer version is half the size of the original model. Now I am not gonna lie, it is a bit tougher to squeeze out your expresso gold. Instead of just thumbs I need to get the palm of my hands involved. I just consider it my morning upper body strength training. It is doable, but notably more rigorous than the original minipresso.I have always been impressed with the exceptional packaging of Wacaco products and the NS 2 is no exception. It speaks to the attention to detail of the entire Brand. Speaking of attention to detail the individual or team who decided to add the little stand that the unit can be set in once you use the cup for expresso gets a standing ovation from me! This is the FRENCH KISS of the whole process! I have a couple other travel beverage makers that include cups. Once you use it and put the beverage in the cup there is no were to put the wet and possibly messy maker. You have to clean it up before you can set it down anywhere. With this little stand you can save the clean up for after you have enjoyed your expresso. This shows that the creators at Wacaco have thought through the entire process from start to finish and created a self contained, multi level product that fully meets your needs and solves problems you didn’t even know you were going to have. Insider tip, when storing the drip cup inside the unit make sure that you place it upside down. It fits very snugly and if it is upside down you have the lip on the bottom to grab on to when removing it. (Ask me how I know one way works significantly better than the other! You don’t wanna be fighting with it pre coffee, thats all I’m sayin’.)Of course the coffee made with this machine is good, other reviews cover this in more detail, the clean up is simple, all of the accompanying pieces can be conveniently stored inside the unit, and it comes with a draw string bag to use when tossed in your bag.This little travel buddy is well worth every penny. I highly recommend!

As an espresso lover, I used to struggle on work trips to Eastern Europe and Africa because I couldn't find a decent shot to save my life (they drink real coffee there.) So, I went on a quest for the perfect portable espresso machine, small, practical, without lots of parts, and one that takes espresso pods.... and luckily I stumbled upon this one!At first, I was on the hunt for an electric espresso maker, but the price tag was unjustifiable. Plus, the size of some of those contraptions was going to take some real estate in my luggage. So, I settled for this cute little manual machine, even though the thought of pumping it 20 times for one tiny shot didn't exactly make me want to do a happy dance.But, let me tell you, this little one packs a punch! The entire process from boiling the water to pumping out a perfectly extracted shot takes less than 3 minutes. Sure, I have to do a bit of arm work to get my caffeine fix, but its not as horrid as I imagined (memories of manual orange juicers when I had to squeeze 3 oranges to get half a cup). And, there's something oddly satisfying about making my own espresso without having to rely on electric machines.I also own a Nespresso Creatista machine, which has more features than I know what to do with. So, it's refreshing to use a simpler device that performs just as well. Plus, I can use my espresso pods with this portable device. Most other portable machines, including the original of this one, do not have espresso pods feature or would require you to buy an attachment. I really dont use coffee grounds and dont want to make a mess of this when I am traveling or worry too much about cleaning, so the espresso pod was perfect for me!I also ordered an electric kettle that works worldwide for tea but it will also pair greatly with this Minipresso on the go without worrying about finding hot water.Finally, this was easy to figure out without reading the manual. That was great. And, major props to the creators for providing a manual in multiple languages. Even though I didn't need it, it's always nice to have the option.I am sure I am going to be using this now everywhere I go as it fits nicely in my purse. The only negative issue I found is the cup attached to it. I dont know if it's BPA free, but even if it is, BPA free cups become affected when they are heated. I wish it was a stainless steel cover instead.Overall, I highly recommend this Minpresso. It does not compromise on taste or quality. Easy to use and really practical. I am a happy customer.

I admit to loving coffee gadgets. I drink one double Nepresso latte in the morning--and I like my coffee the way I like my coffee. I'm not a snob just a creature of habit. So, when I went to visit my mom for a few weeks, I needed a way to keep the coffee flowing. Enter this little bundle of joy. Small enough to take on the plane with me, it worked better than I expected. Are there issues with the pod getting stuck, yup, but you'll figure it out (it isn't that hard). Did I burn my hands pouring the hot water into the container--sure--but that was me not paying attention. Did my hand cramp into a permanent claw trying to pump the machine--absolutely. But ultimately, I got to have my coffee almost my way. I figure I can throw this thing, a small milk frother, and a box of Peets pods into my bag any time I have to travel and I'm set to go. All you need is some boiling water (and hot milk if that is your thing) and you're good. They include a little cup for the hikers and campers, but I skipped that in favor of a regular mug. You'll get some sputtering and, no, the coffee won't be as good as out of the machine, but it will certainly get you through a few days or more. I was quite pleased with the quality of the shots. Make sure to try it out before you go--there is a learning curve but not a steep one. It is easy to carry, easy to clean, and easy enough to use. This is a useful addition to the gadget collection.