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Handpresso DomePod by Handpresso
Product SummaryManufacturer: Handpresso Brand: Handpresso Model: 127006 Product features: - Ground dome pod gives you coffee brewing flexibility
- Compact, durable light and requiring little maintenance, you'll enjoy your Handpresso's single shot creations for years to come
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Handpresso DomePodCustomer Review: A remarkable machine Summary: 2 Stars
First, please note that I am a coffee making nut. While I don't own a $600 burr grinder, I have been known to roast green beans, etc. So I am borderline certifiable.
I've owned several pump espresso machines, including a couple that are considered very good (Krups 964, Saeco Classico Stainless Steel, etc.) I'm not in the La Pavoni class. I have Mokka pots (including an old one made in the former USSR...what's up with that?) And I have and Aeropress and a small 4 cup drip maker, etc.
The Handpresso Dome Pod uses ground espresso, not pods. In side-by-side tests with the pump machines, the Handpresso produced a richer cup with a dark "tan" crema. The darker crema is supposed to be a good thing. (Critics point out that the portafilters of some pump machines have valves that help to produce "false crema." The Handpresso has no such valve and beat machines with and without that kind of valve in my casual home test.)
The unit is not hard to use or pump. It is easy to clean. The only downside is that it can only make a standard single shot, where the pump machines often have baskets that can make two. I suspect the amount of pumping and pressure needed to make a two-cup Handpresso would be unacceptable.
Because the basket is small, it is a little messy to fill and tricky to tamp down. I am seeing Handpresso tampers, but they are current boutique items. I am waiting for a plastic one! In the meantime, a small spoon will suffice.
As is the case with ALL true espresso machines, the quality of the beans and the grind is essential. If you try to use a "whirly bird" blade grinder, you will not be happy. Those grinders are fine for most makers, but do not grind consistently for espresso. This allows the water to run through too fast. I also tried a bag of beans that was ground for "espresso" in a grocery store grinder and it was still not good enough. If the Handpresso evacuates in 5 seconds, your grounds are too loose, to coarse, or both! (Note: You can never tamp down coarse grounds enough to make them act like espresso grind!) Some pre-ground Illy (pricey!) worked perfectly in the Handpresso.
UPDATE
Sadly, after 6 months the valves gave out, no pressure could be pumped. It costs at least $15 for a repair, plus shipping to the repair location. While the company seemed interested in the problem, it does not appear to isolated.
Description of Handpresso DomePodThe new Handpresso Wild Domepod works with ground coffee. You can choose your favorite roast or blend of coffee to brew. Simply fill the seven gram basket with your ground coffee and tamp. Clean up is a breeze.
Espresso Machines
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