Making a great espresso with the Wacaco Nanopresso can be tricky, but with the right approach, it is definitely achievable. Achieving optimal extraction requires careful attention to variables such as grind size, dose, and water temperature.
In this article, we will dive into these factors in detail and provide practical tips to help you pull flavorful shots with the Nanopresso.
What is the Nanopreso?
Nanopresso is a handheld and portable espresso maker that allows you to brew quality espresso shots on the go. It is part of Wacaco’s range of products that are meant to extract espresso grounds and capsules on the go. Founded by Hugo Cailleton, the idea came about when he was on a business trip and was disappointed by poor espresso shots at the hotel.
The invention of the Nanopresso was born 10 prototypes later and features several essential parts. These include the water tank, a built-in espresso cup, a filter basket, and a pump which are all detachable. The body is made of durable materials and fall resistant, and also lightweight enough to carry along in a bag.
How does the Nanopresso work?
The Nanopresso works by manually pumping hot water through the filter basket, replicating up to a maximum of 18 bars (261 PSI) of stable pressure.
With a bit of effort, the pumping process is easy to manage. Generally, it takes about 16 to 20 pumps to extract a full shot of espresso.
How to get a Perfect Shot with Nanopresso?
To make a perfect shot with your Nanopresso, it is best to use fresh, medium roast coffee that is specifically for espresso. This will ensure you get the right extracted flavours and intensity from your shot.
You could also buy commercialized brands from the supermarket such as Illy or Lavazza, which are mostly dark roast pre-ground coffee, but they would not give a fresh flavourful taste.
Next, it’s important to grind your coffee fine, but not too fine. To find a perfect grind size, you will have to experiment what works best with your grinder. If the grind is too fine, pumping will be difficult and may create a lot of pressure.
To know if you have hit the right grind size, look for the sweet spot where pumping feels effortless and the extracted coffee flows smoothly like a ‘rat’s tail’. Make sure to use water that’s heated at 96°C for the best results and your shot should result with a rich flavour and a layer of crema on top.
Preparing an Espresso Shot with Nanopresso
Brewing Method
1. Start by preparing 9g of fine coffee grounds into the filter basket.
2. Tamp it with the provided mini tamper and give a slight twist to even out the coffee bed.
3. Place the top of the cap over the filter basket and screw it.
4. Start by filling the water tank with hot water for up to a maximum of 60ml.
5. Place the water tank at the bottom of the Nanopresso and attach it with the body.
6. Turn the Nanopresso upside down, with the head facing downwards and wait for a few seconds before releasing the pump by turning it anti-clockwise.
7. Use both hands to pump the coffee into a cup. It will take about 5-6 initial pumps before the espresso shot flows out of the Nanopresso.
8. Use a scale if you wish to measure the output of the coffee. Depending on your coffee, it should end about 36 – 40ml of espresso and 16 – 20 pumps in total.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Nanopresso
Cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring the longevity of the device, as well as for providing optimal performance. This will ensure you avoid any issues related to clogging, blockages, or poor extraction.
Regular cleaning after use is recommended. Each time after you use the Nanopresso, remove the coffee grounds from the filter basket and throw it into the bin. Rinse the head thoroughly and remove the other parts such as the water tank, cleaning them under running water and wiping it clean with a cloth.
After 3-6 months of use, you will need to clean and remove parts of the portafilter, such as the nozzle and spring of the Nanopresso. To understand the proper steps, it is recommended to refer to Wacaco’s How To Clean The Nanopresso’s Portafilter
Nanopresso Review
The Wacaco Nanopresso portable espresso maker can definitely brew a decent espresso shot. For those that want a budget-friendly espresso device with portability features, this will make a good choice.
The downside is it’s limited capacity to extract 2 shots of espresso. Wacaco offers an accessory called the Barista Kit for those that wish to extend their Nanopresso. It includes a larger water tank, a double espresso filter basket, a set of double espresso filter baskets with caps, and a tamper.
Conclusion
There are many espresso makers and machines out in the market today. For a portable espresso maker, it would be unjust to compare it with an equipped espresso machine. However, for it’s price and features, it is a great entry point for non-professionals to recreate an espresso at home or on the run.
With the Nanopresso, you can also expand your espresso making skills into a variety of milk-based coffee drinks. With a milk pitcher, thermometer and milk frother, you can create a Cortado, Piccolo or Machiatto. We will share how you can make these with the Nanopresso in the coming future.
Overall, after using the Nanopresso for 2 years we can that it is a very durable product and a good starting point for home baristas that wish to create espresso coffee at home.
Thanks for reading. We hope you have gained some valuable insights from this post. Follow Art Of Brew on Instagram and Twitter or share your thoughts in the comments below.
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