Thanks for your comparison. I personally have no problems with my Nanopresso, using the barista kit (I've finally found the correct way to load it), and just to make a coffee at work it's fine. I was looking at the Picopresso when they first appeared and would like to try it, but I can't justify the cost (and also the cost of the other system sitting in the cupboard unused). I think all manual coffee systems would need some time spent getting to know how to make the best coffee, but I congratulate Wacaco on their products.
I got the Batista kit (larger water tank, double shot basket, etc) with my nanopresso and it solves the problem with the standard single shot. Love it, ran it camping and at home for a few years before buying an actual home coffee maker. Still use the nanopresso away from home. I later bought the picopresso liking the new design, less plastic. But I prefer the quality of coffee (more espresso like?) From the nano. I'm by no means an expert or even an enthusiast, but I do tend to prefer stronger espresso and I feel the coffee from the pico just doesn't extract as well, always watery. Maybe user error, dunno. Thanks for the video 👍
Hi Asser. Thanks again for this review and your blog in general. My PicoPresso is arriving hopefully still this week. Shipping takes so much longer than they estimate. Maybe the whole world's supply chain is out of whack, or maybe because of local holidays. Very much looking forward to it. Thanks for helping me choose it!
Hello, I bought the picopresso model, but I cannot get the cream out of it. I use an urban tools coffee grinder. I tested with 3, 4, and 5, but I could not get the result I wanted with any calibration. A delicious coffee emerges. However, I cannot reach the cream that flows like a swan's neck, which is the inspiration behind the work... I would be very happy if you have any suggestions for me. Thank you from now.
@@coffeechronicler I ground it a little finer this morning. It was almost as good as Turkish coffee. but I finally made it. I gave him a wonderful cream, and when I pumped more frequently and in a controlled manner, I was able to achieve a really strong cream. thanks
Got my Picopress before a week long trip skiingand by the end of the trip it is now squirting pressurized coffee out from underneath the thin rubber lid seal. Apparently some internal pump seal failure? It happens no matter how tightly you screw the lid on and more espresso comes out the lid seal than the portafilter.
Wasn't expecting much after my experience with the Nanopresso, but now I'm intrigued. I was able to get passable espresso from the Nano using the barista kit after depressurizing the nozzle, but those little plastic baskets were an exercise in frustration. Eventually the workflow annoyed me to the point that I stopped using it. The Pico looks much more user-friendly in that regard, coming with a real basket and funnel and all. Wish I could get Wacaco to buy back my Nanopresso 😆
Hi Asser, About to zero in on the picopresso based on this review. Just wondering, have you come across issues like water leaking through the pump since it has been over a year?
I like the experience and overall package enough to think that the price is justified, but have also seen some good deals on Kompresso recently... So depends.
Nanopresso doesn't require a true espresso fine grind such as Picopresso. But I'd probably pick Timemore C3 or the new upgraded 1Zpresso Q2 to be future-proof for spro.
Thanks alot for your reply. 98% I'll be using it for nanopresso and V60. But I don't mind buying something that will give me fine grinds for espresso machine as well. Will check out the C3 and Q2. Let me know if it will work well with espresso machine also.
Thanks for first TH-cam comparison of Kompresso and Picopresso. Do you think it's worthy of upgrade to Picopresso? I like the workflow without preheating with Kompresso, but dialling new coffee is hard and consistency is not the best. But when I do it right I like texture and taste of coffee. I already have JX-Pro that have fine enough adjustment for Kompresso
I just myself the Picopresso as an early Xmas present. I’ve only pulled a few shots, and still dialing in. I really love everything about this machine. However, I do still have some difficulty screwing on the top cap that goes on top the water reservoir. Have you had any difficulties with this? Curious to know if it’s just me. Thanks for the video.
@@coffeechronicler yeah, that’s what I’ve been doing. It’s odd, because screwing in the portafilter on the bottom is easy and pleasant. I know to keep costs down, they prolly just did a plastic screw top. But I think had they at least made the threads metal, then it would work easier.
Great video, thank you. I can't easily find another manual espresso maker in my country, and they are not easy to ship so I'm considering the Wacaco. It looks great in terms of quality of coffee, and I was wondering how the durability is like for being a daily driver at home. It looks like something that will be used for hiking/camping and might break easily if we use it all the time.
I have a query regarding Picopresso and the grind size. Currently I'm using this Timemore Slim ( normal Slim not a Plus model ) and planning to purchase a Picopresso but my doubt is that this grinder ( slim ) can do fine enough grind size for Picopresso..? Can you please help me out. Thank you.. 🙏
@@coffeechronicler Thank you.🙏 Btw can you suggest me a good hand grinder that can give an espresso grind size.? I have few on my mind like 1zpresso Jx-Pro, J-Max and K-Plus.. most of the ppl suggested that Jx-pro can do pretty good with in a budget.. does it really do that good, can it gives a good espresso shot.? Your help will much appreciated.
I bought this a couple weeks ago. My experience with picopresso so far is ok. When I first got it, I used light roasted coffee and I had difficult times getting e decent shot, It was just too sour ( maybe it was supposed to taste like that). Then when I switched to darker roasted coffee, I started to get better shot. I used to own leverpresso, and compared to picopresso, I feel like picopresso is way better.
What kind of handgrinder would you recommend to go with the picopresso and v60? I also saw that you have the new scale from timemore, are you happy with it? I find it a bit expensive, specially when wacaco has a similar sized scale for a lower price
Many hand grinders will work for Picopresso since it doesn't require an ultra fine grind or perfect dial in. I used K Max for the filming. Still testing the Timemore espresso scale.. Not quite decided yet, both pros and cons.
@@coffeechronicler I would like to use the Timemore slim plus (small upgrade to the c2) as a handgrinder for the pico presso. Do you think that would work ? Apart from that: How would the Picopresso compare to the flair (neo) or especially rok ? Thanks for the amazing review and the good work, in your videos !
@@coffeechronicler I'm really interested that you used the K-Max. I'm just starting out and planning to pick up a Picopresso as my first machine since I'm sure it will always be nice to have something so portable. Some people make it seems like you need to get the J-Max instead of the K-Max for espresso. In your comparison of the two I felt like the ease of use of the K-Max won you over. I'd like the ability to make pour overs as well, but am I leaving a little quality on the table for the espresso making if I go with the K-Max? Maybe something like Wacaco's new grinder would fit the level a little better, anyway? Questions, questions!
Hi Asser! Loving my Pico as my daily driver! Thanks - my question is, is stretching to get a cafelat robot redundant? Or is it that much better that it makes sense? What do you think??
You'd get a better workflow and way more options/feedback regarding pressure profiling. But the best Pico shots are great, so it might not be a huge improvement in terms of taste.
Thanks for another great review sir! I am actually planning to buy a Cafflano Kompresso insteaf of a cheap machine at he same price point. I also saw that the Picopresso is almost double the price of the Kompresso. Would you say the quality of espresso it produces is easily twice as good as what the Kompresso makes?
I've been traveling with my Moka Pot but I miss espressos - its texture and its intensity, it's a love story right there, so I've been looking to upgrade to a portable option. I wouldn't mind paying the price, but I worry I will be disappointed and will just want to go to a nearby coffee shop and pay for overpriced espressos haha. Can you really get something close to the texture - heavy, not watery, and syrupy and its favours - intense and not too bitter??
@@sportychris990 Sorry I won't be able to help you, I haven't! I've heard some people saying it can't beat an espresso, and some saying it's satisfactory. If you end up trying it, I hope you like it!
Really nice review, I agree 100% as a travel machine it really does tack some beating this is our camping and cruise go to coffee machine… have you tasted coffee on a cruise ship🤣🤣 It makes camping with a PicoPresso seem like luxury.
I have ordered a puck screen for my picopresso as well, but it hasn't arrived yet. Have you found any noticeable difference(s) between pulling shots with/without the screen?
Have you tried espresso maker from 1zpresso - Y3? I have their hand grinder J-max (got it after I’ve read your review), so I’m naturally interested in this little fellow. Right now I’ll probably get a less pricey compact espresso maker, 9barista will have to wait. Also, do those compact espresso makers actually make espresso? Or it’s an espresso in the name only? Know that you need 9 bars to make it, hard to believe that this little guy, picopresso, can make a proper drink. But, at the same time, you’re no amateur, so you know your stuff.
I have tried the Y3 briefly but haven't really tested it in depth. My impression is that Picopresso is less fiddly in daily use. 9 bars isn't really necessary for espresso, many pros actually prefer 6 bars nowadays. Not sure where Pico lands, but around that range. It's definitely legit.
Yes, the pico definitely is a big leap forward compared to the nano. Managed to get hold of one last month and it has been producing decent espresso. However, I always have trouble with "geyser" squirting out when I'm pumping. I use jx-pro with 1.28 setting (one full rotation + 11 clicks). I have also use th distribution tool everytime. Could you give an advice on how to prevent my pico from "squirting"? 😅
You can try giving it a little bit of preinfusion; press slowly in the beginning, when you see the first drops hold back for 10 seconds. Then you can ramp up the pressure by increasing the interval. Hope it helps!
I have a Flair Pro 2, Picopresso, and a 9Barista (not sure if this counts as manual, but maybe alternative espresso maker). I'm super impressed with the quality of shots you can get from such machines. On average, I'm getting better espresso than what I would get at any random coffee shop. Although there's a learning curve, I'd say anyone (on a budget) wanting to get into home espresso might want to consider foregoing a traditional machine and instead start with a manual device, using more of their budget on other things (e.g. grinder, scale, better coffee). I almost look at it the same as manual grinders vs. electric in terms of bank for your buck. And like you mentioned, once muscle memory kicks in and you gain expertise with your device, you can get some pretty outstanding results.
Short answer: awesome Longer- espresso with a high quality double boiler (esp rotary pump), can be Sooo expensive, and also a huge learning curve. A lot of times, amateur coffee people want to get into espresso and end up purchasing a whole bunch of gear only to get frustrated and disappointed. I really like how far manual espresso machines have come. It used to be a compromise in taste with price. That’s becoming less the case these days. *you do still need to have a quality grinder however for any of these manual machines without pressurized baskets. I sold my dual boiler machine in order to get a new smaller machine. (The Argos) ((which is not out yet)). So, I decided to finally get this Picopresso in order to still make espresso at home until my Argos arrives. Also thinking that eventually I will be able to have this as my espresso machine while at work. I’m still working on dialing in, but I’m impressed so far
Thanks for your comparison. I personally have no problems with my Nanopresso, using the barista kit (I've finally found the correct way to load it), and just to make a coffee at work it's fine. I was looking at the Picopresso when they first appeared and would like to try it, but I can't justify the cost (and also the cost of the other system sitting in the cupboard unused). I think all manual coffee systems would need some time spent getting to know how to make the best coffee, but I congratulate Wacaco on their products.
I got the Batista kit (larger water tank, double shot basket, etc) with my nanopresso and it solves the problem with the standard single shot.
Love it, ran it camping and at home for a few years before buying an actual home coffee maker.
Still use the nanopresso away from home.
I later bought the picopresso liking the new design, less plastic.
But I prefer the quality of coffee (more espresso like?) From the nano.
I'm by no means an expert or even an enthusiast, but I do tend to prefer stronger espresso and I feel the coffee from the pico just doesn't extract as well, always watery. Maybe user error, dunno.
Thanks for the video 👍
Thanks for the comparison with caflano and flair
What would you recommend between the Piccopresso and Flair Pro 2?
Really waited for your new vid and the Pico review!
Hi Asser. Thanks again for this review and your blog in general. My PicoPresso is arriving hopefully still this week. Shipping takes so much longer than they estimate. Maybe the whole world's supply chain is out of whack, or maybe because of local holidays. Very much looking forward to it. Thanks for helping me choose it!
Hello, I bought the picopresso model, but I cannot get the cream out of it. I use an urban tools coffee grinder. I tested with 3, 4, and 5, but I could not get the result I wanted with any calibration. A delicious coffee emerges. However, I cannot reach the cream that flows like a swan's neck, which is the inspiration behind the work... I would be very happy if you have any suggestions for me. Thank you from now.
Probably you need to grind finer or use fresher beans (max 4 weeks). Then you should see some crema.
@@coffeechronicler I ground it a little finer this morning. It was almost as good as Turkish coffee. but I finally made it. I gave him a wonderful cream, and when I pumped more frequently and in a controlled manner, I was able to achieve a really strong cream. thanks
Got my Picopress before a week long trip skiingand by the end of the trip it is now squirting pressurized coffee out from underneath the thin rubber lid seal. Apparently some internal pump seal failure? It happens no matter how tightly you screw the lid on and more espresso comes out the lid seal than the portafilter.
You convinced me.
Great videos, I’m glad I found your channel
Thanks
Wasn't expecting much after my experience with the Nanopresso, but now I'm intrigued. I was able to get passable espresso from the Nano using the barista kit after depressurizing the nozzle, but those little plastic baskets were an exercise in frustration. Eventually the workflow annoyed me to the point that I stopped using it. The Pico looks much more user-friendly in that regard, coming with a real basket and funnel and all.
Wish I could get Wacaco to buy back my Nanopresso 😆
I also tried depressurizing the Nanopresso, and shared similar frustration. This is very different :)
I don't get any crema when I use mine. Can you tell me what I'm doing wrong
What's the best hand grinder to pair with the picopresso? Thanks
Answer I'm looking for as well
Hi Asser,
About to zero in on the picopresso based on this review. Just wondering, have you come across issues like water leaking through the pump since it has been over a year?
Sir please may you share some light on the longevity of the piston on picopresso
is there 100% stainless steel portable espresso maker that you could recommend? I hate plastics. Even a small touch with plastic I will not drink it/
Leverpresso Pro is probably your best bet. It does have some silicone gaskets but you'll find that with all espresso machines I can think of.
Great video Asser, is it worth buying a picopresso over the cofflano kompresso considering its half the price of wacaco
I like the experience and overall package enough to think that the price is justified, but have also seen some good deals on Kompresso recently... So depends.
Hi can you please recommend a affordable grinder ($150-200) to use with Nanopresso and also be able to use for Pour over specially V60. Thanks
Nanopresso doesn't require a true espresso fine grind such as Picopresso. But I'd probably pick Timemore C3 or the new upgraded 1Zpresso Q2 to be future-proof for spro.
Thanks alot for your reply. 98% I'll be using it for nanopresso and V60. But I don't mind buying something that will give me fine grinds for espresso machine as well. Will check out the C3 and Q2. Let me know if it will work well with espresso machine also.
Asser is back !!!
Thanks for the Picopresso nudge ;)
@@coffeechronicler to many more 🤣
Can you compare this to the flair neo? In my country they are around the same price. Flair signature is like double the price
Thanks for first TH-cam comparison of Kompresso and Picopresso. Do you think it's worthy of upgrade to Picopresso? I like the workflow without preheating with Kompresso, but dialling new coffee is hard and consistency is not the best. But when I do it right I like texture and taste of coffee. I already have JX-Pro that have fine enough adjustment for Kompresso
I just myself the Picopresso as an early Xmas present. I’ve only pulled a few shots, and still dialing in. I really love everything about this machine. However, I do still have some difficulty screwing on the top cap that goes on top the water reservoir. Have you had any difficulties with this? Curious to know if it’s just me.
Thanks for the video.
me too,
It can sometimes be a little bit tricky. It helps to slide the cap on the opposite way at first to help find the thread
@@coffeechronicler yeah, that’s what I’ve been doing.
It’s odd, because screwing in the portafilter on the bottom is easy and pleasant.
I know to keep costs down, they prolly just did a plastic screw top. But I think had they at least made the threads metal, then it would work easier.
Same here.. I usually give up and just hold it steady for minimal spillage
If I dose less than Maximum grams in the picopresso (say 12 grams) will the result be bad?
Thanks for the review! Does the paper need changing every time? And what paper do you use?
No need for paper, you have a steel basket
@@coffeechronicler Thank you!
Wich one better?
Great video, thank you. I can't easily find another manual espresso maker in my country, and they are not easy to ship so I'm considering the Wacaco. It looks great in terms of quality of coffee, and I was wondering how the durability is like for being a daily driver at home. It looks like something that will be used for hiking/camping and might break easily if we use it all the time.
I used the Picopresso with Porlex hand grinder daily for 1.5 years while renovating my kitchen, no issues with durability.
I have a query regarding Picopresso and the grind size. Currently I'm using this Timemore Slim ( normal Slim not a Plus model ) and planning to purchase a Picopresso but my doubt is that this grinder ( slim ) can do fine enough grind size for Picopresso..? Can you please help me out. Thank you.. 🙏
I think it can go fine enough, but it will take very long to grind - maybe 3-5 minutes. With the Slim Plus it can grind a dose in 40 seconds
@@coffeechronicler Thank you.🙏 Btw can you suggest me a good hand grinder that can give an espresso grind size.? I have few on my mind like 1zpresso Jx-Pro, J-Max and K-Plus.. most of the ppl suggested that Jx-pro can do pretty good with in a budget.. does it really do that good, can it gives a good espresso shot.? Your help will much appreciated.
I bought this a couple weeks ago. My experience with picopresso so far is ok. When I first got it, I used light roasted coffee and I had difficult times getting e decent shot, It was just too sour ( maybe it was supposed to taste like that). Then when I switched to darker roasted coffee, I started to get better shot. I used to own leverpresso, and compared to picopresso, I feel like picopresso is way better.
Preheating is important with all manual espresso, also the Pico. I found I was able to pull good light-medium roasts at a 1:3 ratio.
@@coffeechronicler but I don't think the chamber has enough room for 1:3 ratio, right? My max output is 45gr out from 20gr in.
@@mikele7982 If you fill it to the brim you can get around 50 ml's out, so with a 17g dose you can hit it :)
Hi please upload a review of the 1zpresso y3.
What kind of handgrinder would you recommend to go with the picopresso and v60? I also saw that you have the new scale from timemore, are you happy with it? I find it a bit expensive, specially when wacaco has a similar sized scale for a lower price
Many hand grinders will work for Picopresso since it doesn't require an ultra fine grind or perfect dial in. I used K Max for the filming.
Still testing the Timemore espresso scale.. Not quite decided yet, both pros and cons.
@@coffeechronicler nice! I've been struggling on choosing k max and j max, hope you soon will give a review of the k max
@@CamMor89 I will talk about it in one of the next videos!
@@coffeechronicler I would like to use the Timemore slim plus (small upgrade to the c2) as a handgrinder for the pico presso. Do you think that would work ?
Apart from that: How would the Picopresso compare to the flair (neo) or especially rok ?
Thanks for the amazing review and the good work, in your videos !
@@coffeechronicler I'm really interested that you used the K-Max. I'm just starting out and planning to pick up a Picopresso as my first machine since I'm sure it will always be nice to have something so portable. Some people make it seems like you need to get the J-Max instead of the K-Max for espresso. In your comparison of the two I felt like the ease of use of the K-Max won you over. I'd like the ability to make pour overs as well, but am I leaving a little quality on the table for the espresso making if I go with the K-Max? Maybe something like Wacaco's new grinder would fit the level a little better, anyway? Questions, questions!
Hi Asser! Loving my Pico as my daily driver! Thanks - my question is, is stretching to get a cafelat robot redundant? Or is it that much better that it makes sense? What do you think??
You'd get a better workflow and way more options/feedback regarding pressure profiling. But the best Pico shots are great, so it might not be a huge improvement in terms of taste.
cafflano kompresso vs picopresso?
Picopresso
Thanks for another great review sir! I am actually planning to buy a Cafflano Kompresso insteaf of a cheap machine at he same price point. I also saw that the Picopresso is almost double the price of the Kompresso. Would you say the quality of espresso it produces is easily twice as good as what the Kompresso makes?
Hard to quantify the espresso like that. But I'd say it's worth the price!
I've been traveling with my Moka Pot but I miss espressos - its texture and its intensity, it's a love story right there, so I've been looking to upgrade to a portable option. I wouldn't mind paying the price, but I worry I will be disappointed and will just want to go to a nearby coffee shop and pay for overpriced espressos haha. Can you really get something close to the texture - heavy, not watery, and syrupy and its favours - intense and not too bitter??
You won't be disappointed, it makes real espresso. But you do need a decent grinder to get the best results.
Hey Jessyca. Did you buy the picopresso? How is your experience?
@@sportychris990 Sorry I won't be able to help you, I haven't! I've heard some people saying it can't beat an espresso, and some saying it's satisfactory. If you end up trying it, I hope you like it!
@@coffeechronicler What grinder to pair with it?
Really nice review, I agree 100% as a travel machine it really does tack some beating this is our camping and cruise go to coffee machine… have you tasted coffee on a cruise ship🤣🤣 It makes camping with a PicoPresso seem like luxury.
Always good.... Thanks
It’s astonishing what recognition by the company and a little money can do. Right away better reviews are pouring onto social media. 😜
I have the picopresso paired with my timemore slim plus, makes decent shots, use a puck screen too
I have ordered a puck screen for my picopresso as well, but it hasn't arrived yet.
Have you found any noticeable difference(s) between pulling shots with/without the screen?
@@cold_static It's harder to pull a shot due to increased pressure, but the shots run without any channeling
@@bazzen6992 That seems to be in line with what I heard in another video "Optimizing the Picopresso"
I'll have to try it out to see for myself.
@@cold_static I'd recommend an IMS 51mm basket upgrade too. Definitely better than stock basket on picopresso
Have you tried espresso maker from 1zpresso - Y3? I have their hand grinder J-max (got it after I’ve read your review), so I’m naturally interested in this little fellow. Right now I’ll probably get a less pricey compact espresso maker, 9barista will have to wait.
Also, do those compact espresso makers actually make espresso? Or it’s an espresso in the name only? Know that you need 9 bars to make it, hard to believe that this little guy, picopresso, can make a proper drink. But, at the same time, you’re no amateur, so you know your stuff.
I have tried the Y3 briefly but haven't really tested it in depth. My impression is that Picopresso is less fiddly in daily use.
9 bars isn't really necessary for espresso, many pros actually prefer 6 bars nowadays. Not sure where Pico lands, but around that range. It's definitely legit.
Yes, the pico definitely is a big leap forward compared to the nano.
Managed to get hold of one last month and it has been producing decent espresso.
However, I always have trouble with "geyser" squirting out when I'm pumping.
I use jx-pro with 1.28 setting (one full rotation + 11 clicks). I have also use th distribution tool everytime.
Could you give an advice on how to prevent my pico from "squirting"? 😅
You can try giving it a little bit of preinfusion; press slowly in the beginning, when you see the first drops hold back for 10 seconds. Then you can ramp up the pressure by increasing the interval. Hope it helps!
@@coffeechronicler I'll try that and will report back 😁 thank you 👍
@@coffeechronicler yes, I did per your direction and there was no more chanelling 🙏🙏🙏 Thank you! 😁
What do you think about manual espresso makers? 🤔 Overhyped or awesome?
I have a Flair Pro 2, Picopresso, and a 9Barista (not sure if this counts as manual, but maybe alternative espresso maker). I'm super impressed with the quality of shots you can get from such machines. On average, I'm getting better espresso than what I would get at any random coffee shop.
Although there's a learning curve, I'd say anyone (on a budget) wanting to get into home espresso might want to consider foregoing a traditional machine and instead start with a manual device, using more of their budget on other things (e.g. grinder, scale, better coffee). I almost look at it the same as manual grinders vs. electric in terms of bank for your buck. And like you mentioned, once muscle memory kicks in and you gain expertise with your device, you can get some pretty outstanding results.
@@davidmaurice1294 Good points! Couldn't agree more
Short answer: awesome
Longer- espresso with a high quality double boiler (esp rotary pump), can be Sooo expensive, and also a huge learning curve.
A lot of times, amateur coffee people want to get into espresso and end up purchasing a whole bunch of gear only to get frustrated and disappointed.
I really like how far manual espresso machines have come. It used to be a compromise in taste with price. That’s becoming less the case these days.
*you do still need to have a quality grinder however for any of these manual machines without pressurized baskets.
I sold my dual boiler machine in order to get a new smaller machine. (The Argos) ((which is not out yet)). So, I decided to finally get this Picopresso in order to still make espresso at home until my Argos arrives. Also thinking that eventually I will be able to have this as my espresso machine while at work.
I’m still working on dialing in, but I’m impressed so far