Tom’s Guide Verdict
Ever get a major espresso craving while halfway up a mountain?
Hiking backpack full of instant coffee granules that make you grimace?
But the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 says goodbye to all that instant coffee nonsense.
The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is a handheld, hand-powered espresso maker.
Users must manually press water through the ground coffee using a piston.
Ive never seen anything else quite like this.
Is the Minipresso GR2s uniqueness enough to make it one of thebest coffee makers?
It depends on who you ask.
But if you predominantly enjoy pour-over coffee like aV60or anAeroPress, then this could be a skip.
I enjoyed using the Minipresso GR2.
Theres something about the manual, involved process that makes me feel a little more connected to the brew.
But its also just reallyfun.
I felt like a little kid again using toy kitchen equipment.
The Minipresso GR2 is $59 from Amazon U.S. and 59 from Amazon U.K.. ## Wacaco Minipresso GR2 review: Design
The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is an engineering marvel.
Actually, scratch that most of Wacacos range are engineering marvels.
Every accessory and part slots into the water tank body for easy storage.
Much like a Russian doll!
The Minipresso GR2 is 2 inches shorter than the original Minipresso and is constructed from sustainable materials.
Despite not much change from its predecessor, the GR2 is still just as well-designed.
The wheat polymer exterior is constructed exceptionally well.
Every part slots in exactly where it is supposed to and works like a well-oiled machine.
On the top of the Minipresso, youll find the small lid.
This opens up to reveal the 80ml-capacity water tank.
I was brewing delicious coffee with just one practice run.
Store-bought ground coffee likely wont be fine enough, as its usually ground for french press.
Its worth noting that the Minipresso GR2 does not heat water.
You will need one of thebest travel mugsto keep your water warm, or youll need a camping stove.
I squeezed the piston repeatedly, which soon dispensed delicious coffee with a thick crema.
After following Wacacos instructions, I went a little off-piste and followed my intuition.
I stuck to the traditional espresso ratio and used myFellow Tally Pro scaleto pull precise espresso shots.
This espresso tasted much nicer, with a hit of sourness and sweetness that had no bitterness whatsoever.
I fully recommend binning Wacacos recipes and following your heart.
Your heart being traditional espresso ratios.
I washed the Minipresso GR2 in the sink, and it was good to go again.
The Minipresso GR2 brews a delicate, balanced coffee, with thick crema and no bitterness.
I tested with both dark roast espresso beans and medium roast fruity artisan beans.
I love a light, fruity aroma, so the medium roast beans brewed coffee perfect for my taste.
However, I wouldnt recommend brewing another coffee immediately after.
Other Wacaco products like theCuppamokaandPipamoka are better for mimicking pour-over flavor.
Theres no reason why you wouldnt be able to clean the Minipresso GR2 at a camping spot.
Coffee is obviously a biodegradable substance, and there are manyways to use coffee grounds in your garden.
After use, a quick rinse the portafilter and showerhead with clean water will suffice.
The Minipresso GR2 is not dishwasher safe.
Wacaco Minipresso GR2 review: How does it compare?
Surprisingly, there arent many manual espresso machines available.
The difference between these pour-over options and Wacaco gadgets is stackability.
Wacaco cleverly designs each piece so it can fit inside the machines body.
Its uber-portable, and uber-outdoor-friendly.
Wacaco Minipresso GR2 review: Verdict
The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 has a very specific use-case.
Thats where the Minipresso GR2 comes in: a fantastic portable espresso machine for on-the-go caffeinating.
Theres nothing else quite like it, and thats a good thing.
