Review on ☕ STARESSO Portable Espresso Maker - BPA-Free Mini Espresso Machine for Rich & Thick Crema - Manual Espresso, Ground Coffee Compatible - Compact Travel Coffee Maker by Christopher Wiggins

Review of the first week: I don't use caps (such rubbish!), only ground coffee. It is used daily for a week, 1-2 injections per day. I didn't have espresso when it arrived, so I took a sip of regular, locally roasted Colombian coffee. The result was tasty, but the cream wasn't enough. The next day I had a LaVazza espresso. This shot had great crema! The taste was good. The next day: Doppio (so to speak) from the same coffee and 80 ml of water. Good crema and less intense espresso, so a good doppio. More shots, everything is fine. Today, Americano is prepared the traditional way: a shot is added to hot water. I don't usually like americano, but this one was very good (I tried it black first, then added some cream). I also made an Americano a few days ago following Staresso's instructions (shot with 80ml of water, then topped up with water and pumped another 80ml to brew the whole drink). I wasn't impressed with their results and would consider it a "Long Black" or Lungo rather than an Americano. Use espresso coffee for maximum crema2. There is still a small amount of water in the humidification chamber that is not being pumped, and.3. The "washer" is soft and still holds quite a bit of water after inflation. So if I use 50ml of water as recommended, the shot seems short. I suspect I'll use 70-80ml of water as a last preference4. Measuring/tamping tool fragile! wimp! wimp! It will break.5. Decanting a shot into your favorite mug leaves plenty of delicious crema behind.6. My grinder is good but not perfect and I didn't have whole beans to test. The finish will make a difference. I don't take shots for the crowd, just for myself, so this is a GREAT solution to my desire to have an espresso every now and then. Great for camping, festivals, tea parties (ha!), etc. I also have and love an Aeropress, but it doesn't make real espresso (but makes good coffee).