Why is it Wild? Check out our Handpresso Wild Hybrid review and get some great tips. This Handpresso Wild Hybrid can use E.S.E coffee pods or ground coffee and is willing to go anywhere you want. There have been a few different version of the Handpresso Wild. There is an E.S.E pod only version and a ground coffee only Handpresso Wild. The most recent is the combined Handpresso Wild Hybrid that can use ground coffee or E.S.E coffee pods.
The Handpresso Wild Hybrid is a small portable espresso machine that does not require electricity. It uses a hand pump similar to what you might use for a bicycle to create a 16 bar pressure. It has been designed to allow you to experience a great espresso even if you are at work, camping, on holiday, boating or even hiking (basically wherever you want). It is a robust device built with travel in mind.
How the Handpresso Wild Hybrid works:
- Turn it so the pressure gauge is facing upwards and make sure the release button is raised.
- The end of the Handpresso Wild Hybrid contains the pump handle. You may need to unlock the pump by twisting the handle. Pump until you get the needle into the green area of the gauge. Some people like to over pump for extra pressure. Perform pumping before putting the coffee in. The pumping is pretty easy to do. Tighten the Handpresso Wild Hybrid handle when finished.
- (Optional) Heat the Handpresso beforehand for the best coffee.
- (Optional) Have a pre-heated espresso cup ready, perhaps using some hot water.
- Add the required amount of heated water (holds up to 50 millilitres). There are some markers to help you out.
- Add the E.S.E. pod or ground coffee to the container attachment (E.S.E. and ground are different attachments)
- Ground:
- The ground coffee container is concave, so press firmly when tamping. You can also move the coffee around with your fingers before tamping to help settle the coffee.
- There is the intense filter that many suggest significantly improves your coffee and crema.
- There is a special Handpresso mini-tamper available which some users report makes a difference. You can also use the handle as a tamper if you don't have a real one on hand.
- Get finely ground coffee beans for espresso use.
- E.S.E. Coffee Pod
- The E.S.E. pod container will lock in to place with a twist.
- Place an E.S.E. pod on top of the container
- Lock the dome lid in place over your coffee container.
- (Optional) One user suggested turning the Handpresso Wild Hybrid upside down and let the coffee brew for 25 seconds before release.
- Press the button to release the pressure and the coffee will start to pour.
- You can stop it early by pushing the release button back up via the button near the dome lid.
- At the end when the coffee completely runs out, you will get your (probably small, but also coffee dependant) crema.
Clean out and reload your coffee to make another cup of coffee. Coffee grounds make great compost!
This machine is not likely to give you the satisfaction of a top of the line espresso machine, but for those on the go, it is a good and possibly far superior option than what might be available. There are a few variables to play around with like tamping style, water amount, size etc, so try it out and see what fits your style.
Handpresso Wild Hybrid Negatives
- Some users report that it is more like a strong coffee than a real espresso shot, even with the intense filter. Others seem happy enough.
- Some users prefer the much cheaper and lighter Aeropress, but it is a different kind of coffee with a concentrated french press flavor, so it is personal taste.
- Other users also prefer the mypressi Twist (but the mypressi Twist seems to have some durability issues)
Extra Handpresso Tips
- E.S.E. pods are more convenient and less messy, especially if you are using it at a work desk.
- There is no lock for the release button, so be careful not to trigger it in an inconvenient location.
- Having a thermos is a useful accessory for storing your hot water.
- Maintenance
- Drop some cooking oil onto the pump shaft and pump to keep the O-rings in top working condition. This will provide less friction while pumping. Why not make a coffee while you are at it?
- Oil the release button to keep it moving easily.
- You can descale the water container with white vinegar and clean with water a number of times.
- Cleaning the portafilter only requires water and a rinse.
The Handresso Wild Hybrid range comes with a 2 year warranty.
There is a range of colors, including black, silver, white and the newest yellow and blue options.
Check out where you can buy the Handpresso Wild Hybrid and why not get some E.S.E. coffee pods or coffee beans to try it out? Thanks for reading our Handpresso Wild Hybrid review.
Handpresso’s story
Handpresso is an award winning company who make portable espresso machines. Their slogan is “Espresso Anywhere”.
The first of these was the Handpresso Wild and was first released in 2008. It is a manual espresso machine and can reach 16 bar of pressure using simple technology similar to a bicycle pump. Ground espresso coffee or E.S.E pods can be used.
Handpresso was the child of Henrik Jul Nielson, an avid espresso lover. Henrik was also a traveller who had too many bad coffees! With Leonardo da Vinci’s quote, “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”, he set about creating a simple, but effective, portable espresso maker. Sadly Henrik Jul Nielsen passed away in 2011, but his wife and the Handpresso team in France keep his dream alive.
The company has continued its success and forged partnerships with high profile brands such as Lavazza, Fiat, Iveco, Volkswagen and Audi.