Handpresso Auto Premium Set Review

Recommended Accessories:

• Senseo coffee pods or Nespresso capsules (various brands available)
• Portable milk frother for lattes
• Travel mug for keeping drinks hot
• 12V power inverter for flexibility

Let’s dive into what makes the Handpresso Auto Premium Set tick. Having used one extensively during my cross-country road trip last summer, I can tell you it’s more than just a fancy car gadget.

Core Features:

• Power: 12V car adapter (140W)
• Pressure System: 16 bar pump
• Pod Type: E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) pods
• Brew Time: About 2 minutes
• Water Tank: 50ml capacity
• Size: 26.2 x 21.1 x 9.4 cm (10.3 x 8.3 x 3.7 inches)
• Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lbs)

The build quality impressed me - it’s mostly ABS plastic, but it feels solid and well-engineered. The set includes two unbreakable cups (they’ve survived several accidental drops), a sturdy carrying case, and some thoughtful extras like a napkin and storage tray.

What I particularly appreciate is how the design team clearly thought about the car environment. The rounded edges prevent it from catching on things, and the non-slip base keeps it stable on your center console.

Available Variants:

• Handpresso Auto Capsule (base model)
• Handpresso Auto Set Capsule (complete kit)
• Handcoffee Auto 12V (alternative version)
• Handcoffee Truck 24V (for larger vehicles)

These can be purchased directly from Handpresso’s European website, though I recommend checking their shipping policies for your location.

The brewing process is straightforward, though it took me a couple of tries to get it just right. Here’s my step-by-step guide:

1. Fill: Pour 50ml of water into the reservoir. I use a small measuring cup to avoid spills.

2. Load: Pop in your E.S.E. pod. They’re readily available online, though selection can be limited compared to other pod systems.

3. Power Up: Plug into your car’s 12V outlet and press the power button. The LED indicator starts blinking.

4. Heat & Pressurize: Wait about 2 minutes while it works its magic. You’ll hear a slight hum as it builds pressure.

5. Brew: Once the light stays solid, hold it over your cup and press the coffee button. The extraction takes about 25 seconds.

The 16-bar pressure system really makes a difference - you’ll get proper crema on your espresso, something I didn’t expect from a car-powered device.

A word of caution: Don’t try to rush the heating process. I learned the hard way that patience leads to better results.

After using the Handpresso Auto Premium Set for several months, here’s my honest take on its strengths and limitations:

What Shines:

• Consistent Results: The 16-bar pressure system really delivers on the promise of proper espresso. You’ll get that lovely crema layer every time.
• Quick Setup: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 2 minutes. Much faster than finding a café during a road trip.
• Build Quality: The ABS plastic construction feels durable. I’ve accidentally dropped the case twice with no issues.
• Simple Operation: Just add water, insert pod, and press a button. No barista skills required.
• Compact Design: Fits easily in a car’s center console or glove compartment.

Room for Improvement:

• Pod Limitations: Being restricted to E.S.E. pods can be frustrating. The selection is decent but nowhere near as varied as other pod systems.
• Single Serving: The 50ml water tank means making multiple drinks takes time.
• Car Dependency: No power means no coffee. I once forgot my car adapter and learned this the hard way.
• Temperature Consistency: The first shot tends to be hotter than subsequent ones.
• Price Point: The initial investment might seem steep for a car-only coffee maker.

User Feedback Patterns: From talking with other users and reading reviews, most praise the convenience and espresso quality but wish for ground coffee compatibility. Several mentioned the learning curve in getting the timing right - too quick on the brew button and you’ll get weaker coffee.

One unexpected positive I’ve found is how it’s become a conversation starter at outdoor events. Nothing draws a crowd quite like pulling an espresso shot from your car!

The Handpresso Auto’s portability comes with some interesting trade-offs. The carrying case measures roughly the size of a laptop bag’s main compartment, making it manageable but not exactly pocket-sized.

Travel Considerations:

• Weight: At 1 kg, it’s substantial but not burdensome
• Protection: The included case provides excellent protection during transport
• Setup Space: You’ll need a flat surface, ideally your center console
• Power Requirements: Standard 12V car outlet (or 24V for truck version)

During my testing, I found it particularly useful during camping trips where the car was nearby. The case kept everything organized, though I wish it had an extra pocket for storing additional pods.

One clever detail: the unbreakable cups nest together, saving space when packed. However, remember that you’re somewhat tethered to your vehicle - this isn’t something you’ll take hiking or to the beach unless you’ve got a portable power source.

The Handpresso Auto Premium Set is particularly well-suited for several types of coffee enthusiasts:

• Road Trip Warriors: If you regularly embark on long drives, this can save both time and money on café stops.
• Sales Representatives: Perfect for those who spend their days driving between client meetings.
• Commuters: Turn your morning drive into a café experience, especially if your commute exceeds 30 minutes.
• RV Enthusiasts: Adds a touch of luxury to your mobile living space.
• Field Workers: Anyone who uses their vehicle as a mobile office will appreciate having café-quality coffee on hand.

I’ve found it especially valuable during early morning photography trips when coffee shops aren’t open yet. The ability to enjoy a proper espresso while watching the sunrise from a scenic overlook adds something special to the experience.

This device isn’t for everyone. Here’s who might want to look elsewhere:

• Coffee Purists: If you insist on freshly ground beans, the E.S.E. pod system will feel limiting.
• Urban Dwellers: Those who primarily use public transport won’t get much value here.
• Occasional Travelers: The investment might not make sense if you only take rare road trips.
• Group Travelers: The single-serving nature can be frustrating when trying to serve multiple people.

Better alternatives for these users might include:

• The Wacaco Nanopresso for versatility and manual operation
• An AeroPress for its simplicity and versatility
• A good travel mug paired with café visits

The key is matching your coffee solution to your lifestyle. If you’re rarely in a car or prefer grinding your own beans, your money might be better spent elsewhere.

After extended use, certain patterns emerge that aren’t apparent in initial testing:

Durability Notes:

• The pressure pump maintains consistent performance even after hundreds of uses
• Button mechanisms show no signs of wear
• Seals remain tight, though they may need replacement after a year of heavy use

Performance Evolution:

• The heating element takes slightly longer when used in cold weather
• Water reservoir markings stay clear and readable
• Power cord remains flexible despite frequent coiling

The biggest long-term advantage I’ve found is the reliability - it works just as well now as it did on day one. However, the pod holder can develop slight staining over time, though this doesn’t affect functionality.

Regular users report that descaling every few months keeps performance optimal, especially in hard water areas.

Keeping your Handpresso Auto in top shape isn’t difficult, but it does require attention to detail:

Daily Care:

• Rinse after each use (run a water-only cycle)
• Wipe down external surfaces
• Empty and dry water reservoir
• Clean pod holder area

Weekly Maintenance:

• Deep clean all removable parts
• Check seals for debris
• Clean power connection point
• Wipe down carrying case

Monthly Tasks:

• Descale using a vinegar solution or commercial descaler
• Inspect all seals for wear
• Clean harder-to-reach areas with a small brush
• Check power cord for any wear

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Weak pressure? Clean the pod holder area thoroughly
• Strange noise? Check for proper pod placement
• Slow heating? Descale the system
• Leaks? Inspect and clean all seals

A tip from experience: Keep a small cleaning kit in the carrying case. I use a microfiber cloth and a small brush, which has saved me more than once during longer trips.

The environmental footprint of the Handpresso Auto presents a mixed picture:

Positive Aspects:

• Durable construction reduces replacement waste
• E.S.E. pods use less packaging than plastic capsules
• Eliminates disposable cup waste from café visits
• Lower energy consumption compared to traditional espresso machines

Areas of Concern:

• Pod waste, though E.S.E. pods are mostly paper
• Car power dependency increases fossil fuel usage
• Limited repairability of some components

While not perfect, the system can be part of an eco-conscious coffee routine, especially when paired with responsible pod disposal and minimal idle car use while brewing.

A clever approach I’ve seen: Some users collect used pods for composting, as E.S.E. pods break down more easily than plastic alternatives.

When evaluating the Handpresso Auto’s value proposition, consider both immediate and long-term factors:

Value Considerations:

• Build quality suggests good longevity
• Includes essential accessories in the set
• Saves money on café purchases over time
• E.S.E. pods cost less than café drinks

Investment Context:

• Higher initial cost than manual alternatives
• Complete kit eliminates need for extra purchases
• Potential savings for frequent travelers
• Lower maintenance costs than complex machines

For someone who buys coffee during their commute, the device could pay for itself within a few months. However, casual users might find the investment harder to justify.

After months of use, I’ve discovered several ways to enhance the Handpresso experience:

1. Temperature Optimization

• Preheat cups with hot water from a thermos
• Store water at room temperature for faster heating
• Let the machine rest 30 seconds between shots for consistency

2. Better Crema

• Ensure pods are fresh and properly seated
• Don’t start extraction until pressure fully builds
• Try different pod brands for varying crema quality

3. Power Management

• Keep car running for consistent power delivery
• Consider a power inverter for flexibility
• Clean the 12V plug regularly for better connection

4. Travel Tips

• Pack pods in a sealed container to maintain freshness
• Keep a small brush for quick cleaning between uses
• Store water separately to prevent any leakage

5. Maintenance Shortcuts

• Use compressed air for quick cleaning
• Keep a spare set of seals handy
• Mark water level with a permanent line for quick fills

Q: Can I use regular ground coffee? A: No, the Handpresso Auto is designed specifically for E.S.E. pods. Using ground coffee could damage the machine.

Q: How long does it take to make an espresso? A: About 2 minutes from cold start to finished espresso.

Q: Will it drain my car battery? A: The power draw is minimal, but it’s best to run the engine while using it, especially for multiple drinks.

Q: Can I make milk-based drinks? A: The device makes only espresso, but you can pair it with a portable milk frother for lattes or cappuccinos.

Q: Is it safe to use while driving? A: No, always use the Handpresso Auto while safely parked.

Q: What maintenance is required? A: Regular cleaning after each use and descaling every few months, depending on usage.

Q: Where can I buy E.S.E. pods? A: Many online retailers sell E.S.E. pods, though selection varies by region.

Q: Does it work with all car outlets? A: Yes, it works with standard 12V outlets (cigarette lighters). A 24V version is available for trucks.

After months of testing in various scenarios, the Handpresso Auto Premium Set proves itself as a capable travel companion for coffee enthusiasts. While it won’t replace your home espresso setup, it fills a unique niche for vehicle-based coffee brewing.

The 16-bar pressure system delivers consistent results, and the E.S.E. pod system, though limiting, ensures a mess-free experience. The build quality suggests longevity, though time will tell how it holds up under heavy use.

For commuters and road trip enthusiasts who value their coffee ritual, this device offers a practical solution. Just remember: you’re trading some flexibility (pod-only system, car-power requirement) for convenience and consistency.