WACACO Picopresso Portable Espresso Maker Bundled with Protective Case Review

Essential Accessories

• Manual Grinder: The WACACO Exagrind pairs perfectly
• WACACO Multi-Purpose Silicone Mat for tamping and cleaning
• A compact scale for precise dosing (18g is the sweet spot)
• Small brush for cleaning (included with Picopresso)

The Picopresso isn’t just another travel coffee maker – it’s a legitimate espresso tool that takes portability seriously. Each component feels thoughtfully engineered, from the satisfying click of the water tank to the professional-grade 52mm portafilter.

Core Specs:

• Size: 106 x 78 x 71 mm (fits in most cup holders)
• Weight: 350g (lighter than your morning newspaper)
• Water Capacity: 80ml (enough for a double shot)
• Max Pressure: 18 bars (matching commercial machines)

What’s in the Box:

• Picopresso unit
• Protective carrying case
• Distribution tool
• Tamper
• Cleaning brush
• User manual

The build quality really shines in daily use. The stainless steel components feel robust, while the BPA-free plastic elements are clearly chosen for durability rather than cost-cutting. I’ve accidentally dropped mine on a camping trip, and aside from a small scuff on the case, it kept pulling perfect shots.

Stand-out Features:

• Naked portafilter design for monitoring extraction
• Double-shot basket standard
• Premium tamper included
• Pressure-optimized shower screen
• Ergonomic pumping mechanism

Let me walk you through brewing with the Picopresso:

1. Prep Work (30 seconds)

• Grind 18g coffee (espresso-fine)
• Heat water to 200°F (93°C)
• Optional: Pre-heat components

2. Loading Up (45 seconds)

• Fill basket with grounds
• Level with distribution tool
• Tamp firmly (30 pounds pressure)
• Attach portafilter to base

3. The Pull (30-40 seconds)

• Add hot water to reservoir
• Start with gentle pre-infusion
• Build pressure with steady pumps
• Watch that golden stream

The magic happens in step 3 – you’ll know you’ve nailed it when you see tiger-striping in the crema. My best shots have come from a 5-second pre-infusion followed by steady, deliberate pumping.

The Learning Curve: Expect your first few shots to be learning experiences. Focus on consistency in your:

• Grind size adjustments
• Tamping pressure
• Pumping rhythm

After months of daily use, here’s what stands out:

The Good Stuff:

• Pulls shots that could fool a barista
• Built tough enough to survive a camping trip
• No batteries or plugs needed
• Perfect size for travel
• Pro-grade 52mm portafilter
• Impressive crema production
• Consistent results once mastered

Room for Improvement:

• Takes practice to nail the technique
• Manual pumping can be a workout
• Need a good grinder for best results
• Small water tank means frequent refills
• Cleaning between shots takes time

Real Talk from Users: The coffee community generally loves this thing, but there’s a common thread in the feedback – it demands attention to detail. One user described it perfectly: “It’s like learning to drive stick shift. Frustrating at first, but then you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I’ve found the learning curve oddly satisfying. Each shot teaches you something, and once it clicks, you’ll be pulling shots that rival your local cafe.

As someone who regularly brews from hotel rooms, the Picopresso’s travel credentials are solid:

Size & Weight:

• Fits in a jacket pocket (106 x 78 x 71 mm)
• Lighter than a paperback (350g)
• Protective case prevents damage

Travel Perks:

• No electricity needed
• Works with any heat source for water
• Sturdy enough for rough handling
• Quick cleanup on the go

Real-World Testing: I’ve used mine everywhere from beachside sunrises to mountain campsites. The included case has saved it from a few drops, and the steel construction handles temperature changes like a champ.

Just remember, while the Picopresso is compact, you’ll need space for accessories like a grinder and scale if you want the full experience.

You’ll love the Picopresso if you’re:

The Coffee Perfectionist:

• Care about extraction quality
• Enjoy dialing in shots
• Appreciate manual brewing

The Adventure Seeker:

• Love camping or hiking
• Travel frequently
• Want quality coffee anywhere

The Home Barista:

• Limited counter space
• Learning espresso basics
• Want pro results without the big machine

I’ve found it particularly perfect for weekend trips where good coffee is hard to find. One memorable morning, I pulled shots for a group of hikers at sunrise – their amazement at getting cafe-quality espresso on a mountaintop made lugging the gear totally worth it.

Skip the Picopresso if you’re:

The Convenience Seeker:

• Want one-button operation
• Need coffee for multiple people
• Prefer automated consistency

The Casual Coffee Drinker:

• Don’t care about espresso specifics
• Just want a quick caffeine fix
• Prefer drip or French press coffee

Better alternatives might be:

• AeroPress for simpler brewing
• Clever Chef French Press for larger volumes
• Pod machines for pure convenience

Remember: This isn’t a “set it and forget it” device – it demands engagement with the brewing process.

After six months of daily use, here’s the real scoop:

What Gets Better:

• Shot quality improves with practice
• Pumping motion becomes muscle memory
• Workflow gets smoother and faster
• Pride in your coffee-making skills

What You’ll Notice:

• O-rings stay resilient
• Portafilter maintains seal
• No significant wear on moving parts
• Case protects effectively

Minor Quirks:

• Shower screen screws need occasional tightening
• Basket edges might show slight wear
• Water tank seal requires proper alignment

The biggest surprise? How the learning process never really ends – you can always refine your technique for even better results.

Keep your Picopresso pulling perfect shots with these routines:

After Each Use:

• Knock out puck
• Quick rinse under hot water
• Wipe dry with clean cloth
• Store fully assembled

Weekly Cleaning:

• Disassemble completely
• Brush all crevices
• Clean portafilter thoroughly
• Check O-ring condition

Monthly Deep Clean:

• Backflush with proper cleaner
• Soak filter basket
• Descale if necessary
• Inspect all parts

Pro Tips:

• Keep a small brush handy for grounds
• Use filtered water when possible
• Never store wet
• Check screws monthly

Following these steps, my Picopresso still looks and performs like new after months of heavy use.

The Picopresso shows impressive eco-credentials:

Green Features:

• No electricity needed
• Zero disposable pods
• Built to last years
• Minimal packaging
• Reusable components

Resource Usage:

• Low water consumption
• No paper filters
• Minimal waste per shot
• Easy to repair

The real environmental win comes from longevity – this isn’t a device you’ll replace annually. My only wish is that WACACO would offer a recycling program for worn components.

Sustainable Coffee Tips:

• Use local roasters to reduce transport
• Compost your grounds
• Clean with eco-friendly products
• Keep it maintained for maximum lifespan

Let’s break down the value proposition:

What You’re Getting:

• Professional-grade portafilter
• True 18-bar pressure system
• Premium build materials
• Protective case included
• Long service life

Long-term Value:

• No recurring pod costs
• Minimal maintenance expense
• Durable construction
• Saves on cafe visits

Market Context: The Picopresso sits in the premium portable espresso maker category, but delivers capabilities matching machines costing far more. Having used both commercial and portable machines, I’d say it punches well above its weight class.

Cost Per Shot: Using specialty beans, each shot comes in far below cafe prices, potentially paying for the device within months for daily drinkers.

Here’s what I’ve learned through countless shots:

1. The Perfect Grind:

• Start slightly finer than table salt
• Adjust based on flow rate
• Keep notes on what works

2. Temperature Management:

• Preheat all components
• Use water off boil (205°F/96°C)
• Keep the device warm between shots

3. Pressure Control:

• Start with gentle pre-infusion
• Build pressure gradually
• Maintain steady pump rhythm

4. Travel Tips:

• Pack beans in airtight container
• Bring backup O-rings
• Consider a collapsible kettle
• Pre-weigh doses

5. Cleaning Shortcuts:

• Keep microfiber cloth handy
• Use compressed air for quick drying
• Brush basket immediately after use

Bonus Hack: Mark your tamper depth with a small line – helps maintain consistency when traveling without a scale.

Q: How long does it take to make a shot? A: 2-3 minutes total, including prep. Once you’re practiced, you can pull a shot in about 30 seconds.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee? A: Yes, but fresh-ground will give significantly better results. The Picopresso is quite particular about grind size.

Q: How hard is the pumping action? A: Medium effort – less than a bicycle pump but more than a hand cream dispenser. Most people adapt quickly.

Q: Will it break if I drop it? A: The case provides good protection, but avoid drops. Internal components are sturdy but not indestructible.

Q: Can it make regular coffee? A: It’s designed specifically for espresso. For regular coffee, check out the AeroPress.

Q: How many shots before cleaning? A: Quick rinse after each shot, deep clean weekly or every 30-40 shots.

Q: Does altitude affect performance? A: Yes, you might need to adjust grind size and technique at high altitudes.