WACACO Picopresso & Exagrind Portable Espresso Bundle - Manual Coffee Grinder and Maker Set for Travel, Home, Camping, Hiking

Product Overview

The bundle includes two main components: the Picopresso espresso maker and the Exagrind coffee grinder. The Picopresso is a manual lever espresso machine that uses hot water and ground coffee to produce a double espresso. It features a naked portafilter and a commercial 18g basket. The Exagrind is a manual ceramic burr grinder with adjustable grind settings. Both are designed to be compact and lightweight, fitting easily into a daypack or carry-on. The operation is entirely manual: you load grinds into the basket, fill the cylinder with hot water, and pump the lever until you see crema. The grinder attaches to the Picopresso basket, allowing direct dosing. The set requires no electricity or batteries, making it ideal for off-grid scenarios. Maintenance involves rinsing the parts after use and occasionally brushing the grinder burrs. The bundle is priced at $234.90, positioning it as a premium portable option compared to simpler manual brewers like the Aeropress. It targets the coffee enthusiast who refuses to compromise on espresso quality, even when away from home.

Build & Materials

The Picopresso is built with a combination of stainless steel and high-grade plastic components to keep weight low while maintaining durability. The Exagrind grinder features ceramic burrs for longevity and consistent particle size. The manual piston mechanism is smooth and relies on user-applied pressure. The naked portafilter is specialty coffee standard. Both devices are compact, with the Picopresso roughly the size of a small water bottle. They are designed for disassembly and cleaning.

The bundle includes a protective case for travel, though not explicitly stated. The overall build emphasizes portability over brute strength; the plastic components feel sturdy but not industrial-grade. The grinder has adjustable settings with clear clicks, making it easy to switch between brew methods.

Shot Quality

With 18 bars of pressure and a commercial basket, the Picopresso can produce espresso with a thick crema and rich flavor comparable to high-end lever machines. The extraction depends heavily on grind size, dose, and tamping pressure. With the Exagrind grinding fresh, the flavors are vibrant. However, the manual process means consistency requires practice. The naked portafilter helps diagnose channeling or uneven extraction. Temperature stability is a challenge as the device is not heated; preheating the basket and cylinder with hot water is essential. Many enthusiasts report impressive shots after dialing in.

The grinder delivers uniform grounds, crucial for espresso. The adjustable range covers espresso to French press. The grinding mechanism is manual, taking about 30 seconds for a double shot. The ergonomics are decent, though grinding requires some grip strength. Overall, the shot quality potential is high, but the user's skill determines the outcome.