STARESSO Portable Espresso Maker-Plus

I have a lot of coffee related paraphernalia, and this new contraption has further elevated my passion for the coffee bean. I also purchased the STARESSO Plus Accessory Filter Basket, 53mm 304 Stainless Steel Bottomless Portafilter. Between the filter basket that comes with the Staresso and the 53mm one, you can't go wrong if you want a smooth cup. Breaking the machine down to clean made me feel like a sharp shooter cleaning his weapon, and getting ready for my next "Shot", but it's a fun and easy process. Lots of parts to this simple looking device, but it is easy to understand and use. This seems to be made to last a long time, and I intend to find out every morning from now on.

READ ALL THE REVIEWS, SEEMS A GOOD PRODUCT! IF THEY COME UP WITH AN ALL WHITE VERSION I WOULD DEFINITELY BUY THIS!!

This is the 2nd mirage I've owned. I broke the first one by grinding too finely. I'm impressed enough with the machine that I bought another. I am very happy with this device and consider it the best of the manual, portable espresso machines that I have used.

Wow, this is... Something else. Actually portable. You will need to acquire some fine grounds, near-boiling water and a tamper, but otherwise the whole kit's here. The quality of the espresso is comparable to that of a good quality espresso machine, offering significant value far surpassing its weight and size. One, two or three shots of 60 mL of actual espresso with crema are available without hard work in under two minutes (not including water boiling time). Additionally, I believe the time until these shots die off (go bitter and bland) is around 20-30 seconds, which is a few seconds better than some $x,xxx machines can manage. Mix it with something iced quickly to stop it cooking itself for a softer flavor, or if you like strong espresso flavor, enjoy at your leisure. I'm more of a coffee drinker so I throw mine over ice with vanilla almond milk and no sugar. Anyway...How to use:Set up device by folding out the legs, pulling the cup off the bottom, unscrewing the pump, unscrewing the filter and filling the grounds reservoir.I use about 19-20 grams of grounds, ground until a dust (more than for coffee or aeropress), but not a powder (espresso machine). Pile those grounds into reservoir. Tamp the grounds pushing down and flattening to get an even fill.Put the filled grounds reservoir back on the device, screwing it firmly but not so tight you think you won't be able to take it off. Pour near-boiling water (205-210 preferably) in the water reservoir, then replace the pump/lid. You know how most manual devices require you to preheat the water reservoir so it doesn't suck heat out the water? You don't have to do that with this device due to the double walled insulated water reservoir. If your water is 212 F (100C)going in, it'll be 205-210 (96-98C) once shut.Ensure your cup is under the device and start pumping. Should take a good 10-20 pumps to start coming out. I don't pump too quickly in fear the hot espresso may spray out. If your grounds are not packed well, it may also cause spraying as water and air break through the grounds and out the drip nozzle. Once you hear air come out the dripper, that's your cue to enjoy your espresso. Forcing the last few drops may give your espresso an oiliness and sourness.The device itself has built in measurements to make 60, 120 and 180 mL of espresso at a time. Most manual presses allow only one shot, maybe two. This does better. For $100 you get a premium feeling device, that folds up and fits in a backpack easily. I repurposed a camera bag and easily fit a small can of beans, a grinder and the staresso to take with me to work. This is an excellent purchase regardless of your budget if you are looking into getting an espresso machine. You will treasure this.

Really disappointed that under the steel brew chamber liner, there is plastic that seems to come into contact with hot water. Did some digging and found a source that claimed the plastic is BPA free, but nowhere did I find that claimed on the packaging. It’s black plastic that reminds me of cheap kitchen utensils. Regardless of claims to food safety, my reason for purchasing the Staresso was to find an affordable manual espresso maker that eliminated plastic from making contact with the coffee. They almost got it. Every other contact part is metal.Would have kept it otherwise.