Great video. I have this setup and it’s a joy to use. I appreciate your honesty in evaluating the Picopresso. Admitting that something so inexpensive can make exceptional espresso says a lot about your integrity in evaluating equipment. Thanks!
@@AlternativeBrewingJust picked up the Picopresso from your Darra, Brisbane showroom today. While the first attempt wasn’t great, it still was interesting the shot it extracted. I am usually a triple shot cappuccino person, so next challenge is how to steam milk enough to get closer to the barista coffees I love. Haven’t got the additional gadgets yet.
Pico for me is the perfect "in the office" setup. At home, I have a Robot and Kinu, and at work I have a Pico and Kingrinder K4, and honestly, it holds it's own. Also, all those extras accessories are a must - except, I dont have a gauge, so I dont know about it. I have used the pico so long that I feel like I have a really great feel for it, and dont really see the need for the extra setup.
I'm new to all this but loving my nano presso. I'm into weird niche portable things via games and soft drinks so i have already been thinking about when i get a real machine and honestly ill probably just do this set up.
Cool video! Picopresso is such a great coffee maker, I grind with the excellent DF64, both from Alternative Brewing 😉. Those accessories in the video are nice additions to the Picopresso. Thanks for the tips, although I don’t have the gauge (yet), I noticed that pumping slowly created a big pressure drop which is the opposite that happens in any espresso maker. Nice to see the Exagram in action but I was surprised not to see or hear about the Exagram or the handy Wacaco coffee mat that is great to use after washing the gear.
When I saw this pressure gauge come out, I couldn't believe anyone would go for such a simple and elegant machine and then want to complicate it, but that's coffee nerds for you. Just doing the most. The technique you showed will definitely change how I pump when I'm pulling espresso at my desk in the office. For my Robot at home I definitely need a pressure gauge though. Picopresso tastes good but it doesn't compare to the shots from my Robot.
We agree, the guage is kinda silly, and thought the stand was too, especially with all that flexing going on. We just got the new Ver.2 and there is now a screw holding the stand rigid so we are keeping it. Its not even mentioned on the websites, but we just posted a review at ebikeCNX7239 and it's now worth the stand as it's improved and does pack flat (ish).
Thanks for your demo. The Kingrinder K4 might be the most affordable *espresso-grind focused* hand grinder. At some point I hope you can compare the Picopresso to the revised Hugh Leverpresso V4.
Great video as usual, mate! I’m enjoying waking up early in the morning and treat myself with seriously satisfying espresso made with my current Varia + Picopresso set. Btw, the Varia has been doing great so far!
We didn't like the look of that flexing in the stand, but our one we just got is a Ver. 2 with a thumbscrew holding eveything together with NO FLEX ebikecnx7239
I might've missed the rough total cost idea. But I feel like with all those extra thignsto buy. it pops up the price higher. I think this would be a good thing to compare this set up vs something like the Outin Nano. both with a mind for the espresso nerd building and fine tuning and as well as the person who has little livign space and work and wants decent coffee and or milk drinks. Or maybe something staresso like. though that one is more "esspresso like" than the other two it sounds.
Good call! Yes the the last query - it's quite a lot better IMHO as an espresso maker - although I have not tried the increased capacity of the Outin yet 👌
I'd hazard to point out That that doesnt' really mean much to someone who isn't well versed in coffee mechanics. My context assumption is that 20bars is too high or too high at too long? but in what does that functionally do?@@WheelyArt
looking for one of these to take on the boat! but i'm a little taken back that you didnt trial the set up with their own make manual grinder? id of guessed they would make a grinder that would suit their espresso maker perfectly?
Yes, I didn’t have it on hand unfortunately! It’s okay and does the job - though there are many grinders better than it for specifically espresso brewing
The full length of the Espresso is IMHO is less important than the way point of Espresso coming out within 11-15 pumps. too soon - your coffee may be too coarse - too slow - more than 15 pumps and your coffee is too fine. So keep within the 11-15 pumps and a steady rate to maintain 9 bars of pressure and that's a good extraction. You cannot really pump faster to brew quicker - or else you increase the pressure beyond 9 bars also.
Great video. I purchased the stand and the gauge when they were released. I have a hard pelican case, but like the idea of that soft case. What brand Josh?
I loved my picopresso until it started leaking while trying to press. I got this pressure gauge as well and it leaks even more with it attached. Not sure how to fix this problem; pressure only gets to about 3-4 bars before the leaking begins around the side of the metal portafilter. Only about 1.3 years old with maybe 50-60 shots pulled. Any ideas on how to fix?
same prob - leaks water through the pump - annoying but still makes good espresso. Haven't worked out a fix. I probably should have got it replaced under warranty. I use it primarily when travelling.
Hi, I tried to order these goodies on your website but seems like it does not allow shipment to the US. Is this true or it’s just some glitching happening here?
In my experience pretty well, but you need to thoroughly preheat and be prepared to alter your recipe vs a traditional shot. I use a 14g IMS basket and tend to do 15:45 ratio as a starting point
My picopresso lasted 3 weeks b4 losing all pressure and dying an early death. Used in conjunction with exagrind grinder on 13 clicks. Bought it off you guys. $155.00 for 3 weeks use. What bullshit. The exagrind is still going strong.Great little grinder. The minipresso lasted 6 weeks but at $49.00 who cares. Don't b surprised if your $155.00 Coffee machine doesn't last a month,following usage instructions from the provided manual. What BULLSHIT
Asla pratik degil bi marka yemizligi parmak yorgunlugu ve sicak su olmamasi her an iste sorunlar doga gezisine cikin 2 tane kahve yapmayi deneyin su yok.ama bu usta manyikli bir basinc olcer koymus fakat pratik degil asla
Great video. I have this setup and it’s a joy to use. I appreciate your honesty in evaluating the Picopresso. Admitting that something so inexpensive can make exceptional espresso says a lot about your integrity in evaluating equipment. Thanks!
Well said! Thanks so much 🙏
@@AlternativeBrewingJust picked up the Picopresso from your Darra, Brisbane showroom today.
While the first attempt wasn’t great, it still was interesting the shot it extracted.
I am usually a triple shot cappuccino person, so next challenge is how to steam milk enough to get closer to the barista coffees I love. Haven’t got the additional gadgets yet.
Pico for me is the perfect "in the office" setup. At home, I have a Robot and Kinu, and at work I have a Pico and Kingrinder K4, and honestly, it holds it's own. Also, all those extras accessories are a must - except, I dont have a gauge, so I dont know about it. I have used the pico so long that I feel like I have a really great feel for it, and dont really see the need for the extra setup.
Love this 🫶
I'm new to all this but loving my nano presso. I'm into weird niche portable things via games and soft drinks so i have already been thinking about when i get a real machine and honestly ill probably just do this set up.
Very eloquent review. Thanks. It helps.
Thanks for watching!
How many people seen the face in the creme. Right after he swirls it. Got to get one of these for my backpack.
Boris Karloff, Frankenstein.
As always, excellent content. Definitely one of the best YT coffee channels.
Appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🫶
Cool video! Picopresso is such a great coffee maker, I grind with the excellent DF64, both from Alternative Brewing 😉. Those accessories in the video are nice additions to the Picopresso. Thanks for the tips, although I don’t have the gauge (yet), I noticed that pumping slowly created a big pressure drop which is the opposite that happens in any espresso maker. Nice to see the Exagram in action but I was surprised not to see or hear about the Exagram or the handy Wacaco coffee mat that is great to use after washing the gear.
When I saw this pressure gauge come out, I couldn't believe anyone would go for such a simple and elegant machine and then want to complicate it, but that's coffee nerds for you. Just doing the most. The technique you showed will definitely change how I pump when I'm pulling espresso at my desk in the office. For my Robot at home I definitely need a pressure gauge though. Picopresso tastes good but it doesn't compare to the shots from my Robot.
Agree! Picopresso is impressive for its size and weigh 🫶
We agree, the guage is kinda silly, and thought the stand was too, especially with all that flexing going on. We just got the new Ver.2 and there is now a screw holding the stand rigid so we are keeping it. Its not even mentioned on the websites, but we just posted a review at ebikeCNX7239 and it's now worth the stand as it's improved and does pack flat (ish).
I love my Aeropress on the go, but this really making me want to buy this! Love your channel ☕️👍🏽😁
You should! Thanks so much 😄
Awesome,waiting for my pressure gauge and will definitely incorporate this method in the meantime.
Yess! 🙌 enjoy
Thanks for your demo. The Kingrinder K4 might be the most affordable *espresso-grind focused* hand grinder. At some point I hope you can compare the Picopresso to the revised Hugh Leverpresso V4.
Good call!
Great video as usual, mate! I’m enjoying waking up early in the morning and treat myself with seriously satisfying espresso made with my current Varia + Picopresso set. Btw, the Varia has been doing great so far!
Ha ha Nice one!
What grind size you go on the varia for it?
Currently I’m on a medium roasted ethiopian from Nowhere Coffee Roasters and my Varia is set exactly on 4
We didn't like the look of that flexing in the stand, but our one we just got is a Ver. 2 with a thumbscrew holding eveything together with NO FLEX ebikecnx7239
I might've missed the rough total cost idea. But I feel like with all those extra thignsto buy. it pops up the price higher.
I think this would be a good thing to compare this set up vs something like the Outin Nano.
both with a mind for the espresso nerd building and fine tuning and as well as the person who has little livign space and work and wants decent coffee and or milk drinks. Or maybe something staresso like. though that one is more "esspresso like" than the other two it sounds.
Good call! Yes the the last query - it's quite a lot better IMHO as an espresso maker - although I have not tried the increased capacity of the Outin yet 👌
The Outin has the advantage of been able to heat water but its a constant 20 bar pressure machine.
I'd hazard to point out That that doesnt' really mean much to someone who isn't well versed in coffee mechanics. My context assumption is that 20bars is too high or too high at too long? but in what does that functionally do?@@WheelyArt
Since it's just for travel, I grind what I need at home, into a zip lock. Then I dose as needed.
Hey Josh, would you recommend something like the Comandante c40? Thanks
Yes absolutely 👍
Gosh tho it's so expensive!
also i'm not sure how i'd find hot water outside, and having to clean it after and store it moist sounds horrible!
looking for one of these to take on the boat! but i'm a little taken back that you didnt trial the set up with their own make manual grinder? id of guessed they would make a grinder that would suit their espresso maker perfectly?
Yes, I didn’t have it on hand unfortunately! It’s okay and does the job - though there are many grinders better than it for specifically espresso brewing
So where are they getting 18 bars from? As advertised on there webpage.
18 bar pressure before it breaks I imagine.
Great video. Do you have a link to the travel case please?
In the description and here: alternativebrewing.com.au/products/basal-coffee-travel-bag
how long should i aim for my brew to be, if i start the timer when i see the first signs of espresso?
The full length of the Espresso is IMHO is less important than the way point of Espresso coming out within 11-15 pumps. too soon - your coffee may be too coarse - too slow - more than 15 pumps and your coffee is too fine. So keep within the 11-15 pumps and a steady rate to maintain 9 bars of pressure and that's a good extraction. You cannot really pump faster to brew quicker - or else you increase the pressure beyond 9 bars also.
Great video. I purchased the stand and the gauge when they were released. I have a hard pelican case, but like the idea of that soft case. What brand Josh?
Thanks 🙏 it’s the Basal carry case: alternativebrewing.com.au/products/basal-coffee-travel-bag
Great video! 👏 What grind settings do you use in the Varia VS3 for your Picopresso?
Thanks so much! I had it on #3.7-4 and it worked well for my beans 🤙
i want the gauge for mine but then where do you store it when travelling? i think they need to release a new carry case
True! 🙌
How would you compare the picopresso to the flair neo flex for home use? (Without all the accessories)
I haven't actually used the Falur Neo 😱 - so I'm gonna have to answer that question now
I loved my picopresso until it started leaking while trying to press. I got this pressure gauge as well and it leaks even more with it attached. Not sure how to fix this problem; pressure only gets to about 3-4 bars before the leaking begins around the side of the metal portafilter. Only about 1.3 years old with maybe 50-60 shots pulled. Any ideas on how to fix?
same prob - leaks water through the pump - annoying but still makes good espresso. Haven't worked out a fix. I probably should have got it replaced under warranty. I use it primarily when travelling.
Contact your local dealer. In my experience with Wacaco, they are fantastic for keeping their products in good working order and out in the field 👍
Hi, I tried to order these goodies on your website but seems like it does not allow shipment to the US. Is this true or it’s just some glitching happening here?
Ahh apologies! Yes, this is true. So sorry! we are unable to service Wacaco customers outside of our market (Australia).
any comments on basket replacements?
Not as of yet :( I can get 20g in the basket on most occasions - so pretty happy with that - but yes - perhaps a basket that's not tapered.
Bought one yesterday. Thanks for the work. Looks like a 51mm ims competition basket works. Will test.
Nice! I’ll keep an eye out for one.
How does the Picopresso performs with light roast and specialty coffee?
In my experience pretty well, but you need to thoroughly preheat and be prepared to alter your recipe vs a traditional shot. I use a 14g IMS basket and tend to do 15:45 ratio as a starting point
@@charlesrichards597 thank you for your answer
Picopresso really needs at least one preheat before use IMO.
good call 👌
The pressure gauge starts to leak after 2-3mths of use
Where did you get the travel case, it looks perfect!!
From here: alternativebrewing.com.au/products/basal-coffee-travel-bag 👌
The cream looks like Jack Nicholson as a joker, so this espresso must be jokingly good
400$+ for this is not a good deal
My picopresso lasted 3 weeks b4 losing all pressure and dying an early death. Used in conjunction with exagrind grinder on 13 clicks.
Bought it off you guys. $155.00 for 3 weeks use.
What bullshit. The exagrind is still going strong.Great little grinder.
The minipresso lasted 6 weeks but at $49.00 who cares.
Don't b surprised if your $155.00 Coffee machine doesn't last a month,following usage instructions from the provided manual.
What BULLSHIT
too much work for me.
Asla pratik degil bi marka yemizligi parmak yorgunlugu ve sicak su olmamasi her an iste sorunlar doga gezisine cikin 2 tane kahve yapmayi deneyin su yok.ama bu usta manyikli bir basinc olcer koymus fakat pratik degil asla
Kinda defeats the purpose of the thing..tbh. But to each their own