Portable espresso machines have developed rapidly over the past two years and have become indispensable products for many coffee enthusiasts. Lovers of coffee can now brew a hot cup of espresso anytime—while traveling, at home, during gatherings, or after sports—using a portable espresso machine. Compared to pour-over coffee, this eliminates the need for many additional accessories; you only need to carry the machine itself to easily get espresso. Faced with different brands and types of portable espresso machines, many people are unsure how to choose and do not fully understand the differences between them or their performance. This article focuses on analyzing the differences between the latest bottomless portafilter portable espresso machines and traditional pressurized portable espresso machines currently on the market, as well as their performance.
Differences Between Bottomless Basket and Traditional Pressurized Portable Espresso Machines
Differences in Internal Structure
Traditional portable espresso machines work by combining a basket with an internal pressurized electric pump to create a high-pressure environment for extraction. The coffee basket has only a single exit hole, making it very easy to identify. If you see a portable espresso machine where the outlet for the extracted espresso is a single hole, then it is a pressurized portable espresso machine.
The latest portable espresso machines feature a bottomless basket. Their most distinctive feature is the visible bottomless basket, similar to the bottomless portafilter of a home semi-automatic espresso machine, allowing you to observe the entire extraction process when pulling a shot.
Comparison:
The structure of bottomless basket portable machines is more complex. Typically, these machines require a basket size of 39mm, 51mm, or even 58mm. These sizes are already comparable to home semi-automatic machines, and fitting the corresponding brew group is more complicated. These baskets need to hold 14-18g of coffee grounds. In contrast, the standard basket for a pressurized portable espresso machine holds only about 7g of coffee, which is a very small amount. Therefore, high pressure must be used to extract a sufficient volume of espresso. However, high-pressure extraction can lead to over-extraction. As we know, the ideal extraction pressure is 9 bar. Extraction under significantly higher pressure will cause the espresso to lose the inherent flavors of the coffee beans, leaving only bitterness.
Bottomless basket in portable coffee maker
Differences in Suitable Coffee Bean Types
The structural characteristics of pressurized portable espresso machines dictate that they can only effectively extract dark roast coffee beans, as this is necessary to produce noticeable crema. For medium roast beans, which offer more nuanced flavors, using the small 7g basket, even with higher pressure, will not yield a rich crema; instead, it results in a weak, under-extracted coffee liquor.
In contrast, bottomless basket portable espresso machines achieve a standard close to that of home-grade semi-automatic machines. They can extract medium-dark, medium, and even light roast coffee beans. By appropriately adjusting the grind size and coffee dose, they can produce espresso close in flavor to that from a full-sized machine. After tasting, one can perceive the original flavors of the coffee beans, rather than just a cup of bitter coffee water.
Comparison:
The goal of a pressurized portable espresso machine is simply to produce a cup of espresso with crema—a very pure purpose. It primarily solves the problem of not being able to get coffee outdoors or while traveling, allowing enthusiasts to have a coffee drink. This is its reason for being.
The bottomless basket portable espresso machine, however, is an optimized upgrade based on the pressurized type. On the foundation of producing espresso, it also allows one to taste the original flavors of the coffee beans. This goal, which previously could only be achieved with the complex functionality of a home semi-automatic machine, is now realized in bottomless portafilter portable machines.
Selection and Recommendation of Portable Espresso Machines
Bottomless basket portable espresso machines are gradually becoming the mainstream. If the budget allows (approximately $150-$200), one can opt for a bottomless portafilter portable machine. Please look for the following key features:
51mm or 58mm Bottomless Basket
It is essential to choose a portable espresso maker equipped with a 51mm or preferably a 58mm bottomless portafilter. Whether for home or outdoor use, this will meet demands. As analyzed above, the performance of bottomless basket maker far exceeds that of traditional portable machines. If a 58mm option is available, don't hesitate to choose it first.
Large Battery Capacity
Prioritize machines with a large battery capacity, as this determines how many shots you can extract outdoors. Typical portable espresso machines have a battery capacity of around 7500 mAh. The IKAPE K2 portable espresso machine, however, boasts a battery capacity of 13500 mAh, nearly double that of ordinary machines. When fully charged, using 60ml of cold water per shot, it can extract 8-10 cups of espresso.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Smartphone App Control
This feature currently appears only on the IKAPE K2 version of portable espresso machines; no other brands offer it. Through the smartphone app, you can control water temperature, extraction time, and pre-infusion time. It offers extensive playability and represents a step towards professionalization for portable espresso machines.
IKAPE KAPO K2 portable coffee maker in outdoor
Summary
Portable cofee makers are continuously evolving, with their functionalities constantly strengthening. They should not only meet the need for coffee enthusiasts to get a cup of coffee outdoors but, more importantly, also be capable of expressing the flavor profile of the coffee beans. The IKAPE K2 portable espresso machine fulfills this need and can bring more enjoyment to coffee lovers.
