Handpresso

Deep in the woods, the stars above, and the hard ground underneath. Yes, my friends, it's that time of year again. When we throw ourselves at nature's mercy, risking exposure, bear attacks, and poor cell reception in the name of character-building outdoorsy fun. That's right, it's time, yet again, for camping. Surviving in the great outdoors is one thing, but surviving without coffee is another matter entirely. So, as you gear up to face the challenge that awaits you, I recommend that you consult the following list of items intended to increase your chances of making it out alive.

	Handpresso Wild Hybrid Outdoor Set: The ideal companion for any espresso outdoorsman, the Handpresso Wild Hybrid is about as portable as you can get when it comes to brewing espresso. Offering the flexibility of brewing with both ground coffee and ESE pods, the Wild Hybrid will see you through to safety. The entire outdoor set includes one Handpresso Wild Hybrid, four Unbreakable Cups, one heavy duty thermo-insulated flask, and two napkins. Oh, and did I mention that the carrying case is actually a thermo-formed Extreme Vibration Attenuation (EVA) case, designed to withstand up to 50 pounds per square inch? Groovy.
	Bodum 15oz Travel Press Coffee Maker: If you're looking for regular coffee instead of espresso, the Bodum Travel Press has got you covered. Made from durable, lightweight plastic, this 15 oz press can go wherever you go, and needs only hot water and ground coffee.
	ROK Espresso Maker: We've been counting down the days left until the ROK's arrival. Needless to say, it'll be hitting US shores soon and is available for preorder. While it may be a bit bigger than the other items on this list, the ROK is still quite portable. Lightweight, durable, and conveniently packed in a storage case, the ROK uses no electricity whatsoever. Just heat some water over a roaring campfire, add some coffee and you're good to go.

Espresso anywhere?...sounds good to me! I figure this would be a good time to go over the Handpresso Wild Hybrid, an improved version of Handpresso's ingenious portable espresso maker that can now brew using both ground coffee and ESE (Easy Serve Espresso) pods.

At first glance, the Handpresso Wild Hybrid impresses with some exquisite craftsmanship and engineering. In your hand, this portable espresso maker (which weighs in at a comfortable 1.2 pounds) feels just right. It's light enough to take anywhere, yet it's got enough weight to dispel any concerns about its durability.

When the real work is out of the way, you simply remove the lid from the brewing pod and add hot water into it, and insert an ESE (easy serve espresso) pod or a filled basket of ground coffee. Living the fast paced life that I do, I prefer using the Lavazza Gran Crèma Pods.

Next, cover the espresso pod with the lid and make sure it secured tightly. Finally, point the bottom of the pod over the espresso cup, push the plunger down and watch the thick and rich espresso pour into the cup with a generous amount of crema.

Mmmmm! Cleaning up is easy too. When the Handpresso is done brewing, empty the brewing pod by throwing away the used espresso pod and proceed to rinse it with water. Dry the Handpresso with dry rag and you are ready for your next espresso shot.

It's Alive! The Handpresso Wild Hybrid and innovation are synonymous; and, while that is an outstanding characteristic, much more can be said about the new Handpresso Wild Hybrid. When I first started working at Whole Latte Love I had heard of Handpresso and of the two varieties of hand-held espresso machines they made, the Handpresso Wild and the Handpresso DomePod. Now, this is where the Handpresso Wild Hybrid really shines. As a combination of both machines, the Hybrid can brew espresso using either ESE pods or ground coffee, making it very versatile for making espresso on the go.

I found brewing with the Handpresso Wild Hybrid to be a very hands-on experience. I was very impressed by its performance, and wild with excitement by the time I was finished... okay good, you're still with me. Puns aside, I found the Handpresso Wild Hybrid to be an incredibly easy machine to use after perusing the instructions a few times. What it really boils down to is pumping the machine, filling it with water and coffee and pushing a button.

To test it out, I went on a voyage to the untamed wilderness that is the Whole Latte Love kitchen. I found it somewhat ironic that I wound up using our Expobar Brewtus IV-R to provide my hot water (using a coffee machine in order to use a coffee machine), but still it was easier than say, boiling creek water. Honestly the water can come from anywhere as long as it's clean and hot. The Handpresso Wild Hybrid doesn't heat the water itself. In terms of coffee, you can either pop an ESE pod in or fill the DomePod basket with ground coffee. If you do use the basket, I recommend grinding the coffee into a container first and then using a scoop, otherwise things can get messy. Once you've taken care of your coffee, replace the portafilter and press the brew button. In the kitchen, I tried to imagine a babbling forest brook as fresh espresso poured from the spout and into my cup.

Now, because I'm an accessory kind of guy, I also checked out the Handpresso Intense Portafilter, which is a special portafilter that you use in place of the one that comes with the Wild Hybrid. The Intense Portafilter increases infusion time, which was nice when I found myself craving a stronger cup of coffee.

One thing to be aware of while brewing is that the Hybrid is built with a set of locks, one on the pump handle and another by the portafilter. In order to pump, you'll have to first twist the pump handle counterclockwise to release it.

You should also lock it back into place when you've reached the green zone on the pressure gauge. The Handpresso Wild Hybrid can reach around 16 bars of pressure, but you want to make sure you stay out of the red.

The second lock is indicated by an icon next to the brew button. When you've twisted your portafilter back on and are ready to brew, make sure that one of the three white lines on the side is lined up with the closed lock icon, otherwise, you won't be able to push the brew button. This might seem a bit confusing, but the machine won't brew if the portafilter is unlocked. The Handpresso Wild Hybrid combines gourmet quality coffee and the convenience of portability into one elegant package. Embark on your own coffee adventure today with any of the novel Handpresso products from Whole Latte Love!

It may be the happiest time of the year, but this is also a busy travel season. Chances are, you or your loved ones will be taking to the roads, rails and skies in advance of the holiday celebrations. As always, good coffee and espresso can be hard to find when you're on the go. But, don't leave it to the roll of the dice this year, pack the following items in your suitcase and you won't have to be at the mercy of others when the need for a good beverage strikes.

Bodum Travel Press
New to Whole Latte Love, the Bodum Travel Press is an ingenious combination of a travel mug and French Press. It will let you prepare coffee or loose-leaf tea and drink without having to switch from press to cup. The Bodum Travel Press comes in black, green, white, orange and red...so you'll be able to match it to your luggage for a stylish ensemble. Choose from 12 or 15-ounce sizes as you see fit.

Handpresso Wild and DomePod
One of Oprah's Favorite Things, the Handpresso Wild and DomePod will let you brew authentic espresso on the go. These hand-held espresso makers do not require electricity to operate, so they are perfect for the frequent traveler. Choose the DomePod if you want to brew using ground coffee otherwise, opt for the Wild which works with ESE pods.

Hot Water Kettles
If your holiday trip involves a hotel stay, consider taking along the Capresso H20 Pro Programmable Cordless Kettle. Great for the entire family, this electric kettle will let you make hot water for coffee, tea or even hot chocolate for the little ones. The Capresso H20 Pro has 11 variable temperature settings and a large 56oz capacity so you'll brew enough for the entire family!

Gourmet Tea
There's nothing like a cup of warm tea to calm down a hectic trip. Travel-friendly Te Teas and Teaposy sachets are the perfect treat for a long trip. Take a time out with one of Te Teas' unique concoctions including Peppermint Chamomile Jazz, Rooibos Mandarin Twist, Black Velvet Chai, South Pacific Green Tea and more. If you're one to indulge in a blooming tea at home, be sure to check out The Teaposy Concert Series. The elegant flavors and aromas of blooming teas have been preserved in nylon sachets that can be easily packed into carry-on luggage. Teaposy Concert Series sachets are available in Concerto, Duet, Sonata and Symphony blends.

It doesn't matter if you packing gloves and sweaters or a bathing suit and sun block for your next trip, be sure to make room for these must-have travel companions. Travel with the comforts of home and delicious espresso, coffee and tea to boot.

It’s that time of year again, when we load up the car with the kids and our weekly supplies to venture out in the great outdoors. One of the challenges is how to produce a good cup of coffee when there is no access to electricity. Some may think that is a challenge that cannot be met; however there are several good solutions on the market today.

Several companies have created products that do not require electricity, to make great coffee. You can choose from a stovetop; French press or the newest item on the market the Handpresso . These solutions only require hot water and coffee to deliver a great cup of Joe. During a camping trip, hot water can be made over the fire. You can use a kettle or even a cooking pot to boil the water. If you bring along a thermos, you can heat the water and take with you for backpacking or simply sitting near the water, which is one of my favorite pastimes. Here is breakdown of the different solutions:

This requires only hot water and ground coffee. A French Press requires a medium to coarse grind, a finely ground coffee will not seep through the plunging screen. The coffee produced is much more robust than drip, due to essential oils not being absorbed in a filter. Remember; don’t allow the coffee to sit in the press for a long period of time, as it may turn bitter. You can choose from several French press make and models: Bonjour offers one that is called the BonJour Unbreakable Hugo Coffee Press ; it features polycarbonate glass liners that protect against breakage, the perfect solution during an outdoor coffee experience.

Another unique solution comes from Handpresso a company that makes handheld espresso machines that does not require electricity to operate. Pump it up to pressure using simple bike-pump technology; once the machine is up to 16 bars, add ground coffee or a coffee pod to brew the perfect shot of espresso! The Handpresso Wild works with ESE pods and the Handpresso Domepod can brew ground coffee. An ESE pod is “easy serve espresso”. Each pod consists of 14 grams of coffee pressed and packed for the perfect, consistent shot each time. You can make a full cup of coffee, by simply adding hot water to the espresso shot, creating a cafe Americano.

The idea of the stove-top espresso maker came from a simple washing machine. During the 1920s Alfonso Bialetti observed the local women of Crusinallo, country washing their clothes in a sealed boiler with a small central pipe. The pipe would draw up the soapy water from the bottom of the boiler and redistribute it over the laundry. Alfonso Bialetti hit upon the idea that he could adapt this washing machine and scale it down to make a simple coffee maker that would allow Italians to enjoy real espresso style coffee in their private homes. Water is placed in the bottom chamber of the stovetop , and ground coffee goes into the filter basket, located in the middle chamber, of the pot. Once the unit is placed over heat source, the water will be heated and pushed through the coffee grounds, and finally, into the top chamber of the pot. Within minutes, you’ll be able to enjoy. Then, you can pour into your favorite espresso cup and enjoy.

Aside from being handy in the wilderness, these solutions can also be perfect for individuals with limited counter space. The Handpresso weighs less than 2lbs and can be stored in a kitchen drawer. The French press and Stove top makers are also very space efficient.

My mantra should be “Quality coffee: anywhere, anytime”. I love the convenience of using the Handpresso Wild E.S.E., with a multitude of pods ranging from Lavazza and Gaggia to Illy and Aloha Island, but I have just gotten the first opportunity to try Handpresso’s Wild Dome Pod model and have to say that I am now truly in awe of Handpresso’s products and engineering.

I really like the freedom that I have with my Wild E.S.E., but the idea that I not only have that freedom, but also the ability to use ground coffee is even better. I can choose the origin, grind and the roast of the coffee that I am brewing in the Handpresso Wild Dome Pod, and that I can share my favorite coffees, like Whole Latte Love Monaco with my friends while we are out and about, is the ultimate.

Also, being a sailor, an essential piece of gear on the boat is my Handpresso Outdoor Set, which is made of thermo-formed EVA (Extreme Vibration Attenuation) foam reinforced fabric, and includes the Handpresso Wild, four unbreakable Cups, a stainless steel thermo-insulated flask and two small napkins. Having the hot water from the flask to make a shot of espresso is so convenient, but it also allows me to take that shot of espresso, add more hot water and turn it into an Americano. Better yet, if its hot out, pack ice and milk in the cooler (another essential piece of sailing gear) and add a Bonjour Primo Latte Frother to the mix and its iced cappuccinos for everyone!

Here is the bottom line, whether you are on the water, camping with the family, at the stadium, or on a picnic, Handpresso can be right there with you to fulfill your caffeine needs.