The Cafflano Kompresso is a highly portable espresso maker that stands out from other products in its category. Weighing less than 200g (0.45lb) and measuring just 17cm x 10cm, it’s incredibly compact, making it perfect for travel.
Despite its small size, it consistently delivers over 9 bars of pressure when extracting espresso, which is widely considered the ideal pressure for achieving the perfect shot.
What I like about Cafflano is that it’s a handheld espresso coffee maker, but you can make great-tasting espresso just like on a traditional espresso machine.
I use the Kompresso at least a few times per week, so trust me when I tell you that it’s an incredible brewer that’s worth the effort (also it is easy to clean). By the end of this guide, you’ll have made an espresso that’s so delicious and creamy, you won’t be able to tell it wasn’t made with a machine.
Ready for the ultimate coffee experience? Let’s make real espresso with the Kompresso!
What You Need to Use the Cafflano Kompresso
To make the perfect cup of espresso using this guide and your Cafflano Kompresso, you’ll need the following items:
- Cafflano Kompresso
- Coffee scale (I’m using an Acaia Black Pearl)
- Coffee beans
- Kettle (I’m using my Brewista Artisan Electric Gooseneck Kettle – highly recommend it BTW)
- Grinder (Mine is a Comandante C40 MK3 Nitro Blade – great for traveling without sacrificing quality coffee)
- Cup
Cafflano Kompresso Tutorial at a Glance
- Boil your water, and let it cool down to 92 degrees Celsius.
- Use the scale to weigh 16 grams of coffee beans.
- Grind the 16 grams of coffee beans.
- Place the 16 grams of ground coffee into the filter basket.
- Even and then tamp the grounds in the basket.
- Attach the filter basket to the Cafflano glass.
- Place the Cafflano glass on the scale.
- Pour 70 grams of water into the Cafflano glass.
- Attach the cup to the Cafflano.
- Put the pump on top of the Cafflano.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Press down with consistent force.
- Enjoy your creamy espresso!
BTW: The Cafflano Kompresso Has a Cool Story
Founded in 2012 by Beanscorp, co. Ltd, Cafflano earned attention in 2014 with two viral Kickstarter campaigns.
One was for the Cafflano Klassic All-in-One Portable Pour-Over coffee maker. And the other was for Cafflano Kompact Simple Pressing Hot & Cold Brewer.
The Cafflano Kompresso is Beanscorp’s third successful Kickstarter campaign, with the team billing it as the “world’s most compact espresso maker”.
There’s something about a crowdfunded brewer that’s really exciting. It’s new, innovative, and people love it.
How Does the Cafflano Kompresso Work?
The Cafflano Kompresso operates on a hydraulic system based on Pascal’s Principle, which increases the extraction force of the espresso.
By pressing the plunger, the coffee is extracted through the portafilter.
The Cafflano Kompresso is made of durable plastic with no BPA, while the portafilter is made of stainless steel. The kit also includes a plastic tamper which is a convenient addition to the method.
Cafflano Kompresso Components
- The spoon for tamping/compacting the coffee
- Filter basket/pull handle
- Push handle/piston
- The camera
- Shower screen (Stainless steel and silicone)
How to Use the Cafflano Kompresso – Step by Step
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Cafflano Kompresso to make the perfect cup of espresso.
Step 1: Boil your water.
Let it cool down to 92 degrees Celsius (about 197 degrees Fahrenheit).
Step 2: Use the scale to weigh 16 grams of coffee beans.
You’ll want to use a fine grind for this, just like any other espresso brewing method. Check out our grind size chart for instructions if needed.
Step 3: Grind the 16 grams of coffee beans.
Step 4: Place the 16 grams of ground coffee into the filter basket.
Step 5: Even and then tamp the grounds in the basket.
Step 6: Attach the filter basket to the Cafflano glass.
Step 7: Place the Cafflano glass on the scale.
Step 8: Pour 70 grams (2.5 oz) of water into the Cafflano glass.
Step 9: Attach the cup to the Cafflano.
Step 10: Put the pump on top of the Cafflano.
Step 11: Wait 10 seconds.
Step 12: Press down with consistent force.
Place your elbow on the Cafflano and start pressing down with constant pressure. It should take you between 50 seconds to one minute to get to the bottom. But if you have to press too hard, you need to change the grind setting to a coarser one. If you are pressing down and the Cafflano does not offer resistance, you need to go with a finer grind setting.
Step 13: Ta-da! Enjoy your creamy espresso!
Well? What do you think? Amazing, right? True espresso on the go! But that’s not all: the Kompresso can also be used to make filtered coffee, using a similar process to the popular Aeropress.
Whether you’re an espresso lover or a fan of filtered coffee, the Cafflano Kompresso makes coffee you’ll love. It’s the right product for anyone looking for a convenient, high-quality coffee maker that can be taken on the go.
It’s truly a unique device that offers a refreshing twist on moka pots or a machine. Let’s call it a small coffee maker with a big impact!
Cafflano Kompresso FAQs
What is the Cafflano Kompresso?
The Cafflano Kompresso is a small coffee maker that lets you make espresso at home or on the go. This coffee brewer is known for its simplicity and ability to produce fine espresso shots without electricity. The Kompresso is one of the lightest portable espresso makers available. It’s known for its flair and ability to produce some of the best espresso on the go, compared to other brands like Wacaco. Fans love it for its portability and quality coffee.
Is it really possible to get the best espresso from a portable coffee maker?
Yes, it is! Many customer reviews attest to the quality of the espresso made with the Cafflano Kompresso. It may be a manual espresso maker, but it still produces a thick crema and a coffee puck, much like a traditional barista-made espresso.
What kind of coffee grind should I use?
You should use an espresso grind, which is a fine grind. This ensures proper extraction and a great tasting espresso shot. To make better coffee at home, I always recommend having at least a hand grinder nearby to grind beans fresh.
Can the Cafflano Kompresso make espresso without grit or bitterness?
Absolutely. One of the highlights from Cafflano Kompresso reviews is its ability to make coffee without grit or bitterness, thanks to its high-pressure extraction method. Coffee lovers can tell the high quality of the coffee maker from how smooth the espresso is.
Is the Cafflano Kompresso worth it?
If you’re looking for an affordable espresso maker that’s portable and produces high-quality espresso, then yes, it’s worth it. Many customer reviews praise its performance and the quality of the coffee it makes. Whether you’re new to espresso outside of coffee shops or are looking for espresso on-the-go, I highly recommend the Kompresso.
Does it include any special brew methods?
Yes, the Cafflano Kompresso includes a unique 3 in 1 brew method combining French press, Aeropress, and espresso press techniques to make espresso that rivals specialty coffee made by a barista.
How does the Kompresso compare to the Flair Espresso Maker?
While both are great options for making espresso at home or traveling, the Kompresso is more compact and easy to carry. The Flair Espresso Maker is bulkier but has more customizable features, like 18 adjustable settings. The Kompresso is ideal for those seeking simplicity and portability.
Sure! Start by filling the water in the chamber, then add your ground coffee. Press down slowly and consistently for the best results. It’s straightforward and effective, making it easy for anyone to make great espresso.
Is the Kompresso designed for easy cleaning?
Yes, the Kompresso is designed to be simple to clean. Just disassemble the parts, rinse them under warm water, and you’re good to go. It makes the whole process of making and cleaning up after your espresso a breeze.
How much coffee and water should I use with the Kompresso?
For the best results, please use about 15-18 grams of coffee and fill the water chamber to the recommended level. This ratio usually falls within the actual espresso range of pressure and concentration.
How durable is the Cafflano Kompresso?
The Kompresso is built with durable materials, making it a reliable companion for travel. Many users have reported that it has produced some of the best shots over several years of usage.
Is the Cafflano Kompresso suitable for new coffee enthusiasts?
Absolutely! The Kompresso is perfect for new coffee enthusiasts because it’s easy to use, doesn’t have a steep learning curve, and provides a great introduction to making high-quality espresso shots.
4 thoughts on “How to Use the Cafflano Kompresso: The Ultimate Portable Espresso Coffee Maker”
Thanks for sharing this detailed article. It was nice reading about this product and how to use it. I’ve never heard of it before.
I appreciate the step-by-step guide! I’ll definitely consider this for travel!
It’s great to learn that there’s something like this out there; I hadn’t heard of it before. Thank you for sharing this!
I had never heard of this before! I enjoyed reading the article and seeing the pictures. It sounds like something I would love 🙂