Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker: Enjoy Authentic Espresso Anywhere

Published on Jan. 26, 2024, 9:39 a.m.

For espresso lovers who want to enjoy a rich, aromatic cup of espresso wherever they go, the Simpresso SP22 is an ideal solution. This lightweight and compact portable espresso maker allows you to manually brew authentic espresso with thick, smooth crema, without needing electricity or batteries. Let’s take a closer look at why the SP22 is a must-have for on-the-go espresso enjoyment.

Overview

The Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker is a manual espresso machine made by Simposh. Weighing just 0.78 lb and measuring 8.4 x 3.1 inches, this petite but powerful unit fits easily into bags or suitcases. The sleek all-black design gives it a stylish, minimalist look. With a 120ml water capacity, it can produce 1 serving of espresso using ground coffee or Nespresso pods.

Innovation and Background

The Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker represents a significant leap in portable coffee technology. Born from a desire to enable coffee enthusiasts to enjoy espresso anytime and anywhere, Simposh has meticulously engineered this device to balance portability with the essential features of a traditional espresso machine. Emphasizing simplicity and efficiency, the Simpresso leverages manual operation to deliver a barista-level espresso experience without the need for electricity. This innovative approach not only caters to the needs of travelers and outdoor enthusiasts but also aligns with environmentally conscious practices by eliminating the dependency on electronic components.

 Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker

Key Features

  • Lightweight and compact for portability
  • Powerful manual pumping creates 15-19 bars of pressure
  • Brews authentic espresso with thick, smooth crema
  • Detachable 120ml water tank
  • Compatible with Nespresso pods and ground coffee
  • Easy to operate and clean

Design - Portability meets Performance

The Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker boasts a sleek, minimalist design optimized for portability. Its lightweight aluminum and BPA-free plastic construction allows it to weigh in at just 0.78 lb. The compact 8.4 x 3.1 inch footprint takes up little space in bags or suitcases.

It comes packaged in an included protective travel case, keeping the unit and accessories safe. The detachable 120ml water tank is transparent, providing at-a-glance water level viewing. The ergonomic lever allows for easy, low-effort pumping to build sufficient pressure. Overall, the thoughtful design ensures exceptional portability without sacrificing performance.
 Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker

Ease of Use - Simple Manual Operation

Operating the Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker is straightforward. Simply fill the tank with hot water, insert coffee grounds or a Nespresso pod into the portafilter, lock it into the unit, and start pumping the lever. The intuitive manual process allows you to take total control over the shot volume. There’s no programming involved - just add water and coffee, pump, and drink.

Cleanup is equally simple. The parts separate for quick rinsing under running water. No complex disassembly or scrubbing required. The uncomplicated operation and maintenance make this an accessible espresso maker anyone can use with minimal effort.
 Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker

Brewing & Coffee Compatibility - Cafe-Style Results

The Simpresso uses manual lever pumping to build an impressive 15-19 bars of pressure. This high pressure extracts the oils, solids, and aroma from the coffee to produce authentic espresso topped with a smooth, thick layer of crema - just like a cafe.

It comes with 4 reusable capsules for ground coffee, providing fresh flavor every time. The included Nespresso capsule adapter lets you brew your preferred Nespresso pod varieties too. This flexibility allows for creating anything from a single shot to longer drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Coffee Quality - Rich Espresso Flavor

Thanks to the 15-19 bars of pressure produced, the Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker is able to extract a robust, full-bodied espresso with a smooth, velvety crema. The high pressure brings out the natural oils and aromas from the coffee, resulting in an intense espresso with a rich bouquet. Reviewers describe the flavor as high quality with a pleasantly thick mouthfeel.

Beyond its portability and ease of use, the Simpresso SP22 excels in delivering a versatile coffee experience. Whether you prefer a robust Ristretto or a smooth Lungo, the adjustable water tank capacity and compatible capsules allow for a range of espresso styles. The use of high-quality, BPA-free materials ensures that each cup maintains the purity and taste integrity of your chosen coffee blend, mirroring the dedication of Simposh to both quality and health-conscious brewing.

Water Tank - Single Serve Capacity

The Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker features a 120ml detachable water tank, providing enough capacity for brewing a single serving of espresso. For maximum convenience, the tank can be filled, pumped, and emptied in one cycle without refilling. The transparent construction also lets you monitor the water level.

Pressure Tech - Manual Lever System

Unlike electric pumps, the Simpresso uses an innovative manual lever design to generate sufficient pressure for espresso extraction. This mechanical system allows pumping by hand to build up to 15-19 bars of pressure. The high pressure creates authentic espresso complete with a layered crema full of flavor oils.

Innovation - Portable Manual Espresso

The Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker stands out for being a fully manual, self-contained portable espresso maker. Competing products may be manual but lack portability. Others are portable but electric. The Simpresso is uniquely designed for manual, electricity-free operation while still being lightweight and compact for true on-the-go convenience.

Additional Features - Travel Focus

The Simpresso focuses on convenience and portability over bells and whistles. It does not offer advanced features like programmable timers or temperature controls. However, the travel case and accessories included provide the essentials for enjoying great espresso anywhere.

Cleaning - Quick and Simple

Thanks to the straightforward manual operation, cleaning the Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker is quick and hassle-free. All parts either rinse clean or can be placed in the dishwasher. No lengthy descaling routines required. The easy maintenance is ideal for frequent travelers who need to clean on the go.

Maintenance and Durability

The design of the Simpresso SP22 emphasizes not only ease of cleaning but also long-term durability. Regular cleaning ensures the machine continues to operate at peak performance, producing the perfect espresso shot every time. The use of durable materials like aluminum in its construction guarantees that the Simpresso can withstand the rigors of travel and frequent use, making it a reliable companion for your coffee journey.

Noise - Average Pumping Volume

When pumping, the Simpresso produces noise similar to using a bike pump or other lever-based press. The volume is reasonable and unlikely to disturb others. Any noise is a fair tradeoff for the ability to manually brew high-pressure espresso.

Safety - BPA-Free Materials

The Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker uses food-safe aluminum and BPA-free plastic components. It requires no electricity, avoiding the risks of shocks or sparks. The materials meet standards for food contact use. Careful construction ensures safe operation.

Power Source - Manual Pumping

No batteries or power connection required! The Simpresso is powered entirely by manual lever pumping. This makes it reliable and allows use anywhere, without ever needing to recharge a battery. The lack of electrical components enhances safety and reduces weight.

Maintenance - Occasional Cleaning

The Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker requires no paper filters, descaling solutions, or other consumables. The occasional rinsing of parts is the only regular maintenance needed. For travelers who just want great espresso with minimal upkeep, this simplicity is a major plus.

Brand - Simposh Innovation

Simposh specializes in portable coffee makers that allow brewing great espresso anywhere. With an engineer’s eye for functional design, Simposh aims to enhance the on-the-go coffee experience through products like the Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker. Their innovative spirit drives the creation of compact, convenient solutions for espresso aficionados.

 Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker

Usage Scenarios

The Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker is the perfect espresso companion for travel, letting you enjoy café-style coffee whenever and wherever you want it. Squeeze in a quick shot on your morning commute. Brew a cup to sip around the campfire on a weekend getaway. Take it along on your next flight and avoid airport coffee shop prices. Let the Simpresso be your portable espresso bar at the office, in your dorm room, or wherever you need a pick-me-up.

User Feedback

Overall, customer reviews indicate the Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker delivers on its promise of rich, delicious espresso you can take anywhere. The majority of users praise its portability and performance. They describe it making “pretty darn good espresso” with “decent crema” rivaling coffee shop quality. Many reviewers remark on how compact and lightweight the Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker is, making it ideal for travel and everyday carry.

In terms of ease of use, most users find the Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker simple and intuitive to operate after reading the instructions and getting the hang of the pumping motion. Several mention needing some practice to master the lever pumping method, but found the process quick and straightforward after a few tries. Some note the pumping can become tiring after making several shots in succession.

Many users highlight the convenience of being able to use both ground coffee and Nespresso pods with the adapters provided. They appreciate the flexibility to choose between fresh grounds for full flavor or the ease of popping in a capsule. Several also call out the thoughtful travel case and accessories as adding to the portable utility.

In terms of downsides, a few reviews mention plastic pieces feeling flimsy or expressing concerns about durability with frequent use. A small number of users report pump seal leaks after extended use, likely from normal wear and tear. Some note certain pod brands may not form a perfect seal during brewing. However, most agree the Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker performs reliably day after day.

Looking at user experiences as a whole, the Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker earns consistent praise for making rich, delicious espresso rivaling specialty cafes, while maintaining impressive portability and ease of use. For espresso fanatics looking to lighten their load without sacrificing flavor, it provides a compact, cost-effective solution.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Generates impressive pressure for full espresso flavor
  • Allows use of ground coffee or pods
  • Easy to operate and clean
  • Durable construction
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Manual pumping can be tiring
  • Only makes 1 shot at a time
  • Not as fast as electric espresso machines
  • Plastic parts may be less durable

Value

For its ability to deliver authentic, rich espresso on the go, the Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker provides excellent value. Its combination of performance, portability, and convenient pod compatibility makes it a worthwhile investment for espresso aficionados who want to brew high-quality coffee anywhere.

Conclusion - Your Portable Espresso Solution

For espresso lovers seeking an affordable, portable way to enjoy cafe-style espresso anywhere, the Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker is an excellent choice. Its sleek, compact body houses a powerful manual pumping system that generates professional-level pressure for crafting delicious espresso complete with smooth crema. Simple to operate and easy to clean, this handy companion will satisfy your espresso cravings wherever you roam.

 Simpresso SP22 Portable Espresso Maker

What’s Included

The Simpresso SP22 comes with:

  • Main espresso maker unit
  • Detachable transparent water tank
  • 4 reusable smart capsules
  • Nespresso pod adapter kit
  • Waterproof travel bag
  • Coffee scoop
  • Instruction manual

Specifications

  • Output Power: 200 watts
  • Pressure: 15-19 bars (217-275 PSI)
  • Capacity: 120ml water tank (1 serving)
  • Materials: Aluminum, BPA-free plastic
  • Dimensions: 8.4 x 3.1 inches
  • Weight: 0.78 lb
  • Compatibility: Nespresso pods & ground coffee
  • Operation: Manual lever pumping
  • Human Interface Input: Unknown
  • Color: Black

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of coffee makers?

There are several types of coffee makers, including automatic, semi-automatic, and manual espresso machines. Automatic espresso machines have built-in refrigerators and milk frothers, allowing you to make cappuccinos and lattes with the push of a button. Semi-automatic espresso machines require you to manually tamp the coffee grounds before starting the brewing process. Manual espresso machines like the Flair require you to manually pressurize the water to extract the espresso.

What factors affect the taste of espresso?

Several factors impact the taste of espresso, including:

  • Bean roast level - Darker roasts produce more bitter, intense espresso.
  • Grind size - Finer grinds lead to increased extraction and flavor.
  • Tamping pressure - Harder tamping increases extraction yield.
  • Water temperature - Ideal range is 195°F - 205°F.
  • Brew time - Longer time leads to overextraction. 25-30 seconds is ideal.

How can I make good espresso at home?

Using a burr grinder, grind your beans right before brewing to a fine, powdery consistency. Tamp the grounds firmly and evenly. Use an espresso machine that allows temperature and pressure control. Maintain 195°F - 205°F water and 8-10 bar pressure. Stop the shot after 25-30 seconds.

What maintenance is required for espresso machines?

  • Backflush regularly to clean group head.
  • Descale machine monthly to remove mineral buildup.
  • Clean portafilters, baskets, and tampers.
  • Replace water filter as needed.
  • Lubricate moving parts.
  • Inspect gaskets and seals for wear.

How much should I spend for a good home espresso machine?

Expect to spend $400-$600 for a decent pump driven semi-automatic machine. High-end models with dual boilers and PID temperature control can cost $1,500-$3,000. Quality manual machines like the Flair cost around $160. With practice, skill is more important than price.

Tips

  • Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans and grind right before brewing.
  • Adjust grind size to optimize flavor and 25-30 second brew time.
  • Distribute grounds evenly and tamp consistently with 30 lbs of pressure.
  • Maintain proper water temperature around 200°F.
  • Clean group head and portafilter after each use for fresh taste.
  • Descale machine monthly with café descaling solution.