I don’t know about you, but I find taking coffee on-the-go is much more hassle than it’s worth. So, when I was offered to test the Wacaco Minipresso GR2, I jumped at the opportunity, as I thought that this could be the solution to all my takeaway coffee problems.
The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is known as the smallest portable espresso machine, taking the crown from its predecessor, the GR. Based on the style and features of the GR, the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 has had a complete redesign to make it more functional, portable and efficient than before… but how does it actually perform?
I tried the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 for several weeks to see if it lived up to the hype, and this is what I discovered.
Wacaco Minipresso GR2 review: price and availability
The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is priced at £49.90, and is available to buy at Wacaco and select retailers like Amazon. It has one colour option, Gray Olive, and is the more expensive option from the Minipresso range – the original is £46.90 for comparison. Having said that, £50 for a portable coffee maker is extremely reasonable and affordable.
Wacaco Minipresso GR2 review: unboxing and set-up
Due to its small size, the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 comes in a compact cardboard box with multiple accessories. Inside the box, you receive the Minipresso GR2, drip tray, funnel, coffee scoop, brush, espresso cup and carrying pouch, all of which fits inside the main body of the Wacaco Minipresso GR2.
Measuring 125 x 71 x 60mm and weighing just 285g when empty, the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 has had a 30% size reduction compared to its predecessor. It’s actually smaller than an iPhone and is extremely lightweight, even when filled to its 80 ml maximum capacity.
The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is extremely easy to assemble, and all the parts are easy to put together to conserve space. I found that some attachments didn’t always feel necessary and the amount of parts were a little excessive. To be specific , I found the scoop and brush to be more of a hindrance than a help and found it easier to use a spoon. But all the parts are designed really well and feel top quality.
Wacaco Minipresso GR2 review: design and features
As a hand-powered machine, the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 doesn’t require any batteries or charging, so it’s the perfect off-the-grid companion. It has many of the same features as the original GR although it’s been significantly improved in terms of user experience and sustainability, as it’s made of biobased materials.
The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 has an adjustable 8-12 kg basket, pressurised portafilters and 18 bar pressure. It had a complete redesign compared to the GR, making it smaller, lighter and less bulky. The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is surprisingly easy to use, and just requires a few twists, turns and pushes, as I’ll explain below.
How to use the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is pretty simple. All you have to do is unscrew the outlet head, add ground coffee to the basket and reattach it to the main body. Boiling water is then poured into the tank before the pump at the front is decompressed, ready to dispense your espresso. To release the coffee into the espresso cup, you slowly pump the valve at the front for the espresso to come out of the bottom.
Wacaco Minipresso GR2 review: performance
I was extremely intrigued by the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 as I thought it looked like a small submarine! The first time I tried it, I found it a little confusing as there are so many parts that all look quite similar but the instructions manual had in-depth explanations so after the first use, I found it extremely easy to use.
The great thing about the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is that you can customise aspects of it, like the basket size and strength of your coffee. By letting your coffee brew by waiting until pumping the gadget, you can make weak or strong espresso according to your tastes. I mainly tried this while working from home, and enjoyed making the espresso into lattes, but the quick espresso shot while on-the-go was very tasty and convenient.
The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is very fun to use, and it’s had significant improvements to the GR. Many reviewers found the GR hard and fiddly to use and assemble, but the GR2 is much easier and I didn’t have any issues operating it. The one thing I found hard was unscrewing the basket once the coffee had been dispensed as the pressure made it suction to the main body.
Aside from the disassembling issue, I didn’t find much to complain about with the Wacaco Minipresso GR2. I did wonder if it was slightly more hassle than it’s worth as there are a few too many parts for me, but for those who enjoy a quick espresso during their commute or while on an outdoor adventure, the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is quick, easy and has your coffee ready in minutes.
Wacaco Minipresso GR2 review: verdict
The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 definitely passes for the best portable espresso maker with flying colours. It proves that Wacaco has listened to its customers about their suggestions for the GR and have made those improvements and then some with the Wacaco Minipresso GR2.
The size and usability of the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is strong, and it makes delicious espresso when on-the-go or in the comfort of your home. If you have a bean-to-cup coffee machine or a pod coffee machine, you might lean towards using that more regularly than this, but for trips into the office, the occasional hike or camping trip, the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 won’t disappoint.
Wacaco Minipresso GR2 review: alternatives to consider
If you want a different design of the Wacaco Minipresso GR2, the Wacaco Minipresso GR is the original version and while its design is different, it’s still an admirable portable espresso maker.
Another good portable option is the Staresso Basic Portable Espresso Maker which features in our best espresso machine guide. It looks a bit like a peppermill and requires a lot of elbow grease but it’s easy to use, makes great espresso and is Nespresso compatible.
