The Magic Of Portable Espresso making with STARESSO

Espresso, the style of coffee we’re typically used to being served in cafes and coffee shops, is distinct from ‘regular’ coffee (sometimes called ‘drip’ coffee) in that it’s made from more finely ground coffee beans that then has hot water forced through it under high pressure. This process is usually very quick, only around 25-30 seconds. The result is a rich, concentrated form of coffee with a thick consistency and what’s called a ‘crema’ (the creamy, frothy layer on top). Espresso is usually served in quite small portions, or ‘shots’, typically between 30 and 60 mls.

 

 

(Espresso Shot)

 

Espresso shots can also form the basis of a number of popular coffee based beverages including cappuccino, latte and mocha. For many, espresso is taken very seriously and it’s a big part of the coffee culture we see in countries like Italy, and indeed Australia. 

Cafes will have their own professional grade espresso machines, but machines of this scale are out of reach for the average coffee drinker to use at home, due to their size and high cost. 

(Professional Espresso Machine)

 

Smaller, electric powered models are available for espresso enthusiasts who want the cafe coffee experience at home, however these too can often be prohibitively expensive for many. Not to mention large and bulky. 

Fortunately however, there are now other more affordable options available for lovers of espresso, who want Barista quality coffee not only at home, but also on the go- anywhere at any time. At a time when budget's are tight and cafe bought coffee is becoming more and more of a luxury, now is a great time to explore some other options to help you more affordably satisfy your espresso cravings. 

 

Introducing...STARESSO

(Pro Mirage SP-300)

STARESSO are small-sized, portable, hand operated espresso machines that allow users to easily and conveniently prepare an authentic espresso no matter where they are. 

Perfect for home use as well as for the office, in hotels or the great outdoors, they are power free and no extras (like filters or batteries) are required. All you need is something to boil water, like a kettle or a camp stove. 

Winner of the German Red Dot design award, IF Design Award, as well as the Asia Outdoor Industry Awards, a consistently rich and smooth espresso with an incredible golden crema is what one can expect with a STARESSO unit, all for only a fraction of the cost of what you’d pay for an espresso in a cafe. 

Thinking that a portable, hand operated device like this couldn’t create espresso as well as an electric machine? Well, since a good espresso simply relies on water pressure, the results can be just the same with a hand held unit, and it ultimately doesn’t matter whether this pressure is created by an electric pump or by hand. Even under hand operation, a STARESSO unit is capable of a 15-20 bar pressure, more than enough to create the kind of quality espresso a coffee connoisseur will be demanding. 

There are 3 STARESSO models available as follows: 

Staresso Pro Mirage SP-300

(RRP $140)

Staresso Espresso Basic SP-200

(RRP $90)

Staresso Espresso Basic Mini SP-200M

(RRP $90)

 

They vary in terms of their size, appearance and the volume of espresso produced. However, in terms of how they function, they all basically work in the same way.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how they work… 

(Authentic Espresso in the great outdoors, anybody?)

 

Step 1: Preparation

Give the unit and all its components a quick wash in hot water not only before the very first use, but ideally before each and every use, to help maintain an ideal temperature of espresso once extracted.

(The scoop can also be used to tamp the coffee into the basket)

After this, fill the coffee basket with your favourite ground coffee (or in the case of the Basic and Basic Mini models, a coffee pod if you prefer).

 

(Nespresso compatible coffee pods will also work in the 2 smaller STARESSO models)

 

We recommend a fine to medium grind of the beans. The volume of each coffee basket is as follows: 

Staresso Pro Mirage SP-300: 22g (double shot)

Staresso Espresso Basic SP-200 & Staresso Espresso Basic Mini SP-200M: 8-10g

Tamp (push down) the grounds using the scoop provided (essential for good extraction), then attach the basket to the water chamber by screwing it on. 

Step 2: Add Water

Add boiling water into the water chamber. Volumes as follows: 

Staresso Pro Mirage SP-300: Up to 180ml

Staresso Espresso Basic SP-200 & Staresso Espresso Basic Mini SP-200M: Up to 80ml

Step 3: Pumping

At this stage, close the machine up, turn the built-in piston so it pops up, then start pumping by pressing down with your palm. You will begin to notice the pressure starting to build up. 

(Applying the pump/piston to the water chamber)

 

Step 4: Extraction

(Rich, Creamy Espresso)

Continue to pump, and the pressure will build up to between 15 and 20 bars, similar to that of professional, cafe style espresso machines. This pressure will then force the hot water through the coffee grounds (or pod), extracting the full flavours and oils in the process, resulting in an authentic espresso with a rich, golden crema on top. 

You’ve then got yourself a cafe quality espresso made conveniently at home (or wherever!) for only a fraction of the price you’d pay in a cafe. 

STARESSO espresso machines all have sleek and stylish designs, sturdy, high-quality components and are really quick and easy to use (total time required is around 2 mins, including 40 seconds of pumping).  

They are also quite honestly a lot of fun to use! We think you’ll come to really enjoy your espresso making ritual with a STARESSO, no matter which model you choose to go for.

 They can also quickly make a cold brew coffee, if this is more your thing. 

Every component of each STARESSO unit also easily detaches for convenient cleaning, making maintaining hygiene hassle free.  

(The Basic Mini SP-200M alongside some Bean Ground & Drunk Organic Coffee Grounds)

 

Optional Extra: STARESSO Discovery Grinder

 

(Discovery Grinder RRP $179)

The flavour profile of your espresso will depend on factors such as the roast profile (i.e. whether the beans have a light, medium or dark roast), but also on the level of grind (i.e. fine vs. coarse). Therefore, making use of a suitable coffee grinder and getting the grind level to where it needs to be can really improve your coffee drinking experience. 

As mentioned above, for STARESSO hand operated espresso machines, we recommend a fine to medium grind of your beans, (2nd or 3rd Gear on the Discovery Grinder) as anything too coarse risks some of the grounds getting into your espresso, making for a ‘gritty’ texture and less pleasant drinking experience. Still, it never hurts to experiment to find the level of grind that most suits your preferences.

The STARESSO Discovery Grinder, like the STARESSO Espresso Machines themselves, is a portable, hand operated grinding unit that allows for a convenient and straightforward grind on the go without the need for batteries or electricity.

It is very easy to use. There are 12 levels of grind which are easily adjustable, an integrated filter basket and a separate tank for preserving the coffee beans.

Keen to discover the freedom of 'on the go' espresso making for yourself? Perhaps looking for a unique gift for your espresso loving friends or family? 

SHOP the STARESSO range at the Bean Alliance Roastery store today!