handpresso kitchenware Wild Espresso Machine for E.S.E Pods and Domepods

Failed after 6 months of moderate use.
UPDATE

Sadly, after 6 months the valves gave out, no pressure could be pumped. It costs at least $15 for a repair, plus shipping to the repair location. While the company seemed interested in the problem, it does not appear to isolated.

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First, please note that I am a coffee making nut. While I don't own a $600 burr grinder, I have been known to roast green beans, etc. So I am borderline certifiable.
I've owned several pump espresso machines, including a couple that are considered very good (Krups 964, Saeco Classico Stainless Steel, etc.) I'm not in the La Pavoni class. I have Mokka pots (including an old one made in the former USSR...what's up with that?) And I have and Aeropress and a small 4 cup drip maker, etc.

The Handpresso Dome Pod uses ground espresso, not pods. In side-by-side tests with the pump machines, the Handpresso produced a richer cup with a dark "tan" crema. The darker crema is supposed to be a good thing...

Broke down twice
I share the sentiments of the other reviewer here. I bought the handpresso in europe for use on trips to the Himalayas in India. It made great espresso until it's first breakdown after about a hundred pumps. Returned it to the company which took a full five weeks to replace it. The second piece worked for about a hundred and fifty shots before it's innards gave out. Can't be bothered to send it back again...... Excellent idea, bad execution. Don't buy if heavy use is intended.

Handpresso Dome
Great machine!!!

I already had a Handpresso Wild but I wanted to use my own beans, I couldn't find anything that would allow me to make my own ESE pods so I decided to take the plunge and purchase the Handpresso Dome. Well like any other "can of worms" story, I discovered that my grinder simply would not grind fine enough so now I am on the hunt for a better grinder, that's another story.

The problem that I discovered was that the water gets blasted through my insufficiently ground coffee too fast (~5-10 seconds), which only makes an OK shot. I am still learning how to tamp the little Dome pod, but until I get a new grinder this just seems to be an exercise that goes nowhere.

Overall though, I am impressed with this little device. It is great for car camping, hotel rooms, work, anywhere that you generally can not get a good shot. If you are bothered by the mess of coffee grounds, go with the Handpresso Wild, but you will be constrained by the...

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