The mypressi Twist: Portable Espresso Without Electricity

If you’ve ever wanted a proper shot of espresso while camping, traveling, or just away from an outlet, you’re not alone. Traditional espresso machines are bulky, electricity-dependent, and rarely portable. Even smaller options like stovetop brewers or AeroPress can’t quite replicate the pressure or intensity of true espresso. So what if there was a way to pull a shot—real espresso—without plugging in, boiling water, or hauling a machine?

The mypressi Twist is a portable, battery-free espresso maker that uses a small CO2 cartridge to generate brewing pressure. It weighs just 500 grams and is designed to fit in a backpack. It’s not available yet in Asia but is expected to retail for $129 when it launches later this year.

What Is the mypressi Twist?

The mypressi Twist is a handheld, manually operated espresso device that looks a bit like a handheld kettle or a small gourd bell. Unlike traditional espresso machines, it doesn’t need an electrical outlet, a pump, or even batteries. Instead, it generates pressure using a single-use, recyclable CO2 gas cartridge that you load into a pressure chamber. That pressure, combined with hot water and freshly ground coffee, allows the device to produce something resembling espresso.

How Does the Twist Make Espresso?

To use the Twist, you load a CO2 cartridge into the bottom pressure chamber, add hot water into the middle chamber, then fill the top with either freshly ground coffee or a compatible coffee pod using an optional filter kit. Once everything is assembled, you pull the trigger-like switch, which releases the pressurized CO2 to force hot water through the coffee grounds—just like an espresso machine does, but manually and without electricity.

The entire device is engineered to be compact and easy to clean. There are no milk tubes or moving parts that require deep cleaning after each use, unlike some pod-based systems. The whole process avoids the mess and maintenance hassle often associated with devices that include steam wands for frothing milk.

What You’ll Need to Use It

To brew with the mypressi Twist, you’ll need:

• A recyclable CO2 cartridge (supplied or purchased separately) to create brewing pressure
• Freshly ground coffee or a compatible coffee pod (with optional filter kit)
• Hot water (not boiling, ideally around 90–96°C)
• A small container to catch your espresso shot

The device is designed to work without any external power source, making it ideal for outdoor use, travel, or situations where access to an espresso machine isn’t possible. It is also very light, weighing just half a kilogram, which adds to its portability.

Coffee Pods and Ground Coffee Options

You can use freshly ground coffee directly in the Twist’s coffee chamber. However, if you want to use a coffee pod (similar to a single-serve filter), you’ll need to purchase an additional filter kit. This gives you flexibility depending on whether you prefer grinding your own beans or using pre-packaged options while on the go.

When Will It Be Available—and Where?

The mypressi Twist is set to launch later in 2024, with an expected retail price of $129. However, it appears that the initial release will not include immediate availability in Asian markets. For now, it will be targeted at North American and European customers first, though availability could expand over time.

How Is It Different from Other Portable Espresso Makers?

The Twist bears a resemblance in function and form factor to other handheld espresso makers like the Handpresso Wild. Both devices aim to deliver espresso-quality extraction without the need for electricity. However, the Twist relies solely on a CO2 cartridge for pressure, whereas other devices may use manual pumps or different mechanisms. The mypressi’s design emphasizes simplicity and minimal cleanup, with no integrated steam wand or complex moving parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the mypressi Twist require electricity or batteries to make espresso?

No, the mypressi Twist does not need electricity or batteries. It uses a recyclable CO2 cartridge to generate the pressure needed to brew espresso, making it completely portable and usable off-grid.

Can I use regular coffee pods in the mypressi Twist?

You can use coffee pods, but only with an additional filter kit that comes separately. Without the kit, the Twist is designed for use with freshly ground coffee loaded directly into the coffee chamber.

How much does the mypressi Twist weigh?

The mypressi Twist weighs just 500 grams, making it lightweight and easy to carry in a backpack or travel bag.

What kind of coffee can I use with the Twist?

You can use freshly ground coffee or, with an optional filter kit, specially designed coffee pods. The device is flexible for different types of coffee preparation while traveling.

When and where will the mypressi Twist be available?

The Twist is scheduled to launch later in 2024 with a retail price of $129. It will initially be available in North America and Europe, with no confirmed release date yet in Asian markets.

Do I need to clean the steam wand after using the Twist?

No, the mypressi Twist does not have a steam wand. Its design avoids parts that require frequent disassembly or deep cleaning, making maintenance much simpler than with traditional espresso machines or pod systems with milk functions.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Portable Espresso

For use with the mypressi Twist, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for a balanced shot with notes of caramel and dark chocolate, ideal for espresso beginners. The Specialty Blend offers brighter acidity with red fruit and floral hints, great for those who enjoy a more nuanced cup. Both blends are freshly roasted and grind well for espresso—just be sure to use a hand grinder or portable mill if you’re brewing off-grid. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.