Mypressi Twist: The Original Portable Espresso Maker

If you’ve ever wanted a shot of espresso while camping, commuting, or just away from your machine, you’ve likely faced the same problem: how do you get quality espresso without electricity or bulky gear? Most portable options fail to deliver real crema or the tight extraction true espresso demands. But in 2009, one device promised to change that—and coffee experts took notice.

The Mypressi Twist is the world’s first handheld espresso maker, producing café-quality shots with rich crema using just a gas cartridge and hot water. Weighing 16 ounces (about 450 grams), it fits in a bag and makes one to two shots in under 30 seconds. It earned praise from Wine Spectator, Imbibe, and Coffeegeek, and won the SCAA’s 2009–2010 Best New Product Award.

What Is the Mypressi Twist?

The Mypressi Twist is a compact, aluminum-framed, handheld espresso maker released by U.S.-based Espressi in 2009. Unlike electric machines, it uses a revolutionary pneumatic (gas-powered) engine to generate brewing pressure. Its medical-grade polycarbonate shell and ergonomic aluminum handle make it both durable and portable. The entire unit weighs just 16 ounces (around 450 grams).

It was designed for making espresso anywhere—offices, travel, or outdoor settings—without relying on electricity. Despite its small size, users reported crema and flavor rivaling machines costing thousands. Reviewers were impressed: Wine Spectator called it the best among handheld and reverse-pump machines; Imbibe praised its “surprisingly delicious, oily coffee”; and Coffeegeek’s Mark Prince acknowledged it as the first truly functional portable espresso maker.

How It Works: Gas-Powered Espresso in 30 Seconds

The Twist uses a standard, recyclable 8g nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide cartridge (commonly used for whipped cream or soda) that delivers at least 9 bar (135 psi) of pressure—enough for proper espresso extraction. Each cartridge can produce about 8 single shots or 4 double shots.

To brew, you load a gas cartridge into the handle’s pressure chamber, add freshly ground coffee or an ESE pod to the portafilter, attach the water tank, pour in hot water (ideally around 93°C/200°F), secure the airtight top, and press the trigger for around 30 seconds. The result is a shot with crema and body comparable to traditional espresso machines.

The device is designed for quick setup and easy cleaning. There are no pumps to wear out, no electrical components to fail, and minimal maintenance is required. Its small size allows it to fit inside a briefcase or purse, making it genuinely mobile.

What’s Included and What It Costs

The original 2009 launch package included a coffee pod adapter, a set of gas cartridges, a filter pad, and a carrying pouch. The full kit weighed less than 1 kilogram (about 2 pounds) and retailed for $165 USD, later dropping to $129 USD by the end of 2009 in the U.S. Current pricing may vary by retailer.

Gas cartridges are sold separately: a box of 24 costs approximately $11 USD on Amazon. Each cartridge is good for multiple shots, making the per-espresso cost relatively low compared to other portable options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Mypressi Twist create pressure for espresso?

The Mypressi Twist uses a built-in pneumatic engine powered by a standard 8g nitrous oxide or CO₂ cartridge, delivering at least 9 bar (135 psi) of pressure. This is sufficient to force hot water through finely ground coffee, producing true espresso with crema.

What kind of coffee can you use in the Mypressi Twist?

You can use freshly ground espresso coffee or pre-packaged ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods. For best results, use a fine grind similar to what you’d use in a traditional espresso machine.

How many shots can you make per gas cartridge?

Each 8g gas cartridge provides enough pressure for approximately 8 single shots or 4 double shots of espresso, depending on extraction time and coffee dose.

Is the Mypressi Twist easy to clean?

Yes. The Mypressi Twist is designed for easy cleaning with no moving parts other than the trigger mechanism. There’s no pump or complex internal system, so maintenance is minimal.

How much did the Mypressi Twist originally cost?

The full starter kit launched at $165 USD in 2009, and was later available for $129 USD by the end of that year. Individual gas cartridges are now typically sold in packs of 24 for around $11 USD.

Does the Mypressi Twist actually produce crema?

Yes. Multiple reviewers, including professionals from Wine Spectator and Coffeegeek, confirmed that the Mypressi Twist produces noticeable crema and rich-tasting espresso comparable to machines costing much more.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Mypressi Espresso

For use with the Mypressi Twist, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend offers bold, well-rounded espresso with outstanding crema—perfect for portable brewing. Its traditional (Mandheling-Brazil) profile delivers a smooth, creamy body ideal for travel or off-grid use. Alternatively, the Black Cocoa Blend provides a rich, chocolatey profile with solid body and a lower price point, great for everyday use. Both blends develop strong crema and work well with the pressure output of the Twist. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.