The mypressi Twist: Portable Espresso On the Go

You’re away from home, far from your usual café, and craving a proper espresso. Maybe you're camping, traveling light, or just stuck in an office without a machine. You’ve tried instant, maybe even one of those overpriced capsule machines—but nothing gives you that rich, intense shot you actually want. What if there was a way to pull a real espresso, no plugs, no fancy setup, just you and hot water?

The mypressi Twist is a 500g, portable espresso maker that uses a small CO₂ cartridge to generate pressure—no electricity needed. It’s designed to brew fresh espresso anywhere, using either ground coffee or, with an adapter, coffee pods.

What Is the mypressi Twist?

The mypressi Twist looks a bit like a handheld gourd bell and is built for portability and ease of cleaning. It doesn’t require a power outlet or batteries. Instead, it uses a disposable CO₂ canister—commonly used in whipped cream dispensers or soda siphons—to create the pressure needed for espresso extraction. The entire device weighs just 500 grams (about 1.1 pounds), making it truly packable.

How Does the Twist Make Espresso?

To use the Twist, you load a single CO₂ cartridge into the pressure chamber. Then you fill the coffee chamber with either freshly ground coffee or, using an additional filter kit, a coffee pod. You pour hot water into the top chamber and then pull the trigger-like switch to start the brew. The pressurized CO₂ forces hot water through the coffee grounds, producing an espresso shot similar to what you’d get from a traditional machine.

Key Specs and Features

• Weight: 500 grams (1.1 lbs)
• Pressure Source: Disposable CO₂ cartridge (commonly used for whipped cream/soda)
• Brew Method: Pressure-driven hot water through coffee
• Coffee Input: Freshly ground coffee or pod (with included adapter kit)
• Water: User-supplied hot water
• Power: None required (no electricity or battery)
• Price: $129 USD
• Availability: Scheduled for a late 2024 release; not yet widely available in Asia

Why Choose a Portable Espresso Maker?

For coffee lovers who regularly find themselves away from their home or office setup, having a way to produce quality espresso is a game-changer. Traditional espresso machines are stationary and electricity-dependent. Capsule machines may offer convenience but often lack quality and are wasteful. The Twist fills the gap by delivering true espresso extraction without needing to be plugged in, boiled, or plugged into a wall socket. It brings barista-style coffee into outdoor, travel, and emergency scenarios.

Comparison to Other Handheld Espresso Makers

The mypressi Twist shares a similar function and form factor with devices like the Handpresso Wild Espresso Maker. Both rely on gas pressure rather than electricity to brew espresso, and both aim to deliver a strong, café-quality shot outside the cafe. However, exact mechanisms, pressure levels, and user experiences may vary. The Twist appears to streamline the process with its simpler loading system and optional pod adapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the mypressi Twist really make espresso?

Yes. By using pressurized CO₂ to force hot water through finely ground coffee, the Twist produces a concentrated coffee extract similar to espresso—rich, compact, and ideally with a layer of crema. While it may not match the precision of high-end machines, it aims to deliver an authentic espresso experience on the go.

What kind of coffee can I use in the Twist?

You can use freshly ground coffee directly in the coffee chamber, or coffee pods if you attach the included filter adapter kit. The grind should be fine, similar to what you’d use in a standard espresso machine to ensure proper extraction under pressure.

Do I need special equipment to use pods with the Twist?

Yes. The Twist does not natively accept coffee pods. To use pods, you must attach a special adapter kit that comes with the device. This allows you to insert single-serve coffee pods into the coffee chamber for brewing.

What is the CO₂ cartridge situation? How many shots per cartridge?

The Twist uses a single-use, disposable CO₂ cartridge—similar to those found in soda siphons or whipped cream dispensers. The article does not specify the exact number of shots per cartridge, but each cartridge is used for one full brewing cycle.

When and where can I buy the mypressi Twist?

The Twist is priced at $129 USD and is scheduled to launch in late 2024. It is not expected to be widely available in Asia immediately after release. Check official mypressi channels for updates on global availability.

Is the Twist easy to clean?

According to the article, the Twist is designed to be easier to clean than other espresso options like machines with milk steam wands. There is no mention of complex parts or milk residue issues, and its straightforward construction likely contributes to easier maintenance.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Portable Espresso

For use with the mypressi Twist, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe—bright and floral with citrus and stone fruit, perfect for highlighting clarity in espresso. Their Brazil Queen Manor offers a nutty, chocolatey base with low acidity, ideal for balancing stronger blends. Both beans are single origins with distinct profiles that shine even in portable setups. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.