The Best Portable Espresso Machine - A Ridiculous London Day Out 

Props to the sound engineers pulling this off with such crisp clear sound.

I love how when James is wresting with the machine on the bus, multiple coffee shops appear in the background.. almost mocking him and his struggle.

Congratulations to James for bucking up and making it through an entire day without a scale.

The placement of the Flair at 18:13 is a work of art, sir :)

This is possibly the most “James Hoffman” video yet. It’s quirky, it’s fun. It’s awkward in a charming way. There’s an appreciation for quality and nuance of really good coffee but strikingly devoid of pretense (I mean, see-saw espresso brewing on a double-decker?) James is not only a coffee expert and good chap, but he’s also continually topping himself as a great film maker. Hats off!

Production value is insane. They coordinated a camera crew in a cable car going the opposite way for a 1sec insert shot 🤯

the "I've got a bus!" reveal is priceless. This is James at his very best, it's hugely entertaining to see him having so much fun.

I am an airliner pilot and since couple of months i am using Picopresso. It is really very good for long layovers and long flights, hotel rooms even long waitings between flights. Very compact and very easy to carry and cleaning. And its espresso is i can say very satisfactory especially if your water is hot enough. I only changed the basket with an IMS basket which is not so expensive. Thanks for the video…

now i want a calendar with James Hoffman lying like he does here and a different coffeemaker with him each month

James Hoffman… showing us content we didn’t even know we wanted ☕️

I've been kicked from a bus for sipping out of a leak-proof travel cup, and James is just casually using an espresso brewer.

James, not sure if you will ever see this, but I just want to say that your content never fails to make me happy. I absolutely love every minute of each of the videos that you release. Your dedication to creating content for this niche (though increasingly not as niche I feel, which is awesome) community is amazing and I am incredibly grateful for the many laughs and hours of entertainment you have provided for us. Thank you.

While watching this with my daughter, my wife walked in when you were laying in the field of flowers and my daughter turned to my wife and said “this is a movie about coffee that turned into a human.”

"Coffee sneeze" James has a way with words, as always.

I have never laughed so harder, watching this video. From the " coffee sneeze " to the hand brush of the flowers. The one that got me rolling on the floor is the sky ride pumping away!!!! I just died.

I have an older version of this picopresso (the minipresso). Coffee isn’t amazing with it but I’m absolutely crazy about it. I hike a lot and I have made espressos on top of mountains or in really remote places and it really hits differently when you’re soaked or frozen to have a nice espresso!

That conclusion and the placement of the flair just tipped me over the edge 😂

James is making his slow, steady transformation to being the Mr. Rogers of coffee. I. Am. Here. For. It.

The Flair excels if you're the kind of person who travels often to places where you'll have modern conveniences and you love espresso. I can pack it up with a hand grinder and bring it to a beach house for the weekend with no problem. It's not bulky enough to be obnoxious, and it's a fun curiosity with good build quality that doesn't break the bank. My friends and family love it whenever I show them how it works.

I own the Picopresso. It is brilliant. The instructions do recommend pre-heating the chamber and discarding the water before pulling a shot. So far not a hint of a worry around longevity

“The whole pumping in pubic thing makes you feel super self-conscious”!!!! Oh, this was such a fun day out and about with James.

I carried a Nanopresso everywhere for almost a year. The weirdest looks probably came when I brewed some coffee, half-drunk, inside a regular city bus...

I think the Nomad would be great in a car camping scenario. Generally I am carrying enough water to use some of it as dish water, and I could clean up after my espresso making quite easily.

I love the video and how this channel has evolved! I have a flair Neo and I already took it somewhere stupid. My love of coffee has turned into full hobby. I’m a nurse in a large ICU and I am the Weird Coffee Person. I started with a portable/collapsible pour over, then I graduated to an aero press, and finally my Flair Neo made its way into the break room at work. When I have the time, it is a strange and amazing feeling to make a shot of espresso at work. Sadly I am pre-grinding my coffee but I am searching for an old espresso grinder to shine up and take in to the break room.

"what is he doing..." That reaction shot was perfect. Never change, James.

This entire video was nothing short of absolutely delightful. I am now going to go somewhere stupid and brew espresso.

This may be one of my favourite videos. It's like therapy. James's joy is infectious. I feel lighter and healthier for having seen it!

The videos are evolving into a full-blown "travel and coffee" in style and quality and I'm here for it

"If you own one of this things, take it somewhere stupid" that's the best marketing line for any portable espresso machine on the video. I own 3 of those, and yes, i got a crowd around me with the handpresso XD (with the other two i usually use them on places like an hotel room). BTW i truly love the nomad and the folks at uniterra are so into actual coffee science. So glad they actually got some kind of a shout from you.

If someone even a year ago would have told me that a comedy-coffee youtube channel would become my favourite channel of all, I would not believe them in a million years. (I started drinking coffee because of this guy)

Such a great video. The production, sound, editing all immaculate and James's enthusiasm and expertise makes it so much fun to watch. Brilliantly made

The Nomad is fabulous for camping. I built a holder for it that raises it enough for a scale to fit under the cup. It holds heat very well. Super impressed. It can be a little messy with clean up given the parts but after a couple times i developed a east system so it doesn’t make a mess and is east to clean.

I use my picopresso daily at work, make it in a hospital and get lots of weird looks. It's fantastic. They're coming out with a pressure gauge attachment apparently in the next few months. It really is hard to beat

Considering this was shot outside, the sound is extremely well done! Wow

Coffee and audio are 2 important things in filmmaking. And we all know how good James is at both!

I got the picopresso clearly for making good coffee at work (we have only these coin-insert machines which are disgusting). I can say picopresso has changed mywhole work experience. I also got it once for camping and a couple of times hiking and at hotel room. Honestly, I love picopresso. I have ordered a better basket now anf waiting for it. really excited

I reckon the Nomad would be perfect for something like a VW campervan - or tenting with a table or suchlike.

For me, the selling point of 'portable' espresso makers isn't their portability, but that they are a (relatively) cheaper entry point into the world of espresso. My Flair Signature has yet to leave my coffee bar.

I enjoyed the coffee from my handpresso for some 5 years. With aggressive tamping and filling to the brim the results are much improved, and good for an "almost" espresso on the fly. About a year ago it failed and I am a bit disappointed to have no way to get the parts to repair it, but feel an upgrade is due and the pico appears to be thw best option. Also, it is less likely to cause the pre flight security scanner attendant to call their manager to discuss whether it was allowed in hand luggage or might constituted a weapon given its club like proportions!

i love that you are continuing to adapt with your channel and not going the easy route of spewing out low quality videos just for money. Love your stuff!

This sort of ludic madness continues to reinforce the precise reason why I love this channel. Also, why don’t more therapists tell people to challenge themselves to brew espresso in peculiar places?

Before laptops they had "portable" computers that you really needed to be at a desk a portable desktop. They called them luggable computers. The flair is a luggable espresso machine.

Thanks for a fascinating video. I go on a lot of field trips, most of them on jeeps and other 4X4 vehicles so weight and space are not an issue. The Flair seems to be an ideal device for such trips. Combined with a manual or even electric grinder with a suitable battery bank I can already see in my eyes the morning coffee with the sunrise in the middle of the desert

I think this might have been one of my favourite videos I’ve ever watched. Funny, informative, such amazing sounds despite the places and of course a bit of coffee and James Hoffman. What more could someone want?

I think the difference with brewers like the Nomad and the Flair is that they're not actually portable, but really more "trans-portable". You can conveniently take them with you to somewhere that won't have an espresso machine, but not exactly something you could just use out of the blue in the middle of nowhere.

I've had the Picopresso for about 4 months now. It took me a while to dial it in and get the workflow right. I use it in my coworking space most days and also took it on a hike, the results are incredibly consistent. I did some test runs at home with a scale to know how many times I need to pump to get to my target output, for me that's 10 for preinfusion and 20 more to get ~34g out. I'm using 17g and a puck screen. Without puck screen I'd use 18g. It's worth noting that you absolutely need a capable espresso focused hand grinder (1ZPresso JE-Plus in my case). I tried with a pour-over focussed hand grinder (1ZPresso JX) but all you'll get is battery acid. So, if you don't already have a hand grinder for espresso, that will likely more than double the cost. Also, especially for several shots back to back, the Picopresso body gets very hot, so you may want to get some form of sleeve. I cut a bamboo sushi rolling mat to size, removed a couple of bamboo sticks and tied up the ends, it fits perfectly around the Picopresso and it still fits into the carry case. Taking it to weird places, for really boiling water you can always get a mini camping kettle/pot stove, mine holds ~500ml (also enough for two Aeropress cups) and can run on solid methanol fuel tablets or other solid fuels. It's a similar size as the Picopresso and very light. To speed up the boiling time bring hot water in a thermos. It's kind of weird pulling out a hand grinder and espresso maker on a mountain or a beach, but these are also some of the most memorable shots I ever had, and somehow that environment makes them taste even better. It's also a cheaper entry point to espresso, just be prepared that it's a steep learning curve, so don't give up easily. If it doesn't taste good and you're inexperienced, it's probably you (or the grinder) that's to blame.

This may be the best, if not the most entertaining video you've made and possibly that I have seen. Hats off to you James. Great to see the goofy smile and seeing you truly enjoy making and drinking espresso on the go and in weird places.

This is one of the best James Hoffmann videos ever. Please don't ever stop sharing your gifts with the world.

It seems like there are 4 levels of portability: 1: Backpacking up Everest. You're bringing the lightest possible thing, probably an aeropress or instant coffee. 2: Day hiking around trails or around town: Picopresso. It just seems to work and it's small enough to fit in a backpack with a hand grinder and thermos. 3: Regular camping, hotel rooms, parties, offices, events and anywhere with a table and a sink: The flair is awesome. They are really getting popular with renaissance fairs and popup coffee stands and you can just go anywhere with a table and water and make real espresso. 4: home and coffee shop: It's just not going anywhere ever, so buy a real espresso machine. Whether it's the flair or an olympia cremina or whatever floats your boat.

We truly live in an age of exceptional coffee content. People like Lance Hedrick doing the hard science. Sprometheus there with the practical, accessible, Everyman reviews. James doing both those things plus some surprising, high production stuff likes this. And lots of other channels on the rise. Fun times.

Currently training as a coach driver, and wondering how to make good coffee on the road. Valuable information... and hilarious to boot!

This video was fun and interesting! The locations, the concept and amazing stabilization of your camera+editing

I love the little smiles at every transition shot, because you know that you're doing something a little bit silly

Alternative title: 2nd best way to make coffee outdoors after the Bripe.

“Take it somewhere stupid.” One of the most entertaining YT videos I’ve seen in awhile, regardless of the subject. I own the picopresso, but still prefer exploring local coffee shops when I’m on the road.

Absolutely love everything about this video and it has inspired me to get my flair a carry case and start taking it to strange places to brew espresso. I think I am going to have some fun with it (as soon as Comandante release the new travel grinder)

"I think for this shot, we'll run naked" James Hoffmann - May 2022

I remember in his Nespresso Virtuo video someone said James Hoffman had strong “mad scientist” vibes. “I GOT A BUS!” is a continuation of this energy. Thank you, James. A wonderful video filled with interesting analysis and genuinely brilliant humour.

The way his head popped up on top of that bus was just ridiculously good. Knowledgable James and fun James, this video is the full package.

Throw in 9~10 grams in the handpresso basket. It is a bit of a pain to get that much in since you have to lightly tamp midway. But it works and you get a good shot with crema. Your 5gram shot was clearly under-extracted. I have the original so I have lots of experience with it lol. It is also well built since it is over 10 years old and still going. I take it camping. I will eventually get the flair 2 pro though, because I have a full kitchen in my small teardrop camper and a espresso electric grinder, battery and a solar panel. So it makes more sense for me to carry the flair, or robot.

The vibe of this video is just glorious, I love it. Also how did you get that footage on someone filming you pumping from a different cablecar?

"Take it somewhere stupid!" I saved a camping trip once with finely ground coffee (espresso to Turkish grind) and a very fine mesh tea strainer. Not quite like anything else, added smoke from the fire, everyone was very grateful for the wonderful elixer it produced.

Ahh, the James Hoffmann that made the Bripe make sense, for a minute, is back! Kudos for making the fussy, fun and the complex, culpable.

Dear, James! This, this here is one of the best videos you have made! Charming! Unique! Amazing! Keep it going!

I've had the picopresso for a couple of months now. Took me a while to dial in the grind/grams/speed of pumping...but now I'm pulling (pumping?) some great espresso shots with this little thing. It blows my mind that I can get such good espresso for so cheap. Bravo Picopresso for bringing espresso home

Finally, portafilters that are actually portable. I've always thought the name was deceptive advertising.

I just realized this is like a unholy coffe crusade among the crucible of Tea Motherland. What a move. I miss London.

that video was incredible awesome, i mean your videos are always, but this stands out of them. its so charming and kinda chilled, to see you in front of all that nice places to be and talking about espresso. love it!!!

Imagine this'd happen in real world - sitting in the bus and the guy next to you taking of some ridiculous machine like Nomad one, grinding and making espresso :D It is very much like Mr. Bean making fresh sandwich in park weirdness. And it is funny and interesting and simply lovely content, thank you James! :)

8:33 maybe the single greatest moment ever filmed on this channel

I don't really drink coffee, but your videos bring such joy to me. You make the world a better place!

JH is such a delight to watch. I can just listen to this man for hours and hours. Lol. Shout out to the team behind to pull out such nice audio quality content outside of the comfort zone. 💯

Woman on passing cable car “What’s he doing ?” as James pumps furiously, so funny. 🤣👍

We bought a Picopresso for family holidays recently and loved it. Agree about the basket needing an upgrade (and the pointless brush)but I thought the build quality was great. The thread for the water cover was fiddly though. My engineer brain marvelled at how everything fits. Love the Pico.

This was one of my favourite James Hoffmann videos. Informative, entertaining and down right fun.

The little brush from Picopresso is actually quite useful for brushing off powder stuck in the screw to avoid leakage issue while applying pressure to the pump.

The Picopresso is an engineering marvel. It takes creativity to make something work in such a tight space, and as pointed out, every piece can be stored inside itself!

Love James on a London tourist bus talking about espresso outside Caffè Concerto, Piccadilly - excellent backdrop !

Hilarious that at 10:36 James passes a coffee shop ;-)

I’m watching this sort of fun and entertaining video while drinking coffee. I love this blend of activities. Greeting you from Colombia.

Whispery studio James: Outdoor voice James can’t hurt you, he doesn’t exist. Outdoor James: I’VE GOT A BUS! One of my favorite 3 seconds of a RU-vid video ever. Keep ‘em coming James, makes us happy to see you having fun with your videos, and trying new filmmaking styles!

The handpresso works best if you over fill the basket. 5g in tamp, then another 3 or 4 in and tamp again. It let's you actually build enough resistance and gets a nicer dose for the amount of water you need to use. Because the puck is so vertical and because I overdose the basket it's insanely sensitive to grind size and you're right on the limit of choking every shot. It's a fiddly device and I much prefer the wacaco, but you can definitely struggle your way to a decent single from a handpresso.

I do take my mypressi to odd places and I absolutely love it. Strange and magical little device. You could get away with just the thermos of hot water but works best with a pre heat water cycle and a kettle full of hot water. Easy 7 out of 10 and much better then most home entry level machines.

The comedic timing of this video is just fantastic. I'm glad I found this channel during the pandemic.

This has gotta be one of the best, if not the best video you've ever made. Between content, set, writing, topic, and cinematography, this is a masterpiece.

I have owned the Handpresso and currently own the Flair. With practice, as others have mentioned, one can do better than shown with the Handpresso. When I owned one they said not to tamp. I did get to the point where I got consistent decent pucks. Like others said, grind was crucial and had to be very precise. This all got me through Peru for a couple of weeks and through many car camping trips. At this time though, the end result is that this video is right that it is inferior to what is out now. It also had some durability issues and that is the main reason I no longer have one. Seals were not sold by Handpresso so you had to source elsewhere when they inevitably failed. The pressure switch broke off as it was plastic. A screw worked as a replacement. Finally, even with fresh seals, I could no longer get a proper seal. The Flair is great because, as others have also mentioned, it makes better espresso than most coffee shops. Yes, you are probably not going to take it backpacking or such. However, I use it for van camping 90 days a year and it is fantastic. Yes, I have even used it on the “floor” many times. In fact, this channel is what ultimately made me purchase one and then further recommend it to friends. The Wacoco does peak my interest but the Flair is nearly failure free. That is a priority when in the middle of nowhere seeking a moment of comfort.

Oh my gosh, I am really a fan of your humor haha. I think you're a brilliant man. It's entertaining but still informative.

I don't even drink that much coffee, but I really enjoy your videos. And this is the best one yet. Great humor and great production value, very entertaining.

I'm dissapointed in the noticeable lack of briping for contrast (where the bripe is clearly the pinnacle of non-espresso portability).

I own a Flair Pro 2, I have never brewed with it outside mainly cause I do not have a outdoor gas burner. However I will say it has given me Espressos better than 90% of the cafes I have visited over the past 2-3 years. Worth it, and if you do travel between Home and somewhere else regularly. It is perfect for you. I will add, you do not even need hot water, if you have access to ice (difficult if you are hiking, I know) a cold turbo espresso shot is usually really delicious.

Great work James, as always. Love your videos, they certainly helped and entertained me. I own a nanopresso, lasted 2 ish years as shaft spilt but can still use it! But after viewing this looks like I can upgrade to its newest brother. I take these on hikes and are real portable solutions compared to the others you show that are not!!

This was one of the best videos I’ve ever seen from this channel. Props to you and I really loved every moment from this video. Specially the one where you’re just chillin and then woke up!!! Lol that was pretty funny. This video gave me Discovery Channel vibes.

Would love to see similarly-styled videos by other folks in different cities around the world. Would be such a cool way to learn about a new place and a fond passion.

This video is in the running for the most delightful I’ve seen in nearly 10 years of avidly watching RU-vid. I found this because I have been looking at both the pico and flair, not so much for portability as for extremely compact storage, and this was a very helpful review in that regard. But this video would be incredible even if my lips never touched espresso.

Great review. Fully agree. Had an espresso from the flair with friends in the Eurotunnel. Great esspresso. Great experience!

Definitely my fave James show to-date. Funny and informative.

​18:11 This final scene shows just how unportable the Flair really is... that lever is clearly too long for a quick & easy outside anything! James, please tell me that final shot composition was no accident!? 😳🤣

The calendar shoot pose for the ending is just wonderful. I thought after going “over the river” we would follow you through the woods to grandmothers house but the bus and roof was wonderful as well lol

I own a earlier model from Wacaco and it saved my live (ok, more like mental health) when I was traveling for work and was in places where it was impossible to get ANY decent coffee from shops.

More neat gimmicks for those who like them. I had an espresso in Hawaii way back in 1981, thanks to the US military. I loved it, just couldn’t afford the machines of that time. There were no “portables” like you have shown. I like the first one you had on the bus with the see saw pumper. Thanks for the knowledge!!