Nothing makes me happier than when somebody comes alongside and clears away all of the technological muddle from a tool to disclose its easy mechanical underpinnings. When the end result additionally seems to be higher and works higher than its rivals, that’s tech(much less) nirvana, which is strictly what the Superkop espresso machine manages to attain.
The Superkop is a completely guide espresso maker that wants nothing greater than sizzling water and espresso-ground espresso to brew up a scrumptious shot. There’s no touchscreen, no unnecessary telephone app, no digital nonsense, simply the important factor you want: nice espresso.
Because it doesn’t require something greater than sizzling water, when the zombie apocalypse comes, you possibly can warmth that water over a garbage can fireplace, brew that scrumptious shot, and calmly search for out of your still-functional Superkop on the impending Zombie horde and say, “Carry it.”
Hold It Easy
Hand-pump espresso machines aren’t a brand new concept. They’re, in actual fact, the unique concept. Nonetheless accessible in the present day, largely within the type of costly, pro-level machines. La Pavoni might be the best-known model, however most of its machines (and most trendy pump machines) nonetheless require electrical energy (normally to warmth the water). Return additional in historical past and also you’ll discover giant, complicated hand-pump machines designed for espresso outlets. They’re wonderful, usually stunning—a few of them are artwork nouveau–period masterworks—however not the type of factor most of us can afford in our houses.
Probably the most sensible hand-pump machine I’ve used (and the highest decide in our information to transportable espresso) is the Aptitude Signature ($239), which is hand-pumped however makes use of your physique to supply the strain crucial to attain the 9 to 11 bars required for espresso. This works for those who’re in a position to present that strain, however it’s the one weak point of the Aptitude—it’s worthwhile to be robust sufficient to get that strain.
The Superkop steps into this market with a powerful design aesthetic, albeit extra industrial than artwork nouveau however hanging nonetheless, and a intelligent approach across the strain downside. It makes use of a ratcheting mechanism within the deal with to maintain the strain fixed as you elevate and decrease the pump arm. It takes six pulls to get a full Lungo shot, however you don’t want to tug arduous in any respect.
On the identical time, you do have some management over how a lot strain is utilized. You’ll be able to regulate the strain by the pace of your pumping, and this, mixed with the quantity of beans and the way finely you grind them, are the instruments you must management the completed end result. Don’t fear, there may be an overpressure worth that releases at 20 bars so that you gained’t break something. And check out as I would, I couldn’t get this launch to set off, so I wouldn’t fear about build up an excessive amount of strain.
As with all espresso machines, there’s a studying curve to getting it the place you need it. Use a scale to maintain monitor of how a lot you’re utilizing, and tweak your grind in small increments till you get it to your tastes. After the same old twiddling with the grind, tamping strain, and quantity of grounds, I used to be in a position to constantly pull wonderful pictures with the Superkop. They have been, in actual fact, higher than what I’ve been in a position to get from the Aptitude Signature and higher than most consumer-level residence espresso machines, partly, I believe, due to the constant, fixed strain the Superkop achieves.
Take a look at of Time
{Photograph}: Superkop
Is it higher than the espresso at your native espresso store? That is determined by too many elements to reply for everybody, however in lots of instances, sure, positively. In the event you occur to reside by a store the place the baristas actually know what they’re doing, perhaps not, however in my expertise touring across the US for the previous seven years, these are few and much between. (When you’ve got a superb store close to you, drop me a line so I can cease in if I’m within the space.)