Nothing makes me happier than when somebody comes alongside and clears away all of the technological litter from a tool to disclose its easy mechanical underpinnings. When the end result additionally seems higher and works higher than its opponents, that’s tech(much less) nirvana, which is precisely what the Superkop espresso machine manages to realize.
The Superkop is a completely guide espresso maker that wants nothing greater than scorching 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 scorching water, when the zombie apocalypse comes, you’ll be able to warmth that water over a garbage can fireplace, brew that scrumptious shot, and calmly lookup out of your still-functional Superkop on the impending Zombie horde and say, “Deliver it.”
Hold It Easy
Hand-pump espresso machines aren’t a brand new concept. They’re, the truth is, the unique concept. Nonetheless out there right this moment, largely within the type of costly, pro-level machines. La Pavoni might be the best-known model, however most of its machines (and most fashionable pump machines) nonetheless require electrical energy (often to warmth the water). Return additional in historical past and also you’ll discover massive, advanced hand-pump machines designed for espresso outlets. They’re wonderful, typically lovely—a few of them are artwork nouveau–period masterworks—however not the kind of factor most of us can afford in our houses.
Essentially the most sensible hand-pump machine I’ve used (and the highest choose in our guide to portable espresso) is the Flair Signature ($239), which is hand-pumped however makes use of your physique to offer the stress needed to realize the 9 to 11 bars required for espresso. This works in the event you’re capable of present that stress, however it’s the one weak spot of the Aptitude—you could be robust sufficient to get that stress.
The Superkop steps into this market with a robust design aesthetic, albeit extra industrial than artwork nouveau however placing nonetheless, and a intelligent means across the stress drawback. It makes use of a ratcheting mechanism within the deal with to maintain the stress fixed as you increase and decrease the pump arm. It takes six pulls to get a full Lungo shot, however you don’t want to drag exhausting in any respect.
On the similar time, you do have some management over how a lot stress is utilized. You possibly can regulate the stress by the velocity of your pumping, and this, mixed with the quantity of beans and the way finely you grind them, are the instruments it’s a must to management the completed end result. Don’t fear, there may be an overpressure worth that releases at 20 bars so that you received’t break something. And take a look at as I would, I couldn’t get this launch to set off, so I wouldn’t fear about build up an excessive amount of stress.
As with all espresso machines, there’s a studying curve to getting it the place you need it. Use a scale to maintain observe 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 fidgeting with the grind, tamping stress, and quantity of grounds, I used to be capable of persistently pull wonderful photographs with the Superkop. They have been, the truth is, higher than what I’ve been capable of get from the Aptitude Signature and higher than most consumer-level house espresso machines, partly, I believe, due to the constant, fixed stress 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 components to reply for everybody, however in lots of circumstances, sure, undoubtedly. When you occur to dwell 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. (If in case you have a very good store close to you, drop me a line so I can cease in if I’m within the space.)
