How to Use the Minipresso NS2: Wacaco’s Portable Coffee Pod Brewer
Wacaco’s newest release, the Minipresso NS2 is everything you want from a portable coffee brewer. Especially if you’re a fan of brewing with coffee pods.
Blog by: Breanna Wilson
Wacaco’s newest release, the Minipresso NS2, is everything you want from a portable coffee brewer. Especially if you’re a fan of brewing with coffee pods.
A new take on an old classic, the Minipresso NS2 is an update to the original Minipresso, which comes in both a GR (grounds) and NS (coffee pod) version. The original Minipresso espresso hand brewer also happens to be Wacaco’s very first brewer. That’s right, this is the brewer that started it all.
Today, Wacaco has become synonymous with portable coffee brewing. With sleek, functional designs that work just as well as they look, Wacaco has taken the coffee world by storm. And for good reason. Now, with their recent expansion into coffee scales and hand grinders, the brand is truly giving coffee lovers everything they need to brew on the go.
Let’s take a closer look at the Minipresso NS2 and how to use it, as well as the advantages of brewing with coffee pods.
Why Brew with Coffee Pods?
- Packability
- Freshness
- Easy Cleanup
There are a few reasons why even the most discerning coffee lovers can’t help but love brewing with coffee pods over fresh grounds.
First, packability. With a brewer like the Minipresso NS2 that goes anywhere, you need coffee that can do the same. That’s where pods come in and make your life even easier. Throw a handful of coffee pods in your bag with your brewer and you’re good to go. No worrying about grounds spilling everywhere in your bag or bringing the wrong ground size. The pods have those parts covered.
Second, freshness. Coffee pods are designed with this in mind. With limited air exposure and a built-in protective case, they’re ready to handle the elements – and a lifetime in your bag or a kitchen drawer.
Last, but certainly not least, ease of cleanup. With everything self-contained in the pod, you simply put it in your brewer, brew, and then take it out and dispose of it.
If you’re concerned about the waste associated with coffee pods, look for reusable pods, purchase compostable coffee pods, or only buy coffee pods from companies that have their own reusability programs. We’ll touch on this a bit more below.
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Important Things to Know about the New Minipresso NS2
- Does not heat up water
- Hand-powered and eco-friendly
- Brews with 18 bars (261 PSI) of pressure
- Ultra-light for easy packing
- 1 year warranty
While there are plenty of reasons why you’ll fall in love with the Minipresso NS2, these are a few of our favorite. Plus, a few essential things to know.
To start, it’s important to know that the Minipresso NS2 does not heat up water. You’ll need to do this separately or bring a thermos of hot water with you for brewing. This isn’t uncommon for Wacaco’s line of portable brewers, so if you’re familiar with the brand this doesn’t come as a surprise.
Next, since this portable coffee brewer is powered by hand, you don’t need to worry about batteries or charging cables making it one of the most eco-friendly ways to brew coffee – especially in the outdoors.
What’s surprising to most people is how much punch this tiny brewer has. Within a few pumps the brewer quickly builds up to 18 bars of pressure (261 PSI), which is better than some of the heavy-duty countertop espresso machines out there.
Speaking of tiny, the brewer is ultra-light, weighing in at only 290g (0.64 lb). And with dimensions that are 129x70x60 mm (5.07x2.75x2.36 in), the brewer easily fits in the palm of your hand.
The Minipresso NS2 comes with a 1 year warranty, so if for any reason it breaks or doesn’t function as it should, Wacaco will replace it. That’s a powerful statement from a brand.
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Sustainable Coffee Brewer + How to Recycle Your Coffee Pods
With the Minipresso NS2, Wacaco is taking their dedication for sustainable brewing even further. The hand brewer is partially made from a wheat-based polymer.
With a look at sustainability, it’s important to consider the waste associated with brewing with coffee pods, and how to properly dispose of them, as well. As we mentioned earlier, consider using reusable pods, purchasing compostable coffee pods, or only buying coffee pods from companies that have their own reusability programs.
If you do use coffee pods that don’t fall under any of those categories, to dispose of them please place them in your recycling bin. Since coffee pods don’t use any plastic, that means they are completely recyclable. You can put them with the rest of your household recycling, including the top lid, just be sure to clean out the coffee grounds before placing them in your recycling bin.
How to Brew with the Minipresso NS2
Brewing is easy and can be done in a few quick steps. Follow the directions below and you’ll have a rich, crema-topped shot of espresso in no time.
- Remove the cup from the bottom of the brewer.
- Unscrew the portafilter head.
- Insert your coffee capsule (flat side down) into the portafilter.
- Screw the portafilter head tightly to pierce the coffee pod.
- Unscrew the water tank lid on the top of the brewer.
- Fill the water tank with near boiling water (X degrees).
- Unlock the piston by twisting counterclockwise.
- Pump the piston with two hands to extract your espresso.
After 6-8 pumps you’ll begin to see a smooth, steamy stream of espresso flow from the brewer. Continue until the brewer runs out of water. Enjoy your delicious, crema-topped shot of espresso.
You can also watch this Minipresso NS2 instructional video.