IKAPE Kapo K2 Portable Espresso Maker, 51 mm, with Stand

It heats its own water

A built-in heater lets the K2 brew hot espresso from room-temperature water. IKAPE gives 6 to 8 shots per charge that way from the 13 500 mAh battery, and up to 500 cups when you fill it with hot water. It charges from a computer or a car power outlet over the supplied USB cable.

Pre-infusion before the pressure

Each extraction starts with a 3 to 5 second pre-infusion: a small amount of hot water wets the grounds, settles the puck and lets carbon dioxide escape. IKAPE states that this reduces channeling and makes the extraction more consistent.

Schedule a shot from your phone

A Bluetooth module connects the K2 to a companion app. IKAPE states that the app lets you schedule brewing remotely for home use.

Size and weight

The K2 weighs 780 g and measures 22.4 × 7.3 cm, about the size of a thermos, so it fits in a backpack, a shoulder bag or a car boot. It comes with a compact dosing funnel and tamper, and an espresso cup you can brew into and drink from. IKAPE sells it with a stand, or with a foldable stand as the second option.

Dialling in your shot

• Use fresh medium-dark roast beans for a richer crema.
• Dose 16 to 18 g, depending on your taste and the grind. The basket takes 14 to 18 g, and IKAPE recommends 16 g.
• Use the grind setting you would use on a semi-automatic machine and avoid grinding too fine. If the coffee is hard to extract, go coarser.
• Use at least 50 ml of water: 15 to 20 ml stays in the machine, so 50 ml typically gives about 30 to 35 ml of espresso.
• Never tamp an empty basket. It tapers downwards and the tamper will jam.