Handpresso e-presso Plus: barista-style coffee on the go

The latest version of Handpresso’s portable espresso maker is just as portable, just as easy to use and can be used with ground coffee or Nespresso capsules. It's fast become one of my favourite (and essential) campervan accessories!

For many years, a Handpresso machine has been a much-loved and essential part of my campervan kit, stored carefully in the driver’s door pocket of our VW and taking up no more room than a one-litre water bottle. Plug it into the cigarette lighter and I could have a nice, strong coffee wherever we were parked – no mess, no need for 230V and no need to light the hob. It was quick and easy to use and its mini-drill-like noise became the signal of the start of another day’s camping as I don’t function well pre-coffee! The only downside of all this was the less widely available Senseo pods it required. And then, after long and reliable service, it cried 'enough'.

Fortunately, the good folk from Handpresso’s HQ in France have come to the rescue with the company’s latest espresso device, the e-presso Plus. This time, it has a rechargeable battery – plug it into a mains or USB socket and in three hours it should be fully charged, ready to make up to five espressos. It’s now almost silent in operation, too, so my morning brew needn’t wake up my wife or kids.

Now fully portable, the e-presso Plus is small enough to sit in your campervan’s cup holder and it’s really simple to use. Just pour some water into the clear tank at the top, which holds up to 110ml. Then add your ground coffee or Nespresso capsule in the holder that unscrews from the base and you’re ready to go. Next, two quick taps on the ‘on’ button and, after about three minutes, it’ll beep to say that it’s ready to prepare your coffee. Press the button again and hold until your coffee is of the right size/strength for your preferred taste – a 40ml espresso or 80ml lungo, or anywhere in between.

While some may prefer to use ground coffee, the fact that the e-presso Plus uses Nespresso capsules is a big plus when you’re travelling and want a quick caffeine boost without paying exorbitant motorway services prices. It cuts out the messy business of disposing of the grouts and, of course, the pods are widely available in numerous brands, flavours and strengths from any supermarket.

Another plus is the availability of spares – replacement seals, batteries, etc – to keep your Handpresso serving you coffee for years to come. Finally, and most importantly, it makes a fine espresso.

I’m already convinced that this will be my favourite accessory of 2025. The previous Handpresso was a great product, the new e-presso Plus is even better and more convenient for use on the road.