If you are en espresso drinker like I am then you struggle with finding espresso on a regular basis. If I have time and there happens to be one nearby I can stop at a local Starbucks for my preflight espresso. But what happens when I do not have time to stop. Or I am in a small town without a Starbucks nearby? Sure there is always coffee at the FBOs. Even gas stations have coffee. The problem I have is that I just don't drink regular coffee. As much as I have tried, I never developed a taste for regular coffee. Sure when I'm tired I have tried to suck it up and force myself to drink it. Truth be told, I have never really been able to drink more then a sip or two.
So what have I been doing on long days or early mornings for a boost of energy? I've been drinking 5hr Energy. While it may be better then energy drinks, have you read the ingredients? I can't even pronounce have the ingredients, let alone know what they are. That can't possibly be the best option for me but it was my only option.
Then I had a conversation with a fellow espresso drinker who mentioned in passing about the portable espresso maker. Wait what? A portable espresso maker? How does that work? Ok, I must look into this!
So after a search on the internet I discovered what I consider to be a game changer. Handpresso makes a portable espresso maker that can be plugged into a 12/24 volt cigarette lighter outlet. 12/24volt!! That means it will work both in my car and in my 24 volt airplane! There are two versions depending on what coffee you prefer. As a Nespresso user at home, I already have Nespresso capsules so my choice was obvious.
After a quick online order my unit arrived at my front door waiting for me to test it out. So I quickly opened the box, went out to the car and make my first cup. So what did I think? GAME CHANGER!! Never again will I stress over finding a Starbucks on my way to the airport or finding one on a layover. On long flights this may be handy as well. Although I would recommend having a passenger make it so it does not become a pilot distraction.
14 comments
Hello, this is a message to Andy (which I only see now). Can you please send me a mail at cn@handpresso.fr if you still encounter problems with the website. We launched a new version of our website end June, so it may still have had some bugs in July. Sorry for that.
Pretty cool gadget. By the way, “aircraft”, like “deer” do not require an “s” when describing plurality. ie, “There were 5 aircraft on the ramp today”.
just an FYI …tried the link to the Handpresso site and got a drop down menu to validate country, which I did, then got messages that site couldn’t be found. However in the back round behind the drop down you can see a site exists, but can’t get access.
That explains your alertness in the cabin. Looks interesting enough. How much is 195,00 euros? $200 something? So BP do you prefer the Lobodis Columbia or Honduras? I’ll look into it but I like espresso doubles.