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Unusual Product of the Day: an espresso maker that heats its own water, no plug needed
A battery-powered espresso maker that heats cold water itself and takes pods or ground coffee. What it does, who it suits and the catch.
Floki · Unusual products
If you want proper espresso away from a kitchen, a self-heating battery maker that takes both pods and ground coffee is a genuinely useful and unusual buy. Just plan around roughly five espressos per charge.
Most portable coffee gadgets quietly assume there is a kettle nearby. The WACACO Pixapresso Coffee Machine Electric & Portable · Dark Burgundy does not. You pour in cold water, add coffee and press a button, and about three minutes later it starts brewing an espresso from its own battery. Here is what makes it unusual, who it suits, and the one thing to know before you buy.
What makes it different
Wacaco's specifications describe a self-heating system that warms cold water to 88, 92 or 96°C, chosen on a small touch display. The heating takes about 180 seconds.
- Two brew modules in the box: one for 8 to 16 g of ground coffee, one for Nespresso Original-compatible capsules
- Pressurised basket and up to 20 bar of pressure, so it is forgiving about grind size
- 74 x 74 x 181 mm and 755 g
- Charges over USB-C at 5V/3A in about two and a half hours
Why someone would want it
Picture an office without a decent machine, a campervan weekend, or a hotel room stocked only with instant sachets. It also suits anyone who wants real espresso but has no counter space, and it makes a thoughtful present for a coffee lover who seems to own everything. If you are deciding on a full-size pod machine for someone instead, Maya's guide to gifting a pod coffee machine on PriceHaggle explains why to check the capsule system first.
Why it could catch on
This part is my prediction, not evidence. Battery gadgets that replace a plug-in appliance tend to win people over once they see one in use, and this one handles both pods and ground coffee. I have not seen sales or search data showing it is already trending, so treat it as one to watch rather than a proven hit.
One honest consideration
From cold water, Wacaco says a full charge gives up to five espressos or two lungos. That is plenty for a day out but not for a whole household. You cannot brew while it is charging, and Wacaco says it should travel in carry-on luggage and is not for use on a plane.
Before you decide
See the product and current price, then compare prices online and ask a local shop whether it can do better.
Save yourself a surprise
Your quick buying checklist
- Decide whether you will use pods, ground coffee or both
- Check that around five espressos per charge suits how you drink coffee
- Compare online prices, then ask a local shop to beat them
Further information
References & editorial notes
This content is based on the sources listed below.
AI-generated information drawn from public sources. Not to be treated as any form of advice. Check details with the retailer before buying.