HUGH V4 Lever Portable Espresso Maker, Double Espresso Shot with Ridgeless Portafilter Basket, Manually Operated, Perfect for Hiking & Camping (Non- pressurized Filter)

I really enjoyed making shots with this device. Really well made and gives good feedback as you press down. My only wish was that the receiver was slightly more secure. And I bought a magnetic aluminum funnel to replace the included one. Bought for an emergency but could imagine using every day. The shots tasted great but I’m really used to and missed my steamer so milk was not the same as would be expected. Used Starbucks dark roast and a Breville Dose Control Pro on espresso grind settings.

I am mixed on this - first off, Customer Service is great, had a small issue that was resolved quickly and without whining! I use a Cafelat Robot at home, which is (relatively) large and heavy, so I bought this is as my travel version. It makes decent enough brew for that purpose, but it's not a substitute for better lever units. It IS very compact and light weight. Workflow is a bit funky, but as they say: "It works if you work it!" I wish there was less plastic in the hot water path, so I drain the brew directly into a ceramic cup rather than the attached plastic cup. Overall I'm happy enough that I will continue to use this for travel.

Overall: Honestly, I didn’t think I’d enjoy this product as much as I do. It’s a great travel espresso machine, but more than that at this price, it’s a great entry level machine as well. If you’re willing to put in the effort of course. I was debating getting the Wacaco Picopresso over this, but ultimately decided the overall plastic build and failure rate of the Picopresso just wasn’t worth it. Build: While it’s not perfect, I would say it’s more than adequate for its price. The handles glide smooth and feel robust. The body is plastic, but doesn’t feel like it will break any time soon. The assembly and disassembly are straightforward and relatively easy for back to back shots. The included tamper is not great and dosing funnel is well… terrible. Yeah, don’t even bother with the funnel. Performance: Once you dial in your grind size, the shots I’ve been able to pull have been fantastic. Sure, it takes a bit of effort to dial everything in. But if you’re willing to put in that effort, the results will speak for themselves. Conclusion: With that said if you’re looking for an affordable entry level espresso machine where you can control all the variables, this will most certainly scratch that itch. As for me, I’ve been enjoying this product so much that I’ve started to look into Hugh’s more expensive Pro and Orbit machines (currently both sold out) as well as offerings from Flair, Strad and Newton Espresso to step up my game.

I like that it is portable and packable but it takes a while before you can find the right mix and technique to make good coffee.

bought this from Aramex, and I’m really happy with it! It’s super easy to use, making it perfect for home, office, or even travel. The build quality feels solid, and it brews a delicious cup of coffee every time. Yes, it’s a little bit pricey, but honestly, it’s worth every penny for the convenience and quality you get. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves fresh coffee on the go!