WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso Review: The Ultimate Upgrade for Your Portable Espresso?

There’s a unique magic to brewing a fresh, aromatic espresso in a place where you’d least expect it—halfway up a mountain trail, on a quiet beach at sunrise, or simply at your desk to escape the office’s dreadful instant coffee. The WACACO Nanopresso has been a revelation for coffee lovers on the move, delivering a surprisingly authentic single shot of espresso with just a little hot water and some manual effort. But as a devoted coffee drinker, I often found that single, thimble-sized shot to be more of a teaser than a satisfying experience. The ritual of preparing a second shot—cleaning the portafilter, tamping new grounds, reassembling—often felt like a chore that broke the very spell of tranquility I was seeking. That longing for a proper, full-bodied double espresso or a longer, smoother lungo without the fuss is what led me to the WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso, an accessory that promises to transform the capable Nanopresso into a truly versatile portable coffee station.

What to Consider Before Buying a Single Serve Machine Accessory

A Single Serve Machine accessory, especially one designed for a portable device, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for enhancing capability and convenience. For a device like the Nanopresso, which champions minimalism and portability, any add-on must justify its existence by solving a significant problem without compromising the core benefits of the original product. The primary problem this category of accessory solves is limitation—the limitation of volume, dose, and ultimately, the kind of coffee you can create. It bridges the gap between a quick, functional shot and a more leisurely, satisfying coffee experience, allowing for drinks like lattes or Americanos that are impractical with a standard 8-gram single shot.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who already owns and loves their base machine but consistently finds themselves hitting its limits. This is the traveller, the camper, the remote worker who craves a “real” coffee and finds the single-shot workflow tedious. It’s for the enthusiast who wants to experiment with larger doses and different extraction styles on the go. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who prioritize absolute minimum pack size and weight above all else, or for the user who is perfectly content with a traditional single espresso. For those individuals, sticking with the base unit is more practical. If portability isn’t a factor at all, a dedicated countertop machine might be a better long-term investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: An accessory, by definition, adds bulk. You must consider how the kit integrates with your existing setup. Does it nest neatly? Does it require a separate carrying case? The WACACO Barista Kit is designed to store all its components within its own housing, but it effectively doubles the vertical space the Nanopresso system occupies in your bag.
• Capacity/Performance: This is the primary reason for purchase. Evaluate exactly what the upgrade offers. The WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso increases the coffee dose from 8g to 16g and the water capacity to 140ml. This directly translates to the ability to pull a true double espresso or a lungo, fundamentally changing the machine’s output and quality.
• Materials & Durability: Portable gear lives a tough life. The materials must be robust enough to handle travel and repeated use. This kit is primarily made of high-grade plastic, which keeps it lightweight. However, as we’ll explore, plastic threads and high-pressure components can be a point of failure if not handled with care, a stark contrast to the all-metal construction of high-end home machines.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good accessory should feel like a natural extension of the original product, not a complicated science experiment. How intuitive is the assembly? Is cleaning more difficult? The Barista Kit adds a few extra steps and parts to clean, which is a trade-off for its enhanced capability.

Keeping these factors in mind, the WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Cleverly Designed Expansion Pack

Unboxing the WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso feels like opening a set of Russian nesting dolls for coffee nerds. Everything is packed with ingenious efficiency. Inside the main cylindrical container, which itself doubles as a larger coffee cup, you find the key components: a larger 140ml water tank, an extension ring adapter, two 16g double espresso filter baskets, one 8g single filter basket, and a custom-sized tamper. Each filter basket comes with its own lid, a brilliant touch that allows you to pre-fill them with ground coffee before you even leave the house, streamlining your workflow in the field.

The initial feel of the components is consistent with the base Nanopresso—sturdy, high-quality plastic with a precise fit and finish. The design language is identical, so when assembled, it looks like a single, cohesive unit rather than a clumsy add-on. Assembling it for the first time is intuitive: you simply unscrew the standard water tank and coffee filter head from your Nanopresso, screw on the new extension ring where the filter head was, place a large basket inside, and then screw the filter head onto the extension ring. The new, larger water tank then screws onto the back. The whole process takes less than a minute, and you’re ready to brew a much more substantial coffee.

Deep Dive: Putting the Barista Kit Through Its Paces

An accessory can look great on paper, but its true value is only revealed through rigorous, real-world use. We took the WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso on hiking trips, used it for our daily office coffee, and made it our go-to travel companion to see if it truly elevates the Nanopresso experience or just complicates it. The results were largely impressive, but not without some critical caveats.

From Single Shot Sipper to Double Espresso Enthusiast: The Capacity Upgrade

The core promise of this kit is more coffee, and on that front, it delivers magnificently. Moving from an 8g dose to a 16g dose is a quantum leap. The included tamper is a welcome addition, providing a much better and more consistent tamp than the back of the standard Nanopresso scoop. The process is straightforward: fill the double basket with 16 grams of finely ground coffee, tamp it firmly, lock it into the extension ring, and fill the larger tank with up to 140ml of boiling water.

The first time we pumped a double shot, the difference was immediate and striking. The espresso that flowed into the larger cup was darker, richer, and topped with a thick, velvety layer of crema that far surpassed what we could achieve with a single shot. This observation was echoed by one user who noted, “the extra volume of coffee grounds also seems to result in a greatly improved crema.” This isn’t just a quantitative upgrade; it’s a qualitative one. The larger dose allows for a more balanced and complex extraction, pulling deeper flavours from the beans. Suddenly, making a rich Americano or a robust base for a flat white was not just possible, but easy. The ability to prepare up to 120ml of espresso transforms the Nanopresso from a novelty gadget into a genuinely capable brewing device for serious coffee drinkers. This upgrade alone makes the WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit a compelling purchase for Nanopresso owners.

Built for the Road, But Is It Built to Last? A Look at Design and Durability

Here, our enthusiasm is tempered with a dose of caution. While the kit’s design is clever, its reliance on plastic for high-pressure components, specifically the extension adapter ring, is its Achilles’ heel. During our testing, we were extremely careful, ensuring the threads were perfectly aligned and never applying excessive force. We experienced no failures. However, a significant number of user reports tell a different story, one that we cannot ignore. We saw numerous accounts of the adapter ring cracking or breaking, sometimes on the very first use. One user lamented, “The double-shot adapter ring broke on the first use, spurting boiling-hot water all over the place.” Another had two units fail in the same way, stating, “I was disappointed after expansion ring cracked on the first use… The expansion ring cracked again on the 2nd use.”

This issue seems to stem from a combination of factors. Too fine a grind or over-tamping the coffee can create excessive back-pressure that the plastic threads simply cannot withstand. The system is designed to handle up to 18 bars of pressure, but a choked shot can exceed that limit. Furthermore, cross-threading the adapter ring, even slightly, can create a weak point that will fail under pressure. We saw reports of the ring getting jammed crookedly, rendering both the kit and the Nanopresso unusable. While WACACO’s customer service appears responsive in sending replacements, this recurring issue is a significant design flaw. It forces the user to be meticulously careful, which can be frustrating when you just want a quick coffee. This is a critical trade-off: you gain immense capability, but you may be sacrificing the rock-solid reliability of the original, simpler machine.

The Art of the Portable Pull: Dialing In Your Grind and Technique

Using the WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso is a more involved, tactile experience than the standard setup. It requires a bit more finesse to get right. Grind size is paramount. We confirmed what other users discovered: an espresso-fine grind suitable for a home machine can easily choke the Nanopresso with a 16g dose. One user from Germany noted that after the adapter ring slipped under pressure, they switched to a coarser grind to prevent it from happening again. We found the sweet spot to be just a touch coarser than a traditional espresso grind, allowing the water to flow through the larger puck without generating dangerous levels of pressure.

The physical effort is also greater. Pumping 120ml of water through 16g of coffee takes more time and more pumps. We noticed, as did another user, that this can affect the final temperature of the espresso. “I could notice a lower temperature in my double espresso, sure it was because of the increased time (and effort!) to pump,” they wrote. To counteract this, we found that pre-heating every component—the water tank, the cup, and the portafilter assembly—by running a cycle with just hot water is essential for achieving a hot, delicious final product.

Workflow and Cleanup: The Practicalities of Daily Use

Beyond the quality of the shot, the Barista Kit introduces some fantastic quality-of-life improvements. The inclusion of three filter baskets (two double, one single) with airtight lids is a stroke of genius. For a day trip or a morning at the campsite, we could pre-load two double shots and have them ready to go. This “pod-like” convenience, but with fresh coffee of our choice, is a huge advantage. As one person put it, “This kit allows me to make double shot expresso & carry extra pre-loaded pods.” This feature is perfect for someone making coffee for a partner as well, halving the preparation time.

Cleanup is slightly more involved than with the standard basket, as the larger puck of coffee can be a bit messier to discard. However, it’s still relatively simple. A word of warning, gleaned from a frustrating user experience: do not, under any circumstances, store a filter basket inside the large water tank for transport. One user reported doing so and finding it “completely jammed/wedged/stuck in the bottom. Nothing, and I mean nothing (!!!) will get it out.” This rookie error effectively destroys both the basket and the tank. It’s a crucial piece of advice that should be printed in bold on the instruction manual.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from other users provides a clear and consistent picture of the WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive when the product works as intended. Users praise it as a “fantastic addition” and “amazing design,” with many calling it an essential accessory for any Nanopresso owner. The ability to pull a rich double shot with excellent crema is the most commonly cited benefit, transforming the portable coffee experience for campers, travellers, and office workers alike. One user summed it up perfectly: “Perfect for camping, now instead of doing 4 or 6 time the process to get a large cup… I can get the coffee done for me and my wife on only 2.”

However, the praise is frequently paired with significant warnings about durability and quality control. The fragile nature of the plastic extension ring is the single most prevalent complaint, with numerous reports of it cracking under pressure, sometimes within the first few uses. One user received a unit that was clearly used and damaged, while another received one with a bent connector right out of the box. These quality control lapses and the core design weakness of the adapter ring create a “love it but be careful” narrative around the product. It’s a fantastic concept, but its execution has a critical flaw that potential buyers must be aware of.

How Does the WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit Compare to Alternatives?

The WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso is a unique accessory, but the coffee it helps create competes with various home machines. For those not strictly bound by portability, it’s worth comparing it to some popular stationary single-serve options.

1. KRUPS Essenza Mini XN110140 Coffee Machine

The KRUPS Essenza Mini represents the epitome of convenience. It’s a plug-and-play Nespresso pod machine that delivers a consistent espresso or lungo at the touch of a button in under 30 seconds. The comparison here is one of philosophy: ultimate portability and fresh grounds (WACACO) versus ultimate speed and simplicity (KRUPS). The Essenza Mini is perfect for the home or office user who values time and consistency above all else and doesn’t want the ritual or mess of grinding and tamping coffee. If your need for coffee is primarily within walls and near a power outlet, the Essenza Mini is a far more practical daily driver.

2. Sage The Bambino Plus Compact Coffee Machine

The Sage Bambino Plus is in a completely different league, moving from a single-serve gadget to a proper home barista setup. It features a commercial-style portafilter, powerful thermojet heating, and an automatic milk frother that creates cafe-quality microfoam. The espresso quality from the Bambino Plus will undoubtedly surpass what the manual Nanopresso can produce. This is for the coffee enthusiast who wants to perfect their craft at home. The WACACO kit is for taking a *very good* approximation of that experience anywhere in the world. The choice depends entirely on priority: café-quality at home (Sage) or excellent quality anywhere (WACACO).

3. Nespresso DELONGHI Essenza EN85 Red Coffee Machine

Similar to the KRUPS model, the De’Longhi Essenza focuses on pod-based convenience, speed, and a compact countertop footprint. It offers two programmable cup sizes and consistent results with zero effort. The trade-off, as with all pod machines, is the reliance on a specific pod ecosystem and the environmental impact of the capsules. The WACACO system, using fresh ground coffee, offers infinitely more choice, less waste, and a much lower long-term cost per cup. Someone who prioritizes sustainability and coffee variety would favour the WACACO, while someone seeking effortless, repeatable results for their morning routine would prefer the De’Longhi.

Final Verdict: A Flawed But Fantastic Upgrade

The WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso is an accessory that feels almost essential. It successfully elevates the Nanopresso from a clever single-shot gadget into a serious portable espresso maker capable of producing rich, crema-topped double shots that can form the base of any coffee drink. The thoughtful design, including the nesting components and pre-packable baskets, makes it an incredibly practical tool for travel, camping, or the office.

However, this strong recommendation comes with a critical warning: the durability of the main adapter ring is questionable. The reliance on plastic threads in a high-pressure environment is a significant design compromise that has led to failure for many users. If you are a careful, methodical user who understands the importance of using the correct grind size and not overtightening components, you will likely love this kit. But if you’re rough with your gear or tend to rush, you risk breakage and frustration. For the dedicated Nanopresso owner who understands its limitations, this kit is a game-changer that unlocks the machine’s full potential.

If you’ve decided the WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit for Lungo/Double Espresso is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.