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Welcome to my Staresso Mirage Plus 2023 review of 2024!
I was excited to get my hands on the Staresso Mirage Plus to test it out. I used this manual coffee maker every morning to make drinks like Iced Americano, Latte, and robust Espressos.
It’s been about 2 weeks now, and I’m ready to share my insights.
Read on to uncover my full experience with the Staresso Mirage Plus 2023.
Millie’s Take: Staresso Mirage Plus 2023
It’s small, doesn’t need electricity, and you can take it anywhere – great for a quick coffee at home or on a camping trip. Plus, it can make two shots at once, so you get that coffee shop quality without needing all the gear.
Pros
- Portable and doesn’t require electricity, making it suitable for various settings.
- Capable of making two shots at once, adding to its convenience.
- Manual press generates 15-20 bars of pressure for quality espresso extraction.
Cons
- The cleaning process can be somewhat cumbersome and time-consuming.
- It’s a bit heavier than some other portable espresso makers due to its durable build.
What is Staresso Mirage Plus 2023?
The Staresso Mirage Plus (SP-300 Plus) is a portable espresso machine that’s designed to be both compact and durable.
It’s small enough to be convenient for either home use or travel without sacrificing build quality.
It operates without electricity, which is great for those who want to enjoy espresso outdoors or in any setting without access to power.
The machine can make two shots at once, which is a bonus for anyone who needs a double hit of espresso.
The manual press is efficient with 15-20 bars of pressure to extract a flavorful shot with a decent crema.
Product Specs
Model Name | SP-300 Plus |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.03 Pounds |
Dimensions | 3.2″D x 4.3″W x 7.4″H |
Electricity requirement | No |
Capacity | 180 Milliliters |
Operation Mode | Manual |
Basket capacity | 15-20 grams of coffee ground |
Pressure | 15-20 bars |
Warranty | one-year international warranty for all products |
How Does Staresso Plus Portable Espresso Machine Work?
The Staresso Mirage Plus works by using a manual pump to create high pressure that extracts espresso from coffee grounds.
It has a part that you push down with your hand, kind of like a bike pump.
When you push on it, it squishes the air and pushes it into the space where the hot water and coffee are waiting.
This squishing makes the air push really hard on the water, which then pushes through the coffee grounds.
You have to push down on this part several times to make the air push hard enough. The Staresso Mirage Plus is made to let you push until the pressure is just right for making a good espresso.
This is a big deal for a small, hand-powered machine because it gets as much pressure as the big machines at coffee shops.
This pushing action is what gets all the good flavors and oils out of the coffee grounds and into your cup, making that tasty layer of foam on top called crema. That’s what you see on top of espressos at cafes.
The cool thing about this machine is that:
Most portable espresso machines only make one shot at a time, but the Staresso Mirage Plus has a bigger basket for coffee grounds and a water chamber that can hold more water.
So, when you’re pumping to build up the pressure, you’re actually making enough espresso for two shots instead of one.
How to Use Staresso Mirage Plus
Here’s a simple breakdown of how it operates:
1. Preparation
First, you fill the coffee basket with your favorite ground coffee. Then use a tamper to press the grounds evenly, which is important for a good extraction.
2. Add Water
Next, you add boiling water into the water chamber. The Staresso Mirage Plus doesn’t heat water on its own, so you’ll need to boil the water separately before adding it.
3. Pumping
Once you’ve got your coffee and water in place, you close the machine and start pumping the built-in piston. You press down with your palm, and the pressure starts to build up.
4. Extraction
As you continue to pump, the pressure reaches between 15-20 bars, which is similar to what professional espresso machines use.
This pressure forces the hot water through the coffee grounds, extracting all the flavors and oils, and creating a rich crema on top of your espresso.
Design and Build Quality
Design
In my eyes, Staresso Mirage Plus simply looks stunning.
It boasts a simple and stylish look that’s easy to use. It’s small enough to carry around, at just 4.3″W x 7.4″H, but it’s also big enough to handle easily when making your coffee.
The design has a hand-operated pump.
This pump is the heart of the device and lets you make espresso by using your hands. The pump has a small, thin piston in a small cylinder.
It’s made to be easy to use, so you don’t need to use a lot of force, even when the pressure gets high inside.
Plus, it has a special valve system that’s a key feature. It stops the high-pressure water from touching the coffee until there’s just the right amount of pressure.
This helps make the coffee taste the same every time. It also lets you use different sizes of ground coffee.
The pump for pressing down is easy to use, so you don’t need to use much strength. This makes making a shot of espresso simple and quick.
Build Quality
The Staresso Mirage Plus is built to last. It’s made of strong, BPA-free plastic with a rubber outside for a good grip and a nice feel.
It’s tough enough for travel, without losing safety or quality.
The coffee filter is stainless steel, which means it won’t rust or wear out quickly.
This helps the machine keep making great coffee for a long time.
Now, it’s a bit heavier than some other portable espresso makers because of the stainless steel parts, but honestly, that’s a sign of its solid construction.
It does mean you need to be a bit careful when taking it apart to clean, but that’s a small price to pay for such exceptional coffee.
One of my favorite things about this staresso portable espresso machine is that it’s not all plastic. I’ve always been a bit wary of mixing boiling water with plastic, so this is a big plus in my book.
And the double shot basket? It’s a dream come true. I’ve never understood why some portable machines only do single shots.
I mean, who drinks just one shot of espresso? With the Staresso Mirage Plus, I get my double shot without any fuss or extra gear.
There’s also a built-in coffee cup, making it handy and stylish to drink your fresh espresso.
The machine is put together with care. All the parts fit tightly, which looks good and stops leaks or loss of pressure when you use it.
It’s also easy to take apart for cleaning and upkeep, helping it last longer.
Overall, the Staresso Mirage Plus is made with a focus on looks, how it works, and being strong. It’s a portable espresso maker that’s dependable and fun to use, no matter where you are.
Key Features and Benefits
Manual Pump System
The heart of the Staresso Mirage Plus is its manual pump system.
Think of it like a bike pump, but instead of filling tires with air, you’re using it to push hot water through coffee grounds to make espresso.
You grab the handle and press down, and that’s what builds up the pressure needed to brew your coffee.
It’s a simple process: the more you pump, the more pressure you create, and the better your coffee will taste.
Plus, since it’s all done by hand, you don’t need to plug it in or use batteries.
This means you can make your coffee just about anywhere, whether you’re at home, at work, or even camping in the woods.
High-Pressure Capability
When it comes to making a really good espresso, pressure is key. The Staresso Mirage Plus can create a lot of pressure, just like the big espresso machines you see in coffee shops.
We’re talking about 15 to 20 bars of pressure, which is a fancy way of saying it’s really strong at squeezing out all the good flavors from the coffee grounds.
This high pressure is what makes the espresso have that smooth, rich taste and the creamy foam on top that coffee lovers enjoy.
And the best part?
You can get this high-quality coffee without needing a huge coffee machine; the Staresso Mirage Plus does it all in a small, easy-to-use package.
Double Shot Filter Basket
The double-shot filter basket in this portable coffee maker is a real game-changer for anyone who loves their espresso.
This basket is designed to hold more coffee grounds – anywhere from 18 to 22 grams, which is not easy to see in a manual machine.
That’s enough for a strong, single espresso if you like your coffee with a serious punch, or you can spread the love and make two shots at once.
It’s super handy when you want to share a coffee moment with someone else or if you’re the type who enjoys a double dose of espresso goodness in your morning routine.
The basket is easy to fill and fits snugly into the espresso maker, ensuring you get a perfect brew every time without any fuss.
So, whether you’re serving up a solo shot or a pair, this feature ensures your coffee is just how you like it.
Adjustable Stand
The Staresso Mirage Plus comes with a handy adjustable stand that’s all about making your coffee-making steady and stable, no matter where you are.
This stand can fold out, which means it can fit into different spots easily, whether you’re setting up on a kitchen counter or a picnic table.
It’s like a little kickstand for your espresso maker, keeping it upright and ready for action.
You won’t have to worry about your coffee spilling or the machine tipping over while you’re pumping away.
It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference, especially when you’re making coffee outside of your kitchen.
No Batteries or Electricity Needed
The great thing about the Staresso Mirage Plus is that it doesn’t need any batteries or to be plugged in.
You can make your espresso anywhere, without having to hunt for an outlet or worry about charging it.
Whether you’re out camping, at the office, or just hanging out in your backyard, you can still enjoy a fresh, hot cup of coffee.
It’s all manual, so you’re in control. Just add hot water and your coffee grounds, and use the hand pump to get your espresso started.
It’s that simple, and it means you can have your coffee just the way you like it, anytime, anywhere.
Grinder Accessory
If you love the taste of freshly ground coffee, the Staresso Mirage Plus has something extra just for you. There’s an optional coffee bean grinder called the Staresso Discovery that you can get.
It’s a manual grinder, which means you turn the handle to grind the beans yourself. This is perfect for when you want that fresh flavor that only comes from beans ground right before brewing.
It’s easy to use and a great match for the espresso maker.
With this grinder, you can take your coffee experience up a notch by grinding your own beans, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Coffee Drink Quality
I’ve got to tell you, the Staresso Mirage Plus has completely won me over.
As someone who takes espresso seriously, I was blown away by the quality of the shots this little machine produces.
The crema is just perfect – thick and creamy, just how you’d want it.
And the taste?
It’s rich and full-flavored without any of that burnt aftertaste that can ruin a good espresso.
Even though I’ve only had a few goes with it, I’m seriously impressed.
It’s not just about making proper espresso with a nice crema – which it does brilliantly – but also about how solid and satisfying the device feels to use.
Hats off to the engineers who designed and built the Staresso Mirage Plus. They’ve really nailed it.
Cleaning and Maintenance
In my opinion, the cleaning part is quite messy since the grounds turn soupy. You need to unscrew to release the pressure, then unscrew the bottom nozzle to pump out the excess water before you can tamp out the grounds.
Here’s a step-by-step how I clean this machine:
I first disassemble it and then use a brush to gently scrub each part.
This is especially effective for removing coffee grounds and any oily residue. After scrubbing, I rinse the parts thoroughly under running water to ensure all debris is washed away.
It’s important to let every component air dry completely before reassembling the machine.
This method ensures a thorough cleaning without the need for soap, maintaining the machine’s integrity and preparing it for the next use.
Value for Money
For $129.99, the Staresso Mirage Plus pretty much ticks all the boxes for me.
I love how it doesn’t skimp on the quality of the espresso, even with its portable design.
The fact that it’s manual and doesn’t need power means I can use it anywhere, which is a huge plus.
And getting two shots at once? That’s just convenient.
The only downside is the cleaning process. It’s not super difficult, but it’s not as simple as I’d like it to be, nor as simple as the brand claims.
You’ve got to take it apart to clean it properly, which takes a bit of time. But considering the quality of the espresso it churns out, I’d say it’s a fair trade-off.
Final Verdict: Should you buy the Staresso Mirage Plus 2023?
If you’re a coffee enthusiast looking for a portable espresso machine that doesn’t compromise the quality of your brew, the Staresso Mirage Plus is definitely worth considering.
While the cleaning process might require a bit more effort than desired, the robust build, the convenience of not needing electricity, and the ability to pull two shots at once make it a strong contender in its price range.
If these features align with your needs and you’re okay with the extra cleaning steps, then the Staresso Mirage Plus could be a great addition to your coffee routine.
