Wacaco Minipresso GR2 | Ultra-Compact Manual Espresso Maker 2024

2014 was when Wacaco first introduced the original Minipresso GR to the market. In the years that followed, the brand launched entirely new models — Nanopresso and Picopresso — all of which became well-loved handheld espresso makers among users worldwide. Ten years after the original Minipresso GR, Wacaco now introduces the all-new Minipresso GR2: same capacity, even more compact, with the added ability to choose your brew strength by loading either 8g or 12g of grounds into the basket.

The Minipresso GR2 also outperforms its older sibling the Nanopresso in several ways, while coming in at a very approachable price point — bringing espresso to every corner of the world.

KEY FEATURES OF THE WACACO MINIPRESSO GR2

• ULTRA COMPACT About the size of an iPhone 5 — just 12.5cm tall and 6cm in diameter. That doesn’t mean you’ll be stuffing it in your pants pocket, but it’s surprisingly small for a brewing device. Compared to the original Minipresso, the GR2 is 5cm shorter.
• ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT Just 285g including all the accessories stored inside the body — meaning a lighter load on every journey.
• ADJUSTABLE BREW STRENGTH The standard basket holds 12g. If you want a lighter cup, simply insert the included base ring to reduce the dose to around 8g.
• DOUBLE-WALL INSULATION Throughout the entire brewing process, the GR2 body only gets warm — not hot like the Picopresso — thanks to its double-wall construction with an air gap in between. No leather sleeve needed.
• SUSTAINABLE BIOMASS MATERIAL The body is made from plastic blended with 20% wheat-derived biomass material. The Minipresso GR2 is a prime example of sustainable design built for a greener future.
• COMPLETE ACCESSORY SET Cleaning brush, drip tray, dosing ring, tamper scoop, and a fabric carrying pouch — all included.

EXTRACTION QUALITY OF THE WACACO MINIPRESSO GR2

The pump generation used in the GR2 is Wacaco’s latest upgrade. The manufacturer rates it at a maximum of 18 bar — twice the standard espresso extraction pressure. This doesn’t mean the pump delivers 18 bar of pressure onto the coffee puck; it simply reflects the pump’s durability and pressure tolerance. In practice, 7–9 bar is all you need for a great espresso. At truly high pressures, no one would be able to squeeze the pump anyway.

If you get the conditions right — 100°C water (which cools slightly as soon as it enters the brewer), freshly ground coffee, fine enough grind, a firm tamp, and a reasonable water ratio (1:2.5) — espresso from the GR2 can score around 8/10 compared to a home espresso machine. Smooth, glossy crema and a rich, strong cup depending on how much you extract. Espresso temperature will be around 65–70°C.

• For the 8g basket: Extract a maximum of 20g of espresso
• For the 12g basket: Extract a maximum of 30ml of espresso

WHERE THE WACACO MINIPRESSO GR2 FALLS SHORT

As much as the GR2 inherits the best traits of its predecessors like the Picopresso and Nanopresso, there are still a few drawbacks worth knowing:

• The shower screen sticks after brewing: The screen has two small symmetrical slots designed for fingernails to pry it off — but the slots are hard to find by sight, and if you don’t have nails, it becomes quite annoying.
• The dose-adjustment ring has two sides that are easy to mix up: The ring is labeled “top” and “bottom,” but this reflects an unnecessary design complication. If you install it the wrong way, the basket can only hold 4g — fill it with 8g and it overflows immediately. Hopefully Wacaco addresses this in a future revision.
• Too many small parts: A full disassembly — including rubber gaskets, shower screen, adjustment ring, and more — results in 13 separate pieces. These can easily go missing during cleaning. If you wash the GR2 in a sink, check the drain filter before emptying it.
• The bottom can blow out if grounds are too fine and you force the pump: This is a consequence of having a pump that’s almost too good at holding pressure. Instead of the pump failing, the portafilter takes the hit. The good news is that this part can be replaced.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

• Minipresso GR2 brewer body
• Coffee scoop (also serves as a tamper)
• 60ml espresso cup
• Filter basket (with included ring for 8g or 12g dosing)
• Cleaning brush
• Dosing ring (not included in previous versions)
• Drip tray (keeps your brew area clean)
• Travel fabric pouch
• Box, warranty card, and user manual

WACACO MINIPRESSO GR2 SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: Wacaco
• Dimensions: H125 × D60mm
• Weight: 285g
• Max water capacity: 80ml
• Max espresso output: 50ml
• Coffee dose: 8g or 12g (selectable)
• Origin: China

USAGE NOTES FOR THE MINIPRESSO GR2

• The Minipresso GR2 is a non-electric manual brewing device — it does not heat water. You’ll need to prepare hot water separately before pouring it in. Make sure the water is fully boiling, as it loses a fair amount of heat during the brewing process.
• After use, disassemble the small internal parts and let them dry completely before reassembling. Reassembling while wet and leaving it stored can create a damp environment that leads to unpleasant odors.
• Rinse the filter screen, basket, and plastic cup under running water after each brew to prevent coffee residue from building up.
• Do not clean the Minipresso GR2 in a dishwasher. Hand wash only.

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