Wacaco Nanopresso vs Staresso – Which is Best? 2025

Wacaco Nanopresso vs Staresso: Do you need your caffeine fix on the run? Portable espresso makers are a game-changer in today’s fast-paced society. Wacaco’s Nanopresso and Staresso are two of the most popular portable coffee makers on the market. But how can you know which one is best? To help you choose between the Nanopresso and the Staresso, we’ve compared the two so you can see the differences between them.

WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
  • Date First Available: May 21, 2019
  • Material: Plastic
  • Colors: 5
STARESSO Classic Portable Espresso Machine
  • Huge Popular Manual Espresso Machine
  • Coffee Powder Capacity:11g
  • Coffee Pods: YES

A brief overview of the key similarities and differences.

1. Popularity Showdown: Staresso Tops the Charts

When it comes to user popularity and online rankings, the Staresso Portable Espresso Machine takes the lead over the Wacaco Nanopresso. This could be due to its higher capacity, versatility, and slightly more robust design. On platforms like Amazon, Staresso often boasts more reviews and higher average ratings, indicating a strong customer base and higher user satisfaction. While popularity isn’t everything, it can reflect real-world performance and reliability.

2. Budget-Friendly Brew: Staresso Wins on Price

If you’re shopping on a budget, the Staresso offers more value for your money. It typically retails at a slightly lower price than the Nanopresso, making it a more affordable option for beginners or casual espresso drinkers. Despite the lower cost, the Staresso doesn’t skimp on quality—it still delivers rich espresso shots and supports both ground coffee and capsules, depending on the version. For price-conscious buyers, this makes Staresso a compelling pick.

3. Manual Magic: Both Offer a Hands-On Brewing Experience

Both the Wacaco Nanopresso and Staresso operate manually, meaning no batteries or electricity are required. This makes them ideal for travel, camping, or using on-the-go. With a 80ml capacity on both models, you’ll get just enough water to brew a decent single espresso shot. The manual pumping action also gives you full control over the brewing process, letting you feel like a barista wherever you are. It’s a tie here—both devices give you that satisfying, hands-on brewing experience.

4. Water Capacity Face-Off: Staresso Holds More

When it comes to water capacity, the Staresso has a slight edge with a 100ml tank compared to Nanopresso’s 80ml. That extra 20ml might not seem like much, but it can make a big difference if you like to pull longer espresso shots or need more hot water for americanos. For those who prefer a slightly bigger brew without refilling, the Staresso’s larger tank adds a layer of convenience.

5. Portability Check: Nanopresso Is Lighter and Easier to Carry

The Nanopresso is noticeably lighter, weighing just 336 grams compared to the Staresso’s 454 grams. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, hiker, or frequent traveler, every gram counts in your backpack. Nanopresso’s compact and lightweight design makes it easier to toss into your bag without adding bulk. It’s designed for ultimate portability, making it the better choice for minimalists and on-the-go users.

6. Pressure Power: Nanopresso Delivers Up to 18 Bars

Pressure plays a crucial role in brewing quality espresso, and the Nanopresso delivers an impressive 18 bars of pressure compared to Staresso’s 15–20 bars (depending on the version). Wacaco claims their design optimizes the pressure output, providing consistent crema and flavor-rich results. In practice, users often report Nanopresso’s pump action feels more refined and delivers a better espresso shot. If crema quality and consistency matter to you, the Nanopresso has a slight advantage.

7. Release Timeline: Staresso Came First, Nanopresso Improved Later

The Staresso was launched in 2016, giving it a head start in the portable espresso market. However, the Nanopresso was released in 2019 and brought several enhancements over its predecessor, the Minipresso. With more time to refine the design and user experience, Wacaco built the Nanopresso with improved ergonomics, pressure control, and build quality. It’s a newer model with thoughtful upgrades that reflect feedback from years of portable espresso innovation.

8. Ground Coffee Capacity: Staresso Packs in More

The Staresso has a slightly larger coffee basket, allowing you to use up to 11 grams of ground coffee compared to Nanopresso’s 8 grams. This means you can brew a stronger, more robust shot with the Staresso—ideal for those who like a bolder flavor. More coffee also means more customization, letting you experiment with different grinds, tamping pressures, and roast levels. For power users or espresso enthusiasts, Staresso offers more room to play.

 

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Both the Wacaco Nanopresso and the Staresso Portable Espresso Machine are excellent choices for coffee lovers who want high-quality espresso on the go. The Nanopresso stands out with its lighter weight, sleek design, and high-pressure system, making it a top pick for travelers and minimalists. On the other hand, the Staresso wins on capacity, versatility, and affordability, which makes it ideal for beginners or those who want a slightly bigger brew.

  • Choose Nanopresso if you want premium build quality, portability, and strong pressure performance.

  • Choose Staresso if you want more capacity, a budget-friendly price, and slightly stronger shots.

In the end, it comes down to your personal preferences—whether you value portability or flexibility more in your espresso-making experience.

Wacaco Nanopresso vs Staresso
Brand
Buy on AmazonBuy on Amazon
Special FeatureManualManual
Capacity80 Milliliters80 Milliliters
Coffee Maker TypeEspresso MachineEspresso Machine
Coffee Powder Capacity 8g (D)11g
Pressure18 Bar (D)15-18 Bar
Weight336g454g
Coffee Pods
Product Dimensions 6.14 x 2.8 x 2.44 inches 2.75 x 2.75 x 9.64 inches
Date First Available May 21, 2019 (D)June 14, 2016
Most Popular Questions About: Wacaco Nanopresso vs Staresso
Wacaco Nanopresso vs Staresso Reddit Answers

1.  I was staring. It functioned normally for a day before, but for some reason, it could only be used with cold water. Simply put, hot water wouldn’t flow through. They offered support, but I was unable to get it.

They ultimately agreed to give me a refund only in exchange for a positive Amazon review.

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2.  I experimented with the Minipresso. The best I could say about it was that it was inconsistent and that I never really got it to operate very well. I think it would be more work than it would be worth to try to make espresso portable. Additionally, there is cleaning. A grinder and a hot water supply are still required. I would want to have an Aeropress*1 or a pourover cone along with a nice portable hand grinder. Both are quicker in terms of overall time invested, easier to clean up after, and produce far more consistent outcomes.

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3.  It’s amazing and incredibly fantastic that there is a machine you can use to produce authentic espresso that you can handle with one hand. These essentially have nothing else going for them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use Nespresso capsules with these machines?

Wacaco Nanopresso supports Nespresso capsules only if you buy the separate NS Adapter. Staresso (some models) supports Nespresso-compatible pods out of the box, but check your specific model before buying.

2. Which one is better for travel and hiking?

The Nanopresso is better for travel due to its lighter weight and smaller form factor. It’s easier to carry in a backpack or even a pocket.

3. Do I need hot water for both machines?

Yes, both the Nanopresso and Staresso require you to pour in preheated water. Neither model heats water on its own since they are fully manual and electricity-free.

4. Is cleaning easy on both machines?

Yes. Both devices are relatively easy to clean. The Nanopresso has fewer parts, which makes it slightly quicker to rinse and reassemble. The Staresso may take a bit more time due to its larger brew chamber and plunger system.

5. Can I make milk-based drinks with either one?

Neither machine steams milk, but you can brew espresso shots and add them to frothed milk manually. For lattes or cappuccinos, you’ll need a separate milk frother.