Ikape Kaapo K2 review: Professional espresso anywhere
The Ikape Kapo K2 portable espresso machine fits easily into a travel bag. Picture: Ikape
I live for my morning coffee. The ritual of grinding, tamping, the smell and waiting is the one part of my day I refuse to compromise on. Being able to take that routine with me when I leave the house feels like magic. It means I can enjoy a high-quality cup regardless of where my travels take me.
The Kaapo K2 comes with a bottomless 51mm stainless steel portafilter, feels well-built and solid, and includes all the accessories you need to make your favourite cup of coffee. There’s also the K2 Pro, which has a 58mm stainless steel portafilter, which is the same size as the one in my home machine.
I love that Ikape includes a screen puck to help manage the extraction process. Actually, my favourite feature of the screen puck is that it keeps the group head clean, which means less mess and less cleaning afterwards. My kit also included a foldable stand, a spring-loaded tamper, a cleaning brush, a magnetic dosing funnel, and a plastic cap that doubles as a small cup.
This K2 uses a 20-bar pressure system to pull rich crema from the grounds. The self-heating function is a major convenience, as it eliminates the need for an external heat source, though you can use either hot or cold water, depending on your preference.
Control comes through the HappyGo Cera app via Bluetooth. The app is free and available for iOS and Android. This allows you to adjust temperature, pre-infusion time, and pressure directly from your phone. I like a slightly hotter temperature for light-roasted beans and a cooler temperature for darker-roasted beans.
I’ve found that using a 30W or higher quick-charge adapter makes a noticeable difference in the K2's performance. To keep the 20-bar high-pressure pump running consistently, Ikape recommends an adapter with at least 30W output. If you use one compatible with QC 2.0 or PD 3.1 protocols, the machine heats up much faster and runs far more smoothly. I used a power bank to test this, and it worked a treat. That said, most of the time, I found it easier to just leave the power bank at home and was still very happy with the results.
My testing took place over the last month during my daily outings. I use the same method as my home machine: filling the portafilter with fresh grounds, levelling them, and tamping with the included tool. The process feels similar to my home setup. I use freshly ground beans from my grinder, but it took several cups to dial in the grind size for the K2. In general, I needed a coarser grind than I'd typically need for my home machine. Ikape recommends using 16-18g of coffee, so I weighed and bagged 17g before I left rather than bringing a scale. I also brought a coffee container and just guessed the amount, but I prefer a more measured approach for consistency.
Being so portable makes the K2 incredibly convenient, but it also brings challenges. I attempted to make coffee while sitting in my car on a rainy day. The cramped space made it difficult, and I ended up with coffee grinds scattered across my seat. You need enough room to work properly. Once I found a more spacious setting, the machine was a joy.
The main downside is the speed at which multiple servings are made. Making one cup is fine, but the process drags if you are trying to serve a group. Also, while the K2 can heat the water, I still bring extra hot water to make Americanos and to heat the basket and cup before extraction. You also need a separate portable milk frother if you want lattes or cappuccinos, as the machine does not steam milk.
The Ikape Kaapo K2 is an excellent companion for solo coffee lovers on the move. It offers a professional experience in a compact package for those who won't compromise on taste with their favourite beverage.
€170 (Prime Deal) Amazon
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
