Until a few months ago I used a coffee machine with a capsule system for about a year. This was only meant to be a temporary solution, and I wanted to get away from this system quickly (I used to have a fully automatic machine). Because in my view these make no sense whatsoever from an ecological and economic point of view. At least not from the consumer’s perspective. But I will write a post on this subject at a later occasion.

It’s not that the coffee from the capsule machine was bad, but every time I bought another pack of capsules, I kind of regretted it. So much packaging material for a few grams of coffee. The used plastic capsules ended up in rubbish, although the coffee grounds are a great fertilizer and can be composted. I am even more sceptical about the ecology of the capsule systems made of aluminium.

Note: Unfortunately it turned out that the device was made in China. If I was faced with the choice to buy a new coffee machine today, I would first inform myself about the possibilities to buy a product that is not from the Far East. Maybe the situation is better with classic Italian machines…

The coffee machine that doesn’t need electricity

Actually, I was looking for a classic portafilter machine with a separate grinder. While I was looking online and reading tests etc. I suddenly came across the Espresso machine from ROK Kitchen Tools. A coffee machine that works without electricity. “How does this work?” I was wondering, but the idea had caught my attention and I wanted to know more about it.

The system is basically very simple; coffee powder is placed in the portafilter, attached to the machine and boiling water is filled in. Then a piston is lifted by two movable arms on the machine, the water continues to flow towards the portafilter and then the arms are pressed down whereby the water is pressed through the coffee powder. Admittedly, it doesn’t work without electricity, because after all you need hot water. Of course, it is up to each individual how he or she creates it ?

No electronic parts etc. are installed on the coffee machine or on the grinder, which is available separately. Sooner or later, this means that conventional machines will have to be serviced or repaired. Almost nothing can break on this machine without the use of force.

Pricetag (bought at www.rrrevolve.ch):

• Espresso machine: from CHF 199.00
• Grinder: CHF 239.00

My experience with the system

First things first: The machine makes really good coffee! Quite a few guests at my home have already confirmed this. And we cultivate an open exchange. However, you need some practice in handling the machine. Perhaps someone who already has experience with portafilter machines will have less time to adapt here. Since I also ordered the grinder right away, I also had to experiment a little bit to find out which grinding grade was right for me.

In addition, it was only now that I got to know the relationship between grind, water pressure, etc. and what effects it has on the taste of coffee. I used to press a few buttons and the coffee was ready. Experimenting for the best coffee taste was a lot of fun for me and in between I deliberately deviate from the routine even today. The coffee beans I use are from the roastery Henauer in Höri ZH. The “Caffè Irlanda” variety has convinced me so far.

All components are of very high quality and make a very solid impression. The grinder also impresses with its well thought-out design. Hardly any force is required for grinding and the degree of grinding can be freely adjusted.

The only weak point for me is the plastic piston with which the water is pressed down through the coffee powder. I would make it from a more stable material, such as metal. Once, during pressing, a crack was formed in it, which meant that pressure could no longer be built up. This was a clear handling mistake on my part (I had pressed the handle too hard on one side). With a thicker component, the machine would be almost indestructible. I ordered a small spare parts set for just under 30 francs, which also included new seals. I was able to carry out the repair myself without any problems. No special tools are needed and the design is, as already mentioned, very simple but well thought out.

Summary

After now approx. 8 months in use I am very satisfied with the product. It still takes a few minutes to prepare a cup of coffee (since the machine is ideally preheated). But since i got the hang of it, it’s no problem. After all, coffee stands for a cup of cosiness for me, so hurry is out of place. If someone wants to shorten the process, you can buy ground coffee or an electric grinder to save a step.

Pro:

• Good coffee, many ways to Experiment
• No electronics, no service required
• Easy to clean
• Inexpensive spare parts (e.g. seals)
• Possibly lasts a lifetime

Contra:

• No coffee at the touch of a button
• Rather only suitable for a few Cups