We attempted out the Superkop, the sturdy, non-electrical coffee gadget. Right here’s what we discovered!
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Pictures courtesy of Vasileia Fanarioti & Superkop
8 years in the past, Geert Kaal and Sabine Palinckx set out on a challenge: to construct the sector’s maximum sturdy non-electrical coffee gadget. The espresso fans had wiped out quite a lot of coffee machines over time and have been impressed to create an equipment that might final for generations and generate much less waste. With the assistance of a group of technical mavens, Geert and Sabine labored tirelessly to carry their dream to lifestyles. In any case, they reached their function and the Superkop espresso-making device used to be born.
I’ve been trying out the Superkop for a couple of weeks now, and after a lot experimentation, I’m extremely joyful to percentage my enjoy. In a nutshell, the Superkop delivered the entirety I were promised, in addition to was hoping for, and extra.
Design & First Use
Superkop is an cutting edge espresso-making device designed for day by day use. It operates manually, without having for electrical energy or warm-up time. As a countertop accent, the Superkop appears graceful and fashionable with its blank, tough design. Moreover, the device will also be wall-mounted.
The Superkop gadget weighs roughly 17.6 kilos and is situated on a wood base. It’s composed of an aluminum-powder-coated outer shell and metal interior elements. The lever and portafilter are made from polished SS, and the portafilter has a normal diameter of 58mm. The devoted water cup is made out of polycarbonate subject matter, which used to be selected for its talent to carry sizzling water at temperature with out the desire for pre-heating.
The primary marvel got here after I learned that not like conventional guide coffee machines, the Superkop makes use of a 1:40 displacement mechanism that applies escalating drive by means of a chain of six lever pumps. For a double coffee, the guide suggests 18g of floor espresso, 60ml of water heated to 203°F, and a 25–30-second extraction. I adopted the recipe and began via including the espresso within the portafilter, then tamping.
I added sizzling water into the water cup as much as the second one marker line (60ml) and pressed onto the basket. When I inserted this meeting into the frame of the Superkop, I started pumping on its lever, slowly and regularly. At this level, the one-way valve allowed a pneumatic spring to carry the lever again up whilst protecting drive throughout each and every pump. After six pumps, I had made my first double coffee the usage of the Superkop—it used to be really easy! In any case, I launched the piston via pushing the lever towards the again of the tool to alleviate drive.
Brewing with the Superkop
Getting the cling of the Superkop used to be quite simple. By means of following a couple of easy steps, I used to be ready to provide a tight cup of coffee. However the amusing had simply begun. I went directly to experiment with other espresso grind sizes and drink kinds to look how the Superkop would carry out.
Because it’s summer time right here in Athens, I determined to check out a freddo—or iced and mixed—cappuccino. I used my Comandante – C40 MK4 Nitro Blade for grinding and the NanoFoamer V2 via Subminimal to froth the milk. After a couple of makes an attempt, I discovered that 13 clicks at the Comandante used to be my most well-liked grind dimension for the Superkop.
The end result used to be superb. The dense crema layer used to be a deep darkish brown colour, and it melted completely into the milk foam. I must additionally word that I did preheat the water cup on a number of makes an attempt however discovered that preheating isn’t important with the Superkop—no less than no longer throughout summer season.
I finished up brewing quite a lot of other beverages with the Superkop, together with lattes, flat whites, espressos, and macchiatos, the entire whilst taking part in with other variables akin to grind dimension, espresso dose, and water temperature. I will hopefully say that Superkop’s total efficiency used to be remarkable.
Repairs, Cleansing, & Upload-Ons
To stay the Superkop working easily, you wish to have to ensure that all portions are ceaselessly wiped clean and maintained. The portafilter will also be simply wiped clean with sizzling water and must be totally dried earlier than use. You’ll be able to additionally put it within the dishwasher for extra comfort. To wash the drip tray and grid, wash them with sizzling water or run them during the dishwasher.
You’ll want a comfortable fabric and sizzling water to scrub the water cup. And necessary to notice: The Superkop guide directs the consumer to by no means take aside the ground or put it within the dishwasher. If these kinds of upkeep steps are adopted moderately, it is possible for you to to revel in gorgeous coffee from the Superkop each and every time. Further equipment come with the wall set and a microfiber towel. Further portafilters, water cups, drip trays, and clear out baskets also are that can be purchased. Within the close to long run, Superkop expects to liberate barista gear and equipment, together with a tamper, knockbox, and dosing cup.
Superkop is priced at €798,96 incl. VAT (about $800 USD because of decrease VAT by means of NativeDesign/DoubleShotCoffee in Tulsa, Okla.) and is available in 3 colours: black, white, and crimson. All variations include a sustainably harvested rubber-wood board. This isn’t handiest aesthetically enjoyable, however is a suave nod to sustainability to your coffee enjoy.
All in all, the Superkop guide espresso-making device is a smart selection for house brewers who need a compact and easy-to-operate gadget. Its upkeep is quite easy, and the gadget could make nice coffee beverages with only a few pumps of the lever. I in point of fact loved the simplicity of the Superkop, and its fashionable, blank design additionally provides a undeniable aesthetic price to any countertop or wall.
Take a look at Superkop’s store for more info.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Mag and a contract copywriter and editor with a number one center of attention at the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist train other people about baristas and their paintings. You’ll be able to practice her adventures at thewanderingbean.internet.
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