Are you thinking about picking up the Outin Nano? You’re not alone in being drawn to this sleek, innovative device that promises to transform the world of portable espresso brewing.
With its lightweight design, rechargeable battery, and the ability to brew both ground coffee and pods, the Outin Nano has caught the attention of many in the coffee space.
But is the Outin Nano truly the game-changer it claims to be? In this article, we’ll delve into the features, functionality, and performance of this portable espresso maker, providing you with an in-depth analysis to help you make an informed decision. From its heating capabilities to the accessories included, we’ll explore every aspect to ensure that the Outin Nano aligns with your coffee needs.
Summary: Outin Nano Espresso Maker
- Compact and lightweight for taking on the go
- Integrated battery can heat water
- Compatible with both ground coffee and pods
- Makes tasty espresso with rich crema
- Excellent coffee maker for travel, camping and road trips
Build and Features
The Outin Nano is a sleek and compact portable espresso maker. It’s about 25cm in height and 9cm wide and weighs only 700 grams. For comparison, it is about the size of a medium drink bottle, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
One of the features we loved is that the Nano can heat water. This is because it is powered by a rechargeable 7500mAh battery. When testing the battery lasted for for five single brews using cold water that was heated to just below boiling. Heating the water takes between 3 and 4 minutes.
When using hot water, we got 100 brews on a single charge.
The battery can be charged using a USB-C charging cable or a 12-volt adapter.
Accessories Included
The Outin Nano portable espresso maker comes with several handy accessories to make your coffee brewing experience more enjoyable and convenient. These accessories include:
- A drinking cup that attaches securely to the bottom of the Outin Nano
- An 8-10 gram ground coffee portafilter
- A Nespresso pod brewing head adapter
- A dosing and tamping tool to help you measure and compress your coffee grounds
- A detailed manual and how-to guide to get you started
Brewing Coffee with Ground Beans
Brewing espresso with the Outin Nano coffee maker is a breeze, whether you’re using freshly ground coffee or coffee pods. To brew using ground coffee, follow these simple steps:
- Fill the grounds basket with 8 to 10 grams of finely ground coffee
- Attach the brew head and filter basket to the main body
- Pour 50ml of cold or hot water into the water reservoir
- Press and hold the brew button until the device heats up, then release to start brewing
To start, unscrew the brew head and remove the grounds filter basket. Load it with 8 to 10 grams of finely ground coffee—having the right grind size will significantly influence the resulting espresso quality.
For the best espresso, we recommend using freshly ground coffee. If taking pre-ground coffee is more convenient for your travels, that’s an acceptable alternative, but the quality might be compromised.
Place the ground coffee into the filter basket, tamp it down gently, and put the lid back on. Then, insert the filter basket into the group head and screw it tightly onto the body of the Outin Nano to prevent water leaks.
Next, open the top cap and fill the water reservoir with 50 mL of cold water or adjust the amount according to your preference for coffee concentration. If using hot water, you can skip the heating stage and start with brewing immediately. Otherwise, hold down the button for two seconds to start heating the water, which takes about three to four minutes.
Once the Outin Nano reaches the optimal temperature, it will automatically start brewing the espresso, using 20 bars of pressure. After it finishes, remove the device.
We found the espresso to be rich in flavor, with a great aroma and a touch of crema.
Brewing Coffee with Nespresso Pods
One of the unique features of the Outin Nano is that it works with both freshly ground coffee and coffee pods. The process of brewing coffee with a pod is quite straightforward and requires minimal effort.
- First, grab the Nespresso pod holder and place your pod with the bottom down. Press it against the metal cutters to puncture the cap.
- Next, insert the pod holder into the brew head and screw it tightly onto the Nano to prevent any leaks.
- Now, fill the water tank with your desired amount of water, whether it’s 50 mL, 70 mL, or to the max line. For faster brewing, you can use hot water to skip the heating process.
- When you’re ready to brew, hold the Nano over your cup and double-tap the on button. The brewing process will begin immediately.
The espresso brewed from the Nespresso pod might not have as much crema as freshly ground coffee, but it remains a convenient and quick option for those on-the-go. For best flavor, we still recommend using freshly ground coffee in the Nano, as it provides a richer and bolder taste.
However, coffee pods offer a hassle-free alternative when you find yourself off the beaten path and in need of a caffeine fix. There are also a number of companies doing specialty coffee in pod form these days, so the pod options are getting better.
We tried a variety of capsules including Lavazza, Nespresso, L’Or, Cometeer and Illy, all of which worked perfectly.
Tasting the Brewed Coffee
When tasting the espresso made using finely ground coffee from our 1Zpresso JX Pro grinder, we found the flavor to be rich and well-extracted though slightly thin. There was a pronounced layer of crema on top.
When grinding even finer we got even richer and bolder flavors with the same 10g dose.
Using the Nespresso pod option was incredibly simple and quick, requiring minimal effort. However, the crema wasn’t as impressive as it was with freshly ground coffee, and the overall taste was less to our preference. Nevertheless, it’s still a convenient and easy way to make coffee when on the go.
The Nano portable espresso maker truly showcased its ability to deliver enjoyable and easily accessible brewed coffee, even when far from the comforts of home. The versatility and convenience it offers cannot be understated, making it an ideal companion for those seeking a quality coffee experience during their travels.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining and cleaning your brewing equipment is important to ensure longevity and to preserve the flavor. The Outin Nano travel espresso maker is no exception. To ensure the optimal performance of the device, we recommend following these simple cleaning and maintenance practices:
- After each brewing session, make sure to properly dispose of the used coffee grounds or pods.
- Detach the ground coffee portafilter or pod brewing head adapter and thoroughly rinse it under running water. A gentle scrub with a soft brush can help remove any residual coffee particles.
- Clean the drinking cup securely attached to the bottom of the Nano by washing it with warm soapy water or placing it in the dishwasher, if dishwasher-safe.
- Inspect the device, particularly the seals and charging port, for any signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged components as needed to prevent leaks or malfunctions.
- Periodically, check the battery life and recharge it as needed. Maintaining a healthy battery life will ensure consistent brewing capabilities.
By routinely incorporating these cleaning and maintenance practices, we can extend the life and reliability of our Outin Nano, allowing us to enjoy perfect espresso on-the-go.
Troubleshooting
When using the Nano, it’s essential to get the grind size just right, as it can significantly impact the quality of the espresso. For optimal results, we recommend using freshly ground coffee with a fine grind setting. However, if you’re on the go, pre-ground coffee from a supermarket can be an acceptable choice, but keep in mind that freshly ground coffee will always provide better quality and control.
In case the espresso turns out too thin or lacks flavor, try adjusting the amount of water you’re using. Remember, the more water inside, the more coffee you’ll get, but it will be less concentrated. However, be mindful of the battery life, as increasing the water volume may take longer to heat up and consume more energy.
Always ensure that the grounds filter basket is filled with 8-10 grams of coffee. Over-filling or under-filling the basket may cause issues such as blockages and weak coffee. To increase the richness and boldness of the coffee, instead of adding more coffee, try Grinding the beans a bit finer.
For the best espresso using Nespresso pods, make sure the pod is placed bottom-down on the metal cutters to perforate the cap. Place the pod holder in the Brew head and ensure it is tightly screwed on to avoid leaks. Adjust the amount of water depending on your desired coffee concentration, and remember that using hot water will speed up the brewing process.
Is The Outin Nano Worth It?
The answer is a resounding yes. We regularly go camping, backpacking or just spending time outdoors in the park or on the beach. Most portable brewers require a heat source or hot water to use them. We’ve also used Wacaco products like the Picopresso to make espresso while on the go, but the Outin Nano has become our favorite portable espresso maker.
It’s lightweight, easy to pack and makes pretty good espresso. While we’re not big pod fans, many people are, so it makes brewing pod coffee on the go simple.
Overall, if you are looking for a portable espresso maker, we highly recommend the Outin Nano.
Coffee expert and industry insider, I’ve dedicated years to mastering the art and science of coffee making. From scrutinizing particle fineness to evaluating burr shapes, I delve into the minutiae that elevate coffee from good to exceptional. Whether it’s a complex pour-over or a robust espresso, my insights cater to those who don’t just drink coffee, but experience it.
