The Nomad Espresso Machine | Image Credit: UniTerra
The direct lever espresso machine came into existence around 1945 and is still in production today. Why? It's one of the most feared and revered methods of brewing espresso, widely considered an art form requiring finesse and experience to brew the perfect shot. The Nomad -- a new Kickstarter project from California based UniTerra -- targets its appeal at both professional baristas and home hobbyists with an affordable, portable machine.
The Nomad encourages espresso breaks anywhere, as it doesn't require batteries, electricity, or pressurized gas cartridges. Like classic lever-driven machines, the Nomad allows the user to control temperature, flow rate, and volume while producing about 9 bars of pressure (130 psi).
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As coffee snobs -- myself included -- will tell you, pressure is crucial to pouring a customized shot of espresso. 7 bars of pressure yields a pour lighter in body and crema while extracting more of the floral tones of certain blends. More pressure equals stronger body and richer crema.
Where the Nomad seems to distinguish itself is a proprietary "True Crema Valve." Uniterra says they've researched and perfected this technology, which compensates for improper tamping and coarser grind by stabilizing pressure. If it performs as advertised, the Nomad should remove some guesswork from the complicated process of perfecting a shot of espresso.
Of course, the proof is in the pour, and the video below (produced with a fully functional Nomad prototype) demonstrates the True Crema Valve and shows us a delicious looking espresso shot.
The Nomad weighs 2.5 pounds and measures 15cm x 15cm x 15cm. For coffee lovers constantly on the go or hobbyists wanting to experiment with different brewing methods, the Nomad may be worth considering.
The Kickstarter campaign kicked off on February 9 and has currently raised $39,000 of its $100,000 funding goal.
