In-Depth Review of the STARSEEKER Super58

Super portable coffee machine? Super58

The Super58 is a breakthrough in the portable capsule machine category, featuring a basket size expanded to 58mm. This means it's compatible with mainstream distribution equipment and can directly adapt to existing grinding and extraction methods.

1. Machine:

The Super58 weighs 1.3kg, and the frame and stand weigh 1.9kg. It has a 70ml water reservoir and is unheated. The reservoir is large enough for classic brewing. We recommend boiling water before the first extraction, then adding boiling water to the brewing process to keep the water temperature just right. There's no active pressure relief, but there's a pressure gauge and flow valve on the front.

2. Settings:

You can choose between pre-infusion and direct pressurization. A single extraction lasts up to 50 seconds, and you can end the extraction with a button.

3. Usage:

Direct pressurization offers good extraction stability, but the pressure buildup isn't as rapid. It's recommended to build pressure directly to avoid pre-infusion.

Based on the sound, I suspect it's a peristaltic pump. Without flow control, even at very low flow rates, the pressure can reach 13 or 14 bar, causing the thick basket to bulge slightly. It's recommended to start with a coarser grind, then adjust the needle valve to avoid excessive pressure.

4. Advanced Operations:

Manual Water Compensation: During extraction, pour water in real time to achieve the high water output required for super-extracted pour-overs, such as adding 40g of water mid-extraction, which is impossible with portable pneumatic machines.

Experimental Pause Extraction: Since stopping extraction doesn't force a pressure release, ending the extraction doesn't disrupt the integrity of the puff, allowing for experimental pause extractions. This isn't possible with standard full-sized home or commercial brewers. For medium-light roasts, this improves extraction uniformity, increases extraction yield, and adds body and sweetness.

Varied Pressure During Extraction: Adjust the needle valve while extracting to achieve variable pressure during extraction.

Conclusion:

This is indeed a Super58. The variable flow and pressure, as well as the mid-extraction pause without pressure release, greatly enhances extraction flexibility, even surpassing many home and commercial brewers. It's truly superb. As for portability? It might be suitable for business travelers who dislike the executive room capsule machine, but it might be tiring for backpackers.

Blog source: pedantry coffee lab (PCL)