I’ve been testing battery-powered espresso makers for the last few months, chasing one simple thing: proper espresso without a wall outlet.
The MHW-3Bomber X-Press58 is the first one that really feels like “home machine energy” in a travel body. It has a real 58 mm portafilter, so all your baskets, tampers, and puck screens drop right in.
Heads up: The review unit was provided by the brand. They have had no influence on my testing procedure.
Quick Take
- A premium, battery-powered espresso maker built around a true 58 mm portafilter.
- Best-in-class heat and battery
- Abundant accessory package.
- But steep price!
First Impressions
The X-Press58 actually looks and feels a lot like most other battery espresso makers such as those from Outin.
So it’s got that thermos-inspired look. However this particular model comes in a discrete matte black with minimal branding, making it a bit more sleek and stylish.
I expected that the performance might be similar, but after diving into testing and brewing, I realized that there was more power under the hood.
In temperature tests, I repeatedly saw 96 °C in the reservoir. This is 3-4 degrees higher than its rivals – meaning medium/light roast shots will taste better.
The heating time is also very fast, around a bit less than 3 minutes, depending on how much charge the battery holds.
| Shot number | Temp (°) | Time to heat up |
|---|---|---|
| Shot #1 | 95.4 | 2 minutes 35 seconds |
| Shot #2 | 96.7 | 2 minutes 40 seconds |
| Shot #3 | 96.0 | 2 minutes 55 seconds |
| Shot #4 | 96.7 | 2 minutes 58 seconds |
Travel package is nice although on the bulky side. And as you would expect from this brand the accessories are top-notch.
How It Fits in the Market
Most portable units use smaller baskets and feel power-constrained.
But here you get a pro-size 58 mm and serious battery capacity at 13000 mAh.
It is the priciest option among the battery espresso makers, around double the price of many rivals.
But it’s easy to see where the money is going with that luxurious accessory package and abundant battery life.
If you already own 58 mm gear, compatibility swings value back in its favor.
(For context, the 58 mm ecosystem is the most popular espresso standard, which includes many home machines and accessories, such as Gaggia Classic Pro, Flair 58, Rancilio Silvia, Breville Dual Boiler and more).
What I Liked
- 58 mm compatibility means instant access to IMS, VST, puck screens, etc.
- Real thermal performance: 96 °C measured in water tank repeatedly
- Fast heat-up, about 2:47 to first shot from room temp water
- Included funnel + calibrated tamper are extremely nice
- Sturdy travel case
- Comes with a bizarre puck blower that replaces the knock box. It actually works and is fun to use!
What I Didn’t
- Fixed pre-infusion, you cannot disable it, which limits geeky profiling experiments
- The included stand is on the lower side. If you use a scale there’s not much clearance for an espresso cup
- You buy the whole kit, even if you already own nicer tampers or a case, so you pay for duplicates
- Premium price
- No capsule option, unlike with Outin and others
Unresolved Questions
- Can you use this as your daily driver for years? Price-wise it’s close to real espresso machines. Performance-wise it might actually beat many of them, since it’s more temperature stable than machines like Gaggia Classic Pro and Rancilio Silvia. But is it a viable option in the long run or will performance degrade with extended use?
First Sip Verdict
If you want the most “pro-like” espresso from a battery unit, this is the one that finally delivers. Thermal power, stable brew temps, full-size baskets, and a no-drama workflow add up to reliably excellent shots. It is not cheap, and the fixed pre-infusion plus that short stand are real quirks.
However, for capsule enjoyers and casual espresso drinkers who appreciate dark roasts, a cheaper option will be just as good.
Check current price here (Use code COFFEECHRONICLER15 at checkout for 15 % off)
Alternatives & Links
Specs
- Portafilter and basket: 58 mm, accepts standard IMS/VST and 58 mm tampers
- Temperature: selectable in 4 °C steps, measured 96 °C reservoir, ~91–92 °C at puck
- Pre-infusion: fixed, ~30 ml wetting, 5 s pause, then full brew
- Heat-up: ~2 min 47 s from cold to first shot when battery is full
- Battery: about four 60 ml heating cycles per charge, far more if using kettle-hot water and pump only
- Included kit: carry case, stand, funnel, calibrated tamper, air blower for clean puck ejection
