What is the Best Tandem Kayak? ~ Buyer’s Guide + Reviews

You may enjoy kayaking, but you don’t have to enjoy it alone. We researched over 15 kayaks to find the best tandem kayak. That is the Ocean Kayak Malibu 2.

Sale

56 Reviews

#1 Pick Tandem Kayak – Ocean Kayak Malibu 2

Comfortable and versatile, with room for more than two

$594.99

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With space for up to three paddlers, plenty of storage and overlapping foot wells, the Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 is the perfect choice to enjoy the waters with other people.

Tandem sit in kayaks are perfect for paddlers who want to increase their power, efficiency and group enjoyment and all the while enjoy the two person kayak experience.

If you’re struggling to find the best tandem option that you can enjoy with your friends and family members. Unfortunately, there are a ton of kayaks on the market from which to choose, which is why we’ve done the research for you. Take a look at our list of the best tandem kayaks so you can make the best choice for you and your paddling needs.

Table of Contents

• • The Top Tandem Kayaks
    • Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 – #1
    • Intex Explorer K2 – #2
    • Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible – #3
    • Lifetime Manta – #4
    • Old Town Twin Heron – #5
    • BKC UH-TK181 – #6

• Tandem Kayaks Buyer’s Guide

The Top Tandem Kayaks Money Can Buy

#1 Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 – Best Tandem Kayak

Sale

56 Reviews

Our #1 Pick is the Ocean Kayak Malibu 2

Comfortable with included double seats, overlapping foot wells and seating for up to three

$594.99

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Pros:

• Can hold up to 3 people
• Comfortable seats included
• Overlapping foot wells for increased comfort

Cons:

• No paddles included
• Minimal on-deck storage
• Heavier than other double kayaks

The Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 has a high weight capacity of up to 425 pounds and can comfortably sit up to two seater kayak. It also has enough room to fit an additional child, if needed. With these features, this boat offers an extra stable experience with a lot of added versatility.

The tandem kayak features overlapping foot wells built directly into the hull that allow paddlers to sit in a way that is comfortable for them. Unfortunately, the Ocean Kayak Malibu doesn’t offer much in the way of gear storage, and it’s heavier than other kayaks. Nonetheless, this tandem kayak is a great choice for anyone looking to paddle with their friends and family.

#2 Intex Explorer K2 – Best Cheap 2 Person Kayak

Sale

1,585 Reviews

Our #2 Pick is the Intex Explorer K2

This inflatable kayak is durable and includes lots of accessories

$79.99

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Pros:

• Super affordable
• Durable
• Air pump and paddles included

Cons:

• Seats don’t offer much support
• Doesn’t perform well on rough waters
• The carrying bag isn’t well made

The Intex Explorer K2 is and inflatable tandem kayak that offers tons of versatility for an extra-affordable price. It’s durable and spacious, with a two-person carrying capacity. The boat is made from durable materials that won’t give under pressure or bumps and scrapes.

While the vessel includes a handy carrying case, it isn’t as well-made as the bags that come with other inflatable options. The boat also doesn’t perform well on rough waters, but its durable construction helps add stability while you’re out on the water paddling.

#3 Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible – Best Inflatable Tandem Kayak

95 Reviews

Our #3 Pick is the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible

Customizable deck configurations and added durability make this a great choice for tandem kayaks

$699.00

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Pros:

• Customizable deck configurations
• Includes handy repair kit
• Made from extra-durable materials

Cons:

• Doesn’t include any paddles
• Carrying case is difficult to transport
• Heavier than other inflatable kayaks

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible is an inflatable kayak that features a lot of customization in the way that you use it on the water. It offers three separate deck configurations for added versatility. You can change the deck configuration to accommodate tandem or solo riders with open or closed decks.

This boat also features an extra-durable hull that stands up to even the roughest bumps and scrapes on the water. It provides this durability through its three-layer construction and rigid hull with aluminum ribs. This also adds to the AdvancedFrame’s overall performance and tracking.

Unfortunately, the kayak doesn’t include any paddles, but it does include comfortable seats and all other accessories needed to use an inflatable kayak. It’s also heavier than other inflatable options, but this extra weight can help it track better in the water.

#4 Lifetime Manta – Best Two Man Sit On Top Kayak

114 Reviews

Our #4 Pick is the Lifetime Manta

Extra stable, sit-on-top design makes this a good tandem kayaks for beginners

$399.99

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Pros:

• Extra stable design
• Seats included
• Tandem and solo configurations

Cons:

• Doesn’t include paddles
• Tracking isn’t the best
• Not very fast

The Lifetime Manta is a sit-on-top tandem kayak that features an extra-stable design and the unique ability to paddle solo or tandem. Simply remove one of the seats if you want to paddle by yourself, or use both if you want to hit the water with friends or family.

This vessel also features overlapping foot wells that each paddler can use to maximize comfort while paddling. The lack of included paddles means you’ll have to research and buy your own, but it still includes the seat backs.

You may be slower than the other kayaks on the water, especially with decreased tracking capability, but this boat makes for a great sit-on-top option for advanced users and beginners alike.

#5 Old Town Twin Hero – Best 2 Person Sit In Kayak

Sale

10 Reviews

Our #5 Pick is the Old Town Twin Hero

Adjustable foot rests and customizable seat configuration

from $799.00

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Pros:

• Can remove the second seat for solo paddling
• Adjustable footrests
• High load capacity

Cons:

• Minimal onboard gear storage
• Heavier than other kayaks

The Old Town Twin Hero is a sit-in kayak that allows you to ride tandem or solo, depending on your preferences. It includes comfortable seats that you can remove at will for solo or tandem use. The tandem boat also features adjustable foot rests on a glide track for more comfort and versatility.

• Read Next: http://www.gadgetreview.com/sit-in-vs-sit-on-kayak

The Twin Hero can sit up to 500 pounds, making it more heavy-duty than many other tandem kayaks. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include much onboard gear storage and it’s also much heavier than other kayaks, making it more difficult to transport.

Ultimately, you can rely on the stability this boat provides for a smoother experience on either calm or rough waters.

#6 BKC UH-TK181 – Best Fishing Tandem Kayak

Sale

13 Reviews

Our #6 Pick is the BKC UH-TK181

With lots of rod holders and onboard storage, this tandem kayak is great for fishing

from $821.04

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Pros:

• 7 fishing rod holders
• Lots of onboard storage
• Overlapping foot wells

Cons:

• Expensive
• Included paddles are too short
• Heavy

If you’re a fisher, the BKC UH-TK181 is the tandem kayak for you. With a ton of features dedicated exclusively to fishing, like seven fishing rod holders and tons of onboard storage, this boat is perfect for anglers.

However, it’s also a great boat for recreational use, as it features overlapping foot wells, comfortable seats and included paddles—even though they are a little short. It may be heavier than other kayaks, but it also includes four carrying handles for easier transport.

This vessel is also more expensive than other tandem kayaks, but the extra features it provides justifies the cost. Ultimately, the stability and maneuverability of the boat makes it a great choice for anglers and families alike.

• Read Next: How to SUPs compare to Kayaks

Tandem Kayaks Buying Guide

When you buy a kayak, there are always a few core features that you should consider before making a purchase, as we have discussed in our best kayaks of 2018 list. And while there are some different things you should consider when purchasing a tandem kayak, these core considerations should still remain the same.

Consider the same features when purchasing tandem kayaks.

This buying guide focuses on these core features and how you should look at them specifically when buying a kayak for two people.

Features to Consider When Buying a Tandem Kayak

Tandem kayaks that offer the following features make the best choices for paddlers who don’t want to paddle alone:

√ Size –Tandem kayaks are typically much wider and longer than their solo counterparts. Consider this extra size commitment when looking at two-person kayaks, especially as it relates to the ways you transport the boats to and from the water. More size also means more weight, and if you aren’t able to carry the kayak, then you’ll never be able to use it.

Before clicking “Buy,” look at the measurements specified on the product page for the boat you want to purchase. Make sure you have the means to transport and carry it. If you can’t easily do these things, you won’t be able to enjoy the water with your friends and family.

Since tandem kayaks are much larger than those made for solo riders, they typically have more features to facilitate easier portage. This can include extra carrying handles, either built onto the hull or directly into it as handholds.

√ Stability – Since you’ll likely be paddling with someone else on a tandem kayak, you’ll need to consider how stable the boat is, especially if you’re paddling with a beginner. Because of their bigger size, tandem kayaks tend to offer more stability than solo rider vessels. However, there are some choices that miss the mark. Consider reviews from people who have bought the boat and used it when considering stability.

√ Carrying Capacity – Kayaks for two people need to be able to handle more weight without taking on water while paddling. However, some options don’t offer the extra carrying capacity that one might expect from these types of boats. Consider the combined weight of the people who want to go kayaking at the same time, and purchase a boat that can comfortably carry both paddlers.

√ Storage Space – Depending on the type of tandem boat you purchase, you may or may not get extra storage space for all your gear. Bigger size doesn’t necessarily mean more space, especially when you need to consider adding another body onto the boat.

However, tandem options that are made for fishing or other specialized uses will often add additional gear storage built into the hull as compartments or on it as webbing or netting.

Storing gear in your tandem kayak is more or less the same as other kinds of kayaks.

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Learn What The Word “Vlog” Means and How to Start a Vlog

A popular review category these days for “vlogging” cameras and accessories. But we also find a lot of people who are interested in cameras or video, but also want to know, “What does vlog mean? Does it matter? Should I get ready for one?”

So we thought we should take a minute and discuss what a vlog actually is, why so many people care, and if you need to worry about it when shopping for a new camera device.

What Does Vlog Mean: “Video Blog”

Vloggers mean business!

It’s really that simple – vlog stands for “video blog.” A blog, of course, is a type of online journal that’s made to viewed by the public. Most businesses with a significant online presence have blogs to post updates about their products, and it’s the easiest way for an individual to start publishing things online.

The video version, then, is a blog that primarily uses video as its main source of content. Visit a vlog site, and instead of seeing posts made out of text and pictures, you will mostly see posts that are videos.

These videos can cover many different subjects. Some are more casual diaries, while other vloggers work to make tutorials, show unboxings of new products, interview people, or document their travels and adventures.

When someone calls themselves a “vlogger” or talks about working on a “vlog,” it’s a sign they take it seriously and may be trying to monetize the vlog through online ads or other arrangements. The rise of YouTube stars has shown just how lucrative a successful vlog can be, even if it’s just discussing parenting tips, supplementing your performance career, or talking about the latest games.

• Read Next: Price of a Vlog Camera

Vlogging Platforms You Can Video Blog On

Speaking of YouTube, vlogs are different from everyday internet blogs in one important way: they often have their own platforms. While you can create your own site and set it up as a vlog, it would be much harder to gather an audience than using (or at least including) a video platform that already has millions of people visit it every day.

There are many, many vlog platforms and subscription sites out there. YouTube is one of the most common, of course, and currently one of the easiest to monetize (Vimeo, Blip.TV, and surprisingly, My Space Video are some of the other popular choices). Other vlogging platforms tend to specialize in a specific topic or industry – such as gaming, arts and crafts, humor, and so on.

Other popular sites encourage a mixture of video, photos, and text, such as Weebly or Medium. These sites are better suited for general bloggers who like making videos, but also have other content in mind to explain their work.

How to Start a Vlog

Vlog accessories are particularly important.

If you are interested in starting a vlog, we suggest you take a look at some of our suggestions for vlogging cameras and lenses, where we talk about the sorts of supplies you need to start a vlog, and how to shop for them.

However, we don’t suggest that you use your phone for vlogging, even when starting out. Basic cameras with good video functions are more affordable than ever, and the quality of video will be much, much higher – which is important for retaining an audience.

In addition to a camera, most vloggers rely on a number of useful accessories to frame shots and capture better video.

A stand is excellent for aiming a camera, a microphone attachment is important for picking up clear audio, and a nice backdrop is a common investment for many bloggers.

Additionally, vloggers tend to use editing software to improve and augment their videos. Many also use chat and video management software if they live stream video, an increasingly important part of vlogging. Live streaming refers to streaming live video to your subscriber, which is useful for capturing live events or posting video ASAP.

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Hypoallergenic Dog Food Guide: Is it Right for Your Pooch?

Hypoallergenic Dog Food Guide: Is it Right for Your Pooch?

Does your dog seem to always be itchy? If that’s the case, the reason could have something to do with his or her diet. You might have heard about hypoallergenic dog food and wondered if it could be the answer to your pet’s continual scratching. Here’s some information on what causes food allergies and ultimate pet nutrition, as well as what you need to know about changing your beloved pet’s diet.

Canine Food Allergies 101

Allergies can be incredibly frustrating, not only for a dog but his or her owner as well. In some instances, the main culprit could be food allergies. Your pet might be reacting to ingredients in the food you’ve been giving him or her for years. It’s also important to note, however, that the reason your dog is itching could be some other type of allergy. You’ll need to take your dog to the vet so that a thorough examination can be performed.

If there is something else causing a problem, you’ll want to know before you change your dog’s diet. For example, the issue might not be related to his or her food at all. It could be something else, such as a skin condition known as atopic dermatitis.

There are two main ways in which a dog will have some sort of adverse reaction to his or her food. One is a food intolerance, while the other is a food allergies. These issues are commonly lumped together, because they can sometimes cause similar symptoms. For example, both can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, gas and abdominal discomfort.1 But there are major differences. The biggest is that one is an allergic reaction while the other one is not.

Dogs will usually show certain signs when it comes to food allergies. These include itching, of course, but also ear infections. You might also notice that your pet has scaly skin, swelling or pimples. The areas typically affected will include the groin, face, feet, ears and forelegs. The dog will not only scratch, but also lick, chew or bite his or her skin. This can potentially be dangerous. The reason is that it can result in a secondary bacterial infection. If an allergy is severe enough, it could affect the throat. This, in turn, can make it difficult for him or her to properly swallow.2

If the vet does believe that your dog might be suffering from food allergies, then he or she may recommend you try hypoallergenic dog food.

Determining the Cause of Food Allergies

Diagnosing food allergies in dogs is very difficult. One approach is to recommend what is known as an “elimination diet” for a certain period of time. This is where dogs are given food containing ingredients that are different from what they normally eat.3 One of the reasons why this is method is so difficult to put in action is because the vast majority of dog food brands have many of the same ingredients. These include milk, beef, chicken, wheat, soy and corn. It will not only be hard to find foods completely free of these ingredients, it will probably be quite expensive as well.

In order to have the best chance of working, an elimination diet should contain a “novel” protein that is typically not found in most dog food brands, such as rabbit or fish.4 It should also have a carbohydrate source that’s also not commonly found in dog food, such as potatoes or rice.5

Some vets will recommend food that contains “hydrolyzed” proteins. These are proteins that are broken down into extremely small molecules. This is designed to make them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.6 If your vet recommends an elimination diet, he or she will ask you not to give your dog any other type of treat during the trial period. This means no “human” food or any other kind of snack. As a substitute, you can give your pet some of the food you’re using during the elimination period.

It usually takes about a month or two before you will be able to tell whether or not the elimination diet works, and signs of the allergy have disappeared. Once that occurs, then your vet may recommend that you slowly re-introduce each ingredient in the dog’s old food to see which one causes a reaction.7

Finding a “True” Hypoallergenic Dog Food

There are a lot of brands that claim to be hypoallergenic dog food. But it can be very difficult to find one that is truly hypoallergenic. You might see food advertised as “grain-free,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t have other ingredients that could cause issues. If a food without grain still has beef, corn, soy, eggs, chicken or milk, it might not be a whole lot different you’ve already been giving your dog.

The best way to find a brand of true hypoallergenic dog food will be to ask your vet if he or she has any recommendations. Your vet may give you a prescription diet to follow, or provide you a homemade diet plan for your dog.

Many prescription diets will contain hydrolyzed protein and no grain. They’ve been tested to ensure they limit allergic reactions. Some of them also contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These help to improve the condition of the coat and reduce inflammation.8

What About Puppies With Food Allergies?

It’s already hard enough to figure out the type of food that is exactly right for your puppy. If a pup’s diet contains too much calcium, for instance, that could accelerate his or her growth. This can be a problem when a puppy is a large breed, such as a German Shepherd or a retriever. If a large breed dog grows too fast, that can lead to orthopedic problems down the road.9

This is another case where you’ll need to speak with your vet if your puppy is showing signs of an allergy. He or she will let you know brands of hypoallergenic puppy food you can trust.

Treats

Again, if your dog is on an elimination diet you should never give him or her anything else to eat. However, if the specific allergy trigger is known, you can give treats that don’t contain the particular problem ingredient. For example, if your dog is allergic to wheat, you can give treats that are grain-free. Your vet may also recommend other options, such as vegetables and fruits that are healthy for a dog to eat.

The Bottom Line

It’s very difficult to find the source of a food allergy in a dog. If your pet is showing the signs of a problem, take him or her to the vet to make sure the cause isn’t something else. If your vet says that it is a food allergy, you may need to put your dog on an elimination diet for a few months until you find out what ingredients are causing an issue. There are lots of brands that claim to be hypoallergenic dog food, but you’ll need to be extremely careful. Many of these brands are anything but.

It will take a lot of work to finally free your dog of a food allergy. But once you succeed, you’ll soon see that all of the effort will be worth it. Your dog will once again be completely healthy and happy.

Sources
1https://www.vetinfo.com/dog-food-intolerance-symptoms.html
2http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/01/food-allergies/
3http://www.rmvetderm.com/Understanding%20Food%20Allergies%20and%20Diet%20Trials.pdf
4http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/food-hypersensitivities-performing-elimination-diet-trial5https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/jcoates/2012/dec/diagnosing-food-allergies-in-dogs-29553
6https://www.vetinfo.com/hydrolyzed-protein-dog-food.html
7http://petdermatologyclinic.com/food-allergies-food-trials-dogs-cats/
8https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/fatty-acids-pet-skin-and-haircoat-health
9https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ktudor/2013/may/feeding-the-large-and-giant-breed-puppy-30265

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How to Get Scratches Out of Your Glasses: 5 Easy Steps That Cost $0.01

If you need to know how to get scratches out of glasses, you’re not alone. Everyone who wears glasses has experienced that sinking feeling after seeing their lenses get scratched.

Getting a scratch on your prescription lens isn’t just a cosmetic problem. It can impair your vision and ultimately, it can be incredibly annoying. Your spectacles are your way to see things clearly, and if anything gets in the way of that, it can be a serious problem.

Read: http://www.gadgetreview.com/best-eyeglasses-online

Fortunately, there are a variety of ways you can get rid of those pesky surface scratches, and most of them are easy and very budget conscious.

5 Proven Methods to Remove Scratches From Your Eye Glasses

 #1  Toothpaste To Remove Scratches (yes, really)

Use toothpaste to get minor scratches out of your glasses.

What You’ll Need:

• Plain old toothpaste. Do not buy abrasive, whitening, gel, or minty toothpaste. These kinds of toothpaste can cause further damage to your lenses.
• Cotton swabs
• Lint-free cloth

Place a small amount of the toothpaste onto the scratched lens, and then rub it into the scratch using a smooth, circular motion. After rubbing for about 10-15 seconds, rinse off the toothpaste. Use your lint-free cloth to dry the lens and remove any excess toothpaste still on there. Repeat until your glasses are scratch free.

If you want to know how to get small scratches out of glasses, try this method. Using toothpaste can be hit-and-miss, but it tends to work best for small surface scratches.

If this method doesn’t work for you, try the others we list here, as they can sometimes produce a more desirable outcome.

 #2  Vehicle Wax: Good For Deep Scratches

Vehicle wax can help fill deep scratches in your lenses more permanently.

What You’ll Need:

• Vehicle wax. Any brand will work, so buy cheap!
• Cotton swabs
• Lint-free cloth

Dab a small amount of wax directly onto the lens. Rub the wax into the lens using your cotton swabs and buff it gently for 5 full minutes. Don’t rinse the excess wax off; instead, use your lint-free cloth to wipe the extra away.

This method works by filling in the scratches, which makes it the method of choice for deep scratches. You can use this on any kind of lens.

 #3  Baking Soda Is a Fine Abrasive

Create a paste with baking soda and water to help get rid of small scratches in your glasses.

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• Cup
• Lint-free cloth

Get a pinch of baking soda and mix it with a few drops of water in your cup until it becomes a thick paste. Dip a piece of your lint-free cloth into the paste and rub it into the scratch. Rub the baking soda paste in until the scratch disappears. Once it’s gone, rinse your glasses with water and wipe them dry.

Like toothpaste, using baking soda works great when you want to know how to get small scratches out of your reading glasses, but you might experience varying degrees of success with deeper scratches.

 #4  Buff It With Furniture Polish

Using furniture spray to fix scratches in your glasses is quick, but temporary.

What You’ll Need:

• Furniture spray. Any brand will work, so buy cheap!
• Lint-free cloth

Squirt a small amount of the furniture polish onto the affected lens. Using your lint-free cloth, rub the spray into the scratch until both the scratch and the spray disappear. Wipe away any excess with a dry part of your cloth.

Using furniture spray to get scratches out of your prescription glasses is typically only a temporary fix, and you might find yourself doing it every few days.

 #5  Replace Your Glasses (most expensive but guaranteed results)

If nothing else works, you can always visit your local eyewear store for new glasses.

Of course, if none of these methods work for you, it might just be time to see your optometrist or local eyewear retailer to get new lenses.

While this is the most expensive way to get scratches out of your lenses, it’s also the most effective and reliable method.

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Piggy Pro Smartphone Stand Reflects While It Stands Your Phone

As you can imagine, we’ve seen a lot of smartphone stands over the years. Most of them are pretty much the same old accessories. A case with a kickstand. The design works, which is why so many are on the market, but we all know it could be much better.

Piggy Pro is Versatile and Beautifully Designed

Well, the Piggy Pro Smartphone Stand from Killer Concepts takes things up a notch. The Piggy Pro gives your phone steady support at a wide range of angles, changing the way you use your smartphone. This “stand” is much more than it appears at first glance.

It clings tightly to any magnetic mount, fits comfortably in your pocket, and you can even use it as a compact mirror for when you need to fix your makeup. It is as stylish as it is useful. We are suckers for products that offer both form and function. It’s made of machined lightweight metal and comes with a 1-Year Warranty.

The Piggy Pro is compatible with all smartphone devices and it just may be the smartest stand we’ve come across yet. Just adhere it to your case or the device itself. That razor thin, low-profile design is really slick. Whats clever about this stand is that it is infinitely adjustable thanks to the static hinge which provides steady support at multiple angles up to 180°.

The best smartphone stand ever?

Sophisticated and Colorful

And that concealed compact mirror is going to please the ladies, as are the color choices. Those colors include: black, rose gold, gold, and silver. It also has a magnetic contact for car mounts. This stand is going to make watching entertainment on your phone a much better experience.

This stand has a lot going for it, but one of the best features is how it looks. It just oozes sophistication and style. So much so that it may feel like you’ve upgraded your entire phone. Hats off to the design team.

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Espressotoria Caprisita Espresso Review: One Button Espresso

When I wake I drink coffee. But sometimes brewing a fresh cup, even in a top rated drip coffee machine, can prove laborious.

Enter the Espressotoria System. It’s $99 and much like Nespresso (forgive the obvious comparison) you pop in a capsule, hit a button and in less than 60 seconds you’ve got a fresh cup of coffee or espresso.

So what did I think about this machine? Well, keep reading my review to learn more.

Review and Testing

Overview

Available: Amazon
Price: $89-99
Model: Caprisita machine

Summary: An ultra simple way to make coffee that does the same as many Nespresso machines but at half the cost, $99.

2 Reviews

Espressotoria Caprista Coffee Machine

$89.00

View on Amazon

Design of the Espressotoria System

The Coffee Machine

The Caprisita espresso machine also comes in white.

Clad in an all-black plastic finish, save for a few highlights here and there, there isn’t much to write home about when it comes to the Caprisita machine, aesthetically of course. Put simply, it works, but it won’t be a discussion point in your kitchen.  In fact, ours is next to our Blendtec Blender and no one, not even our occasional housemate, noticed it.

But, despite the aforementioned, it’s very functional and easy to use, taking no training and most certainly a “skip the instructions” kind of setup. Just wash the plastic tank at the back, fill with water (ideally filtered), pop in a capsule and hit one of two blue glowing buttons.

The two buttons represent large and small. And the only other decision you’ll need to make is what flavor or type of coffee you want to drink (or put in).

When the machine is out of water the buttons (and face of the machine) will flash red to let you know to fill up. Or if the capsule bay is full. Which also doubles as a drip tray and any water runoff.

A slight annoyance, but should really be expected from any machine, is that when you empty the capsule tray, you’ll have some water dripping here and there. It’s an all in one setup, but you can separate the two so you’re not spilling everywhere. Just carry the whole thing over to the trash, remove the top portion and dump it. Next is the sink. And not too much water should be in there anyway.

That said, I’m not sure if Espressotoria has a recycling program, like Nespresso. But their pods are similar.

The Milk Frother

The Caprisita Espresso Milk Frother works great with a touch of a button.

My machine came with a milk frother, a welcome addition and one that costs an additional $39.95. Well worth the price. It’s simple to use and really, really effective. Which is to say it froths milk better than most fancy machines without the hassle or mess.

Just insert milk – colder the better – then hit the button. Hit it twice for a cold froth or once for hot – denoted by red for hot and blue for cold. In a few minutes, you end up with hot frothy milk. However…

The milk is too hot IMHO. So I tend to manually turn it off instead of letting it run a full cycle. Of course, you can just let it cool. Moreover, the inside of the machine is susceptible to scratches; I stuck a metal spoon in and ended up with a few interior scratches. It didn’t hamper performance, but an annoyance no less.

There is a magnetically adhered frother mechanism that can be washed after use and lends itself to better foamed milk.

To clean the frother you just need to lightly scrub the interior with a sponge to remove the cooked milk residue. Beyond that, a bit of hot water will suffice.

Included with the frother is a base that plugs into the side of the Espressosita machine. The base of the frother has a plug that is special to it and powers it. It all works surprisingly well and requires little to ZERO knowledge when it comes to making frothed milk. Which means…

You can enjoy a latte or espresso with ultra ease, and ready for it: at far less of the cost than going into Starbucks.

Espressotoria Coffee Flavor and Mouth Feel (Performance)

I was sent three different types of coffee, which are color coded for simplicity: Espresso (gold), Latte (white), and Brazilian Breakfast Blend (red).

In my opinion and palate, the red is the best. It offers the most depth, and while a bit spicy presents that slight sweet note you expect from coffee. The other two I simply would pass on, because they’re not complex enough and taste flat to me.

I didn’t try the Decaf (green) or the Organic (bronze) or the Columbian Single Origin. You can view them all here.

Mouthfeel

Now, what’s important in any of these machines, is mouthfeel. Well, to a degree. In this case, it’s more about the crema at the top of the coffee. It’s fairly decent but not on par with some of Nespresso’s machines which spins their capsules in a centrifuge to create an exceptional amount of it. Nevertheless, for how this machine works and the cost is respectable.

Maintenance

The Caprisita Espresso Pods, pack of 12 for $10.

Like any machine, you’ll need to de-calk the machine after 2-3 months of use. It’s best you use filtered water since it’s effectively cleaner and also means your coffee will likely taste better.

Espressosita doesn’t provide any means to do this, but it can be done with white vinegar and following the internet’s instructions. And perhaps rightfully so (that they don’t provide any means) as companies usually charge a premium for what should be a very inexpensive, but an occasionally necessary process.

Final Espressotoria Caprisita Review Thoughts

If you haven’t figured it out yet, the Caprisita machine is very easy to use. So easy, I’d trust my kids to make me coffee…if I had kids and I didn’t think they’d burn themselves. But potential accidents aside, the only drawback I can detect is the flavor of the coffee.

The denoted “red” flavor is the best of the 3 I tested. But nevertheless, it still lacks depth and sweetness that I’ve come to enjoy from the many bespoke coffee shops we have here in Santa Monica, CA. Call me what you will, but that bar has been set. But that in mind, those cups of coffee cost $4+. So there is that to consider.

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Washwow 2.0 Portable Washing Device

Washing your clothes is easy when you’re at home with your washer and dryer, but what about when you are traveling or camping? That’s not so easy. What about your baby’s clothes? Are you concerned that harsh chemicals are still in the fabric after you wash them?

Get Rid of Stains and Bacteria

The Washwow 2.0 portable washing device takes care of these concerns and more. Are you worried about pesticides on your fruit or vegetables? It will take care of that too. Yes, you read that right. It will help get the pesticides off of your food.

It’s a new way to wash your clothes using electrolysis so that you can be cleaner and healthier.  Washwow uses wireless charging technology to make it easy to keep the device charged up. When fully charged, it will clean your clothes 6 times and the device charges in 6 hours.

It uses the reactive oxygen species which generated by the electrolysis of water to decompose the dirt on your clothes. The machine’s interior is coated with noble metal which can create positive and negative electrodes. The components OH, O, O2, O3, On, HnOn can decompose the organic dirt into water and carbon dioxide or others, and hypochlorous acid has an antibacterial effect to make bacteria and dust mites get off of your clothes.

Washwow 2.0 cleans your clothes on the go.

The Health Device that’s Also a Washing Machine

Since the Washwow cleans without any detergent, this means zero pollution and zero radiation. It boasts a bacterium elimination rate of 99.98%. If you are cleaner, with less detergent residue on your clothes, you are going to be much healthier. It will also get the stains your washing machine can’t get out.

It’s simple to use too. Just set the device for how many minutes you want to wash by rotating the top portion once for 20 minutes or two times for 25 minutes. Washwow will shut off automatically when it’s done. Next, put your clothes in a waterproof container and add water and the Washwow. That’s it. Your clothes will be fresh and clean.

Want pesticide-free fruit? Wash it with Washwow for just 5 minutes. Why stop at fruit and vegetables? Use it to clean your child’s pacifier and teething toys too. I’d say the Washwow is aptly named. It’s pretty impressive. Now you’ll always have fresh clothes no matter where you are.

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