MHW-3BOMBER X-Press 58 Review:
The Best Portable Espresso Maker in 2025?
REVIEWED MARCH 2026 - BY BENJAMIN SAND
Benjamin Sand is the editor of The Mouth and has tested multiple coffee devices across 3 years of travel through Southeast Asia and Europe.
THE VERDICT ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — 4.5 / 5
Build Quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Shot Quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Portability ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
Value ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5/5
Best For Travelling home baristas who won't compromise on espresso quality
Price~$350
Bottom Line The best portable 58mm espresso maker we've tested. Heavy and pricey, but produces genuinely excellent shots.
If you’ve spent any time scouring the dark corners of Instagram or YouTube lately, you’ve probably seen the name: MHW-3BOMBER.
It sounds like a military invention, or a new stealth bomber plane. But behind the aggressive branding -and that bizarre logo- is a company that has quietly started to dominate the mid-tier specialty coffee accessory game.
After years of perfecting gear for uber nerds, they have dropped their piece-de-resistance: the X-Press 58.
I’ve spent the last month living with this beast to see if it’s a gimmick or a genuine game-changer for the traveling coffee obsessive.
Who is MHW3 Bomber?
Born in 2016, MHW-3BOMBER is a Chinese powerhouse specializing in "re-engineering" the espresso ritual. They aren't just white-labeling generic gear; they’re iterating on it. Their philosophy is a mix of high-precision engineering and a slightly chaotic desire to "bomb" the industry with innovation.
While some purists find the name a bit much, there’s no denying the build quality. They first caught the world’s attention when top-tier baristas started using their milk jugs in global championships. Now, they’re moving from the accessories on the bench to the machine itself, challenging the likes of Outin, Ikape, and Wacaco for the portable throne.
What is the X-Press 58
The X-Press 58 is a portable, battery-powered espresso maker that could easily be your daily driver. Unlike its rivals, the Outins and Nanopressos of the world, this machine is built around a standard 58mm portafilter. The other notable difference is the build quality. This thing is SOLID!
The 58mm is the "Holy Grail" for coffee geeks. It means your VST baskets, your puck screens, and your favorite wood-handled tampers all fit. It bridges the gap between "travel coffee" and "home espresso."
The build is dense. It feels less like a travel toy and more like a piece of lab equipment. It’s finished in a matte-black coating that feels premium to the touch, and the kit it comes with, including a calibrated tamper and a magnetic funnel, is better than the accessories that come with most $1,000 home machines. There is a (rather large) carry case, for those who want to throw it in the back of their car when they go camping for the weekend.
MHW really have the quality game nailed down. Everything feels premium.
Watch the video by brewcoffeehome if you want a really well made instructional guide.
What I Like
Having tested four different machines in the "portable espresso" genre, this is BY FAR my favourite. What makes MHW3-Bomber different, is the way in which every element of the product, accessories and packaging all feel so premium. Nothing feels like a compromise, and you know this machine will last for a long time.
The feel of the espresso maker, and all the links in the chain are sturdy and solid. I have no issues at all saying this is my favourite piece of coffee gear right now, and the stand makes it perfect for having in the kitchen between trips.
The case is also great, although a bit on the bulky side. They could have made it smaller, but it's very well made.
The learning curve is steep, and you have to get your grind-size perfect or it either stalls or runs too fast, but this is the same with any machine, and as they say "Practice makes perfect", so grab a bag of your favourite coffee and spend a morning dialing everything in.
It's worth it.
Buy this if: You already own 58mm gear, you care deeply about shot quality, and you travel with a suitcase rather than a backpack.
Skip this if: You're a backpacker, budget-conscious, or just want a quick caffeine fix on the go.
The Positives
Thermal Consistency: This is where it beats almost every other portable unit. It hits 96°C in the reservoir and stays there. For medium and light roasts, this is the difference between a sour mess and a balanced, sweet nectar.
The 58mm Ecosystem: The ability to interchange between baskets you already own is literally a game-changer.
Massive Battery Life: The 13,500mAh battery is a tank. I was getting 4 to 5 "boil-and-brew" shots from cold water, or dozens if I was using pre-heated water.
The Workflow: The "puck blower" (a weird little accessory that replaces a knock box) is genuinely fun to use. It’s clean, efficient, and surprisingly civilized for life on the road.
The Negatives
The Price Tag: At around $350, it isn’t a budget buy. You’re paying for the heating power and the 58mm compatibility.
Height Clearance: The included stand is quite low, so if you use a scale (which you should), you’ll struggle to fit a standard espresso cup underneath. Positives are the stand is super sturdy and won't bend when you press the lid on to cover the hot water reservoir (unlike Ikape's which bends easily).
Heft: It’s "portable," but it’s bulky. This is for the camper van or the suitcase, not for a light hiking trip.
Overall Thoughts
After a month of testing, the X-Press 58 has earned its spot in my all-time favourites list. It’s not just a "portable" machine; it’s a legitimate espresso maker that happens to be cordless.
If you already have a drawer full of 58mm gear and you’re tired of compromising on shot quality when you’re away from home, this is the gold standard. It’s heavy, it’s expensive, and the branding is still a little aggressive, but the coffee it produces is undeniably good. It isn't just a gadget; it's a tool for the serious home barista who refuses to drink bad coffee on vacation.
Grab your's here, this is not an affiliate link:
https://mhw3bomber.com/products/mhw-3bomber-x-press58-espresso-machine
FAQ Section
Q: Is the MHW-3BOMBER X-Press 58 worth it? A: Yes, if you're a serious espresso drinker who travels regularly.
Q: How does the X-Press 58 compare to the Outin Nano? A: The X-Press 58 uses a standard 58mm portafilter and has a larger battery, making it better for precision brewing. The Outin Nano is lighter and more compact but sacrifices espresso quality.
Q: What grinder works best with the MHW-3BOMBER X-Press 58? A: A burr grinder capable of fine espresso grind is essential — the Timemore C3 or Comandante are solid travel companions.
Q: Can you use any 58mm basket with the X-Press 58? A: Yes — VST, IMS, and standard 58mm baskets all fit.
