Best Portable Coffee Maker

The day doesn’t start for coffee lovers until they have sipped that first tasty, aromatic sip of coffee. Their utter dependence on caffeine makes it impossible at times even to function properly. Interestingly, this isn’t only because of the high level of caffeine intake; but instead, it has become a religiously followed routine. 

Drinking coffee is a ritual that needs to be fulfilled to pass into another phase of the morning. The innocence is astounding as some people feel energized just by the smell and the grinding sound. 

However, you will be a fool to believe that everyone enjoys only an espresso shot. Every coffee lover has tried and tested different brewing methods to find the one cup that satisfies their taste buds. Most people enjoy French press, latte, espresso, americano, or simply black. 

A different type of coffee maker is required for each of these categories. Keep these things in mind before you make the purchase. However, no need to frown over the number of coffee makers you might end up staking because lately, almost every other coffee maker has impressive features. 

Whether you are commuting for work, traveling to the next exotic place, or even simply going for a jog, that first instant rush of adrenalin pumps ample motivation throughout the day. Sadly, finding a good-quality coffee maker with a diverse range of options can become very challenging. Even though there are many good places, like Starbucks, the price tag is not worth the purchase.

Therefore, we are here to make sure that you spend much less and still get your favorite cup every single time. Below we have rounded up some of our top coffee makers along with a buyer’s guide for your next trip, ensuring all the environmental and electrical shortages.

Top 7 Portable Coffee Makers 

  1. Espro Travel Coffee Press – Best for coffee enthusiasts
  2. Wacaco MiniPress GR – Tiniest, most effective coffee maker
  3. Stereo Portable Espresso Maker SP200 – Perfect espresso maker
  4. Coffee Gator Paperless Pour-over Coffee Maker – All-in-one coffee maker
  5. Handpresso Wild Hybrid Espresso Machine – All-time favorite coffee maker
  6. AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker – All-rounder coffee maker
  7. Bodum Travel Press – Luxury coffee maker

1. Espro Travel Coffee Press

Editor’s rating: 4.8 Star Editor's Rating

Espro Travel Coffee PressWant a traditional travel mug but as a coffee maker? Then Espro Travel Coffee Press is your best option. It makes up to 10 ounces of instant, tasty coffee in an easy-to-carry machine. The design is leak-free, and it freshly brews the coffee with a patented micro-filter to keep everything upright and smooth. Furthermore, the insulated double-walled stainless-steel body keeps your coffee hot for hours. If you are worried about it getting bitter, then worry not because the filter press keeps the grounds out of the coffee. 

The Espro has perfected its technique by researching different conventional ideas to find a way to make your coffee memorable.

Benefits

  • Spill-Proof Design

The exterior might look deceiving but unscrewing the outer lid opens up a world of its own. The device has a plunger and dual-filler setup, which can be removed quickly to turn the coffee press into a travel mug. With a high-quality spill-proof mechanism, the screw-on lid cannot be unscrewed with one hand. 

Lastly, the compact and sleek design comes with a double-wall vacuum insulated in a stainless body that offers comfort and easy hand grip. 

  • Patented Double Micro-Filter

The worst thing about French presses is that there’s always some coffee grounds in the brew, which is terrible. However, with Espro Travel Press, there is barely any space for the grounds to seep through. The design has a patented double micro-filter in the plunger that filters around 10 to 12 times finer than any other. Thus, it brews sediment-free coffee. 

  • Vacuum Insulated Stainless-Steel

If you are worried about the coffee getting cold, simply add hot water and coffee grounds in the Espro travel press, and the tasty French press will be ready and warm. The precisely engineered vacuum insulated interior will keep the coffee hot for four to six hours.  

  • Dishwasher Safe

With this coffee maker, cleaning is not an issue as the filters are dishwasher safe and easy to disassemble.

  • Two Products in One

This French press is not only a coffee maker but also a handy travel mug. Now you no longer have to worry about carrying a separate mug anywhere. 

Pros

  • Excellent flavor
  • Leakproof
  • Double-filtered
  • Clean and handy

Cons

  • Pricey

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2. Wacaco MiniPress GR, Portable Espresso Machine

Editor’s rating: 4.5 Star Editor's Rating

Wacaco MiniPress GR, Portable Espresso MachineIf you need to carry around your espresso addiction, then Wacaco MiniPress GR will lead the path. It is hands down, the smallest, most portable coffee maker on the market. With its easy hand-operation, you can conveniently brew that espresso anywhere.

The Minipress GR uses a semi-automatic piston that allows small quantities of water to be released into the coffee adapter. After a few pumps, the optimal extraction pressure develops and releases rich and flavourful espresso. 

Moreover, the appliance has a bullet-shaped exterior with all the detachable accessories that can brew only a single cup at a time. It is safe to say that the impressive design with top-notch capabilities is worth the price tag. 

Benefits

  • Strong Creamy Texture

For coffee lovers, a handy machine that gives creamy, intense flavors is like a dream come true. What can go wrong when your first sip is heavenly. The Wacaco Espresso Machine makes sure that taste quality is not compromised by its small physical structure. 

  • Piston-Driven Action

The machine is easy to use; it doesn’t rely on coffee capsules or drip elements. The concept is minimalist and inspired by traditional piston-driven espresso machines. The machine extracts the coffee grounds with the help of a manual piston-action. 

All you need to do is to fill the filter basket with coffee grounds and hot water, screw the lid, and flip upside down. Thereafter, apply the pressure without much elbow grease, and your coffee will be ready in no time. The device requires no electrical input or battery; all you need is hot water. 

  • Compact Cylindrical Design

The design offers practicality and portability. Even though the body is BPA-free plastic with some stainless-steel components, it is still surprisingly sturdy and challenging to break. 

  • Easy to Clean

Don’t feel annoyed by small components as the machine is super easy to clean. All you have to do is tap out the grounds and rinse. Sadly, it is not dishwasher safe, and therefore you have to do the washing manually. 

Pros

  • Compact and portable
  • Easy to follow instructions
  • Integrated coffee scoops and cup
  • Nicely designed 
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Water needs to preheat
  • Plastic construction

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3. Stereo Portable Espresso Maker – SP200

Editor’s rating: 4.5 Star Editor's Rating

Stereo Portable Espresso Maker - SP200This little coffee maker offers everything you need to make a flavourful espresso. The Staresso Portable Espresso maker – SP200 is incredibly portable with easy-to-use features in an 8 x 6-inch body. When it comes to compatibility, it works perfectly with both coffee grounds and Nespresso pods. All you need is some hot water, and you are good to brew.

The Staresso portable espresso machine is made of BPA-free material and with a coffee chamber and stainless-steel pump. The sleek, sophisticated, and attractive design always catches the eye, especially for coffee lovers; they want something intense yet minimalistic. 

Benefits

  • Portability Is Their Specialty

The Staresso espresso coffee maker won the Red Dot award in 2016 for its portability. Interestingly, it offers a compact and fresh look with great functionality in a small device. The brew is also carried out in two sections; a brewing unit and a serving unit that can be easily merged into a single handheld device. Thus, striking a comfortable quality and easy transportation due to its lightweight plastic body. Consequently, you can easily carry it around.

  • Manual Brewing

You might be wondering how it brews the coffee. The machine is entirely user-friendly with manual operation, so there is no electrical input. The plunger design allows vertical press down that helps save your energy and still makes a perfect brew. Lastly, the coffee maker is easy to clean with quick detachable components. 

  • Rich and Thick Crema

The Staresso espresso maker can even frother milk while keeping the espresso unique and authentic. This incredible feature lets you make a cappuccino with espresso that resonates with northern Italian vibes. 

  • Pressure Extraction

The espresso machine uses 15-18 bar pressure to deliver tasty coffee with every brew. In a nutshell, pressure is the amount of force the water is pushed into your puck and the resistance produced by the coffee puck. This pressure pulls the oils out from the coffee grounds to form the desired taste profile. Therefore, you are assured of the best quality coffee with such high pressure. 

  • Compatible With Coffee Capsules 

The Staresso espresso machine has a single cup that offers two usages. You can easily use Nespresso pods and regular coffee grounds. Thus, no need to use other accessories to brew a cappuccino. 

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to clean
  • Rich and creamy espresso 
  • Brew coffee with both hot and cold water

Cons

  • Tricky to add coffee grounds

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4. Coffee Gator Paperless Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Editor’s rating: 4.8 Star Editor's Rating

Coffee Gator Paperless Pour-Over Coffee MakerNot only is Coffee gator’s paperless pour-over coffee maker famous amongst coffee fans but also in baristas. This pour-over coffee maker ensures that you get the most out of your regular coffee beans. The company was founded for the primary purpose of enlightening everyone with the best coffee.

The pour-over coffee maker has a sleek and durable exterior that comes in various colors and sizes, made with a 100% BPA-free carafe and stainless-steel body. Hence, making it a heat-resistant glass with a cool-touch collar to easily handle the pour-over. It can hold up to 10.5 ounces of coffee, therefore serves a single person. In addition, compact design is suited to accompany you on adventures without any hassle.  

Benefits

  • Baristas Approved

The pour-over is a top choice for everyone due to its convenience and easy usage. You no longer need any baristas training or refractometer to use this fantastic product. 

All you have to do is lean back, channel your inner baristas and pour over the coffee dripper to brew that perfect espresso in no time. 

  • Reusable 

The exterior and interior body is built with a laser-cut stainless steel mesh filter. So, it ensures that the coffee drips out clean and fresh without any metallic or bitter taste. After usage, you can easily wash the filter and reuse it later. Thus, making it eco-friendly and affordable. 

  • Glass Build

Interestingly, this is one of the most latently beneficial features. When it comes to brewing coffee, many people are keen to know how much the cup has filled up. This glass pour-over machine serves the purpose. You can quickly look at the sides of the carafe to see how much coffee it contains. However, it might not be as heat-retaining as other materials. 

  • All in One Brewing Method

No one likes to carry around different equipment for achieving the same thing on a trip. This product steals the show with its all-in-one brew method. It comes with a detachable stainless steel filter and a handy and super convenient cup. Even more, It comes in three different sizes: 10.5 oz, 14 oz, and 27 oz. 

  • Flavor Preservation 

This model comes with preservative properties for blending and then brewing the coffee. It has a micro-mesh, conical filter that keeps the extraction separate from the grounds. Ideally, you can use 24-grams of medium-fine or medium-coarse coffee grinds for one mug. This will balance the water-to-grind ratio perfectly.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easier to use and store
  • Gentle brewing
  • Environment friendly

Cons

  • Slightly slower brewing

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5. Handpresso Wild Hybrid Espresso Machine

Editor’s rating: 4 Star Editor's Rating

Handpresso Wild Hybrid Espresso MachineThe Handpresso wild hybrid espresso machine is specially designed in France to be the most compatible espresso machine. It is the first-ever portable espresso machine that works on a unique mechanism called the bicycle pump. The device works without electricity and pumps 16-bar pressure to get a flavorsome, rich, and creamy espresso. It is compact and lightweight with a durable design that can embark on tough journeys with you. 

This coffee maker stands out because it can use both pre-ground and ESE pods to get various brews. However, the shots are smaller but perfect for personal usage. 

Benefits

  • Lightweight 

Travel enthusiasts love this product. The product offers a lightweight body that can easily be carried on hikes and camping. So, no need to worry about your espresso anymore. The machine can fit into backpacks, camping packs, laptop bags, and even briefcases. Its thin cylindrical design also makes it stylish to carry around. 

  • ESE Pods

You can use a range of different coffee grounds with ESE (easy serve espresso) pods. They are widely available as hundreds of vendors work on making different tasty coffee flavors for your brew. This offers you the opportunity to try different flavors available out there. 

  • 16-Bar Pressure

The Wild Hybrid has a gauge with a 16-bar pressure that extracts the espresso. The method involves hand pumping the Handpresso until the indicator turns green between 10 to 30 pumps. The extreme pressure ensures a complete diffusion and enriches the coffee. 

  • Bicycle Pump

Its unique design works like a bicycle. The pumping machine enables a bicycling motion that spirals pressure in the internal chamber. All you have to do is to add hot water and close the lid. Lastly, add coffee and wait till the brew is ready and flows out. 

It’s durable and made from stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.

Pros

  • Portable 
  • Easy to clean
  • Affordable 
  • Durable

Cons

  • Not exceptionally high-quality

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6. Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker

Editor’s rating: 5 Star Editor's Rating

Aeropress Coffee and Espresso MakerDo you want to make the perfect brew for your travels? Then AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker should be your go-to. This machine can make up to three cups per pressing, unlike the traditional French press portable coffee makers. 

The coffee and espresso maker uses a manual brewing method powered by innovative gravity and pressure and was invented by Alan Adler in 2005. It measures 9.5 x 4 x 4 inches and comes with a funnel, scoop, press, stirrer, a filter holder, and 350 micro-filters. The design is practical, reasonable, portable, and simple to use. 

The fast-brewing process ensures that you get a full-flavored cup of coffee without any bitterness or acidic aftertastes. Imagine having a compact coffee maker that perfectly tags along on your camping trips, morning commutes, trips, and a lot more.

Benefits

  • Practical

Not only is the product minimalist, but it even offers great practicalities. It has a light, portable body that uniquely fits your backpack and perfectly works for the home kitchen. 

  • Paper Filter

The AeroPress coffee and espresso maker offers total immersion of your coffee grounds, followed by consistent, rapid filtering. You can easily alter your brewing style to a more robust flavor or a subtle clean taste. Additionally, the brewed coffee has no bitterness or muddiness to its texture. All you have to do is pour hot water, place the paper filter and push the plunger to get the AeroPress brew. 

  • Complete Control Over the Brew

With the custom brewing feature, this coffee maker makes you the barista. You get complete control over the brew by choosing your grind size, extraction time, water temperature, and how much water you want to pour. The favorable one is American-style coffee or cold brews, but you can even make any espresso when it comes to coffee styles. 

  • Long-Lasting

The AeroPress coffee and espresso maker is worth the money. It is designed to be budget-friendly yet long-lasting. You can get reusable paper filters and conveniently travel with this machine. 

Pros

  • Very portable 
  • Easy clean-up
  • Amazing rich flavor
  • Versatile 

Cons

  • A lot of pieces to store

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7. Bodum Travel Press

Editor’s rating: 4.8 Star Editor's Rating

Bodum Travel PressThe Bodum travel press is simply the most convenient way to have your coffee on the go. The experienced enthusiasts have worked tirelessly to make this travel coffee maker one of its kind. With a two-in-one product structure, you can turn it into a brewer and a coffee mug. It can also hold up to 15 ounces of coffee that make a one-cup serving. 

No matter where you are commuting, the worry about finding that perfect French press coffee should no longer be your concern. The exterior is made of stainless steel double-wall that can keep your coffee hot for hours. 

Benefits 

  • Double-Wall Vacuum Sealed

The design is excellent at retaining temperature, and with the help of the insulation, your fingers don’t burn either. In addition, double-wall and vacuum seal with a tight screw makes sure that nothing spills out of the cup as you travel. The device comes in branded silicone grip with a matching lid available in different attractive colors. 

  • Dishwasher Safe

At Bodum, they want to make sure everything is as comfortable as possible. Therefore, their coffee makers are the easiest to use in the market. All the Bodum travel press components are easy to disassemble and are dishwasher safe. You can easily have everything clean in no time.

  • Custom Brewing

When looking for different press-style brewers, look for their versatility. For instance, with Bodum travel press, you can brew coffee or tea without requiring any complicated customization. Afterward, you can rinse it and reuse it as you make your next beverage. 

  • Portability

This coffee maker defines portability. It was designed as a travel mug, and it is lightweight and smartly fits everything inside the cup holder. No matter where you are, you can press down on the plunger and have your delicious cup in less than four minutes. 

Pros

  • Spill-resistant
  • Insulated interior
  • Comfortable grip
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • French press might get bitter

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Buying Guide

When it comes to investing in a coffee maker, make sure to consider the following points:

  • Portability

The best appliance to invest in is a portable coffee maker for travelers and daily commuters. Not only is it easy to carry around, but it gives an instant perfectly brewed coffee. Many people tend to believe that portable coffee makers are easy to carry around, but that is not the case. While there are many options in the market,  some are too bulky. 

  • Durability 

How long your coffeemaker can last without breaking is very important. Traveling has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to appliances. The more delicate the material, the more difficult it gets to protect it. So, as a traveler, make sure you buy products that are tough enough to withstand traveling conditions. Stay away from glass coffee makers, and go for more durable materials such as plastic, stainless steel, or aluminum. 

  • Brewing Time

Imagine hopelessly waiting for the portable coffee maker to brew when the entire function of this appliance is to provide a quick and tasty cup of coffee. To avoid such disappointment, choose the coffee maker that can brew in less than five minutes. The faster, the better. 

  • Ease of Cleaning

A busy lifestyle makes it challenging to clean heavy appliances. Therefore, people generally skip the cleaning process. Luckily, all the traveling brewers featured in this list can easily be cleaned with warm water. Imagine having a coffee maker that is easy to clean, with fewer easy-to-handle components. With such, a simple hot tap or dishwasher can ease your pain. 

  • Volume

The size of the coffee makers determines how much coffee they can brew in one go. Even as a traveler, we all have preferences on how many cups we want at a time. Therefore, consider how many people you are traveling with before making a purchase. 

One key thing to remember is that a coffee maker that accommodates more than two serves will be bulkier. 

  • Power

As you travel, a source of power can often be a challenge. You do not want to miss a cup of coffee because the machine needs a power source. Therefore, consider how long a device can work with one charge. Luckily, there are coffee makers that do not even require to be plugged into work. While such appliances can be awesome for travelers, they often have limited features or require manual operation. For the best experience, weigh out your options carefully. 

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you use the coffee maker without electricity?

Yes. It all depends on the type of coffee maker you use. With some, you can make the coffee without electricity and even batteries. Some coffee makers work manually; for example, the Staresso portable espresso machine requires no charging or battery. 

Also, there are battery-operated coffee makers with rechargeable batteries. These machines can serve you severally before requiring a recharge. However, the weight of the battery will make it bulky. 

2. Can it be packed in my carry-on?

If the coffee maker is not delicate and is durable, it can be taken as a carry-on during travels. Make sure that there is no liquid inside and everything is perfectly put together. However, if you have a fragile coffee maker, make sure you pad it with something soft such as cloth, scarf, or sweater. 

3. How can you make coffee while traveling?

The portable coffee makers in this article provide you the option to enjoy your favorite cup of coffee while you explore the world. While they all offer the same end product, they work in different ways. 

Some popular types of coffee presses include French press, Aeropress, Percolator, Moka pot, and single pour-over. Since it is unlikely to have a power source as you travel, most of these coffee makers do not require any power. All they need is a little effort, some hot water, and coffee grounds. You will need an external heat source to heat your water before adding it to the coffee maker. 

4. Which is the best form of coffee?

It all comes down to the equipment you are using and your preference. Generally, you can make coffee in different forms, like extra coarse grounds, coarse grounds, medium grounds, super acceptable grounds, and so on. The richness and extraction depend on the grinds. If they are coarse, then more time will be required in extraction. Finer beans will give a sour and watery flavor, while coarse grinds will release a bitter and acidic taste. 

5. Difference between the French press and the pour-over?

Both are top-notch brewing methods that work in different ways. 

When considering the French press, the brewing method involves the immersion of coffee grounds in the water. Whereas in pour-over, the brewing method is infusion of coffee grounds. Sounds similar? Well, let’s break it down. 

The coffee grounds are immersed in water in the French press and left for around three to eight minutes to brew in hot water. Meanwhile, the flavor and texture develop depending on the brewing time: the longer you brew, the more prominent the flavor. Lastly, the device is easy to use and requires no barista capabilities to get it right the first time. 

When it comes to pour-over coffee, the water goes through the infusion process. The coffee dripper or filter is placed on the mouth, and the water pours over the coffee grounds leaving behind well-brewed coffee. The process is also simple and easy to understand even if you do not have some experience with pour-overs, as everything is self-explanatory. 

Conclusion 

A portable coffee maker is your instant fix if you cannot make your way through the day without the coffee. You can either get a pour-over or a minimalistic espresso maker to fulfill the absence of fancy coffee. 

For travelers, these portable devices are journey savers. If you have a small budget and you want a handy coffee maker for remote locations, then a pour-over coffee maker will perfectly serve the purpose. 

On the other hand, if you wish for a dishwasher-safe appliance that gets you that superior brew, then espresso makers or French press will serve the purpose. Invest in one of our top picks, and never miss on that perfect brew as you explore the world. Lastly, list down your needs and go through the buyer’s guide before investing in a coffee maker, as the last thing you want is a bad coffee.

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