The Best Portable Espresso Makers

Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker

A handcrafted brew

Make a high-end espresso drink no matter where you are with this portable, effective device.

Best Overall

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Making your coffee on the go already seems like a luxury, so imagine being able to brew your own espressos when you’re miles away from the nearest cafe. This unique device works with the power of your own two hands, so no batteries or electricity are required.

On top of being extremely portable, this coffee maker makes an excellent brew. It works best with grounds that are extremely fine and tamped well, giving you that caffeine boost espresso is known for. Simply add grounds and water and pump away to create your morning joe. You can even drink right from the capsule’s cup, so you don’t have to worry about packing mugs.

Pros:

• This portable coffee maker has a well-protected design that allows it to be thrown into a bag while you travel
• It takes less force to pump when compared to similar devices
• It comes apart into easy-to-clean pieces, making routine maintenance as simple as possible

Cons:

• This machine only makes espresso shots, not full cups of coffee

Staresso Portable Espresso Machine

Just like home

This innovative device will make delicious coffee the way you like it — with grounds and pods alike.

Most Versatile

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This portable coffee maker can make just about any drink you’d like, no matter where you are. It works with both grounds and pods, so you can use the coffee-making style that works best for you. It can create foaming espresso shots to enjoy plain or in iced coffee, lattes, and more.

This device doesn’t need any electricity, so you can use it no matter where you go. It works through manual pumping and can be used with either hot or cold water, depending on the type of drink you’d like to brew. The top air pump also doubles as a milk frother so that you can complete the latte-making process with just one machine.

Pros:

• This portable coffee maker comes in black, white, and pink so that you can choose the color you like best
• It comes with a small glass for brewing and drinking purposes
• It’s easy to rinse clean between uses

Cons:

• Can only make one espresso shot at a time

Conqueco Portable Espresso Maker

Portable pods

Take simplicity on the go with this portable, pod-style espresso maker.

Best For Coffee Pods

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When you’re making coffee on the go, you want the process to be as simple as possible. One great way to cut steps from the process is to use pods instead of coffee grounds. This portable machine from Conqueco works on pods and pods alone, ensuring the brewing process will be quick and easy every time.

This portable coffee maker has a solid design that you can throw into a backpack while you travel. It runs on electricity, but it can be charged with a wall plug or car adapter and brought with you wherever you please. It creates small but powerful espresso shots, giving you the ability to enjoy a wide variety of drinks away from home.

Pros:

• Brews with the press of a button, so you don’t have to learn the espresso pumping process that many portable machines require
• It creates hot coffee, so you don’t have to access heated water for the brewing process
• It comes with an attached cup for both brewing and drinking

Cons:

• Not the best device for long-term, off-grid camping, as it requires a power source for charging
• It isn’t designed to work with coffee grounds

Presto MyJo Portable Coffee Maker

Cost-saving coffee

This affordable, user-friendly device will give you coffee when you need it most.

Best On A Budget

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Sometimes, you just need a simple cup of drip coffee to wake you up while you’re out and about. Presto’s machine gives you just that, and it’s sold at a price that won’t break the bank.

This portable coffee maker works with coffee pods, making the process simpler. All you need to do is pour hot water into the reservoir, add the coffee, and pump away. Your manual motions will get the device working, giving you the same quality drip coffee you’d be enjoying if you were back at home.

Pros:

• You can place this device on top of your mug, so you don’t have to use a specific kind or use multiple dishes
• The water reservoir can be heated in the microwave if you’ve got access to a kitchen while traveling
• The device itself is sold at an extremely affordable price

Cons:

• Won’t make fancy coffee drinks, but it’s an easy way to get some quality caffeine while you’re away from home

AeroPress Go Portable Coffee Press

Stay fancy

This portable press is made to use anywhere, giving you the taste you want even while you're traveling.

Best Press

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If you enjoy using a coffee press at home, this device from AeroPress is worth checking out. It can be used with hot water just like the at-home versions or to create cold brew beverages when you don’t have access to a heat source.

This portable coffee maker can make up to three cups at a time, making it perfect for group travel. It only takes a few minutes to brew, and the mug and lid double as a convenient carrying case for added travel protection.

Pros:

• You’ll get 350 filters with your purchase, which will help you enjoy ground-free coffee every time
• You can use the included mug for both brewing and drinking
• The price is more affordable than most portable coffee makers

Cons:

• This device is best for those who already know they like press-style coffee, as it does have a bit of a different taste compared to drip coffee

Frequently Asked Questions

Which portable coffee maker is best for completely off-grid camping?

A: If you can heat water over the fire, most devices will make excellent drinks no matter where you go. Some do require charging, so it’s worth considering the environment you’ll be using it in before making your purchase.

Where else can portable coffee makers be used?

A: These machines are great for anywhere you don’t have access to a regular coffee maker, even if you’re not spending time in the wilderness. They can be great for hotel stays or for brewing coffee from the comfort of your own office at work.