Is it worth packing a portable espresso maker? If you’re someone who can’t do the things without a high-quality espresso drink, then the answer’s “yes.” There’s nothing worse than hitting the 3 o’clock wall on a road trip and there’s not a coffee shop in sight.
Worse? You wake up on a camping trip and your only option is a weak cup of campfire joe. You scream to the trees…”I want my morning cappuccino!” The trees are not amused. Neither are your tent mates.
Get the cup of coffee you need when you want it. Here’s a list of the top picks for the best travel espresso makers based on weight, ease of use, brewing method and heat source. Some require hot water; others don’t. Check the specs for the model that will work best for you. Keep calm and brew on!
Wacaco Nanopresso
The Wacaco Nanopresso checks a lot of boxes when it comes to making a great shot of espresso on the go. Its hand-powered pump is easy to operate and no batteries or electricity are needed. All you will need is boiling water and your favorite ground coffee beans. In just a few minutes, you‘ll be able to savor a delicious cup of espresso with one of the best layers of crema we‘ve seen come from a portable espresso maker!
The Wacaco Nanopresso portable espresso maker is also one of the lightest and smallest portable espresso makers we‘ve reviewed. It also comes with its own measuring cup/scoop, tamper, cleaning brush, filter basket, carrying pouch and drinking cup. Plus, with a series of fun color options, you can find the perfect hue to “espresso“ yourself.
Why Wacaco Nanopresso Works for Travelers
- Manually operated. No batteries or electricity are needed.
- Requires hot water.
- Works with ground coffee.
- Ready for travel at only 6.14 inches long and 0.74 pounds in weight.
- Up to 18 bars of pressure
- Holds up to 2.70 fluid ounces of water.
CERA+ Portable Espresso Maker
Another one of the great travel espresso makers is the CERA+ Portable Espresso Maker. This self-heating machine can work with either cold or pre-heated water. This feature is great for time when you only have a bottle of water in your bag. Just fill it up with your favorite coffee capsule or coffee grounds, add your water and in 4 minutes your brew is ready to enjoy.
Another thing we love is that the CERA+ Portable Espresso Maker is rechargeable by a type-c cable and charger. It even works with a car charger, which is also included in the bundle package travel coffee kit.
Travel coffee kit includes portable espresso maker, carrying case, filter basket, capsule adapter, type-c cable, car charger, cleaning brush and instructions.
Why the CERA+ Portable Espresso Maker Works for Travelers
- Recharged via a USB-C connector or car charger (both included).
- Hot or cold brew.
- Compatible with NS capsule and ground coffee.
- Can heat up to 4 cups of coffee.
- 8 inches tall and 1.41 pounds in weight.
- 20 bar pump pressure.
STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine
If you’re often pressed for time and want to be able to make a shot of espresso quickly, the STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine is a great option. It’s easy to use AND easy to clean. Plus, it’s made with a stainless steel inner tank so if you plan to take it camping with you or just want something less plastic…give this one a try. All you‘ll need is access to hot water and a bit of your favorite coffee. Did we mention you can also choose to use either coffee capsules or your favorite ground coffee? No? Well, you can!
The STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine includes a Staresso Glass, spoon and cleaning brush.
Why STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine Works for Travelers
- Manually operated. No batteries or electricity are needed.
- Requires hot water.
- Works with both coffee capsules and ground coffee.
- Comparable in size to a water bottle and weighs only 1.1 pounds.
- Can make up to 100ml of espresso.
- Up to 15-20 bars of pressure.
- Takes about one minute to brew a cup of espresso.
Pro Tip: Coffee lovers, remember to practice being your own barista at home first. That way, you’ll know what additional gadgets or specialty drink extras (like simple syrups) you’ll like to pack in your bag and bring with you.
Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker
Also known as a Moka pot, the Bialetti Moka Express is an Italian-style stovetop espresso maker – and it’s actually made in Italy! While this portable espresso machine is a bit more primitive and bulky than some others and needs an external heat source to brew, those looking for a “true espresso“ experience may be able to look past those negatives.
Besides nostalgia, the Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker is super easy to clean up as the instructions say to only rinse it with clean water after use, no detergents. This is a plus for anyone looking to use their travel espresso maker while camping. Have a few friends joining you on your camping trip? This option allows you to make up to 3 cups of espresso at once – more than many of the other portable espresso maker options out there.
Why Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker Works for Travelers
- Works with most portable stoves or cooktops including gas, electric and induction (with the Bialetti induction adapter plate).
- Use with your favorite coffee grounds.
- Can make up to 3 cups of espresso at once.
- Weighs 1.01 pounds and is 6.69 inches tall.
WACACO Minipresso
The Wacaco Minipresso is a great option if you’re looking for something with a compact design that you can easily toss in your bag. In fact, this travel espresso maker ranks pretty high on our list because you‘re able to make a quality espresso with very few extras to pack. Because the WACACO Minipresso NS works with Nespresso capsules, you can leave your bulky bag of coffee, measuring spoon and coffee grinder at home!
Besides your favorite Nespresso capsules, all you’ll need for the brewing process is a way to heat water. Many travelers choose to use their hotel microwave or campfire, just be sure to use a separate safe container to do so. After that, simply pour the hot water into the Minipresso‘s water tank, unlock the piston and hand pump until you have a tasty cup of fresh espresso to enjoy.
Side note: The WACACO Minipresso doesn’t come with any accessories (like some of the other options), but you can buy a carrying case, tamping mat and a larger water container separately through Amazon. You can also buy a ground coffee version here.
Why WACACO Minipresso Works for Travelers
- Manually operated. No batteries or electricity are needed.
- Requires hot water.
- Works with Nespresso capsules and compatibles.
- Only 0.78 pounds and 6.89 inches in length.
- Average 8 bars of pressure.
- Can make up to 50 ml of espresso.
Pro Tip: If you’re staying in a hotel with a free breakfast bar, utilize the items they have provided (like milk, sugar and ice) to make your own delicious coffee drink similar to an iced latte.
CONQUECO Portable Coffee Maker
A great feature of the CONQUECO Portable Espresso Makers is that it allows you to make an espresso shot with either hot or cold water. This makes it perfect for camping or for making a coffee beverage without any access to an external heat source, like at a highway rest area. Road warriors, I’m looking at you!
When using cold water, you’ll simply press the switch button for 2 seconds and the coffee machine will start self-heating and will automatically pump for you. This process takes about 8-12 minutes. And you don’t need to worry about your device running out of battery while traveling because the CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker is equipped with a car charger(12V 7A) as well as a home charger(12V 2A). Did we mention it will also run an auto wash?
You can also pick up this bundle package with a branded CONQUECO travel case to keep all of your accessories organized and secure.
Why CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker Works for Travelers
- Operated by a rechargeable lithium battery.
- No external heat source is needed.
- Works with Nespresso capsules only.
- Product is 9.9 inches tall and weighs around 1.94 pounds.
- Can make around 45ml of espresso.
Cafflano Kompresso
The Cafflano Kompresso is part of a fully hand-powered travel coffee maker line of products. There’s something for everyone, including a pour-over coffee maker with a grinder, drip kettle, stainless steel filter, dripper, tumbler and lid all in one. But what we want to focus on today is the Cafflano Kompresso, a light travel espresso maker with high pressure for an extraction force over 9 bars!
What makes the Kompresso unique is that it makes a cold espresso using cold water. This is great for people without a heat source to make hot water. It is also the lightest and most compact of the travel espresso makers we’ve reviewed! While it may be little, it doesn’t lack any of the necessary gadgets to create a great cup of espresso. There’s even a built-in tamper
Why Cafflano Kompresso Works for Travelers
- Manually operated. No batteries or electricity are needed.
- No external heat source is needed (makes cold brew espresso).
- Works with coffee grounds.
- Only 7.3 inches tall and 0.4 pounds in weight.
- Holds up to 2.7 ounces of water.
- Extraction force over 9 bars of pressure.
OutIn Nano Portable Electric Espresso Machine
If you are looking for an espresso maker that is easy to use on long road trips, the OutIn Nano Portable Electric Espresso Machine is an excellent choice. It heats room temperature water and extracts espresso automatically with just one press of a button. A shot is ready in about 3 to 4 minutes, and the 20 bar pump delivers a rich crema.
Because you will want to use the OutIn Nano over and over again, it recharges with USB C and works with a car charger, so I can top it off on the road.
Why the OutIn Nano Works for Travelers
- Rechargeable battery that charges via USB C
- Use either hot or room temperature water
- Works with ground coffee and capsules
- Weighs about 670 grams
- 20 bars of pressure
20 Bar 3 in 1 Portable Coffee Maker
The long lasting battery of this 20 Bar 3 in 1 Portable Coffee Maker makes it a popular choice for travelers. On a full charge, it can heat and brew about four cups from cold water, and if you have a way to heat your water first, you can brew 50 or more cups on a single charge.
It works with ground coffee, Nespresso style capsules and Dolce Gusto style pods, so I never have to hunt for one specific refill. Just add water and coffee, press one button and enjoy. At about 700 grams, it fits easily in a backpack or car cup holder.
Why the 20 Bar 3 in 1 Portable Coffee Maker Works for Travelers
- Rechargeable via USB C with car adapter support
- Works with ground coffee and two capsule styles
- Brews with hot or cold water
- Weighs about 700 grams
3 in 1 Portable Electric Espresso Machine Set
With this 3 in 1 Portable Electric Espresso Machine Set, you can break free from the anxiety of finding your specific type of coffee refill while away from home. It works with ground coffee and NS or DG size capsules, so you have more choices than with most travel espresso makers.
It is rechargeable with a 7800mAh battery and supports USB and car charging, so no outlet is needed on a daily basis. It heats room temperature water in about 3 minutes and even comes with a carrying bag and coffee stand. You are free to enjoy whatever coffee you like, wherever you like!
Why the 3 in 1 Portable Electric Espresso Machine Works for Travelers
- Rechargeable with USB or car charging
- Compatible with NS and DG size capsules or ground coffee
- Self heating in about 3 minutes
- 20 bars of pressure
- Includes a carrying bag
Flair Signature Espresso Maker
The Flair Signature Espresso Maker is a manual espresso press that is geared toward people wanting to have complete control over the process. Each kit comes with a custom pressure gauge with the capability to brew between 6-9 bars of pressure.
While this espresso maker is the largest and heaviest of the travel espresso makers we’ve reviewed, it does come with a precision cut, padded carrying case. It definitely makes sense if you want something you can pack for your stay in a vacation rental or take with you to a hotel with kitchen space.
Why Flair Signature Espresso Maker Works for Travelers
- Manually operated. No batteries or electricity are needed.
- Requires hot water.
- Works with coffee grounds.
- Makes a 40 ml shot of espresso.
- Product is 12” tall and weighs 6.09 pounds.
- Extraction force is fully customizable with the capability to brew between 6-9 bars of pressure.
AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press
If you like to go between a good espresso beverage and a french press coffee, depending on the day, the AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press is an excellent choice for you. It doesn‘t require electricity or a recharge and can brew either a hot coffee or espresso in just around a minute.
While some baristas shy away from the AeroPress because they don’t consider it a “true espresso,” we love the flexibility it offers to craft more than one type of beverage and the larger water tank—meaning you can make either 8 oz. of coffee or 1-3 shots of espresso on a single plunge.
Why the AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press Works for Travelers
- Manually operated. No batteries or electricity are needed.
- Requires hot water.
- Works with ground coffee only.
- Makes up to 8 ounces of coffee or 1-3 shots of espresso.
- 5.3 inches 11.2 ounces
