Whether you’re planning a one-day hike or a weekend getaway, going somewhere without access to your daily cup of caffeinated bliss is something that every coffee lover fears.
Table Of Contents
−- Best portable espresso makers
- WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
- Wacaco Minipresso GR
- Wacaco Pipamoka – Best All-In-One
- Litchi Handheld Portable Espresso Maker – Best Value
- STARESSO Portable Espresso Maker
- Handpresso Wild Hybrid Espresso Machine
- Handpresso Auto Espresso Maker
- Cafflano Kompresso
- Flair Signature Espresso Maker
- UniTerra Nomad Espresso Machine – Best Espresso Crema
- Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by DeLonghi
- Bialetti Moka Expresso Maker
- DELONGHI Authentic Italian Espresso
- Aeropress
- Coffee vs. Espresso
- Espresso machine history
- Understanding of portable espresso makers
- Why bring along espresso
- How to choose? The main deciding factors
- Our verdict
While the United States has 35,616 coffee shops, there are still places where you might not be able to obtain your caffeine fix, and it would be helpful if you could make your espresso.
What are our top recommendations, and how do they compare in terms of affordability, mobility, and simplicity of use?
Best portable espresso makers
WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Wacaco’s Nanopresso is a pleasant surprise. The espresso produced by this bad boy is of remarkable quality, despite its small size, low weight (just 336g), and ultra-portability.
It’s a terrific addition to your travel gear because it works with ground coffee and pods, has an 80ml water tank, and can use 18 bar pressure. Alternatively, the workplace.
The coffee maker’s structure is lightweight, yet it feels strong, and it comes in a variety of fun colors. Although it is one of the more expensive options, the quality of the coffee and ease of use make it one of the best portable espresso makers on the market.
Wacaco Minipresso GR
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The Minipresso, Nanopresso’s older relative, may appear to be a step down in quality, yet it still provides excellent value. At 360g, it is a little heavier than Nanopresso but still highly portable.
They also both demand the use of externally heated water.
When comparing the two, the Wacaco Minispresso has a smaller 50ml water tank, uses 8 bar pressure, and only supports one brewing method: ground coffee.
It may seem clumsy, and the use isn’t as fluid as the Nano, but it’s still durable, produces strong espresso with good crema, and is less expensive.
Wacaco Pipamoka – Best All-In-One
This manual coffee maker creates up to 236ml of coffee, which you may drink immediately after turning the ring for vacuum-pressured coffee extraction.
Pipamoka is also a thermal cup, so your coffee will stay hot for hours. As a result, it’s ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, long treks, and travel.
It’s also environmentally sustainable, thanks to its reusable stainless steel microfilter, which is always a plus.
Pipamoka comes with a carrying bag, funnel, scoop, brush, warranty card, and instruction book, just like other Wacaco products. Simply ensure that you have access to hot water whenever you use it, and you’re good to go.
Litchi Handheld Portable Espresso Maker – Best Value
Our list’s “best portable espresso maker for the money” is the Litchi Portable Hand-Held Espresso Maker. You can acquire it for less than half the price of the first two variants, which means you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck.
It also comes with a second filter basket, which makes it a better bargain than the first two models on our list. It also comes with a carrying bag that isn’t as protective as the cases that come with other models, but it allows you to keep all of the components together when traveling.
There are a few drawbacks to it that you should be aware of before purchasing. It’s unusually shaped, making it a little tough to transport.
While it’s not easily damaged, you should be cautious about leaving it inside a suitcase or backpack. It also works best if the grounds are tamped down, which isn’t always simple while you’re on the run.
This model would be much higher on our list if it weren’t for those flaws. Despite these drawbacks, it continues to offer the best value for money.
STARESSO Portable Espresso Maker
The Staresso is a hybrid of the Nanopresso and the Handpresso in terms of design.
The Staresso looks excellent and works well for domestic use, but it may not be the greatest choice for a backpacking espresso maker due to its top pump and stacked cylinder design.
In all honesty, this isn’t our favorite portable espresso machine, but it’s an affordable choice that looks nice on the counter, so we felt forced to add it. The components are a little fragile, and the espresso is always runny.
Although there are many positive reviews for this machine, our experience with the Staresso was not positive. This espresso maker is only ideal for a glamping or high-end van life adventures, not hiking or camping.
The available data on how much pressure this little portable espresso machine can produce is contradictory. Also, the manufacturer’s website isn’t exactly transparent.
However, in testing, it does produce some crema, indicating that the pressure is at least 15 bars, but the coffee comes out watery, as previously reported.
The Staresso is slightly longer than the Nanopresso at 9 inches and has a similar diameter.
The Staresso is a lot heavier (almost twice the weight) and a bulkier choice than the Nanopresso, although having nearly comparable proportions. This makes it unsuitable for weight-conscious expeditions.
The bottom cup is a small espresso cup contained within a container, creating a replica design and adding unnecessary weight.
The pump mechanism is simple to operate. However, because the force is directed straight down, you’ll need a level surface to place the machine on when pumping the pressure valve.
The Staresso is fantastic for an apartment or camping, but it falls short of a packable wilderness espresso machine.
This device, which resembles a rocket launcher, is Staresso’s third portable coffee maker, and it has a more technological appearance than the previous two generations’ vacuum cups.
This brand has won the Red Dot Design Award in Germany, the IF Design Award in the United Kingdom, and the Asian Outdoor Industry Award in Asia…
It is a popular domestic brand in the United States, Europe, Japan, and South Korea, with the Korean Coffee Museum collecting it.
Its 600g weight makes it incredibly portable, and with a capacity of 200 ml and a double cup design, brewing two cups of coffee at once is no problem.
By the way, this is a hand-pressing machine, which means it is unplugged. To make coffee, all you need is coffee powder, boiling water, and manual pressure. The pressure can also be adjusted by turning the bottom, and the low pressure can imitate a pour-over.
Handpresso Wild Hybrid Espresso Machine
This portable espresso maker is larger (480g), more expensive, and does not resemble a coffee maker in any way. It has the appearance of a bicycle pump, which could be your attitude while hiking in the mountains. It’s simple to operate and built to last.
The Wild Hybrid is a hand-powered espresso machine that produces 16 bar pressure and produces excellent espresso. It works with ESE pods and, when used with ground coffee, makes a cafe-quality cup.
It also requires external heat for water, and its odd design makes it a luggage-sized rather than backpack-friendly portable espresso machine.
The “non-hybrid” variants are less expensive but only work with ground coffee or pods, not both.
Handpresso Auto Espresso Maker
The Handpresso Auto has elevated the concept of “coffee on the go.” Because it plugs into a cigarette lighter, you can get your caffeine dose while driving with this portable espresso machine. Just don’t do it behind the wheel.
It has a simplified process that takes two minutes to hear, pressurize, and dispense espresso. This is the ideal travel companion, with 16 bar pressure, a 2-minute procedure, and compatibility with both pods and ground coffee.
Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? It is, however, highly expensive and does not last as long as the other possibilities.
Cafflano Kompresso
The Cafflano Kompress is the lightest and easiest-to-clean espresso machine in this roundup, making it ideal for camping.
To force the water through and extract espresso, it uses a manual hydraulic compressor is used. The results can range from the best to the worst cup of espresso among these options, and it’s the least forgiving equipment I tried.
To get the perfect grind, you’ll need fresh, high-quality beans and plenty of time. You’ll wind up with a watery mess if you grind too coarsely. If you grind too fine, you’ll have to push the extraction with your entire body weight.
You can get a full ⅜ inch of crema and a deliciously smooth shot if you find the sweet spot.
The Kompresso, unlike any other equipment, can also create a good cold-brew shot. The key is to tamp extra hard and presoak for one minute, according to the company’s instagram account.
The end product is fantastic (again, assuming you have high-quality beans and a good grind).
Flair Signature Espresso Maker
Flair, weighing 3kg, is one of the heaviest alternatives on the list. The design is not that of an espresso machine but rather that of a museum exhibition. Brewing coffee with Flair is truly an art form, not a one-button solution.
With a pressure range of 6 to 10 bars, it’s a true manual lever espresso machine. You may regulate every aspect of the brewing process, including the grind, tamping, pressure, water temperature, and extraction time.
And you already know that having more control allows you to make a better shot.
It’s tough and made of strong materials like aluminum and stainless steel, so it’ll hold up to any rough ride. You’ll need an external heat source and ground coffee beans to use this brewer.
It’s also available in various colors and makes a high-quality cup, but the hefty price tag might make you reconsider.
UniTerra Nomad Espresso Machine – Best Espresso Crema
On this list, the UniTerra Nomad is one of the heaviest and bulkiest. But believe us when we say that if you concentrate on the quality of espresso it produces, this won’t be an issue.
You may not want to take it trekking with you, but it is perfect for camping or traveling. Two tiny piston water pumps are operated by the small lever’s seesaw motion.
Over the course of a few strokes, the pressure builds up. The ideal brewing pressure of 8 to 10 bars is right at your fingertips.
Its espresso is on par with, if not better than, that produced by high-end espresso machines (3). This is thanks to UniTerra’s innovative True Crema Valve (TCV), which aids in dependably producing a beautiful thick cream.
On the downside, the UniTerra Nomad is the priciest travel espresso, maker. However, if you don’t mind spending an extra cent for the highest quality espresso, this is a good deal for you.
Furthermore, its distinct design is reminiscent of the well-known Lego, which distinguishes it from the rest of the portable coffee toys.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by DeLonghi
The smallest single-serve espresso machine is the Mini Nespresso machine. It’s a lot heavier than the other options at 2kg, but it offers a cup of barista-style coffee.
Even though it isn’t very compact, it is designed with modern, sleek lines that allow it to fit effortlessly into luggage.
While it can attain the ideal temperature in 30 seconds, the extraction pressure is outstanding at 19 bars, and it is still energy-efficient, switching off after 9 minutes of inactivity.
It’s simple to operate, quick, and compatible with Nespresso capsules, as well as being reasonably priced.
It would be an excellent choice if you have extra room in your luggage and don’t want to risk caffeine withdrawal while on vacation.
Bialetti Moka Expresso Maker
Moka Pots is one of the most widely used portable brewing methods all over the world. This brewer provides a traditional Italian coffee experience. It’s popular since it’s low-maintenance, inexpensive, and virtually indestructible.
It only works with ground coffee, and while your cup will taste great with a little effort, it isn’t really an espresso because it doesn’t utilize enough pressure.
While it is portable and weighs only 450g, keep in mind that it requires an external heat source and does not operate with an induction burner. But if you’re brewing by the fire, that shouldn’t be a problem, right?
DELONGHI Authentic Italian Espresso
With this Electric Moka machine, DeLonghi has taken the original Moka coffee maker to the next level. This one is a little heavier (1100g) and takes up a little more room, but it’s still portable.
It’s simple to use, quick, and cost-effective. It can only create 2 bars of pressure, similar to the conventional Moka brewer, and hence isn’t truly an espresso maker.
It feeds numerous people and keeps the coffee warm for 30 minutes using ground coffee and built-in heat.
Aeropress
Despite the fact that the Aeropress isn’t exactly a portable espresso maker, we decided to include it on the list. It is one of the most popular solutions for brewing coffee on the move due to its lightweight, compact design and versatility.
It can still make espresso-like coffee even if it doesn’t produce 9 bar pressure. The coffee is balanced and excellent when prepared correctly, with a fast plunge and finely ground coffee. However, it is still lacking in intensity and crema.
When brewing with an Aeropress, there are a few ways to increase crema. When utilizing the inverted method, freshly and finely ground coffee, the metal filter, and water that does not exceed 204F, the effect is rather amazing.
Not to mention that you can prepare a cold brew with it and use it at home whenever you want a filter coffee.
Coffee vs. Espresso
The primary distinction between espresso and coffee is that espresso is a highly concentrated beverage created by squeezing hot water through finely ground coffee grounds under high pressure. It takes about 30 seconds to extract and requires a minimum pressure of 9 bars.
Because of the concentration and the fresh fine ground, oils are released, and crema is formed, resulting in a full-bodied, well-rounded beverage. A lengthier extraction and a paper filter are used to prepare the brewed coffee, which strains the natural oils and makes the coffee more acidic.
Espresso is typically regarded as the quickest way to obtain a caffeine rush due to its high concentration, which makes it taste stronger and more intense. Brew coffee, on the other hand, contains higher caffeine, ranging from 70 to 140 milligrams, compared to 59 milligrams in espresso.
Espresso machine history
Coffee brewing dates back to the 9th century in Africa when the bean was first discovered. The rest of the globe caught up later, with Europe discovering it 800 years later and the United States joining in the 18th century.
As the popularity of coffee expanded, the first coffee shops popped up. This created quite a fuss. They served as intellectual hubs, generating debate and sometimes protests.
People have continued to improve coffee brewing processes over time. Angelo Moriondo invented the first espresso machine in Italy, later modified by Luigi Bezzera near the end of the nineteenth century.
Then, in 1938, Giovanni Achille Gaggia improved it by using higher pressure to generate crema, which is unique to espresso.
The days when asking for two bucks for your morning caffeine fix seemed outrageous are long gone, and many of us can’t picture our lives without it. That’s why there are so many portable espresso machines on the market these days.
Understanding of portable espresso makers
We must recognize our coffee addiction at the start of the day, no matter where we are, even if we are in the middle of nowhere. The best thing we can hope for is a portable espresso maker for those who prefer espresso shots on the go, on business trips, or in the office.
These small devices can surprise you when they produce great espresso with exquisite real crema valves while not having anything equivalent to the usual espresso makers seen in coffee shops. Such adaptability will undoubtedly make your road trips or adventures more pleasurable and memorable.
The widespread availability of portable espresso makers has not gone unnoticed. There are numerous items and features that can cause decision-makers to become exhausted.
Some people have a feature that others don’t, but they don’t have a certain trait that others do. All of this fuzziness will fry your mind and cause everything to become hazy.
Let that be our concern now because we’re here to assist you in your search for the ideal portable espresso machine for travelers.
What is a portable espresso maker?
It’s all about the pressure in an espresso machine. Espresso is made by forcing pressurized water through coffee grounds to create a thick, concentrated coffee. The term “portable” refers to the tiny size of the device that allows it to be moved around.
Types of portable espresso makers
Manual and automatic portable espresso makers are available.
The manual type allows you to control every aspect of the brewing process. This may not be a good idea if you lack the necessary hand strength and dexterity. It’s also worth noting that you’ll need an external heat source to boil your water first.
The automatic type requires electricity, so you’ll have to plug it in or use a battery. This model usually has more adaptable features, such as a self-cleaning cycle and self-heating.
Benefits of portable espresso makers
Coffee enthusiasts will find espresso makers to be a great travel companion. They provide a variety of advantages, such as:
- Portability – Compact and lightweight, they may simply be carried around in a backpack.
- Power-saving – Manual type will save a lot of energy. The automatic type, on the other hand, just requires recharging every so often.
- Excellent espresso – The produced espresso is just barista-quality.
- Ease of use – To prepare espresso, load the machine with water, coffee grounds, or a k-cup and pump the pressure.
- Affordable price – Portable espresso makers are available in a variety of pricing ranges, but they are all reasonably priced.
Why bring along espresso
Because of its strong, dense flavor, espresso is one of the most popular coffee-based beverages. While espresso is made from the same coffee beans, many coffee shops and cafes employ a special blend of beans for this beverage.
If you grind espresso beans finely enough, they can be used to drip coffee.
If you like espresso and coffee-based beverages, you probably get your favorite drinks from your local coffee shop or barista. Investing in a portable espresso machine is one of the greatest and simplest ways to enjoy all of your espresso beverages from home or on the go at a fraction of the cost and with the same quality and taste.
You may have a shot of espresso whenever you want, and you can try out different coffee bean blends and flavors to find your new favorite drink.
How to choose? The main deciding factors
Portability
Even though all espresso makers are portable, some are more so than others. The large weight differential can make a big difference.
There are three basic characteristics that distinguish the portability of an espresso maker:
- Ultralight < 34g
These are the most compact solutions, fitting into any overnight bag and making them suitable for one-day travels. These are excellent hiking and trekking companions, guaranteeing that you don’t run out of coffee right before reaching the mountain peak.
- Light 340-500g
These espresso machines are still quite light and portable. They’re perfect for overnight stays and multi-day excursions. They’d be small enough to fit in a piece of checked luggage or a weekend bag.
- Portable > 500g
These are the largest options, but they are still portable, despite the fact that packing them may be a challenge. However, if you have a lot of room in your checked luggage, they’re also wonderful.
If you want your portable coffee maker to be as light as possible, the AeroPress, which weighs only 184h, might be the ideal choice. Wacaco Nano isn’t far behind, weighing only 336g.
The Nespresso Mini Espresso machine or the Flair Espresso maker, on the other hand, are excellent choices if a heavier espresso maker is not required.
Compatibility
One of the things that set portable espresso machines apart is their compatibility. Some can only be used with ground coffee, others can only be used with pods and capsules, and a few may be used with both.
What matters is what you prefer and what your top priorities are. While pods produce lower-quality espresso, they are simple to transport and won’t make a mess in your luggage.
Using freshly ground coffee to make espresso, on the other hand, offers superior results but is more difficult to clean and transport than pods.
Water source
The water must be heated separately in most of these compact espresso makers. Some espresso makers may do the work for you, but you’ll need an electrical outlet for these.
That’s why it’s crucial to consider the area in which you’ll be using the portable espresso machine. To avoid future complications, don’t choose the one that requires an electric socket if you plan on using this gadget on your outside adventure trips, such as hiking or camping.
Convenience
Apart from the portability of your espresso machine, the form, the pumping technique, and the number of shots it can produce simultaneously are all factors to consider if convenience is your deciding factor.
If you plan to take your coffee maker on a trip with a group of friends or family who is all caffeine addicts, brewing each coffee separately would be inconvenient and possibly lead to conflicts over who gets to be first in line.
On holiday, nobody needs that.
Espresso quality
It’s now time for the true coffee connoisseurs to arrive. If you’re one of them, all other considerations aside from espresso quality may be thrown out the window when selecting the finest portable espresso maker.
If this is your primary consideration, choose a portable coffee machine that uses ground coffee rather than pods, one that produces the richest crema and one that uses the highest pressure. On the other hand, you may have to make concessions in terms of portability or convenience.
Price
Of course, don’t forget that price might be a determining factor. You may choose the one that is the most straightforward and takes the least amount of investment, depending on your budget.
Conversely, if you plan on using your portable espresso machine infrequently, you may want to go with the less expensive model. While it makes sense to pay more for coffee if you’re going away every weekend and want your trips to be accompanied by a delicious cup of coffee, it doesn’t make sense to invest less if you’re traveling away every weekend.
Our verdict
Each portable espresso machine has its advantages, and your decision is based on what elements are most important to you. Which of the options on the list is the best?
Wacaco Minipresso or Nanopresso is the greatest portable espresso maker, in our opinion, because they deliver outstanding quality espresso with a lot of ease and mobility.
Our favorites are the Handpresso Wild Hybrid and Flair Signature Espresso Makers, which are not as small, but their coffee is fantastic. That said, you can’t go wrong with bringing a Moka brewer or a Nespresso machine on your next camping trip or family vacation.
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
