Best Portable Coffee Makers in 2023 — Buyer’s Guide, Reviews, and Comparisons
Do you need your caffeine fix when there’s no full-size coffee machine or cafe in sight? Whether you’re traveling or hiking and can’t lug a big appliance with you, or you’re rushed for time, a portable coffee machine could solve your problem. No matter what kind of java you prefer, there’s a travel-size coffee maker that can brew it. Black coffee or even espresso is possible with these devices. These appliances don’t even need power — as long as you have hot water, ground coffee, and about five minutes, you’re all set. These devices range from value deals to somewhat expensive, so there’s an option for every budget. Of course, there’s always the option to go without your beloved beverage, but really, no one wants to do that! These are some of our favorite travel-size coffee machines.
- Immersion brewing creates rich java
- Microfilters let flavor through, but no grit
- Brews approximately eight ounces of coffee
Portable Coffee Makers Information
Portable Coffee Makers Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Best Overall |
Features
| Check Price At Amazon Aeropress Review | |
Best Two-In-One  | Best Two-In-One |
Features
| Check Price At Amazon Bodum Travel Press Review | |
Best For Real Espresso  | Best For Real Espresso |
Features
| Check Price At Amazon Wacaco Minipresso Review | |
Most Budget Friendly  | Most Budget Friendly |
Features
| Check Price At Amazon Presto MyJo Review | |
Best Portable French Press  | Best Portable French Press |
Features
| Check Price At Amazon ESPRO P1 Review |
In a hurry? Skip to our reviews of our top picks:
Best Portable Coffee Machines Buyer’s Guide
If you’ve ever been stuck with basic hotel coffee, or worse, no java at all, then you understand the appeal of travel coffee machines. These wonderful inventions are like lifesavers for caffeine addicts, and if you didn’t know, you’d never guess that mug of joe came from a device small enough it can fit in your backpack.
People who travel or go camping are no longer willing to settle for coffee that’s weak, bitter, or just doesn’t taste good. And going without that cup of caffeine simply isn’t an option. Travel espresso makers have come a long way from just combining some hot water with instant coffee.
Pour-overs, espresso makers, combination devices, and French presses — these are all types of travel coffee appliances available now. From brewing one single espresso cup to a 20-ounce travel mug and everything in between, there are countless options for taking your joe with you. In fact, I’d wager there’s a suitable option for everyone.
Before deciding which device is right for you, there are several factors that should be considered:
Will it fit inside your backpack or suitcase?
How much coffee do you drink?
What kind of coffee do you want to brew?
How easy is the cleanup process?
Advantages of Portable Coffee Makers
The best portable espresso makers obviously have the advantage of being portable, but there are other reasons people choose these devices. Not least because of their many virtues.
As the name suggests, these devices are portable and you can take one almost anywhere. Especially somewhere which doesn’t allow a standard-size coffee maker. Use it as a substitute for poor-quality hotel room java. Grab that two-in-one travel mug for use on your way to work. Take that seven-inch espresso maker hiking with you.
They’re affordable too. Although prices vary, most portable coffee makers are inexpensive. When compared with the price of ordering a drink daily (or multiple times a day) at your local cafe, one of these devices will quickly pay for itself. This is true even for models with a higher price point.
These coffee machines can also be environmentally friendly. Yes, some use disposable pods or filters, but there are others that rely on reusable filters and create virtually no waste outside of coffee grounds. No electricity is required for the models on our list, either.
How to Choose the Best Portable Coffee Maker
So you’ve decided to look at portable coffee makers. This is not a one size fits all scenario. There are many different models, they make different types of coffee, they come in different sizes, and they have different features. You’ll want to think about some of these points before making your purchase.
Size Matters
Make sure your portable coffee machine is, well, portable. And that definition differs from one person to another. Think about the times when you’ll be using your device. Are you going to be carrying it through the woods? Then you’ll likely want something which is small and lightweight. Will you be making coffee in a hotel room? Maybe something a bit larger will suffice, assuming it will fit into your suitcase.
Tiny Cup or Full-Size Mug?
Portable coffee makers can brew anywhere from 1.5 ounces of espresso to about 20 ounces of regular java. Always verify the amount a device can brew and factor that into your selection process. Obviously, if you take a 20-ounce travel mug with you on your way to work, a portable espresso maker that only brews 1 to 2 ounces just won’t work for you.
What’s Your Coffee Pleasure?
Do you drink the basic black stuff, or do you doctor it up with cream and sugar? Maybe you prefer a shot of espresso. Or maybe you take that shot of espresso one step further by turning it into a latte.
A portable coffee machine brews one type of coffee, whether that’s espresso, French press coffee, or drip coffee. Its size just makes it impossible to brew multiple types of java. So when you’re deciding which model to buy, consider which beverage you’ll be brewing with it.
The Cleanup Hassle
Most portable coffee makers are pretty uncomplicated to clean. For some, it’s as straightforward as just rinsing with water. Other models may require a little more scrubbing or time. Some are even dishwasher-safe, so you don’t need to give them any more thought.
Most models include instructions on how to care for and clean the device. If you’re going camping with your portable coffee maker, you’ll likely want to make sure that all you have to do is rinse it out after use. It’s a bit difficult to have to disassemble and clean every nook or cranny of a coffee machine in a tent!
Our Pick of the Best Portable Coffee Makers
Our Rating: 4.8/5
FEATURES:
- Compact and portable
- Total immersion brewing
- Microfilter prevents sediment in the cup
- Can be used for hot or cold brewing
The Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker may not be a household name, but it holds its own when it comes to brewing tasty beverages on a budget. Its total-immersion brewing method is similar to a French press but has some interesting adaptations.
Weighing in at around one pound, this appliance is created to be small, portable, and durable. Whether you’re taking it on your business trip or to the campground, it’s durable as well as functional, so you don’t have to worry about breaking it. This device might not win beauty pageants, but it holds its own when it comes to coffee quality.
With this device, you’re in control. Unlike using an automated coffee machine, you control the water temperature, how much coffee is used, and how long it brews. Customization is the name of the game and the device provides options at a low price tag.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.7/5
FEATURES:
- All-in-one French press and travel mug device
- Stainless steel construction
- The filter keeps out sediment but lets oil through
- Designed to be taken wherever you go
The Bodum travel French press combines two of a java lover’s favorites — a French press and a travel mug. Take that richness of French press coffee on the go with you in this all-in-one coffee maker.
Convenient but straightforward to use, this coffee maker is perfect for someone rushing out the door for work. Just add hot water and ground coffee, set your watch for four minutes of steeping time, and then plunge. Your coffee is ready to drink immediately.
The filter keeps sediment and grit out of the beverage but lets rich oils seep through to develop that robust taste you love. The device is crafted from stainless steel, which will keep your drink warm much longer than a traditional glass French press.
Since you’re getting both a coffee maker plus an insulated travel mug, it’s hard to criticize its very reasonable price. Considering that this device can also brew tea, along with cold brew coffee, it’s even better.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.8/5
FEATURES:
- Uses Nespresso Original capsules
- Produces true espresso
- Hand-operated
- Up to 1.5 ounces of espresso in each shot
If you’ve been lamenting about the quality of campsite or hotel coffee, the Wacaco Minipresso NS is coming to your rescue. This portable espresso machine brews true espresso, not just strong java.
Manually operated, this device is compact and weighs less than one pound, so it fits almost anywhere. Yes, you absolutely can squeeze that little canister into your backpack! You don’t even need a mug because there is a built-in espresso cup.
Nespresso Original capsules are one secret with this device, offering a wide variety of flavors and roasts. The espresso maker’s water tank holds just over two fluid ounces of water, which brews up to an ounce of rich espresso, topped with crema. Once it’s brewed, just throw away the capsule and rinse out the machine.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.2/5
FEATURES:
- Uses single-serve coffee packs or a reusable cup
- Microwavable water reservoir
- Plastic, lightweight
- Fits on top of a cup
The Presto MyJo uses individual coffee packs and offers a convenience not normally found with portable coffee makers. If you’re looking for simplicity and variety, this is a great device. However, it lacks the quality of some other portable coffee machines.
Lightweight and composed of BPA-free plastic, this device simply sits atop your mug to brew your beverage. It’s small enough that it can go anywhere and is particularly useful for dorm rooms, hotels, or campsites. Cleanup is a snap, as you can just toss what’s left into the trash and rinse the base with water.
The coffee machine has water-line markings to allow for different mug sizes. It also includes a reusable cup filter that can be used with your preferred beverage blend if you don’t want to use individual packs. While well-suited to short-term use, on a camping trip, for example, this device is not ideal for everyday use.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.7/5
FEATURES:
- Two-in-one French press and travel mug
- Crafted from stainless steel
- Double microfilters keep silt out of your cup
- Leak-proof lid screws on or off
The ESPRO Travel Press has successfully merged two favorites of bean lovers — a French press and a travel mug — into a single design that successfully encompasses both.
Constructed from double-walled, insulated stainless steel, this two-in-one coffee maker means you can enjoy that rich, French press coffee on your way to work or while out camping. Not only does it brew excellent java, but your beverage will stay hot for an impressive four to six hours inside the well-built mug.
You won’t be dealing with sediment in your drink, as two microfilters work together to trap coffee grounds at the bottom of the cup. Additionally, a screw-on, leak-proof lid ensures that no caffeinated goodness escapes from your cup until you’re ready to enjoy it.
While it’s definitely not the cheapest portable coffee maker, you do get what you pay for. And in this case, that’s delectable coffee and a device that does what it says it will.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Conclusion
Our Top Pick
Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker
Coffee lovers understand the need to have a quality cup of joe, no matter where you are. It’s not always possible to pop into your corner cafe or to use an automatic espresso machine, but that doesn’t mean no caffeinated goodness at all. The best portable espresso machines let you enjoy that coffee in your office, in a hotel room with no kitchen, or while hiking through the middle of a forest.
Portable coffee makers have improved dramatically from those days of sticking a metal coffee pot over the fire. No kitchen required for brewing, and there are options for French press coffee or even authentic espresso. You just need hot water, ground coffee, and a few minutes of your time.
These devices are available in a wide range of styles and sizes, so you’re certain to find one that meets your needs. Whether you just need one single espresso shot, or you like to sip on a hot beverage all morning, there’s a portable coffee machine to make that happen.
Why settle for lousy java, or even worse, no java at all?
Best Portable Coffee Makers FAQs
How Can I Make Coffee Without Electricity?
Portable coffee machines are a great option. As long as there’s hot water, you can brew coffee without electricity.
Can I Make Coffee Without Hot Water?
Absolutely! Many portable coffee makers allow you to make cold brew coffee, which only requires grounds, cold water, and brewing time.
What Is the Best Portable Coffee Maker?
There are a number of great appliances for brewing java, but our favorite is the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker.
Are There Battery Operated Coffee Makers?
Yes, there are several portable coffee makers that use batteries, but there are also many great manually operated appliances.
What Is the Smallest Espresso Machine?
There are many small espresso machines, but one of the smallest, most lightweight portable espresso machines is the Wacaco Minipresso NS.
How Do You Use a French Press Travel Mug?
Using a French press and travel mug coffee maker is easy. Add your coffee to the mug, then hot water. Stir gently, then place the lid on the mug with its plunger up. Let it steep for four minutes, then push the plunger down. Your beverage is ready!
Other Coffee Machine Types You Might Like
