Best Portable Espresso Makers – 7 Fantastic Travel Buddies

Are you a passionate traveller who can’t live without an espresso drink? Well, we feel your pain! You don’t have to settle for inferior coffee anymore while camping, travelling, or simply moving around.

We have scoured the market, read all blog posts and brochures we could find, watched hours of YouTube material, and reviewed and tested different portable espresso makers for you.

Our conclusion is that Wacaco Picopresso is the best portable espresso maker by far.

The main reason why we picked Picopresso is its innovative nanopores technology that creates up to 18 bars of pressure, resulting in a rich and creamy espresso shot with an unmatched aroma and flavour profile. That’s exactly what you want, am I right?

Plus, the compact size and stylish look just added to the overall grade.

But that’s not all. There are a number of other amazing travel espresso makers on the market. So read on to discover how to turn any destination into an at-home barista experience with our guides.

7 Best Portable Espresso Makers

From manual hand-pressed devices to inventive electric options, in this post, we will dive into the best portable espresso makers available.

Whether you’re roughing it in the wilderness or looking for a more convenient way to get your daily caffeine fix, these handy gadgets promise delicious espresso drinks anytime, anywhere.

Wacaco Picopresso – Best Overall

We tested dozens of different gadgets, but one has managed to win in all categories – the Wacaco Picopresso – a compact device that can easily fit into your backpack, purse, or briefcase.

Picopresso stands out as the top and most sought-after portable espresso maker due to its ability to consistently produce high-quality espresso.

Since it weighs only 350 grams (0.77 pounds), it is an ideal companion for travel, camping, or office use.

During our test, I find that you can fill it with up to 80 ml of water. And the basket can hold up to 18 grams of coffee. That’s enough for a double shot!

But above all, I very much like that the Picopresso is able to deliver high-quality and rich espresso shots in just a matter of minutes.

The Picopresso comes equipped with a built-in micro-hydraulic press that exerts up to 18 bars of pressure to extract the maximum flavour and aroma from your coffee beans.

We’re sure you will like it because it is built for speed, efficiency, and convenience, and it doesn’t require any electricity, batteries or cartridges. You can use it anywhere, at any time.

Additionally, it comes with a detachable cup, which makes it even more convenient for travellers, campers or people on the go.

Another great feature of the Picopresso that we loved during our testing and reviewing is its ease of use. It has a simple and intuitive design that requires minimal effort to operate.

All you need to do is add your favourite coffee grounds, pour in hot water, and then start pressing the pumping lever to extract your delicious espresso shot.

However, keep in mind that using pre-ground coffee won’t help you make a tasty espresso with crema. It is better to use fresh beans.

You also need a grinder to adjust the grind size for the best result. Super-fine grind settings seem to work the best with Picopresso.

PRO TIP: Don’t get discouraged if your first few espressos come out talking and looking bad. It takes a bit of time and effort to dial in your brew settings and get a perfect espresso.

Outin Nano – Runner Up

Probably the only reason why we place Picopresso above Outin Nano is the fact that Wacaco is a brand that made these little gadgets super popular among travellers.

As you are about to see from our review, if you are looking for the best portable espresso makers, both of these gadgets are worth every single penny.

This little espresso gadget is one of the top models because of its compact size and durable design, making it easy to carry everywhere you go.

Additionally, it features a built-in manual pump and a pressure release valve, enabling you to achieve a nice shot of espresso every time you use it.

It’s a bit on the heavier side of the scale but we loved it.

One of the key benefits of this model is its brewing technology. With its 20-bar high-pressure pump and innovative self-heating system, this little device can extract a quite nice cup of espresso.

Since it is a self-heating model, this also means that you don’t need to bring hot water with you. But you will need batteries 3 Lithium Ion batteries to make it hot.

Just like the previous model we tested, Nano can hold up to 80 ml of water.

While testing this model, we find that you can get 5 cups from one full charge if you always use 50ml. If you use 80ml, then it will only make 3 cups.

PRO TIP: if you want the best espresso, use 50ml of water. That will give you one cup of 30ml espresso.

In addition to its solid brewing capabilities, the Outin Nano espresso maker is also highly user-friendly, with a simple button control that allows you to extract espresso with ease.

The device is compatible with standard Nespresso capsules or any coffee of your choice, providing you with endless options to brew your favourite cup of coffee.

On the downside, some have said that it takes quite a lot of time to fully charge the device. On the other hand, it seems to lose power quite fast. It might not be ideal for long camping trips.

Plus, because it contains batteries and thus, more moving parts, it weighs 1kg (2.35 pounds). Compared to Picopresso, that is a massive weight!

Wacaco Nanopresso – Best On-Budget

When it first came out, Nanopresso took the world by storm. Today, it’s still good, but not as good as its little brother – Picopresso. Still, it’s a great on-budget alternative that makes good espresso on the go.

This little model is also designed with durable and efficient components that ensure reliable and consistent performance, making it a favourite among travellers, campers and coffee lovers on the go.

One of the first things we noticed is that it is a lightweight device weighing 335 grams (0.74 pounds), which makes it the lightest model on our list here.

The device is made of high-quality materials and features a compact and sleek design. In my opinion, it is perfect for travel, and camping especially. It can be easily transported in a backpack or purse.

Additionally, the Nanopresso boasts a powerful pumping system that generates up to 18 bars of pressure, ensuring the extraction of every last drop of coffee essence from the ground beans.

During our tests, we find it easy to use, simply requiring a few pumps of the incorporated manual pumping system to produce flavorful espresso shots.

Furthermore, the Nanopresso comes with a range of accessories. These include a handy carrying case, a reusable filter basket, a scoop, a brush for cleaning the device after use, and a built-in espresso cup.

However, if you are going to opt-in for this portable maker, you will need to choose if you want to use coffee grounds or Nespresso pods. There are different machines for each type.

Flair Signature – Best Upgrade

If you want the best espresso quality and are ready to compromise a bit on the size and weight of your portable device, Flair Signature is the best upgrade to Picopresso or Outin Nano.

It weighs 3kg (6.7 pounds), which makes it the heaviest model on our list. But it makes, by far, the best-tasting espresso from all makers listed here. And here is why.

The Flair Signature is a top-of-the-line manual machine that stands out among other portable espresso makers on the market.

We loved how easy it is to operate this machine. It offers a level of control not typically found in the rest. And it needs no batteries or cables to operate.

This espresso maker features a “lever-press” mechanism that is easy to use. The lever allows you to manually control the pressure applied to the coffee grounds.

This feature provides a more hands-on approach to espresso-making than most machines, resulting in a unique and personalized cup of espresso.

Before you start pumping, add 70 ml of hot water and 24 grams of espresso powder to get 56 ml of liquid (double shot!). Keep in mind that you need a burr grinder to get the best results.

Since you can tear it apart, I’m sure that the Flair Signature espresso maker is a great choice for travellers, campers, or anyone who wants reliable and high-quality espresso wherever they go.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t support Nespresso pods.

In terms of durability, the Flair Signature excels as well. Made from high-quality stainless steel, I’m sure this device is built to last. It also comes with a 5-year warranty!

Yes, we know it’s a bit more expensive than you would want to pay for a gadget like this. But, in our experience, it is worth every penny if you don’t want to compromise on the quality of your shots.

Flair Signature is the best upgrade to cheaper portable espresso makers because it makes a high-quality espresso among these little devices.

Staresso Classic – Editor’s Pick

The Staresso Classic is a highly versatile and reliable coffee brewing system designed for coffee enthusiasts that we had to include on our list.

In terms of its portability, the Staresso Classic is incredibly lightweight (400 grams) and compact. It is the perfect companion for camping trips, road trips, and other adventurous excursions.

Crafted from plastic and stainless steel, this compact machine features a manual pumping system that allows you to easily control the pressure and flow of the brews.

One of the features of the Staresso Classic that we like very much is its ability to adapt to a wide range of brewing methods.

In other words, this model has a built-in frother for making lattes and cappuccinos!

Making espresso is the same as with every other model in this category. Heat up 80 ml of water, add 10 grams of espresso powder, put it all together and start pumping to get about 15 to 18 bars of pressure and extract about 30 to 50 ml of espresso.

And to froth milk, you need to take the pump off and put it into the milk. Pump it to make bubbles and foam, and then mix it with espresso to get a creamy latte.

Furthermore, I was happy to learn that Staresso Classic, just like all of the models on our list can be used with both ground coffee and Nespresso capsules.

However, some have reported that using the Staresso is harder than other pump-style machines. If you have weak hands, this may not be a good choice for you.

It may get even harder to use over time, but at least it comes with a 2-year warranty.

Cera+ – Best For Milk Drinks

Although it is one of the heavier models, Cera+ offers an interesting on-the-go espresso brewing experience.

During our tests, we find that the Cera+ is made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel and ceramic, which ensures that it will last for years to come.

High-quality craftsmanship added a bit to its overall weight (635 grams) making it a bit heavier than our top recommendations, Picopresso and Outin Nano.

Still, its compact size also makes it ideal for travelling, whether you’re on a camping trip or just commuting to work. And you don’t need to heat up the water since it has a built-in heating mode.

Another great feature of the Cera+ is its versatility. It is compatible with both ground coffee and Nespresso capsules, which we loved to see.

In terms of performance, we find it has a 20-bar pump that delivers a quite nice espresso. And just like the Staresso Classic, this portable espresso maker also features a built-in milk frother!

It has a built-in battery that can make 3-4 cups of hot espresso with cold water or 2 cups with warm water. Before you use it, plug in the charger for 3 to 3.5 hours so it is ready to go.

If you get Cera+, you will discover that the machine is also energy-efficient. It has an automatic shut-off function that kicks in after 10 minutes of inactivity.

On the downside, it only makes 4 cups of coffee on one charge. If you want more, you have to wait for it to recharge. It would be nice if the machine could work when plugged into a USB port.

Cafflano Kompresso – Most Simplest

Cafflano Kompresso is a compact and lightweight portable espresso machine that allows you to enjoy a decent cup of espresso anytime, anywhere.

It features a unique hydraulic system that extracts espresso with only 9 bars of pressure. It’s small and light, making it the perfect accessory for travelling, camping or outdoor activities.

It’s not the best portable espresso maker, but it is certainly worth considering. Especially if you are not impressed by fancy features and abilities and are looking for a simple and easy-to-use model.

If that is you, you will like the idea behind the Kompresso.

Unlike other espresso devices on our list that use pneumatic air compression, electricity in some cases, and complicated functions, the Cafflano Kompresso features a simple hydraulic system.

Simply add hot water and ground coffee to the chamber, pump once and you’re ready to go.

Unfortunately, this model doesn’t support capsules. But still, it is a decent device that brews a solid cup of coffee without the need for electricity.

One of the top benefits of the Kompresso in our review is its high level of portability. It weighs just 444g, making it one of the lightest espresso makers on our list here.

The device’s compact design means it takes up very little space. In my opinion, it is perfect for people who love to travel. Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry around in a backpack or travel bag.

The Kompresso also comes with a built-in cup, ensuring that you can enjoy your espresso without having to worry about finding a suitable container.

However, keep in mind that you will not get real espresso with crema using this maker. If you don’t want to compromise on espresso quality, we recommend the Wacaco Picopresso instead.

7 Tips For Choosing the Best Portable Espresso Maker For Your Needs

Not all models on our list above are created equal and it can be tricky trying to figure out which one will work best for you.

We understand how hard this decision can be, so we’ve compiled 7 things you need to consider when looking for a perfect device for your needs.

Size and Weight

Since you’re looking for a portable device, it’s essential to consider its size and weight.

If you’re planning to carry it with you on long hikes or camping trips, you’ll want to choose a lightweight and compact device. Heavier models are great for cars and short trips to work.

Quality of Espresso

Of course, the quality of the espresso shot is the most important factor to consider. Look for a model that produces rich, flavorful, and high-quality espresso shots consistently.

Ease of Use

We also recommend looking for a gadget that’s easy to use and requires minimal effort to operate. You don’t want to be struggling with a complicated device while you’re on the go.

We find the Wacaco Picopresso model is super easy to use. If you want a great-tasting espresso anywhere and anytime, this little lightweight gadget is your top pick.

Brewing Capacity

Another critical factor to consider is the capacity of the machine. Some devices can only make one shot at a time, while others can make up to six shots.

Consider how many shots you need, and choose a device that meets your requirements.

Build Quality

The espresso maker’s build quality and materials used in construction are essential to ensure its durability and longevity.

Invest in a high-quality product that is resistant to wear and tear and can last longer.

Your Budget

As you can see from our list above, these devices can vary widely in price, from affordable to high-end.

Consider your budget and choose a device that offers the features and quality you need at a price point that works for you.

Brand Reputation

Finally, opt for a brand with a good reputation for manufacturing high-quality and efficient portable espresso makers.

The most popular brands include Wacaco, Flair, and Outin.

Our #1 Recommendation

With all of that being said, the clear number one recommendation for the best portable espresso maker, in our opinion, is Wacaco Picopresso.

This amazing little device has everything you need to make an extremely good cup of espresso anywhere and anytime. We loved it, and you will too.

Its small design fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, making it great for taking with you on long trips or camping adventures.

The quality cup of espresso produced by this little espresso gadget rivals even those from traditional espresso makers, demonstrating that its technology packs quite a punch.

We hope our guide was helpful in informing your decision when picking out your favourite portable espresso maker. Enjoy all the deliciousness you can brew up with yours — cheers!

Oh! One last thing. If you are interested in finding out which machine is best for beginners, you can read our comprehensive guide as well.

FAQ

How do portable espresso makers work?

These types of portable coffee devices work by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans to produce a shot of espresso.

The specific method of brewing can vary between different devices, with some relying on manual pressure, while others require an electric or battery-powered pump.

Can you make other coffee drinks besides espresso with a portable espresso maker?

Yes, some models, such as the Staresso Classic, offer the ability to froth milk to make other espresso drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos.

What kind of coffee should I use with a portable espresso maker?

It’s recommended to use fresh finely ground coffee beans to ensure the best results. However, the specific type of coffee and roast level can vary depending on personal preferences.

For best results, we recommend investing in a high-quality portable grinder too.

How do I clean my portable espresso maker?

Cleaning instructions can vary depending on the specific device, but in general, it’s recommended to rinse the device with hot water after each use and deep clean it periodically.