You’ve had coffee at your home, at your work and every place else. Ever thought of having the best portable coffee maker in your car with you to get your much needed cup of Joe anywhere and anytime?
It is always a great hangout to have coffee with friends, family or a date – but sometimes you just want something else – a great cup of coffee that you made yourself from the comfort of your car!
In addition to this, a portable coffee maker is ideal for those family outings or a weekend getaway. It is a great thing for road trips with friends too.
Portable Coffee Maker – Editor’s Choice
Out of all the portable 12-volt coffee makers we reviewed, the Wacaco Minipresso NS, Portable Espresso Machine is our top pick – mainly for its travelling portability, size & weight, easy of use and of course,
Best 12-Volt Coffee Makers of 2020
- Coleman Camping Coffee Maker
- Wacaco Minipresso NS, Portable Espresso Machine
- STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine
- BODUM Stainless Steel Insulated Travel Coffee and Tea Press
- AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
- Handpresso Auto Espresso Maker
- Makita 12-V max Lithium-Ion Cordless Coffee Maker
- Stanley Adventure All-In-One Boil + Brew French Press
- Wacaco Minipresso GR, Portable Espresso Machine
- Handpresso Pump Pop, Sky Blue
- Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
- Conqueco Portable Espresso Maker
- AICOK Portable 15 Bar Espresso Machine
- Barsetto Portable Coffee Maker Espresso Coffee Machine
- GSI Outdoors – Glacier Stainless Commuter JavaPress, French Press Coffee Mug
- AmoVee French Press Travel Coffee Press Mug
- ESPRO 5116C-18BK Ultralight Coffee Press
- Zerodis Travel Kettle for Tea & Coffee Making
Coleman Camping Coffee Maker
Feel like going camping or a vacation trip with your loved ones? Great! The Coleman Camping coffee maker is a nice option for camping trips.
Product Features
It can be easily setup on the stove with a brewing capacity of 10 cups. It fits on most 2 and 3 burner camp stoves and has a steel base. It comes with a glass carafe and has a removable filter basket that fits 8-10 filters.
Also, it has a pause and serve feature so you can pour coffee before the brew cycle is complete. It has a big reservoir that makes it easy to make coffee fewer times in a day or to make coffee for more people at once! This is a durable coffee maker with easy handling and swing-out filter basket.
Pros
- Easy swing-out filter basket
- 10 cup capacity
- Steel base fits most 2 and 3 burner camp stoves
- Pause and serve feature
- Large Glass carafe
Cons:
- Requires a camp stove to be used
- Too big for a portable coffee maker to be used in RVs
Wacaco Minipresso NS, Portable Espresso Machine
The Wacao Minipress NS is a stylish and well-designed portable coffee maker for the urban life. A lightweight and handy device – ideal to carry with you almost everywhere.
Product Highlights
This coffee maker uses NS capsules or other compatible capsules. It has a manual piston that needs to be pumped few times before coffee can be made. Super easy to clean, too!
Comes with a 70 ml water tank that can be increased with a larger tank that is sold separately. At just 350 grams in weight, it is one of the lightest coffee makers that makes very good coffee without the need of electricity or any other power.
Also has a smart carry case that you can buy separately to carry around on your camping or outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Best lightweight coffee maker
- Most portable device for making coffee
- Ultra modernistic design that looks good to carry around
- No electricity required
- Works with NS capsules
Cons
- Serving size is 70 ml only
- Larger tank size of 100 ml needs to be bought separately
STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine
The Staresso portable coffee maker is a compact and sleek device that won the Reddot Design Award. It gives the pure, classic aroma with a thick layer of cream like one of those traditional Italian cafes.
Key Features
Both Nespress pods and ground coffee can work with this coffee maker. It is pretty much lightweight and takes less space on the counter. This can be carried on your trekking, hiking, camping or road trips without requiring any power sources to operate.
Has an 80 ml capacity and washable. This is a sturdy device made of stainless steel and BFA free material for durability. The pump is manual and pretty easy to operate. A great option to go with to make those long drives with your loved ones even better.
Pros
- Extremely stylish and award winning design
- Takes up less space in your kitchen
- No electricity required – has a manual pump
- Great for travelling
- Good for camping, trekking and hiking
Cons
- Water tank will serve up to 80ml only
- Hot water required to be used
BODUM Stainless Steel Insulated Travel Coffee and Tea Press
The Bodium Stainless steel coffee press is a trendy portable coffee mug with a decent price tag that will undoubtedly catch your attention. It is a vacuum-sealed device, meaning the drink remains hot for hours once made.
Product Highlights
Both tea and coffee can be brewed and consumed from the same container. It features a non-slip grip that comes in a variety of colors. It has a spill resistant lid and a built-in plunger that makes it convenient to drink.
Easily washable and is dish washer-friendly, too. An ideal choice for on-the-go coffee in your daily life and also great to have at work. This French press coffee maker is super-efficient and a hassle free machine.
Pros
- Super light for everyday use
- Ergonomic grip design
- Dishwasher friendly
- Both coffee and tea can be brewed
- Comes in a wide range of colors
Cons
- Drink stays hot for hours so first few sips might be extremely hot
- Does not come with extra lid
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
The AeroPress Coffee and espresso maker is an innovative way of making coffee. Without compromising on the taste or the aroma, this is a great, convenient way of having American coffee within 30 seconds.
Key Features
Super light and very compact for easy storage, it features a press, funnel, scoop, stirrer, a filter holder and 350 micro filters. Has the capacity to make 1-3 cups in a single press. The micro filtered coffee concentrate can be stored for days as it is particle free.
It brews coffee in a proper temperature with total immersion and rapid filtering. All of its components are washable and clean-up is very simple. It is not a typical coffee maker and brews through an innovative mechanism.
The coffee is not bitter and tastes perfect cup after cup. Without requiring any space at all, it is one of the best coffee makers at an affordable price.
Pros
- Makes coffee in 30 seconds
- No electricity required
- Very easy to clean and wash
- It is extremely lightweight
- BPA free materials are used
Cons
- No mug included
- Needs hot water to be operational
Handpresso Auto Espresso Maker
The Handpress Auto Espresso Maker is a French portable coffee maker that runs on a 12 volt cigarette lighter in any vehicle.
Product Highlights
It has a 53 ml tank, brews coffee with a 16 bar pressure and uses ESE pods to brew with a cycle time of 2 minutes. It is very lightweight and great for outdoor camping or hiking trips.
This device is also very nice for road trips or travelling. It cancels out the need to stop at cafes while travelling every now and then for coffee takeaways. It fits in most cup holders and plugs into cigarette lighter for coffee on the go.
This portable coffee maker also features a temperate gauge right on the front to tell you the exact temperature of your coffee. The design is equally good for daily use since it is compact, easily washable and a great coffee maker that works in your car.
Pros
- Compact design and stylish
- Works on 12 volt cigarette lighter
- Fits in most cup holders
- 16 bar pressure means great brewing
- Cycle time of just 2 minutes
Cons
- No power plug for home/office use
- ESE pods may not be available at every grocery store
Makita 12-V max Lithium-Ion Cordless Coffee Maker
The Makita DCM501Z is a portable cordless car coffee maker that operates on 12 volts and brews up to up to three 5 ounce cups of coffee on a single charge – making it a perfect choice for your next vacation trip.
Product Highlights
Features an 18 volt lithium battery that makes this maker super portable. With no paper filters needed at all – single serve packs or round coffee both can be used. This compact coffee maker makes great coffee while on the road – for work or leisure.
It cuts off power when there is not enough water in the tank as a safety precaution. Has a 3.5” cup clearance that fits most cups and its quick heating mechanism makes coffee in just 5 minutes. Also, has a carry handle for easily carrying it around while camping or outdoor picnics and is quite sturdy.
Pros
- Makes coffee in 5 minutes
- Operates with 12v and has battery (sold separately)
- 3.5” cup clearance for most cups
- Great for outdoors
- Both ground coffee and single serve packs can be used
Cons:
- Battery is sold separately
- Single charge will give only 2 cups
Stanley Adventure All-In-One Boil + Brew French Press
The Stanley Adventure is compact design, lightweight all in one boil + brew coffee maker that is a good, durable and portable option for a quick cup of Joe on the go!
Product Features
This is a multi-functional French press coffee brewer that will brew, boil and cook your favorite coffee and make your adventure trip even better. Has a stylish and compact design – ideal for traveling and camping.
Comes with an integrated pot with a nesting system. It’s quite lightweight with a capacity of just under one liter and has a melt resistant vented lid that provides thermal efficiency.
This french press also features a fold-able handle for easy carrying or packing in a travel bag. This coffee brewer will serve enough coffee for you in one go, making it a decent option.
Pros
- Large capacity for more cups
- Sleek silver design
- Easy handling with foldable handle
- Cook, boil or brew
- Stainless steel body makes it durable
Cons:
- Takes longer than other coffee makers
- Large capacity means will not fit in cup holders
Wacaco Minipresso GR, Portable Espresso Machine
The Wacao Minipress GR is another compact portable coffee maker – Perfet for your next travel plans. You will not at all be disappointed with its brew quality as well as its ease of use. It is similar to the Wacau NS already mentioned above but has more minimal approach.
Main Features
This one does not require batteries or electricity so that means it can be used everywhere! Also, you can use all types of coffee grounds giving you more taste options. As it is totally lightweight with a compact design, you can carry it while running or just strolling in the park.
To brew, you just add coffee ground into the filter basket and level the grind. Then add hot water and use the piston to pump manually, add pressure and extract great aromatic coffee!
Quite an easy-to-use coffee maker. Since it is a compact one, tank size is 50 ml but that does not hurt as the coffee quality is great and it weighs just 360 grams. A great addition to your traveler bag that will not take up too much space!
Pros
- Built-in espresso cup with scoop
- Very compact design means can be carried anywhere
- Nice for office breaks
- Handy at 6.89” overall length
- Easy brewing system
Cons:
- Serve size only 50 ml
- Accessories like a larger tank and travel bag are sold separately
Handpresso Pump Pop, Sky Blue
The Handpresso Pump Pop is yet another great portable coffee maker for coffee lovers on the go. This device comes in great array of vibrant colors for that great urban lifestyle.
Product Features
This is a lightweight coffee maker for all your travel gigs. Be it camping or hiking – this device will be there without needing batteries or electricity. The 16 bar manual hand pump brews great coffee almost anywhere!
You can brew ESE pods as well as pre-ground espresso with this small coffee maker. This is a compact device at 8.7” in length and weighs 1.06 lbs only. This will be your true travel companion giving out great espresso all the time!
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Comes in great vibrant colours
- Makes coffee easily with hand pump
- No batteries or electricity required
- Great for travel
Cons:
- No battery or electricity means needs hot water
- Makes single shot only
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
As the name suggests, the Wacao Nanopress Portable Espresso Maker is an extremely compact portable device. It will make great espresso yet being handy!
With a weight of just 336 grams and total length of 6.14” this is one of the smallest devices around that still give great aroma coffee.
Product Highlights
You will have ease using its pump as it requires 15% less pressure yet giving out a massive 18 bar stable pressure during extraction. You will enjoy your coffee to the fullest with its big 80 ml tank size in such a compact device!
It has a heat-sink design that will protect your hands from heat. If this is not enough – you can buy additional accessories like Barista Kit for Nespresso Original capsules and NS adapter to make those double espresso shots.
This device is an excellent choice for a great coffee experience every single time! On top of all this – it is easy to wash and clean with a filter basket and a brush that comes in the package.
Pros
- Very handy and lightweight
- Great for coffee on the go
- Nice design with heat-sink system
- Easy cleaning
- No batteries or power required
Cons:
- Small water tank
- Requires hot water to make coffee
Conqueco Portable Espresso Maker
This portable espresso maker from Conqueco is a great option for travel or just your daily coffee companion! You will never have to worry about those under pressure work sessions when a nice dose of caffeine is all you need.
Product Main Features
This device comes with self-heating and single button operation. You will enjoy barista style coffee with a 15-bar high pressure pump that will give out great aroma coffee!
It also features a cold water and hot water system where in the former you need to hold the button for just 2 seconds. This device comes with both a home charger and a 12 V car charger for on the go coffee.
You can place it in your car cup holder for easy travelling or even in your backpack! It is designed for Original Line Nespresso and L’OR capsules so make sure you get these along. Also, you will not need to worry about cleaning as this can be easily washed and cleaned as it has a wash feature too.
A short charging time 2.5 hours gives you 200 ml of great aroma coffee while you travel, camp, hike or cycle along your favorite getaway spots!
Pros
- Well designed for travelling
- Automatic heating system
- Short charging time
- Fits in cupholders easily
- 200 ml drinking capacity means no need to make over and over
Cons:
- Shaking device may damage it once filled with water
- Can be used with Nespresso and L’OR capsules only
AICOK Portable 15 Bar Espresso Machine
When thinking of getting a portable coffee maker for travel purposes – the Aicok Portable Espresso Machine should certainly be on your list. You will love the easy cleaning and washing system as it has a self-clean system which means you just need to wash the cup!
Key Features
With its heating system it can heat without being plugged in. You can use it in most cup holders for easy travelling and take it for outdoors as it designed for rugged use.
You will be amazed with this portable device that will give you great tasting coffee every single time! Use Nespresso or L’OR capsules for the 45 ml of sheer joy of caffeine!
With a single button 5-second operation, you will have a cup ready real quick. This device works with both hot and cold water. With a small size, it matches the size of a water bottle and fits perfectly in your travel bag.
Pros
- One touch operation design
- Easy washing and cleaning
- Super hot coffee
- 15 bar pressure design
- Works with hot and cold water
Cons:
- Not waterproof, may get damaged when immersed
- Works with Nespresso and L’OR capsules
Barsetto Portable Coffee Maker Espresso Coffee Machine
The portable coffee maker Barsetto Espresso is a stylish and sleek device with a great taste! You will love the way it looks as it has a traditional feel in its Italian design that is inspired by the Pisa Tower.
Salient Features
The portable lightweight coffee maker will be a great addition to your outdoor trips or picnics! With its 2 in 1 feature of ground coffee and coffee capsules you have the choice to have your coffee your way!
It has a 15 bar pressure that brews outstanding coffee in less than a minute. You just need to add hot water, press down on the piston, forcing water through the coffee and drink.
It has a simple cleaning system that allows all parts to be taken off and washed. It is also dishwater safe. It is a great device to carry in your car, bus, train or plane trips.
All you need is hot water and you have your own barista-style coffee! The exquisite double-walled cup will contain great aroma coffee on the go! One of the most stylish and exquisite looking portable devices around.
Pros
- Makes coffee in less than a minute
- Insulated cup means coffee stays hot
- No batteries or electricity required
- Great stylish design
- Easy to carry around anywhere
Cons
- Requires hot water to make coffee
- Small serving size
GSI Outdoors – Glacier Stainless Commuter JavaPress, French Press Coffee Mug
The GSI Outdoors is an innovative portable coffee maker for those healthy lifestyle conscious people always on the go! This device is made from stainless steel and has a double walled lid that will coffee hot for 3 hours.
Product Details
The sliding inner carafe is a clever design which replaces the rod in classic French presses. The operation is pretty easy and needs no special instructions. Just follow the diagrams and you will get a hang of it!
It features vibrant color options and a great urban design. The spill resistant top means no more spills on your clothes or desk or your car interior. The rubber base means it will not slide and fall accidentally.
In fact a great outdoor portable coffee device meant for your outdoor expeditions as well as daily work routines.
Pros
- Lightweight chic design
- Rubber base makes it a non slip device
- Stainless steel body for extra durability
- Fits most cupholders
- Coffee stays hot for upto 3 hours
Cons
- Requires hot water always
- Tank size not too big
AmoVee French Press Travel Coffee Press Mug
The Amovee French Press is a portable coffee maker that comes with its own mug. The 2 in 1 mug has a 350 ml capacity and a spill resistant lid. This means you can walk freely with it always without worrying about those spill marks!
Main Product Features
This lightweight device is made from food grade plastic and looks nice in your hand. Even the inner plungers are made from food grade plastic. It also comes with a heat resistant silicone rubber.
This will make a great addition to your coffee and tea needs! It is ideal for your hiking, camping, walking or outdoor routines since it is leak proof. It will give you a great tasting cup of coffee or tea in just 3-4 minutes.
The washing is pretty easy as well as you can take out the filter and wash every part with water. This will surely be a great addition to your travel backpack for those adventure outings.
Pros
- Nice outdoor design
- Good cup size of 350ml
- Made from high quality materials
- Makes great coffee in 3-4 minutes only
- Good for both tea and coffee
Cons
- No power operation
- Does not come in different variety of colors
ESPRO 5116C-18BK Ultralight Coffee Press
The ESPRO Ultralight Coffee Press is a nice portable coffee maker that is ideal for everyday use. This is a super light coffee maker and has a vacuum insulated stainless steel body that keeps your coffee or tea hot or cold for hours.
Key Product Highlights
The double micro-filters will give you grit free coffee anywhere. This means once the plunger is pushed down, over extracted coffee or tea will not mix with your beverage.
These micro-filters are 12 times finer than a usual French press. At 16 oz, it justifies its name of ‘ultralight’! The loop comes in handy to carry it around with more ease than a normal coffee maker.
The leak-proof lid means it will not spill your beverage anywhere at all. If you need a great portable device that is mess-free, this is a great option for that rich aromatic coffee.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight to carry
- Fits in any travel bag
- Simple operating procedure
- Durable stainless steel body
- Vacuum double insulated means beverage stays hot or cold longer
Cons
- Not battery or electricity operated
- At 9.2” in length, some may find it too long to carry
Zerodis Travel Kettle for Tea & Coffee Making
The Zerodis non-toxic 1000 ml travel kettle is a decent portable device for making tea and coffee. It has a plastic body that does not get hot while water is boiling inside.
Main Features
The one liter capacity gives you great coffee with single boil. The inner side has stainless steel that quickly boils up in 20 minutes and stays hot for hours. The 12-volt cigarette lighter power means it is designed to be used for travelling.
This kettle makes water boiling hot which is great for good coffee or tea. The kettle automatically cuts off power once it is hot which makes it super safe as well. Washing is quite easy as well.
Pros
- 1 serving equals 1000ml
- Portable and easy to wash
- Great for travelling and outdoors
- Non-toxic materials
- Operates on 12 volt cigarette lighters
Cons
- Some may find it bit too big
- Does not fit in cup holders of cars
Types of Portable Coffee Makers
With all the technological advancements going around us, you will be seeing something new every now and then. However, there are three main types of travel or portable coffee makers:
Drip Coffee Brewer
Also known as the automatic drip coffee maker, this is one of the most common travel coffee maker types that you will come across. It can brew multiple cups of coffee in one go.
Single Serve
Single serve or the single cup coffee maker, this one is good on your wallet if you are tight on budget and want your cup of Joe on-the-go. Good thing about it is that you can have flavored tea or coffee as well.
French Press
For those traditional and old-school coffee lovers out there, the portable French Press needs no technology to brew your perfect coffee cup.
Best Travel Coffee Maker – What Features to Look For
There are several products in this line of coffee machines – some of them might look all too similar to you with very minimal differences. So what do you need to look for?
Size
You don’t want to be travelling on the road or be at your camping destination with a huge coffee machine with you. It kills the purpose. So make sure the size is acceptable.
Weight
Being compact is one thing, being lightweight is another. Make sure whichever product you go with, it has a sleek design and isn’t too heavy either.
Price
Well, like every other product you buy, you look for value for money – and you certainly should. Do your homework before spending your hard-earned bucks.
Power
One of the major factors that should influence your decision is the power source of your portable coffee machine. Remember, the main source of these machines will be your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.Some products also have a 12 volt USB adapter that gives you more features.
Make Your Vacation Better with the Best Portable Coffee Maker
If you are planning to go on your next camping trip or vacation destination, it will be a good idea to carry a nice, compact coffee maker with you.
Even if you want to have your coffee while you are travelling in your vehicle, a portable and easy to carry around coffee maker will make your life a whole lot easier.
Imagine yourself on a camping trip in the woods, waking up to those beautiful landscape and everything this else nature has to give – and with that, sipping your freshly-brewed coffee. Makes it perfect, doesn’t it?