Coffee lovers often struggle to get a luscious espresso shot while camping or hiking. However, you do not have to struggle anymore as we have come up with the best portable espresso makers for your upcoming travelling or camping trip.
If you are a coffee addict, then, probably the most significant thing to consider for you while planning a vacation would be how to get the perfect espresso. Choosing a portable machine can be quite tough when you do not know which one would be appropriate according to your taste and style.
We have compiled a list of the best espresso makers so that you may get a delicious cup of espresso on the go.
Our Top Pick – WACACO Minipresso GR
If you are looking for a perfect companion as a camping espresso maker then, Wacaco Minipresso GR espresso maker might be the one.
It provides you a stylish design with multiple traveling features that not only provides you an espresso shot but also make it taste so much delicious than other espresso makers.
You may use any kind of coffee beans. This espresso maker is capable of carrying out a rich extraction even without using electronics or other equipment. Its easy-to-use design saves your time and energy by not making you go through multiple options and operations.
As it comes without any battery or electricity usage, you can prepare multiple cups without worrying about the recharge. Moreover, its stylish case makes it safer and durable.
Best Portable Espresso Maker to Buy in 2020
Let us now walk you through our list of the top portable espresso makers that you can buy today.
- Wacaco Minipresso GR – Portable Espresso Machine
- Flair Espresso Maker, Classic – Manual Press
- Litchi Portable Hand Held Espresso Maker
- WACACO Nanopresso Travelling Espresso Maker
- UniTerra Nomad Espresso Machine
- STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine
- Aicok Portable Camping Espresso Maker
- NH-Kitchen Mini Espresso Maker
Wacaco Minipresso GR – Portable Espresso Machine
If you are need of a less complicated and easily usable portable espresso maker, then Wacaco has presented to you one. This Wacaco Minipresso GR allows you to prepare a rich, delicious cup of espresso manually without the supply of any electricity.
Innovative Design and Powerful Performance
The usability of this portable espresso maker mainly comes from its innovative and sleek design. In addition to this, the device has a 8-bar pressure and a semi-automatic piston that allows you to control the amount of extracted coffee as per your preferences.
Easy to Carry
Carrying stuff while camping or hiking is a great struggle that no one would likely go through. With just 0.8 lbs (360 grams), this espresso maker is lightweight and compact. Thus, no matter where you are heading, carrying this minipresso won’t be a problem in any way.
Non-complex Structure
This portable machine is clearly built for the purpose of easy traveling and hiking. Its less intricate design helps you to prepare your espresso shot without any complication and in lesser time.
Pros
- 8-bar Pressure System
- 0.8 lbs/360 gms
- All types of beans can be used
- Portability and Affordability
- Good Taste
- Requires no electricity
Cons
- Tamped espresso may damage the machine
- Cannot make more than 1-2 shots at a time
- Cleaning is not very easy because of some irremovable parts
Flair Espresso Maker, Classic – Manual Press
If you don’t ever want to compromise on a professional taste espresso shot then, this manual espresso maker might be a top pick for you. It comes with a beautiful design that is built to maintain the quality of the coffee as well as the machine.
Stainless Steel Enhances Durability
This espresso maker is certainly built to last as it also comes with a 5-year warranty. Stainless steel brewing head has been used in it along with the aluminum press stand. These durable materials enhance the durability of the machine and make it last for a longer duration.
Aesthetic Design and Mechanism
The primary reason why anyone gets attracted to this espresso maker is its delicate and reliable design. Its design’s delicacy does not interrupt with the coffee’s quality. It delivers consistent deliciousness in the espresso shots prepared by Flair espresso maker.
Pros
- Comes with a custom travel case
- Comes with a separable brewing head thus, easy to clean and assemble
- Made up of durable quality materials
- Manual press – does not require any electric input
- Classic design
- Better Portability
Cons
- Needs time to learn its proper usage
- Requires the user to carry a source for hot water
Litchi Portable Hand Held Espresso Maker
Want to get something that provides the perfect value for your money? Well, Litchi Espresso Maker is a good option. It comes with a carrying bag that helps you in keeping all of its parts in one place while traveling.
Includes a Second Filter Basket
While you are vacationing, taking care of coffee makers’ accessories can be a tough job sometimes. Unlike other portable espresso makers, it comes with a second filter basket, which makes it more valuable in this price. This will probably help you in more hassle-free traveling.
Not the Easiest Device to Carry
You should be aware of the fact that this espresso maker has an odd shape, which makes it difficult to be fitted in less room. Every time you are going to carry it with you, you got to take care of where and how you keep it in order to keep it safe and aligned.
Pros
- Costs less
- Comes with a second filter basket
- Includes a stylish carrying bag
- No electricity or batteries required
- Easy brewing
Cons
- Built-in a way that makes it difficult to carry
WACACO Nanopresso Travelling Espresso Maker
After minipresso, Wacaco presents its upgraded version in the form of this nanopresso coffee maker. Its incredible pumping system provides you with a delicious espresso shot anytime, anywhere. Wacaco’s ability to work with all kinds of coffee grounds makes it even more convenient for traveling purposes.
Higher Water Capacity
As it is an upgraded version, it comes with an optional large water tank. Thus, provides you more water capacity, which means more espresso in one go. Moreover, it follows a heatsink pattern that protects you from the heat and makes you safer.
Better Portability and Convenience
The first and foremost thing that matters while buying stuff for traveling purposes is its portability. You will be glad to know that Wacaco Nanopresso is highly durable and easily portable, as its unique shape and design make it able to easily fit anywhere.
Pros
- Prepares customized coffee
- Highly compact and portable
- Light in weight
- Comes with a large water tank
- Requires less physical effort
- Offers you an optional Barista kit that comes with various sizes of filter baskets and water tanks
Cons
- Considerably larger in size than minipresso or other coffee makers
- Quite more expensive than other mainstream espresso machines
UniTerra Nomad Espresso Machine
UniTerra presents to you a high-quality espresso maker that makes you top quality espresso and coffee shots. It does not require electricity or any batteries. Thus, it can be used anywhere with ease. This machine’s attractive looks and professional design makes everyone falls for it in no time.
Micro Lever Produces 8-10 Bar Pressure
Two small water pumps are operated by the ‘see-saw’ motion of the main lever. By stroking it a few times, the ideal 8-10 bar pressure is achieved.
Interactive Pressure Control
For a manual device such as this, real-time visibility is one of the core elements that you would naturally expect. This device lets you watch the pressure through the pressure gauge as you adjust your pumping speed to achieve the desired brewing pressure.
Need Best Quality Shots? – Got to Pay a Bit More
This espresso machine is more expensive than the other portable espresso makers that we reviewed, but that’s where the real difference in the coffee shows up. Its unique design and perfect crema-making ability does pay off.
The mechanism it involves in it are way better than other espresso makers, which results in delightful and aromatic quality shots.
More Weight as Compared to Competitor Products
UniTerra Nomad is one of the bulkiest espresso makers you will ever go through. But, the reason behind this is the use of high-quality steel and material in its making that prepares high-quality espresso shots for you.
It might be quite strenuous to be carried while hiking but can be a great option to be used while going for a vacation or camping.
Pros
- Prepares great quality espresso
- Uncomplicated and effortless usage
- No mechanical issues
- Provides great crema
Cons
- Heavy and bulky to be carried while hiking
- Overpriced
- Requires external heat source
STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine
Perfect light in weight and compact espresso maker is on our list, too. It is not highly lightweight but is also easily portable and thus, is qualified to be a perfect traveling or hiking companion.
Premium quality material used in its making makes it even more likable and useable for traveling purposes.
Compatible with Nespresso Pods
This coffee maker is highly compatible with Nespresso pods as well as ground coffee. You need to poke holes at the bottom of pods or can simply press the ground coffee and make a luscious espresso shot.
Make Frothed Milk Using Staresso
Another notable advantage provided by Staresso Portable espresso maker is the preparation of frothed milk. It helps you make delicious cream filled with flavor.
Moreover, you may consider cold brew coffee as a problematic and time-taking task to achieve, but with this little monster, you can get that coffee in just a few minutes!
Pros
- Lightweight (0.97 lbs)
- Can give up to 15-20 bar pressure
- Able to provide cold brew coffee
- Prepares frothed milk
- 2-year warranty
- Easy cleaning using alcohol or water solution
Cons
- Strenuous pumping action as compared to other espresso makers
- Does not usually last long – less durable
Aicok Portable Camping Espresso Maker
Aicok presents the first-ever electric coffee maker that can be heated without even plugging it in anywhere. So, if you are in a place with no pugging facility, no problem at all! Moreover, it comes with a car charger and a wall charger as well, so that you might not have to worry about charging it anywhere.
One-Touch Operation
No more manual strength and struggle are required when you have this Aicok Portable Espresso machine. You just need to press the button and get a professional espresso shot with incredible taste.
Non-Toxic Material
As all the material used in the machine is BPA-free thus, you get the espresso without any poisonous additives. So, you can assure yourself of healthy and delicious coffee while traveling or camping with this portable espresso maker.
Self-Cleaning Function
Cleaning is another major hassle that one considers while buying a portable espresso maker. While traveling, easy cleaning devices are way more important. This problem is also sorted out with the self-cleaning function of this Aicok espresso machine.
All you need to do to clean the machine is pour warm water into it and press the button for a few seconds. The machine will work itself to get cleaned in the best manner.
Pros
- BPA-free material is used with FDA certification
- Offers multiple drink options
- Self-cleaning function
- Save your effort and time with its one-press button option
- Compatible Capsules
Cons
- Takes more time to prepare espresso with cold water
- Has to battery to be charged before you leave for anywhere
NH-Kitchen Mini Espresso Maker
A highly affordable espresso maker that requires only hot water and ground coffee to prepare you an exquisite shot of espresso. You may also add milk to your espresso to get a perfect cup of cappuccino prepared by this compact and portable mini espresso maker.
Provides a Container to Store Fresh Coffee Grounds
NH – kitchen espresso maker comes with a container that allows you to store fresh coffee grounds to make up to seven cups of coffee. Moreover, a carry bag comes with a machine to keep all the things well-managed and in one place.
Simple and Fast Usage
One has to follow a total of just three steps to prepare a perfect espresso shot with this espresso maker. First, add measured coffee grounds in the filter, followed by adding hot water into the chamber. At last, you got to push the pressure pump by hand to get a perfect espresso cup anywhere.
No Outer Electric Source is Required
As this NH – kitchen espresso maker is completely manual so, no charging or electricity input is required to make it work if you are on a long travel route and have no time to plug in the machine for charging.
Pros
- Affordability
- Completely manual
- Portable design with reliable material used
- Comes with a container to store coffee grounds
- Offers thick crema
Cons
- Leakage issues, the seal is not very durable
- Do not usually prepare a shot as strong as a real espresso
Handpresso vs. Minipresso – Which One Should You Go For?
When it comes to the comparison between both these types then, you might be startled to know that there is no such difference in the quality of coffee shot that they both prepare. The only thing to consider is the material used in the making of these both machines.
Minipresso is made up using more plastic parts, whereas Handpresso consists of more metal and looks way more thick than the minipresso. So, if you are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-carry machine, then you might consider getting a minipresso.
Whereas, if other characteristics as a pressure gauge and high durability also matter for you then, a handpresso would be a better option for you.
Our Final Thoughts on the Best Portable Espresso Maker
There are multiple things that you must take into account before a portable espresso maker. For instance, if you are a regular hiker and need an espresso maker while you go for long treks and hikes, then you must opt for a machine that is highly compact and lightweight.
When it comes to traveling, one should always consider buying machines that are highly portable and easy to carry. Moreover, if you prefer cold coffee brew often while traveling, then you must look for a machine that works fascinatingly to carry out a perfect cold coffee brew.
In order to choose the best portable espresso maker for yourself, the essential thing you got to do is to make sure to thoroughly look at all the characteristics and ways of working of these machines. This might help you with choosing the most suitable one for yourself.