The Ultimate Guide to the Best Portable Coffee Makers: A Comprehensive Review

Looking for the best portable coffee maker that allows you to brew your favorite cup of joe no matter where you go? Look no further! We've compiled a list of the top contenders in the market, whether you're a French press enthusiast, a pour-over purist, or an espresso aficionado. From the Bodum Travel Press to the Wacaco Minipresso GR, these portable coffee makers will ensure you never have to settle for subpar coffee on your adventures. So, let's dive in and explore the world of the best portable coffee makers together!

The Various Types of Portable Coffee Makers

There are numerous methods for brewing coffee and different ways to enjoy it after brewing. When you're at home, you probably have your preferred brewing method. However, when you're traveling, you may want to try something new, such as espresso drinks for an extra boost of caffeine or a quick and easy pour-over coffee.

Here are the different types of portable coffee makers that you can easily pack for your next trip.

Espresso

Espresso is made from regular coffee beans that are roasted longer and ground finer. This results in a more flavorful profile that can be enjoyed in shots, double shots, or espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Popular home espresso machines like the Breville Barista Pro inject pressurized hot water through finely ground beans in a porta filter.

While there are several portable espresso makers available, they all require one essential component that can be difficult to manage while traveling: hot water. This means you'll need a separate device to heat the water before you can brew espresso, which adds time and effort to the process.

Portable espresso makers are the most convenient option for travel but come with a higher price tag.

Pour Over

Pour over is the easiest method for brewing coffee, both at home and on the road. It involves placing a paper filter on top of a container, filling it with ground coffee, and then methodically pouring hot water over the grounds. The Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker is a popular choice for pour-over enthusiasts at home.

When you're traveling, the pour-over method is quick and uncomplicated. However, like espresso, it requires hot water. Portable pour-over coffee makers are the most affordable option and the easiest to pack.

French Press

The French Press method of coffee making is popular among backpackers and campers because of its simplicity. First, water is heated in a container to the desired temperature. Then, ground coffee is poured on top and left to soak for a specific amount of time. Finally, a fine mesh filter is pressed down, separating the coffee grounds from the liquid, allowing you to pour it into a mug.

Similar to the previous methods, French Press also requires hot water. Additionally, it can be a messier process, as the wet coffee grounds need to be cleaned out between each use. Portable French Press coffee makers fall somewhere in the middle in terms of price and portability, but it takes the longest time to brew coffee from start to finish.

Single Serve

Drip coffee is the most common method of making coffee worldwide. There are numerous options for drip coffee machines, ranging from large glass coffee pots to stainless steel carafes and single-serve machines. With drip coffee, ground coffee is placed in a filter basket or a pod is inserted, and the machine handles the rest, heating water and slowly dripping it through the grounds into a coffee mug.

Single serve coffee makers are the most convenient option for travel, especially those that can use pods. These machines require electricity, similar to the kettle needed for hot water in the previous options. However, they require minimal cleaning and manual labor, allowing you to enjoy your coffee quickly and easily.

Portable single-serve coffee makers compete with espresso makers in terms of price. They are slightly larger in size and may be difficult to pack in checked luggage when flying. However, they are the best option for road trips and use in hotel rooms.

Bodum Travel Press

The Bodum Travel Press is a simple and portable coffee maker. This stainless steel tumbler can hold up to 15 ounces and keeps all the coffee-making components securely stored inside. The lid has a built-in plunger for easy use without the need for assembly.

To make hot water, you'll need a device like the Jettle Electric Kettle. Once you have hot water, simply pour it into the tumbler, add your ground coffee, wait a few minutes, and then press the plunger. You can enjoy your coffee right away and clean up later.

Pros

- Stainless steel construction

- All-in-one design

- Insulated travel mug

- Lightweight and compact design

Cons

- Small brewing capacity

- Requires hot water

- Only makes one cup of coffee at a time

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew

The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single Serve Coffee Maker is a compact solution for brewing coffee with pods or ground coffee while traveling. This coffee maker features an interchangeable, reusable filter basket and a pod insert that punctures the pod for brewing. With pods, the coffee maker can produce a 10-ounce cup of coffee, while with ground coffee, you can get a 14-ounce cup.

Keep in mind that this coffee maker requires a significant amount of power, around 1,000 watts. This is not an issue if you can plug it into a household outlet in a hotel or rental house. However, if you want to use this coffee maker in the car, you'll need a larger power inverter designed for portable coffee makers. The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew also offers two brew strength options: Regular and Bold.

The coffee maker can accommodate most travel mugs with its 8-inch height. The removable cup rest makes it easy to use smaller coffee mugs, and it also doubles as extra storage.

This coffee maker measures 13 inches tall and weighs just 3 pounds. However, its portability may be limited by its fixed 2-foot power cord, which cannot be retracted for storage.

Pros

- Can use pods or ground coffee

- 10-14-ounce brew capacity

- Short brew time

- Two brew strength settings

- Compatible with travel mugs

- Removable cup rest

- Compact and lightweight design

Cons

- The water reservoir is not removable

- Requires a high power demand

- The power cord cannot be retracted

Makita 18V Cordless Coffee Maker

Even if you're not heading to a job site, the Makita 18V Cordless Coffee Maker is an intriguing portable machine. This coffee maker operates using either 18V or 12V lithium-ion batteries and can brew up to three 5-ounce cups of coffee on a single 4Ah battery. Due to its cordless design, it's convenient for brewing coffee in the car or without the need to find an outlet.

The removable water reservoir makes it easy to fill. You can choose to use coffee packets or ground coffee with the built-in permanent filter. It takes approximately 5 minutes to brew a single cup of coffee after pressing the power button. Keep in mind that the clearance is limited to 3.5 inches, so only small coffee mugs can be used with this coffee machine.

If you're tight on luggage space, the Makita 18V Cordless Coffee Maker is a great option. Its rugged exterior features a carry handle, making it easy to grab and go. However, you'll need to bring along an extra battery and charger.

Pros

- Cordless operation

- Removable water reservoir

- Can use coffee packets or ground coffee

- Lightweight

Cons

- Requires 18V battery (battery not included)

- Limited number of brews per battery charge

- Minimal clearance for coffee mugs

- Expensive

CHULUX Single Cup Coffee Maker

The CHULUX Single Cup Coffee Maker is ideal for travelers who want fresh drip coffee in the mornings. This portable coffee maker stands at just 9 inches tall and weighs approximately 2 pounds, making it easy to pack.

It has a built-in water reservoir that can hold up to 12 ounces. The filter basket is compatible with coffee pods only. Once the pods are loaded, the coffee maker's lid can be locked to prevent any accidental spills if knocked over in a hotel room.

Thanks to its powerful heating elements, it only takes 3 minutes to brew a 12-ounce cup of coffee. The removable drip tray allows for a coffee mug height of up to 5.3 inches. With its dimensions of 10 inches tall and weighing 2.2 pounds, it's a great option for traveling to rental units where coffee mugs are available instead of travel mugs.

Pros

- Heats water quickly

- Removable drip tray

- Compact design and lightweight

- Lockable lid

Cons

- Small brewing capacity

- Only compatible with coffee pods

- Limited travel mug size

BLACK DECKER Single-Serve Coffeemaker

The BLACK DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker is one of the lightest and most compact portable coffee makers on the market. However, it has fewer features compared to other models. You can pour up to 16 ounces of water into the built-in reservoir, fill the removable filter basket with ground coffee, and press a button to start the brewing process.

It takes approximately five minutes for the coffee to heat and gradually drip through the filter basket into the included travel mug. While the travel mug is a nice addition, the lid may be prone to leaking, and the insulation may not keep the coffee warm for an extended period. This coffee maker can accommodate a travel mug with a height of up to 7 inches.

Measuring 12 inches tall and weighing just 3 pounds, the BLACK DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker is compact and lightweight, making it perfect for packing in your car.

Pros

- Removable brew basket

- Excellent brew capacity

- Compact and lightweight design

- Travel mug with lid included

- Affordable price

Cons

- Only uses ground coffee

- Poor design of the travel mug

- Limited brewing capacity

Keurig K-Mini Plus

Keurig revolutionized coffee brewing with its coffee pods, which are small plastic cups filled with a single scoop of ground coffee for one cup of coffee. Single-serve coffee machines are now popular in kitchens worldwide.

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is the perfect portable coffee machine. It can use any brand's pods to brew up to 12 ounces of coffee. The removable water reservoir is easily filled, and pre-measured amounts are marked on the clear plastic sides. The Keurig K-Mini Plus heats water on demand for each cup of coffee, and the brewing process takes approximately five minutes.

The removable tray allows for a travel mug with a height of up to 16.8 inches. The power cord, measuring 26 inches, can be stored in a compartment in the back of the coffee maker. Additionally, a removable compartment can hold up to 9 pods. With the additional travel bag, it's effortless to pack the Keurig K-Mini Plus in your car.

Pros

- Compatible with travel mugs

- Removable water reservoir

- Retractable power cord

- Built-in pod storage

- Easy to pack with an additional bag

Cons

- Short power cord

- Only uses coffee pods

- Small brewing capacity

- Expensive

ESPRO P1 French Press

Have you ever experienced the unpleasant gritty texture of French press coffee due to coffee grounds getting into your cup? With the ESPRO P1, this issue is prevented thanks to its patented double-filter design. To make coffee, simply pour hot water into the 14-ounce travel mug, add your ground coffee, and press the plunger down. The reusable mesh filter shaped like a basket separates the coffee from the grounds, pushing them to the bottom.

To heat water quickly, you'll need a device like the Jettle Electric Kettle. Once the water is ready, pour it into the travel mug, add the ground coffee, and screw on the leak-proof lid with the built-in plunger. A single plunge is all it takes to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

The ESPRO P1 is only 8 inches tall and 3 inches wide and weighs less than a pound, making it extremely portable.

Pros

- Stainless steel, all-in-one design

- Insulated travel mug with lid

- Reusable filter

Cons

- Requires hot water

- Small brewing capacity

The Best Portable Single Serve Coffee Makers

Best Single Serve Coffee Maker

BruTrek OVRLNDR Travel Coffee French Press

Although BruTrek's budget didn't allow for vowels, the BruTrek OVRLNDR is one of the best portable coffee makers for travel. Its all-in-one design keeps all the components together for easy packing and prevents any parts from getting lost. The stainless steel construction ensures durability even during travel. Measuring 9.5 inches tall, it does take up some space in your luggage, and at 1.5 pounds, it's slightly heavier than other options.

The unique feature of the BruTrek OVRLNDR is its removable bottom. This makes cleaning the coffee grounds effortless. Simply detach the bottom of the insulated travel mug and discard the grounds.

For hot water, you'll need a device like the Jettle Electric Kettle. Once you have hot water, pour it into the travel mug, add your ground coffee, and screw on the leak-proof lid with the built-in plunger. A single plunge is all it takes to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

Pros

- All-in-one design

- Stainless steel construction

- Removable bottom for easy cleaning

- Insulated travel mug

- Reusable stainless steel mesh filter

Cons

- Only makes one cup of coffee at a time

- Requires hot water

- Heavier than other portable coffee makers

Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker

Depending on your preferred brewing method at home, the Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker might offer a significant advantage over other French press coffee makers because it uses pods instead of ground coffee. Its all-in-one design keeps everything together, making it easy to pack for travel. To use, simply open the base, insert a K-pod or any other brand of coffee pod, and start pumping for your coffee.

Similar to other portable coffee makers, you'll need a device like the Jettle Electric Kettle to make hot water. Once the water is heated, pour it into the water reservoir of the Presto MyJo and begin pumping.

The Presto MyJo is slightly larger than other portable coffee makers, measuring 9 inches tall and about 4 inches wide. However, it weighs less than a pound, making it easy to carry in your luggage.

Pros

- Uses pods instead of ground coffee

- Large water reservoir

- All-in-one design

- Lightweight

Cons

- Uses pods instead of ground coffee

- Not as compact in design

- Requires hot water

- All plastic parts

- Requires cleaning after every use

Best Portable French Press Coffee Maker

Aeropress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press Kit

Brewing coffee with the Aeropress Go is a breeze. This portable coffee maker uses a hand pump to push water through ground coffee in a filter basket. It only takes a few minutes to make a delicious cup of coffee, but you'll need to heat up water first.

The 15-ounce travel cup serves as storage for all the components of the coffee kit. The scoop, stirrer, extra paper filters, and pump all fit inside, and a silicone cap keeps everything secure.

The Aeropress Go is made of plastic, so it's more delicate compared to stainless steel options. Additionally, the use of paper filters means you'll need to bring enough for your entire trip. And don't forget to bring an electric kettle like the Jettle Electric Kettle to heat up water for your coffee.

Pros

- Quick brewing time

- Travel cup doubles as storage

- Lightweight

Cons

- Requires hot water

- Uses paper filters

- Fragile plastic design

- Travel cup does not have a lid

Cafflano Klassic All-in-One Pour Over Coffee Maker

The Cafflano Klassic is a highly innovative coffee machine. This all-in-one pour over coffee maker features a kettle, conical burr grinder, pour over filter, and coffee mug. It's compact and lightweight, making it perfect for travel.

With the adjustable conical burr grinder, you can grind fresh coffee directly into the pour over filter. The pre-measured kettle allows for precise pouring. After pouring water through the filter, you can remove it and enjoy your coffee in less than a minute.

The only thing missing is a way to heat up water. Using a Jettle Electric Kettle ensures you have hot water for your coffee, and the pre-measured Cafflano Klassic kettle helps you get the right amount of water each time.

Pros

- All-in-one design

- Lightweight

- Easy to use

- Includes coffee mug

Cons

- Expensive

- Requires cleaning after each use

- Requires hot water

- Mug does not have a lid

The Best Portable French Press Coffee Makers

GSI Outdoors Gourmet Pour Over Java Set

GSI Outdoors is a prominent US-based outdoor gear maker known for their backpacking and camping equipment. The GSI Outdoors Gourmet Pour Over Java Set is a versatile product that caters to the needs of backpackers, campers, and travelers.

This set includes a silicone cone with a plastic flange that helps center the pour over your travel coffee mug. The cone collapses to a compact size and weighs less than a pound. A plastic cover keeps everything together, making it easy to brew coffee even with just a carry-on bag.

Just like with other pour over coffee makers, you'll need hot water for this one too. The Jettle Electric Kettle quickly boils water and can easily fit into most bags.

Pros

- Kit includes an adjustable manual conical burr grinder

- Lightweight and compact design

- Large plastic flange

- Can be packed in a carry-on bag

Cons

- The plastic flange can be easily broken during travel

- Requires hot water

- Requires cleaning after each use

Best Pour Over Coffee Maker

Sea to Summit X-Brew Collapsible Coffee Dripper

Sea to Summit is known for their lightweight gear designed for backpackers, making their X-Brew Collapsible Coffee Dripper perfect for travelers, especially those who fly. The silicone cone can be collapsed to a thin profile, making it easy to slide into your carry-on bag. The stainless steel mesh filter is removable for easy cleaning. This entire coffee dripper weighs just 3 ounces.

However, like other pour over coffee makers, it requires hot water. The Jettle Electric Kettle is a portable solution for getting hot water for your pour over. Once you have hot water, you can brew coffee into your favorite travel mug in less than a minute.

Pros

- Compact and lightweight design

- Easy to clean

- Can be packed in a carry-on bag

Cons

- Requires hot water

- Requires cleaning after each use

- Easy to damage

Staresso Portable Espresso Machine

The Staresso Portable Espresso Machine is a great option for espresso lovers who don't mind a little manual effort. This all-in-one machine includes a coffee scoop, capsule cutter for Nespresso-style capsules, and filter basket for ground coffee. Made of stainless steel, it's durable enough to withstand travel.

After using an electric kettle like the Jettle Electric Kettle to heat up water, you can make a single shot of espresso with the Staresso Portable Espresso Machine in about 5 minutes. Unlike other portable espresso machines, this one securely holds the cup to the body while pumping for a perfect extraction.

Pros

- Compact and lightweight design

- Can use capsules or ground coffee

- No plastic parts, stainless steel construction

- Top-mounted manual pump

- All-in-one design

Cons

- Requires hot water

- Requires cleaning after each use

The Best Portable Pour Over Coffee Makers

OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Machine

The OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Machine stands out from the competition with its built-in water heater. Despite being the same size and weight as other portable espresso makers, this machine is a game-changer.

The OutIn Nano runs on a 7500mAh rechargeable battery, allowing for effortless brewing of espresso shots. A single charge can produce five shots, with each brew taking about 5 minutes to heat the water and 3 minutes to extract the shot. Charging is simple with a standard USB-C cable and power block.

This all-in-one machine is easy to pack for travel, and it offers the option to use capsules from popular brands like Nespresso. However, you can still grind coffee beans for a shot.

Pros

- Compact and lightweight design

- Built-in water heater

- Battery powered

- Can use capsules or ground coffee

- All-in-one design

Cons

- Battery requires frequent recharging

- Heating requires at least 30% battery power

- Requires cleaning after each use

- Expensive

Wacaco Minipresso GR

The Wacaco Minipresso GR is an easy-to-use portable espresso maker. This compact all-in-one kit includes a built-in scoop and cup, keeping everything conveniently together for your travels. Additionally, you can protect your investment with the optional Minipresso Case.

To use the Minipresso GR, simply use the semi-automatic hand pump to inject hot water through the filter basket. With a 2.35-ounce water reservoir, you can brew two espresso shots with just a few one-handed pumps. The manual operation allows you to have complete control over the brewing process.

Like other portable espresso makers, the Wacaco Minipresso GR requires hot water. The Jettle Electric Kettle is a perfect companion for getting boiling water while traveling. Measuring just 7 inches tall and weighing less than a pound, the Minipresso GR is easy to pack.

Pros

- Compact and lightweight design

- All-in-one design

- Optional travel case

- Affordable price

Cons

- Requires hot water

- Takes 7-10 minutes to brew a shot

- Requires cleaning after each use

Best Portable Espresso Maker

In a world where coffee enthusiasts are constantly on the go, having a dependable portable coffee maker is essential. From the sleek and stylish designs of the Bodum Travel Press and the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew, to the innovative cordless convenience of the Makita 18V Coffee Maker, these portable gems are revolutionizing the way we enjoy our daily caffeine fix. Whether you prefer the simplicity of single-cup options like the CHULUX or BLACK DECKER, or the versatility of the Keurig K-Mini Plus and the ESPRO P1 French Press, there is a portable coffee maker out there to suit every taste. So, whether you're an adventurous traveler or a busy professional, don't settle for mediocre coffee on the go - invest in one of these best portable coffee makers and experience the perfect cup, anywhere, anytime.