Welcome, coffee lovers, to our guide to the “7 Best Portable Espresso Makers” for people who need caffeine on the go.
You don’t have to stick to your favorite café or home to make the perfect espresso shot.
With a portable Expresso coffee maker, you’ll always be close to a delicious cup of coffee, whether on your way to work, camping outdoors, or taking a well-deserved vacation.
I’m excited to show you a carefully chosen collection of the best portable espresso makers that make great coffee wherever you go.
The WACACO PICOPRESSO, our top pick, offers excellent espresso on the go.
We’ve also had the pleasure of exploring a wide range of exceptional options to perfectly suit everyone’s unique preferences and requirements.
Let’s explore the comprehensive guide featuring the 7 best portable espresso makers available.
Top 7 Best Portable Espresso Makers
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | WACACO Picopresso | Portable Design Built-in Espresso Cup Efficient Pumping System User-friendly semi-automation. | Check Price |
 | WACACO Nanopresso | Lightweight & Compact. High-pressure Pump Interchangeable Filters Easy to Clean | Check Price |
 | STARESSO Classic | Flexible espresso Design. Hand-operated Adjustable pressure Quick Setup | Check Price |
 | Flair Signature | Manual lever Design Precise Pressure Control Durable Stainless Steel Customizable Brewing | Check Price |
 | CONQUECO 12V | Multiple Power Options Compact & Lightweight One-button Operation Fast heating and Brewing | Check Price |
 | Aeropress Go | Compact and Portable All-in-one Coffee Maker Versatile Brewing Easy to Clean | Check Price |
 | Cafflano Kompresso | Manual Espresso Maker Compact & Lightweight. Built-in Pressure Gauge Monumental Design | Check Price |
Table of Contents
1. WACACO Picopresso
While there are many options for portable coffee makers nowadays, producing espresso while traveling presents a few more challenges.
That’s why WACACO Picopresso portable espresso makers came in as overall in our list of 7 best portable espresso makers.
The Picopresso was unique the second I removed it from the packaging.
Yes, there are a lot of pieces to this maker, but don’t worry; the manual will show you where everything goes.
I found this very useful in my quest to perfect my espresso brewing techniques.
How effective is the Picopresso, exactly?
If you want the greatest portable espresso maker on the market, go no further than this one. It’s small and light, yet surprisingly sturdy.
First and foremost, it produces superb espresso. After adjusting the grind size, I was able to consistently produce shots with a smooth flavor and a thick layer of crema on top.
As far as Wacaco maker go, it’s on the smaller end at 4.17 inches in length.
However, the Picopresso differs from the competition in one key respect: it does not feature a built-in cup.
Instead, a funnel, tamper, and distribution tool are included to facilitate loading coffee into the filter basket.
These accessories give your brewing an expert air, but they also add a few extra things to keep care of on the road.
To use the Picopresso, you must first ground your coffee beans. You’ll obtain the greatest results by grinding them considerably finer than you would with pre-packaged ground coffee.
But if you can nail it, this little espresso maker will perform admirably.
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2. WACACO Nanopresso
Wacaco Nanopresso came in second on our list of the 7 best portable espresso makers.
If you want to become a barista, the Nanopresso can help. You only need finely ground coffee and a nice tamp to make great coffee with this Wacaco espresso maker.
Every cup has a thick, wonderful crema and rich espresso flavor.
The Nanopresso’s innovative brewing technology can produce 18 bars of pressure with little effort. It produces a nice espresso, doesn’t need charging, and is easy to clean and store.
This manual espresso maker can be used outdoors with a heat source and water.
To prevent wear and tear, it comes with a tight Nanopresso Case with a soft interior and sturdy shell.
This miniature miracle is perfect for those who seek a long-lasting coffee friend. Extreme durability and compactness make it ideal for travel.
The case protects it from scratches when traveling. Be careful when opening it post-brew; coffee disasters have occurred.
It’s custom-made for your portable espresso maker and any accessories. Protects your Nanopresso from dings and bumps so you can carry it safely.
Rinsing this espresso maker cleans it easily. We recommend sometimes disassembling the portafilter and other components for a deeper clean.
This model can be upgraded to 18-bar pressure if you’re feeling fancy.
The tiny Wacaco Nanopresso portable espresso maker comes in rainbow colors. Its small size makes packing and traveling easy.
Overall, It works with any ground coffee, so you may customize your espresso at home, at work, or on vacation.
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3. STARESSO Classic
You can think of the Staresso Classic espresso maker as a reliable traveling companion. You can easily carry it with you because of how compact and light it is.
You may use either coffee pods or ground coffee with this compact espresso maker.
You have to pump it up and down like an AeroPress for it to work. Although it may take some time to adjust to, it is quite simple to disassemble and clean.
Intriguing, right? It even has a nice glass to drink out of!
Stainless steel, used extensively in the construction of this espresso maker, is durable and glossy.
It improves the flavor of your coffee and adds that velvety foam you get at upscale coffee shops.
It’s not ideal for camping due to its finicky parts, but it’s fantastic for vacationers. Use either your preferred coffee grounds or those handy coffee pods.
Easy to clean up after. Just give it a quick wash and it will be good to go.
The Staresso is a top selection for our best portable espresso makers since it is portable, lightweight, and secure. Coffee is great no matter where you are.
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4. Flair Signature
Coming in at 4th spot for our best portable espresso makers list is the Flair Signature portable espresso maker which stands out for a number of reasons.
First, it comes in three nice colours: brushed chrome, matte black, and white, so you can choose one that fits your style.
Even though the Flair is bigger and heavier than many portable espresso makers, don’t let that stop you from getting one.
It’s surprisingly easy to carry because it folds up and comes with a carrying case. This means you can take it with you wherever you go.
One of the best things about the Flair is that it is easy to use. You only need your favorite espresso beans, a grinder, and some hot water to make a great cup of espresso.
The Flair, like many of the other tools on this list, doesn’t need electricity to work, so you won’t have to worry about finding a power source.
You’ll need a way to heat water instead, which is easy to find in most homes or while traveling.
An extra pressure gauge is available for individuals who prefer a more methodical approach to espresso preparation with the Flair.
This feature lets you keep an eye on the pressure while the coffee is being made, giving you full control over your brew.
But it’s important to note that many users have had great success without the gauge.
This shows that the Flair can give great shots even without this extra tool.
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5. CONQUECO Portable Coffee Maker 12V
The Conqueco portable espresso maker is a great coffee buddy that can make many different kinds of coffee.
This maker can use espresso grounds, pills, or pods, making it a good choice for coffee lovers who like different kinds of coffee.
One of the best things about the Conqueco is that it has an automatic boiling system, so you don’t have to pump it by hand.
It takes about 7 to 9 minutes to make a fresh cup of coffee with just cold water. But if you have hot water handy, it can make a delicious shot of coffee in just 4 seconds.
Also, it can make anywhere from 2 to 4 cups of cold water on a single charge, and even more if you use hot water.
Now, you might notice that the Conqueco is heavier than some other small coffee makers, but here’s where it really shines: it has a self-heating feature built right in.
This means you don’t have to worry about finding an outside heat source. This makes it a great choice for brewing coffee on the go, especially if you don’t have a stove or oven.
Even though the Conqueco has a lot of useful features, it is still small enough to fit in a normal cup holder.
This makes it easier to carry and makes sure it doesn’t take up too much room in your trip gear.
The Conqueco is easy to clean, which is always a good thing in a coffee maker. You won’t have to spend a long time cleaning up after you drink your coffee.
A 12 V battery powers the automatic brewing method on this portable espresso maker.
It’s easy to charge, and the package comes with both a charger for the house and a charger for the car.
It’s important to note that you can use the Conqueco while it’s plugged into the car charger, which can save a lot of battery power on long trips.
But it’s not made to work when it’s plugged into a wall socket.
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6. Aeropress Go
The AeroPress Go espresso maker is a great choice among compact coffee gadgets because it is both high-quality and cheap.
This portable maker is a good choice when you need a quick and easy-to-carry espresso maker to get your coffee fix on the go. It can do more than just make espresso.
It can also make normal coffee and even cold brews.
And the best part? Every cup it makes is smooth and delicious, with no bitter notes.
What really sets the AeroPress Go apart is its refined simplicity.
The way it’s made is surprisingly simple, which makes it easy to use. Also, it comes at a price that won’t make you feel like your wallet is getting lighter.
With a little experimentation and practice, you’ll come to enjoy how it can be used to make different kinds of coffee to suit your tastes.
When it comes to making coffee, the AeroPress Go is great at making the process easy and quick.
This espresso maker is a great choice for people who want to get high-quality coffee on the go without spending a lot of money.
It can hold 8 ounces of liquid, so it’s a great travel companion.
But there is one small thing to keep in mind: the small filter holder might not have enough storage room for a long supply of filters, so you might want to think about that if you plan to go on longer trips.
Still, the AeroPress Go is a strong player in the portable coffee maker market because of how easy it is to use and how much it costs.
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7. Cafflano Kompresso
The Cafflano Kompresso is the lightest espresso maker we looked at, and it’s also easy to clean. This makes it the best choice for camping trips.
It uses a hand-operated electric pump to push water through and extract espresso. It’s a little picky, and the results can range from the best to the worst cups of espresso.
To make the perfect cup of coffee, you’ll need fresh, high-quality beans and the patience to adjust the grind. If you use a grain size that is too large, the end product will be watery.
Too fine, and you might feel like you have to wrestle to get the shot. But once you find that sweet spot, you’ll get a delicious 3/8-inch layer of crema and a wonderfully smooth shot.
Even though it’s cheap, the Cafflano Kompresso is very portable because it weighs less than 200 grams.
This espresso maker is one of the smallest in the world, and it makes real espresso, so you should definitely consider it.
Since the Cafflano Kompresso uses a “naked basket,” it’s best for experienced coffee drinkers who already have a good espresso grinder and a good understanding of how to make coffee.
If you fall into this group, you can take great photos.
One thing that makes the Kompresso stand out is that, unlike other makers, it also makes a delicious cold-brew shot.
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Buying Guide on the Best Portable Espresso Makers
1. Brewing Method
Portable espresso makers come in various brewing methods. The choice here largely depends on your personal preference:
- Manual Espresso Makers: These require you to use a hand-operated pump to build pressure for espresso extraction. They are compact and great for those who enjoy a hands-on coffee-making experience.
- Electric Espresso Makers: Some portable espresso makers are electric and can be plugged into a power source or operated using batteries. These are more convenient but may be bulkier.
- Capsule Espresso Makers: Designed for ultimate convenience, these use pre-packaged coffee capsules. They are typically lightweight and perfect for travelers who want a quick and mess-free espresso.
2. Size and Portability
Consider the size and weight of the portable espresso maker. If you plan to take it on hikes or camping trips, compact and lightweight models are crucial. On the other hand, if you want a portable espresso maker for your office desk or kitchen, size may not be as much of a concern.
3. Capacity
Portable espresso makers can vary in the number of shots they can produce at once. If you enjoy sharing your espresso or need multiple shots to kickstart your day, opt for a model with a larger capacity.
4. Ease of Use
Look for a portable espresso maker that is user-friendly. Complicated setups or confusing controls can be a real buzzkill when you just want a quick caffeine fix. Models with clear instructions and intuitive designs are the way to go.
5. Material and Durability
Check the construction material. Stainless steel and BPA-free plastics are commonly used due to their durability and safety. For outdoor enthusiasts, rugged and shatterproof materials are a must.
6. Cleaning
Espresso makers, even portable ones, need regular cleaning. Consider how easy it is to disassemble and clean your chosen device. Dishwasher-safe components can save you valuable time and effort.
7. Price
Portable espresso makers come in various price ranges. Set a budget and try to find a model that offers the best value for your money. Keep in mind that sometimes paying a bit more for durability and performance can be a wise investment.
8. Reviews and Ratings
Before making a final decision, read reviews and check ratings from other coffee enthusiasts. Real-world experiences can provide valuable insights into a product’s performance and durability.
9. Accessories
Some portable espresso makers come with handy accessories like carrying cases, cups, or extra filters. Consider whether these extras are important to you and factor them into your decision.
Verdict On The Best Portable Espresso Makers
Finally, the Wacaco Picopresso Portable Espresso Maker is the greatest portable espresso maker on the market.
Because of its convenient size, sturdy build, and high quality espresso extraction, we highly recommend it. Despite the absence of an integrated cup, this maker offers a professional-grade brewing experience with its many functions.
Whether you’re on the move or at home, the Picopresso delivers a delicious espresso experience every time. You can also check out the other portable espresso makers listed above if their features fit your needs better.
FAQ On 7 Best Portable Espresso Makers
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