Craving a great espresso when you’re on the road or at a campsite can now be satisfied with the portable espresso maker.
From thermos-like designs to unique sophisticated looks, there are plenty of options to choose from. Depending on how you plan to use your espresso maker, you’ll want to consider the product:
- Size and how it fits in your suitcase.
- Weight, especially if you want to go trekking with it.
- Price so it fits in your budget.
- Material to determine how durable it is.
- Water capacity, depending on how much coffee you want to drink.
- Compatibility with coffee types if you want to use ground coffee or Nespresso capsules.
10 Best Portable Espresso Makers
To help you choose the best portable espresso maker for your travel or camping adventures, we’ve put together this guide with the top ten options.
Overview of Specification Comparison
| Flair Signature Espresso | Flair Manual Press Espresso Maker | Wacaco Pipamoka | Wacaco Minipresso NS FBA | UniTerra Nomad Espresso Machine | Staresso SP-200 Portable Espresso Maker | De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza | Moocoo Manual Espresso Maker | La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccol | Cafflano Kompresso | |
| Weight | 6.09 pounds | 4.9 pounds | 0.94 pounds | 0.78 pounds | 2.6 pounds | 0.71 pounds | 4.35 pounds | 1.4 pounds | 14 pounds | 0.5 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 13.39 x 10.35 x 3.98 inches | 12 x 6 x 10 inches | 3.15 x 3.15 x 7.87 inches | 6.89 x 2.75 x 2.36 inches | 6.69 x 6.69 x 5.91 inches | 8.24 x 3.08 x 3.08 inches | 4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 inches | 10.75 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches | 11 x 7 x 12 inches | 7.3 x 3.1 x 4.1 inches |
| Type | Manual | Manual | Hand-Powered | Manual | Manual | Manual | Semi-Automatic | Hand-Operated | Lever-Operated | Hand-Operated |
| Water Capacity | 60 ml | 60 ml | 236 ml | 70 ml | 350 ml | 80 ml | 600 ml | 75 ml to 120 ml | 591 ml | 80 ml |
| Coffee Type | Ground | Ground | Ground | Nespresso Capsules | Ground | Ground and Nespresso Capsules | Nespresso Capsules | Ground and Nespresso Capsules | Ground and Nespresso Capsules | Ground |
| Milk Frother | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Material | Stainless Steel and Cast Aluminum | Stainless Steel and Cast Aluminum | Isothermal Stainless Steel | Plastic | Plastic and Metal Tamper | BPA-Free External and Stainless Steel Chamber | External is ABS Plastic | Tritan and High-Boron Silicon Glass | All-Steel and Chrome-Plated | BPA-Free Plastic |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year |
Flair Signature Espresso
The Flair signature allows you to have complete control over your shot’s grind, tamp, water temperature, timing, and pressure. It allows for creativity and experimentation but could be tricky to use for new espresso makers.
The lever pressure ranges from 6-bar to 10-bar, and the shot extraction time is around 45 seconds. For the most optimal cup of espresso, a burr grinder is essential for use with this product that takes only ground coffee. This product can be easily disassembled and placed in the carrying case that comes with it.
Key Features
- Weight | 6.09 pounds
- Product Dimensions | 13.39 x 10.35 x 3.98 inches
- Type | Manual
- Water Capacity | 60 ml
- Coffee Type | Ground
- Milk Frother | No
- Material | Stainless Steel and Cast Aluminum
- Warranty | 5 years
Pros
- Elegant design and portable
- Sturdy and durable
- Makes high-quality espresso shots
- Includes custom travel case
- Great warranty
Cons
- Many small parts
- High price-point
- Not suitable to use with induction burners or microwaves
Flair Manual Press Espresso Maker
Another great product from Flair, the Manual Press, is an elegant design with a 6-bar pump pressure that produces delicious espresso shots. It’s made from durable materials and has recently been upgraded with a stronger base, post, and lever. On top of that, there is a long 5-year warranty and custom, padded travel case.
It is a lighter version of the Flair Signature and equally portable. Similarly, it is recommended to use a burr grinder for freshly ground beans minutes before brewing.
Key Features
- Weight | 4.9 pounds
- Product Dimensions | 12 x 6 x 10 inches
- Type | Manual
- Water Capacity | 60 ml
- Coffee Type | Ground
- Milk Frother | No
- Material | Cast Aluminum and Stainless Steel
- Warranty | 5 years
Pros
- Elegant design and portable
- Sturdy and durable
- Makes high-quality espresso shots
- Detachable components makes it easy to clean
- Includes custom travel case
Cons
- Can be a little heavy
- Design can appear large compared to other products
Wacaco Pipamoka
The Wacaco Pipamoka is the best all-in-one espresso maker that also makes long coffee and cold brew. This hand-operated product instantly extracts coffee by vacuum pressure after twisting the ring and having a thermal cup to keep your drink warm. It has a reusable micro-filter and a medium-fine ground is recommended for optimal brewing. The product comes with a carrying bag, scoop, brush, funnel, and warranty card.
Key Features
- Weight | 0.94 pounds
- Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 3.15 x 7.87 inches
- Type | Hand-Powered
- Water Capacity | 236 ml
- Coffee Type | Ground
- Milk Frother | No
- Material | Isothermal Stainless Steel
- Warranty | 2 years
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Minimal waste with no paper filter needed
- Thermal cup design
Cons
- Requires external heating source
Wacaco Minipresso NS FBA
One of the best budget portable espresso makers is the Wacaco NS FBA. All you do is add hot water, press the 8-bar pump a few times, and you’ll get a quality cup of espresso. It’s a great hand-held product that’s great for anyone trying portable espresso makers for the first time.
While accessories are sold separately, it can be worth purchasing the Minipresso case to protect the espresso maker. You can also buy the Minipresso Tank+ if you want a greater water capacity to make more coffee.
Key Features
- Weight | 0.78 pounds
- Product Dimensions | 6.89 x 2.75 x 2.36 inches
- Type | Manual
- Water Capacity | 70 ml
- Coffee Type | Nespresso Capsules
- Milk Frother | No
- Material | Plastic
- Warranty | 1 year
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Flavorful espresso with impressive crema
- Easy to use and rinse clean
- Sophisticated portable design
- Includes useful add-ons
Cons
- No milk frothing capabilities
- There may be leaking problems for first few times if not handled correctly
- Many components
UniTerra Nomad Espresso Machine
One of the best manual portable espressos is the UniTerra Nomad that comes with additional features you will enjoy. You can control the pressure with a small lever and use the pressure gauge on the machine to create a perfect espresso cup. A crema valve and 9-bar pump system ensures an excellent shot and crema flavor. While the design and color are definitely unique, it is a high-quality machine.
Key Features
- Weight | 2.6 pounds
- Product Dimensions | 6.69 x 6.69 x 5.91 inches
- Type | Manual
- Water Capacity | 350 ml
- Coffee Type | Ground
- Milk Frother | No
- Material | Plastic and Metal Tamper
- Warranty | 1 year
Pros
- Has a seesaw lever for extracting coffee
- Able to track and control the brewing pressure
- Modern and unique design
- Consistent quality espresso shots
- High quality machined metal tamper
Cons
- High price point
- Odd shape may take up space in luggage
Staresso SP-200 Portable Espresso Maker
The Staresso SP-200 produces quality espressos and has a larger water tank compared to other portable models. The newly patented pumping system is 15 to 20 bar pressure and ensures extraction quality. All components are also detachable for an easy cleaning process.
Easily make espresso with no electricity. Besides espressos, you can also make other types of drinks, including cappuccino, black tea lattes, and cold brews. The product has a milk frother and comes with two coffee glasses.
Key Features
- Weight | 0.71 pounds
- Product Dimensions | 8.24 x 3.08 x 3.08 inches
- Type | Manual
- Water Capacity | 80 ml
- Coffee Type | Ground and Nespresso Capsules
- Milk Frother | Yes
- Material | BPA-Free External and Stainless Steel Chamber
- Warranty | 1 year
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Manual milk frothing
- Stainless steel pressure pump and coffee chamber
- Versatile for making different coffee types
- Large water tank capcity
Cons
- Must boil water first
- Pump can only make milk foam, not steam milk
DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza
This espresso maker heats up in around 30 seconds and has a useful LED light indicator. So, this is great for busy people who need an espresso quickly. It has a 19-bar pressure pump to extract the maximum flavor for your espresso. You can make two cup sizes: 40 ml or 110 ml.
A great feature of this machine is its eco-mode and auto-shutoff function that helps with energy-saving. The product also comes with a welcome set of a range of Nespresso capsules for you to try.
Key Features
- Weight | 4.35 pounds
- Product Dimensions | 4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 inches
- Type | Semi-Automatic
- Water Capacity | 600 ml
- Coffee Type | Nespresso Capsules
- Milk Frother | No
- Material | External is ABS Plastic
- Warranty | 2 years
Pros
- Well-built and durable design
- Easy to set up and use
- Has energy-saving features
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- High price-point
- A little bit bulky
Moocoo Manual Espresso Maker
One of the best espresso machines for camping, the Moocoo has a modern look and anti-slip design. Its durable materials also make it sturdy for impacts during travel. This espresso maker is compatible with coffee grounds and capsules. It has a built-in cup, measuring scoop, and a 20-bar pump that allows you to make various coffee styles, including lattes, cold brews, cappuccinos, and americanos.
Key Features
- Weight | 1.4 pounds
- Product Dimensions | 10.75 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
- Type | Hand-Operated
- Water Capacity | 75 ml to 120 ml
- Coffee Type | Ground and Nespresso Capsules
- Milk Frother | No
- Material | Tritan and High-Boron Silicon Glass
- Warranty | 2 years
Pros
- Compact and durable design
- Intuitive to use and easy to pump
- Affordable
- No power source needed
- Versatile to make other types of coffee
Cons
- You need to add boiling water
- Pump can stick over time
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccol
With an all-steel body and chrome-plated finish, this Italian espresso maker is durable and sophisticated looking. This product has a water-level gauge, safety valve, and an internal thermostat to monitor the brewing temperature. It is also easy to clean up with a removable drip tray.
The La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccol comes with a steam wand, screen, screen holder, tamper, and measuring spoon. Additionally, there is a cappuccino attachment so you can make nice milk foam. La Pavoni also has an instructional video available to help you get started with using this espresso maker.
Key Features
- Weight | 14 pounds
- Product Dimensions | 11 x 7 x 12 inches
- Type | Lever-Operated
- Water Capacity | 591 ml
- Coffee Type | Ground and Nespresso Capsules
- Milk Frother | Yes
- Material | All-Steel and Chrome-Plated
- Warranty | 1 year
Pros
- Makes high-quality espresso extraction
- Well-constructed and durable
- Easy to clean
- Has cappuccino attachments
- Professional and sophisticated looking
Cons
- Can take time to learn how to master
- Quite heavy
- Expensive
Cafflano Kompresso
This hand-carry, pocket-sized coffee maker is made of BPA-free plastic and has many detachable components. It has a 9-bar pump system that uses hydraulic water compression for high-quality espresso extraction. Enjoy aromatic shots with a nice crema within 5 to 8 minutes. This portable espresso maker is also the best for making an extremely smooth and delicious cold brew.
Key Features
- Weight | 0.5 pounds
- Product Dimensions | 7.3 x 3.1 x 4.1 inches
- Type | Hand-Operated
- Water Capacity | 80 ml
- Coffee Type | Ground
- Milk Frother | No
- Material | BPA-Free Plastic
- Warranty | 1 year
Pros
- Has hydraulic water compression
- Very lightweight
- Easy to set up and use
- High-quality espresso shots and cold brew
- Detachable components make it easy to clean
- Durable BPA-free plastics
Cons
- Can take some practice to get right
- You need to preheat it for a perfect brew
- Doesn’t have a high-end feel
Final Thoughts
While all the products listed above are of great quality and can meet your espresso cravings, the best portable espresso maker for you must fit your budget and align with how you will specifically use it. With this guide, you have all the information you need to make a choice. So start satisfying your caffeine needs on the go today!
