8 Best Portable Espresso Makers for Rich And Creamy Shots On the Go

Written by Nikita Wadi Updated on Feb 16, 2024  |  498.9K
Best Portable Espresso Maker
Best Portable Espresso Maker
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For coffee enthusiasts and routine sippers, the best portable espresso makers are a prized possession and a mandatory travel essential during road trips, staycations, and towering treks — there’s no need to keep looking for the nearest coffee shop on Google Maps.

We have a few coffee connoisseurs amidst us and our first-hand usage of some of the best portable espresso machines has left us impressed, to say the least! We have shortlisted our favorites so you too can enjoy a delicious cup of espresso with minimal effort, the right beans, and the right grind. 

As you may be aware, most portable expresso machines do not need an external source of heat or electricity for their operation, unlike the popular countertop single-serve coffee machines. These portable devices, instead, are battery-powered or rely on manual operation. The best ones also have simple (albeit innovative and chic) designs and lightweight construction (in most cases) that make them easy to carry and utilize while traveling. 

With quite a few great options to pick from, choosing the ideal companion to keep your traveler spirit ongoing with the perfect shots can get to be too much work. So, we have done the groundwork (pun intended) for you! After carefully studying the features of all the best sellers in the market and trying out a few, our in-house team has curated a list of the best travel espresso machines that have impressed with their alluring design, level of pressure exerted, unique filtration system, and negligible maintenance issues. 

Keep reading to discover the portable espresso solutions we love!

8 Best Portable Espresso Makers

An all-time favorite for coffee geeks and home baristas is the Flair Signature Manual Espresso Maker. It comes with a pressure gauge that helps you make the perfect shot of coffee without leaving any space for messiness. Moreover, it has a detachable brewing head that makes it easy to clean the machine without any hassle. Although this compact espresso maker lacks a built-in grinder to grind coffee beans, it more than makes up for the extra investment in a burr grinder with the quality it produces, every single time. Built of stainless steel and cast aluminum, this completely manual espresso machine is as durable as gorgeous.

Product Specifications 

Capacity- 60ml

Dimensions - 11.81"D x 5.91"W x 9.84"H

Weight - 6.09 pounds

Pros
  • Minimal extraction time
  • Easy to assemble
  • Perfect for repeat extractions
  • Comes with a compact travel packing case
Cons
  • Needs a burr grinder for optimal espresso quality
  • Editor’s Pick

    SonicPower Espresso Machine

    SonicPower Espresso Machine
  • Let the delicate, rich crema bloom in your cup during your RV travel ventures with the Sonic Power portable espresso machine as your aid. It comes with a removable milk frother that makes it easy to whip your delicious coffee in a jiffy. To add on, this authentic espresso maker has an easy-to-use button operation that makes it user-friendly. Cleaning is a breeze, and at the price point, the quality of coffee it makes — rich, creamy, and aromatic — makes this one is hard to beat if you have a countertop on your trip! Not to mention, its stainless steel brush finish helps accentuate the overall aesthetic appeal of your kitchen setup anywhere you go!

    Product Specifications 

    Capacity- 2 litres 

    Dimensions -6"D x 6"W x 10"H

    Weight - 10.28 Pounds

    Pros
    • Offers both single and double shots
    • Built-in milk frother
    • Easy to use and clean
    • Beginner-friendly
    Cons
    • May be too heavy to carry on long treks
  • Most Efficient Battery

    Outin Nano Portable Electric Espresso Machine

    Outin Nano Portable Electric Espresso Machine
  • With the Outin Nano battery-powered portable coffee maker by your side, you can ace the art of making true expresso without watching any YouTube tutorials. It has an inbuilt-high efficiency battery system that heats the water and extracts the maximum flavor in one single press. This rich espresso maker provides a delicate aroma and flavor to the coffee through 20 bars of pressure. To add on, what makes it an ideal choice for camping is that it comes in the size of a water bottle, occupies minimal space, and is compatible with ground coffee and coffee capsules (Illy, Lavazza, Kimbo, Cafe Royal, L'OR, Jacobs, and Nespresso). Addedly, it can make up to 200+ cups of hot water. To note, it has a leak-proof insulated design that reduces the risks of injuries and burns and keeps your coffee warm throughout. 

    Product Specifications 

    Capacity- 80 ml

    Dimensions - 2.76"D x 9.06"W x 2.76"H

    Weight - 1.5 pounds

    Pros
    • Heats up cold water quickly
    • Can make 3-5 cups of espresso on full charge
    • Most portable option
    • Easy to charge
    • Works well with freshly ground coffee and pods
    Cons
    • The battery is integrated and can't be replaced
  • Best Pressure Mechanism

    Gadgelux Portable Espresso Machine

    Gadgelux Portable Espresso Machine
  • Coffee without any tiring preparations is possible with the Gadgelux Travel Espresso machine. This one heats warm water in less than a minute and cold water in 3-4 minutes and provides a barista-crafted shot of espresso in one extract. Moreover, this compact espresso maker has a lithium battery that charges in under 90 minutes and has an 80 ml stainless steel water tank allowing you to make 1-2 ounces of coffee every time. Addedly, it comes with broad base cups to facilitate stability. 

    Product Specifications 

    Capacity- 80 ml

    Dimensions -2.72"D x 2.72"W x 8"H

    Weight - 1.4 pounds

    Pros
    • Very lightweight and portable
    • Easy to use and clean
    • Seamless heating
    • Brews without hindrance
    • Requires negligible maintenance
    Cons
    • Not a sturdy build
  • Best for Camping Trips

    CONQUECO Portable Coffee Machine

    CONQUECO Portable Coffee Machine
  • The anti-rust aluminum body and the easy one-press operation of the Conqueco portable expresso machine make it a popular choice among travel vloggers, fishermen, and wildlife explorers. It is best suited for preparing crema-laden perfect expressos. Moreover, it has a fast heating system and a feathery, lightweight design with a large water tank capacity. The battery offers superb performance and we could easily get 10 cups using hot water before we needed to put it on charge. 

    Product Specifications 

    Capacity- 80 Milliliters

    Dimensions -2.83"D x 2.83"W x 9.06"H

    Weight -2.09 pounds

    Pros
    • Simple hassle-free operation
    • Dishwasher safe
    • Ideal for hiking and camping trips
    Cons
    • Needs to be recharged frequently
  • Best Manual Choice

    WACACO Picopresso Portable Espresso Maker

    WACACO Picopresso Portable Espresso Maker
  • Enjoy rich and creamy caffeine shots with dense flavors on your campsite or your office table with the Picopresso mini espresso machine. It manages the subtle and energizing vibe of the coffee and retains its silky, creamy texture.  Moreover, the machine can apply a pressure of 9-12 bars to force hot water for a perfect extraction. To add on, this portable espresso maker comes with a 52mm basket that makes it suitable for making double shots of expresso. We loved how handy and small this powerful manual espresso machine is — try it with freshly ground coffee for the perfectly rich and creamy shots. 

    Product Specifications 

    Capacity- 80 ml

    Dimensions -4.17"D x 3.07"W x 2.8"H

    Weight - 0.77 pounds

    Pros
    • No battery or electricity needed
    • Durable and robust build
    • Transparent portafilter
    Cons
    • Does not work well with pre-ground packaged coffee
  • Best for Coffee Capsules

    CERA+ Portable Mini Espresso Machine

    CERA+ Portable Mini Espresso Machine
  • Brew like a barista with the Cera Plus Portable Espresso machine at your side. This mini espresso machine outshines many of its big and sturdy counterparts with its aroma-laden espresso in less than 5 minutes. Moreover, it is compatible with NS capsules and ground coffee and does not accumulate residue. Addedly, it comes with a heat-insulated design which makes holding it a hassle-free and safe experience. Lastly, it has an extraction time of less than 30 seconds, making it an impeccable choice for those who need their coffee ASAP. 

    Product Specifications 

    Capacity- 80 ml

    Dimensions -2.72"D x 2.72"W x 8"H

    Weight - 22.58 ounces

    Pros
    • Great crema and rich flavor with fresh ground coffee
    • Comes with a carry bag
    • Easy to charge
    • Good customer service
    Cons
    • May not work as well with coffee pods
  • Best Ergonomic Design

    STARESSO Plus Portable Coffee Maker

    STARESSO Plus Portable Coffee Maker
  • The segmented hydraulic extraction process of the STARESSO Portable Coffee Maker helps derive high-quality coffee with minimal effort. It has an ergonomically designed vertical press that reduces the amount of pressure applied and is gentle on your palms. What’s more, it comes with a detachable stand design and two storage states that help to reduce space occupation. Addedly, each part of the coffee machine can be disassembled to facilitate hassle-free cleaning of the machine. 

    Product Specifications 

    Capacity- 80 ml

    Dimensions -3.2"D x 4.3"W x 7.4"H

    Weight - 1.2 Pounds

    Pros
    • BPA free
    • Spacious storage
    • Doesn't accumulate stains
    Cons
    • Tends to accumulate residue

    Choosing the best portable battery-operated or manual expresso machine can be quite a task! Hence, after carefully analyzing all the features of all pocket espresso machines, we have listed down a few factors you can keep in mind while making your next purchase.

    How to Choose the Best Portable Espresso Maker?

    Here are a few factors that you can consider before purchasing a portable expresso maker:

    1. Material and Design: While looking for a portable espresso machine that can serve as an essential travel accessory it is important to ascertain that the material is made up of break, jerk, and scratch-resistant materials as it may tamper the aesthetic appeal of the product and also effect its working efficiency. To add on, it should have a built-in paper filter and a built-in ergonomically designed manual grinder to facilitate easy grinding of coffee beans without much effort and pain.  Also, it should not contain any PFAs and Teflon as it may trigger inert allergies and also cause digestion issues. 

    2. Pressure Bar: For a perfectly aromatic, rich, and creamy cup of coffee, it is important to get a coffee machine that has a pressure bar of 15 bars and above so that the espresso-making process is an effortless one. 

    3. Weight and Dimensions: Look for products with lightweight construction and a compact design that are easy to carry, store, and transport. 

    4. Additional Accessories: To enjoy a coffee without being hindered by routine maintenance issues, it is important to look for a coffee machine with additional strainers, funnels, and plungers so that it is easy to clean and replace, and use over time. 

    5. Easy to Clean: Lastly the coffee machine should be dishwasher friendly and have an easy cleaning procedure without the need for abrasive scrubbing and polishing.

    Conclusion

    To keep your delicious and steamy espresso options open and absolutely within reach while trekking in the hilly regions of Switzerland or trotting in the dunes of the Sahara, cop one of the best portable espresso makers right now! If you are impatient for a dose of energy through caffeine, look no further than our best overall choice, the Flair espresso machine, if it's your first time purchasing a coffee machine, the Sonic power espresso machine is an impeccable choice, being superbly user friendly. For coffee and travel geeks, the Cera Portable expresso machine is the non-negotiable pick that we recommend.

    FAQ's

    How does a portable espresso maker work?
    Portable expresso machines make use of a piston that forces water under pressure over the ground coffee.
    How do I clean a portable espresso maker?
    Remove all the washable parts from the coffee-making machine and wash it under running water. You can also check if your portable coffee machine is dishwasher-friendly or not.
    Can I use a portable espresso maker for regular coffee?
    A portable expresso machine can be used to make regular coffee and is more convenient due to its lightweight construction and ergonomic design. However, you may need a milk frother separately if it is not included in the design of your espresso maker.
    Do portable espresso makers require batteries or electricity?
    Most portable coffee makers have an in-built rechargeable battery system that makes it suitable to have coffee while on the go without the need for frequent charging. Some designs involve wholly manual operation, such as the WACACO Picopresso Portable Espresso Maker and the Flair Signature Manual Espresso Maker.

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    Author BIO

    Nikita’s love for food and travel has taken her to places of history that speak volumes about cultural richness More