A portable coffee maker ensures you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee wherever you are whether commuting, camping, or traveling.
These compact and lightweight devices are designed for convenience, often requiring no batteries or electrical outlets.
Modern portable coffee makers go beyond the traditional mini percolators or electric kettle pour-over setups.
There are now French presses that function as travel mugs, handheld espresso makers that mimic small manual espresso machines, and even all-in-one models that grind, brew, and store components within insulated tumblers.
To identify the best portable coffee makers, we turned to our team’s top picks and tested them firsthand. Below, you’ll find our recommendations, along with key factors to consider when selecting the right one for you.
Coffee vs. Espresso
The primary distinction between coffee and espresso lies in the brewing method. Coffee is infused, whereas espresso is extracted using high pressure, typically around nine bars (approximately 130 psi).
Most of the portable coffee makers we feature brew a single cup of coffee at a time. However, if you prefer a quick double-shot of espresso, we’ve also included portable espresso makers designed for use with both grounds and capsules.
Our top choice, the AeroPress Go, relies on manual pressure for brewing but does not reach the level required for true espresso extraction. Nonetheless, its versatility allows you to create an espresso-like brew by adjusting the grounds-to-water ratio.
1. Best Overall
AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Maker
- $47 at Amazon
- $40 at REI
- $50 at Walmart
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Versatile brewing options for espresso-like coffee
- Compact and ultra-lightweight
Cons
- Paper filter container doesn’t close tightly
While there is a slight learning curve to perfecting your ideal brew, it’s almost impossible to make a bad cup of coffee with the AeroPress Go.
This compact and lightweight portable coffee maker earns our top spot for its simple, efficient design and affordability. With a bit of practice and experimentation, it also allows for various brewing styles.
There are two primary brewing methods. The standard method works similarly to a French press just pour water, stir the grounds, and press. For a bolder, stronger cup, the inverted method is an option.
Our former editor, Zoë Hannah, who captured this photo of her AeroPress Go, favors this method for both camping trips and home use when she needs a caffeine boost.
All components conveniently pack inside the included cup, and a soft, grippy lid keeps everything secure in your backpack. Plus, every piece is top-rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
The only downside is that the small paper filter container doesn’t seal tightly, allowing filters to slip out. To avoid this, we recommend AeroPress’s reusable metal filter, which is specifically designed to fit.
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Key Specs
- Capacity: 8 oz
- Dimensions: 3.65 x 3.65 x 4.5 in.
- Weight: 11.2 oz
2. Best for Job Sites
Makita Cordless Coffee Maker
- Now 35% Off
- $118 at Amazon
Pros
- Well-designed with a sturdy build
- Includes a permanent filter and top handle
- Comes with a stainless-steel mug
Cons
- Batteries sold separately
While we didn’t have the chance to personally test this cordless portable coffee maker, its reputation and Makita’s track record make it worth mentioning.
When we previously reviewed job site coffee makers, an earlier model of this machine won our Editors’ Choice award. This updated version includes significant improvements, making it an even better option.
Key features include a top handle for portability, a removable water tank located under the lid, and a permanent filter. Additionally, it has an automatic shutoff feature that activates when the water level is too low to brew a cup.
The best part? It’s compatible with Makita’s 12-volt max CXT and 18-volt LXT rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (sold separately).
Depending on the battery type, it can brew a five-ounce cup in five minutes or an eight-ounce travel mug’s worth of coffee. The included stainless-steel mug shown in the photo adds extra value.
Key Specs
- Capacity: 8 oz
- Dimensions: 7.8 x 11.2 x 10.3 in.
- Weight: 3.08 lb
3. Best for Capsules
Wacaco Minipresso NS2 Portable Espresso Machine
- $60 at Amazon
Pros
- Incredibly compact and lightweight
- Good capacity and pressure for its size
- Integrated cup for convenience
Cons
- No option to use ground coffee
When it comes to convenience, a capsule espresso maker is hard to beat especially if portability is a top priority.
The Wacaco Minipresso NS2 is a newer addition to the brand’s lineup and is designed specifically for use with original Nespresso capsules.
Measuring just five inches in length and weighing only 10 ounces, this compact espresso maker is perfect for travel.
Despite its small size, it delivers an impressive 18 bars of pressure (equivalent to 261 psi), the same as the Picopresso we recommend later, with a 2.7-ounce capacity.
Like the Picopresso, it features a pop-out piston for manual espresso extraction. However, unlike the Picopresso, this model includes an integrated cup that screws off from the bottom, adding to its convenience.
Key Specs
- Capacity: 2.7 oz
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 2.4 x 2.8 in.
- Weight: 10.2 oz
4. Best French Press
Espro Ultralight Travel French Press
- $40 at Amazon
- $69 at Newegg.com
Pros
- Produces smooth, clean coffee
- Extremely lightweight for portability
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- Excellent insulation keeps coffee hot for hours
Cons
- Double filter can be challenging to clean
For those who love French press coffee, the Espro Ultralight Travel French Press is an outstanding choice.
Associate editor Tom Price, who has used this model extensively over several months, describes it as producing “one of the smoothest cups of French press coffee I have ever had.” He often carries it in his backpack and appreciates its performance on the go.
The secret to its smooth taste lies in its double mesh filter, which effectively traps fine coffee grounds, preventing bitterness and unwanted sludge in the cup. Additionally, its double-wall insulation ensures that the coffee stays hot for hours after brewing.
All components are safe for the top rack of the dishwasher, but it’s recommended to rinse the filter thoroughly beforehand to remove any trapped coffee grounds.
With a 16-ounce capacity, this lightweight and travel-friendly French press is available in eight different colors, as well as a brushed stainless steel finish.
While it doesn’t come with a carrying case, the looped lid allows it to be easily attached to a backpack using a carabiner.
Key Specs
- Capacity: 16 oz
- Dimensions: 2.6 x 3 x 9.2 in.
- Weight: 7.4 oz
5. Best with Grinder
Cafflano All-in-One Portable Coffee Maker
- $60 at Amazon
Pros
- Convenient all-in-one design
- Adjustable grinder for precise control
- Reusable stainless steel microfilter
Cons
- No top lid
If you take your coffee seriously, freshly ground beans are a must but carrying a separate grinder along with your portable coffee maker isn’t always practical.
That’s where the Cafflano All-in-One Portable Coffee Maker shines, combining multiple functions into a single, streamlined design.
This model features a built-in adjustable grinder with a cleverly designed foldaway handle, allowing for easy grinding on the go.
It also includes a reusable stainless-steel microfilter and a cover with a hole that lets you slowly pour water over the grounds for optimal extraction.
With all the necessary components included, you can brew directly into the double-walled tumbler. However, the lack of a sipping lid is a notable drawback, especially for those who prefer to drink their coffee on the move.
Key Specs
- Capacity: 15.2 oz
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 7.6 in.
- Weight: 1.03 lb
6. Best for Espresso
Wacaco Picopresso Portable Espresso Maker
- Now 20% Off
- $104 at Amazon
Pros
- Sturdy and well-built design
- All components are top-rack dishwasher-safe
- Includes a zippered carrying case for travel
Cons
- No integrated cup
For those who need high-quality espresso on the go, the Wacaco Picopresso is a standout option.
I always want great coffee within reach when I travel. Years ago, I used to stockpile Illy instant coffee sticks from flights (which, to my dismay, are still unavailable in the U.S.) to ensure I wouldn’t have to settle for subpar coffee.
These days, portable coffee makers are widely available, but true espresso options remain limited. That’s why I was eager to try Wacaco’s flagship Picopresso Portable Espresso Maker.
Right out of the box, it felt like handling a high-end camera lens more like a miniature espresso machine than a basic coffee maker.
The Picopresso consists of about a dozen components, but the well-illustrated manual made the setup and brewing process straightforward. Repacking everything into the zippered carrying case was equally simple.
Initially, I was concerned that I might not have the hand strength to generate the required pressure for proper extraction. However, the pop-out piston operated effortlessly, delivering up to 18 bars of pressure (261 psi) with minimal effort.
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Unlike some of the other portable coffee makers on our list, the Picopresso doesn’t include an integrated cup. While that would have been a useful addition, it’s not a dealbreaker.
If you’re willing to invest in a premium portable espresso maker, the Picopresso produces an exceptional shot of espresso. However, if you prefer the ease of using capsules, check out our review of the Wacaco Minipresso NS2 above.
Key Specs
- Capacity: 2.7 oz
- Dimensions: 4.17 x 3.07 x 2.8 in.
- Weight: 12.3 oz