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99% of people need at least one cup of coffee in the morning just to be able to function as a normal human being. A significant portion of those require 2-3 cups in the morning to be somewhat productive.
Caffeine is a necessity for shift work, long hours, parents, students, or even anyone who simply had a bad night’s sleep.
Unfortunately, the coffee pot seems to take hours in the morning when we barely have the patience to greet our family members before a cup of joe.
Instead, a portable espresso maker gives us that wonderfully rejuvenating burst of caffeine anywhere, anytime, in just a couple minutes.
These portable espresso makers can provide you with fresh, hot coffee anywhere you are. While you might think that that’s all you need to know, there are actually a number of things to know about these handy caffeine machines before you purchase one.
We’ll help you make all of the important purchase decision to ensure that you choose a high-quality product.
To help that goal along, we’ve put together a list of the best portable espresso machines in Canada after an analysis of 26 products and 1120 reviews over 24 hours.
Following our last update, we recommend the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker for its ease of use, delicious results, and lasting quality.
Our Top Pick Portable Espresso Maker in 2023
Overall, the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker is one of our favorite models on the market. It is reliable, easy to clean, and is listed at a very fair price. You’ll have to boil your water separately to get hot espresso, but that is a minor inconvenience when compared to the overall quality of this manual machine.
Pros:
- No battery or electricity required
- All components come apart for easy cleaning
- Fair price
Cons:
- Need to use immediately after boiling water; not insulated enough to keep water hot
Our selection of the best models available right now:
- Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
- CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker
- Makita DCM501Z Coffee Maker
- AeroPress GO Coffee Maker
- Presto 02835 MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker
- Bialetti Mini Express Coffee Maker
- nCamp Portable Coffee Maker
- Wacaco Pipamoka All-In-One Vacuum Pressured Portable Coffee Maker
Portable Espresso Maker Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
|
9,6
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Upgrade Pick
|
CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker
|
9,7
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Construction Worker Pick
|
Makita DCM501Z Coffee Maker
|
9,4
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Budget Pick
|
AeroPress GO Coffee Maker
|
8,9
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at MEC |
Our Pick for The Best Portable Espresso Maker
Presentation of the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
The Best Overall
Wacaco
When it come to portable espresso machines, there isn’t really one better than the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker. It has a great design, simple manual operation, and it produces a great tasting cup of espresso every time. What more could you ask for?
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker Video Review
What We Think of the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Wacaco’s portable espresso maker has essentially everything going for it. The only downside we have to share with you is that it can’t heat water itself, but that’s pretty standard with a manual style. This unit weighs less than a pound and is designed to fit easily in any bag without hugging too much space. Its finger press design means you can make espresso anywhere, flat surface available or not.
This machine has an 80 ml capacity, the perfect size for a great amount of espresso. You can only use coffee grounds with it, as is usual for manual machines, and for great taste you’ll need to make sure you tamp it quite firmly. When used properly following these simple directions, the espresso you get out of it will taste like professional quality. There is a one-year warranty too in case you are satisfied or the machine doesn’t work as its intended to.
After using this portable espresso machine, I will never need to go to a barista shop again. I use it at home and on backpacking trips, the espresso is that good. As long as you make sure your grounds are adequately tamped before you use them, this will taste exactly like something you’d buy at a coffee shop for a lot more money. Will always choose this brand for coffee machines now!
Britney W.
One of the things we love about this portable espresso maker is how easy it is to clean. Every single component of this machine comes apart easily, so you can clean thoroughly and have no coffee grounds or stains left behind. This ensures that you’ll only ever taste great coffee from it, never any unwanted mold or bacteria growth. Since it is offered at a fair price, we are confident that most households could afford it easily.
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.1” x 2.8” x 2.4”
- Weight: 0.7 lbs
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 80 ml
- Power Source: Manual
- Compatible Coffee Type(s): Grounds
- Warranty: 1 year
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- No battery or electricity required
- All components come apart for easy cleaning
- Fair price
Cons
- Need to use immediately after boiling water; not insulated enough to keep water hot
Our Final Opinion About the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker is one of our favorite models on the market. It is reliable, easy to clean, and is listed at a very fair price. You’ll have to boil your water separately to get hot espresso, but that is a minor inconvenience when compared to the overall quality of this manual machine.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Portable Espresso Maker
Presentation of the CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker
The Advanced Choice
Conqueco
If you’re looking for a more advanced style of espresso maker, the CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker is right for you. It uses battery power and Nespresso capsules to bring you great tasting espresso with the touch of a button. It really doesn’t get easier than that.
CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker Video Review
What We Think of the CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker
The portable espresso maker by CONQUECO is one that we respect a great deal. It is made with extreme attention to detail and is sure to last you quite a while. The one-year warranty offers some nice support on your investment, because this model is quite expensive, in our opinion it is more expensive that it should be. However, we understand where the company is coming from on this, because it has a lot to offer.
While the battery is fairly inefficient, it is extremely convenient for making hot espresso anywhere without putting in any effort at all. With touch button operation, you simply have to turn it on. It weighs nearly 2 lbs and stands over 12” high, so it is a larger model. It has a low capacity of 45 ml, but this is the exact amount you need to pair with Original Line Nespresso capsules, which is what this machine is compatible with.
It’s a good thing I like Nespresso capsules, because I didn’t even notice I couldn’t use grounds with this machine before I bought it. Whoops! Good thing for all of you to know, I guess. Anyway, this machine is great! Really easy to use, self cleaning, and self heating! All I have to do is put the pod in and turn it on, basically. Exactly what I need for my busy life.
Grace C.
This model comes with a home charger and car charger to make sure you never run out of battery when you need it. Our favorite features are the self clean and self heat. You can add cold water to this espresso maker, and the machine can heat it and produce hot coffee even when you don’t have access to hot water. The self clean feature means you never have to take the machine apart, but you can also be certain you aren’t consuming anything other than espresso in your drink.
CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.1” x 6.3” x 6.3”
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 45 ml
- Power Source: Battery
- Compatible Coffee Type(s): Original Line Nespresso Capsules & L’OR capsules
- Warranty: 1 year
CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Self-heating
- Comes with a car charger and home charger
- Auto cleans
- Can use hot or cold water with it
Cons
Cons
- Battery is very inefficient
- More expensive than it should be
Our Final Opinion About the CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker is one that will astound you with the quality of its product and its ease of use. The battery isn’t very efficient and it is quite pricey, but its self heating, self cleaning mechanisms will help you understand the higher cost of this product.
Our Construction Worker Pick for a Portable Espresso Maker
Presentation of the Makita DCM501Z Coffee Maker
The Workforce Choice
Makita
If you’re looking for a great portable espresso maker to take with you to job sites, the Makita DCM501Z Coffee Maker is the best choice. It can be used with multiple battery types that are not exclusive to this coffee maker, making it very easy to keep charged and ensure you never run out of coffee when you need it.
Makita DCM501Z Coffee Maker Video Review
What We Think of the Makita DCM501Z Coffee Maker
Makita’s coffee maker is perhaps one of the most brilliant things a tool company has ever done. Now, all of the people using their tools on a regular basis can enjoy coffee with the exact same batteries. It’s always better to buy from a brand you trust, after all. This machine weighs just over 3 lbs, and doesn’t take up as much space as you’d think. It’s a perfect companion for a workbench or jobsite.
The teal color makes it easy to keep track off, and the 240 ml capacity guarantees an adequate amount of coffee every time. You can use grounds or pods to make coffee with this machine, an inclusiveness and convenience we find very pleasing. The three year warranty gives us a lot of confidence in the quality of this product, and we hope it does the same for you.
My wife bought me this coffee maker to stop me from trekking mud into the house when I’m out working. I use the same battery for the coffee maker as I do for my Makita tools, which is pretty awesome. I love that it heats up the water and I don’t have to boil it first. Usually I use coffee pods with it because its easier, and its quite durable.
MAtt L.
While some reviewers have mentioned a tendency of this machine to has leak, the majority of them never encounter this problem. It is something to be watchful of, though. The water tank is easily removable so you can fill and clean it without hassle, and there is a permanent drip filter to prevent you from needing to purchase disposable ones on a regular basis. With the boil dry protection in place, we bet you’ll get a long lifespan out of this coffee maker.
Makita DCM501Z Coffee Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.8” x 11.2” x 10.3”
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Color: Teal
- Capacity: 240 ml
- Power Source: Battery
- Compatible Coffee Type(s): Grounds or pods
- Warranty: 3 years
Makita DCM501Z Coffee Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has boil dry protection
- Has a permanent drip filter
- Water tank is removable for cleaning
Cons
Cons
- Need to purchase batteries and charger separately
- Has a tendency to leak
Our Final Opinion About the Makita DCM501Z Coffee Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Makita DCM501Z Coffee Maker is the best choice for battery powered, durable machines. It has a capacity large enough to make a few small cups or one large cup at a time, and it has boil dry protection. However, you’ll need to buy the battery and charger separately, and watch out for leaking.
Our Budget Pick for a Portable Espresso Maker
Presentation of the AeroPress GO Coffee Maker
The Affordable Choice
AeroPress
There are always people on the hunt for affordable coffee makers, but it can be difficult to find for espresso style machines. The AeroPress GO Coffee Maker is one that will go easy on your pocketbook, but won’t scrimp on the quality and features you expect of a manual espresso machine.
AeroPress GO Coffee Maker Video Review
What We Think of the AeroPress GO Coffee Maker
The AeroPress GO Coffee Maker is the perfect budget friendly option for families and individuals. It has a high capacity of 227 ml and is very easy to operate; as long as you have a flat surface, you just need a little bit of body weight to press and produce some amazing tasting espresso. The unit is very compact when it its pressed form, so it is great for carrying around and packing in tight spaces. It is so light you’ll hardly notice its addition to your pack.
The cool thing about this manual model is that you can use pods or ground coffee to produce espresso. This is fairly unusual for manual machines, so it is definitely something to appreciate. The creators of this coffee maker are incredibly thoughtful, as they included 350 microfilters with the purchase to get you of to a great start. After these run out, you’ll need to replace them yourself.
This is the easiest manual coffee machine I’ve ever used. It was such a great price, and the larger capacity means I can make espresso for myself, my wife, and our daughter on family vacations all at the same time. I’m all about efficiency. This machine is really easy to use and I love that it’s pretty inclusive with grounds and pods. Big fan, clearly.
Timothy O.
A very important feature of this espresso maker is its cleanability. All of the components come apart to allow you to thoroughly wash the entire interior of the machine, ensuring there is nothing lingering that can encourage mold or bacteria growth. Our favorite feature is that this machine can be used to make espresso, regular hot coffee, and even cold brew coffee. It’s essentially a 3-in-1!
AeroPress GO Coffee Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.3” x 3.7” x 3.7”
- Weight: 0.7 lbs
- Color: Grey
- Capacity: 227 ml
- Power Source: Manual
- Compatible Coffee Type(s): Grounds or pods
AeroPress GO Coffee Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Makes cold and hot brew coffee and espresso
- 350 microfilters included
- Components come apart for easy cleaning
Cons
- Requires a flat surface to press
Our Final Opinion About the AeroPress GO Coffee Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the AeroPress GO Coffee Maker is a budget-friendly option suitable for any purpose. It is compact and durable enough to take camping or exploring outdoors, but it is also great for regular use at home. You’ll need a flat surface to press on, but otherwise, we have no complaints about this model.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Presto 02835 MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker
The Versatile Alternative
Presto
If you’re looking for a coffee maker that can make more than just coffee, you’ve found the right match in the Presto 02835 MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker. With versatile pod compatibility, you can have any hot beverage you like, anywhere, anytime.
Presto 02835 MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker Video Review
What We Think of the Presto 02835 MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker
Presto’s portable coffee maker is ideal for all types of hot beverages. As long as you have a compatible pod, you can make any drink you want as long as you’ve got access to hot water. Since this is a manual model, it can’t heat the water itself, and you’ll have to make use of the pump operation to make your coffee/tea/hot chocolate. It doesn’t take too much effort though, so it is easy for everyone to use.
This model weighs less than a pound and is quite compact. This makes it ideal for travelling, though it takes up more space than other manual models due to its larger capacity. At a full cup capacity, this is one of the largest coffee makers we encountered. You won’t be able to use it with coffee grounds, but for the pod lover, there isn’t a better, more versatile machine to choose.
I absolutely love this portable coffee maker for travelling. I bring this machine and my favorite pod flavors, and I never need to worry about being forced to drink nasty coffee wherever I’m staying. It is really easy to keep clean and it just looks good. I highly recommend this coffee maker for everyone that doesn’t want to waste time brewing it all the time.
Melissa C.
One of our favorite things about this model is its affordability. It’s simple design and limited technology means that the price can be accommodated by any budget. Of course, you’ve got the expense of the pods, but that goes with every other pod-compatible coffee maker as well, whether it is portable or not. This model also doesn’t come with a cup, so that is another expense you’ll need to consider. However, all of this combined will still be cheaper than other portable machines. While not the most efficient way to purchase a coffee maker, your bank account will sure appreciate it.
Presto 02835 MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.1” x 4.1” x 9”
- Weight: 0.9 lbs
- Color: Black and red
- Capacity: 1 cup
- Power Source: Manual
- Compatible Coffee Type(s): Pods
Presto 02835 MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Can make coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
- Clear exterior to keep an eye on beverage appearance
- Highly affordable
- Easy pump operation
Cons
- Requires other source of hot water
- Doesn’t come with a cup
Our Final Opinion About the Presto 02835 MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Presto 02835 MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker is one of the more versatile options on the market. With an inclusive drink list and easy manual operation, you’ll have the perfect drink every time as long as you have access to some hot water and a cup.
Presentation of the Bialetti Mini Express Coffee Maker
The Artful Alternative
Bialetti
The Bialetti Mini Express Coffee Maker is an artfully designed espresso coffee maker that will make a wonderful addition to any countertop’s aesthetic. With three creative designs to choose from and great tasting espresso, we are sure this product will find a great fit in any household.
Bialetti Mini Express Coffee Maker Video Review
What We Think of the Bialetti Mini Express Coffee Maker
If you’ve ever wanted an espresso maker that doubles as an art piece on your countertop, this Bialetti mini is for you. With the most creative and innovative design we’ve seen, in both functionality and appearance. You have three exterior styles to choose from, and they are all incredibly intricate and engaging. There is an aluminum platform for two small cups to sit on, and the espresso pours directly into them. The platform also keeps the cups warm until you’re ready to enjoy it.
This unit weighs just under 2 lbs and is one of the larger espresso machines. It has an 80ml capacity, the perfect amount for two cups of espresso, and is compatible with coffee grounds only. Two cups come with the purchase of this machine, and they will match the design you choose. For a portable espresso machine, you’ll have to be quite careful with it and pack it properly, but it is light enough and small enough to transport easily.
This is the coolest coffee maker I have ever owned, and I bet anyone else who owns it can say the same thing. It is truly wonderful in design, both visually and structurally. As an artist, I can appreciate the creativity that went into this machine. It makes great tasting espresso, and the two-cup design is perfect for me and my girlfriend every morning.
Emily P.
The one big thing you need to know about this espresso maker is that it requires a stovetop as a heat source instead of battery power or the use of preheated water like standard manual espresso makers. This may make it difficult to use on certain outdoor adventures, but for simple camping or indoor use, it’s quite perfect. It’s offered at a great price too.
Bialetti Mini Express Coffee Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 24” x 24” x 11”
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Color: Kandisky, Lichtenstein, or Magritte
- Capacity: 80 ml
- Power Source: Stovetop
- Compatible Coffee Type(s): Grounds
Bialetti Mini Express Coffee Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Incredibly unique design
- Comes with matching two cups for espresso
- Cups stay warm
- Great price
Cons
- Requires a stovetop as a heat source
Our Final Opinion About the Bialetti Mini Express Coffee Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Bialetti Mini Express Coffee Maker is made for the more eccentric bunch out there. It is truly a statement piece, and deserves to be proudly displayed on your kitchen counter at all times. It has the retro design of requiring a stovetop as a heat source, but this will likely add to the joy of an old-fashioned, artful espresso maker.
Presentation of the nCamp Portable Coffee Maker
The High-Capacity Alternative
nCamp
When you’re responsible for making coffee or espresso for a group of people, especially when out camping, a large capacity can make al the difference. The nCamp Portable Coffee Maker is the perfect choice for group camping trips, or just for an individual that drinks a LOT of coffee.
nCamp Portable Coffee Maker Video Review
What We Think of the nCamp Portable Coffee Maker
If you are in the market for the perfect portable espresso maker to take camping, this nCamp model is just right for you. It is made of 304 stainless steel, so is one of the most durable, weather resistant products you’ll be able to find. It has a large 340 ml capacity that makes it ideal for making espresso for a group of people, and supplying yourself with regular coffee throughout the day. We love multi-purpose items.
This larger-than-average espresso maker weighs only 1.5 lbs, so while it does have a little bit of bulk to it, it is lightweight enough to be unnoticeable in your camping gear. It is only compatible with coffee grounds, but those are easier to take travelling with you anyways. The cup has a silicone wrap to protect your hands from the hot beverage, which we find incredibly thoughtful.
I really should have gotten a portable coffee maker a lot sooner than three weeks ago. I’ve used it every weekend while camping so far, and I’m quite impressed. I have a little stove that I take camping, so this was a perfect fit for it. It’s really easy to make great tasting espresso, and I love that it also makes regular coffee when I need a pick me up throughout the day.
Devin E.
This espresso/coffee maker does require a stovetop as a heat source, and you will need to pay close attention to it. Once it starts boiling you need to take it off the heat immediately, otherwise it may boil dry and burn your espresso. The great thing about this large capacity machine is that it brews your coffee or espresso in less than five minutes; you’ll be able to wake up quite quickly every morning.
nCamp Portable Coffee Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 3.4” x 3.4” x 9.4”
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Color: Silver
- Capacity: 340 ml
- Power Source: Stovetop
- Compatible Coffee Type(s): Grounds
nCamp Portable Coffee Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Brews in less than 5 minutes
- Highly durable, great for camping
- Cup has a silicone wrap to protect your hands from the heat
Cons
Cons
- Requires a stovetop for a heat source
- Will burn when water boils off; need to pay attention
Our Final Opinion About the nCamp Portable Coffee Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the nCamp Portable Coffee Maker is the best choice for camping with high demands. It is very durable, and protective silicone on the cup makes it a very comfortable experience. The coffee/espresso brews in less than 5 minutes, so the stovetop requirement and need for attention won’t matter too much.
Presentation of the Wacaco Pipamoka All-In-One Vacuum Pressured Portable Coffee Maker
The Alternative Pick
Wacaco
Many portable espresso makers require either a power source or a significant amount of manual labor. If neither of these sounds appealing to you, the unique design of the Wacaco Pipamoka all-in-one vacuum pressured portable coffee maker will change your life for the better, as far as coffee goes at least.
Wacaco Pipamoka All-In-One Vacuum Pressured Portable Coffee Maker Video Review
What We Think of the Wacaco Pipamoka All-In-One Vacuum Pressured Portable Coffee Maker
Many people may not know how a vacuum pressure coffee maker like this works, so we’ll provide a quick explanation. Rather than using a press-type system to make coffee, you simply twist the lid on this model to create vacuum pressure. This draws the water through the coffee grounds and adds flavor, without you needing to employ a lot of strength. This is incredibly convenient, and only takes two minutes.
With the smaller capacity of only 236 ml, it isn’t the best product for excessive coffee drinkers, but for a quick boost to your energy levels, it is perfect. Our favorite thing about this portable espresso maker is its insulation. Rather than being pressured to drink your coffee quickly, you can take up to 4 hours without your coffee going cold thanks to the stainless steel insulated housing.
I have been interested in purchasing a portable coffee maker for some time now, but I hadn’t found any that really caught my eye until this Wacaco one. The stainless steel design makes it really durable, which is great for me since I work in construction, and it does a great job keeping the coffee warm over the 2-3 hours it takes me to drink it in the morning. It is really easy to use, too.
jeff b.
You will need an external source of hot water in order for this coffee maker to be functional, so that is something to keep in mind. Since this portable unit is designed for travel, it will fit perfectly into cupholders and won’t take up too much space in a cupboard or bag when not in use. The filter is reusable and washable, so you won’t have the expense or waste that comes with replacement filters.
Wacaco Pipamoka All-In-One Vacuum Pressured Portable Coffee Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 3.1” x 3.1” x 7.9”
- Weight: 0.9 lbs
- Color: Silver
- Capacity: 236 ml
- Power Source: None
- Compatible Coffee Type(s): Grounds
Wacaco Pipamoka All-In-One Vacuum Pressured Portable Coffee Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Uses vacuum pressure to make coffee, so no manual effort or power source is required
- Brews coffee in only 2 minutes, and doesn’t require filter replacements
- Insulated to keep coffee warm
- Designed for travel, so fits in cupholders
Cons
Cons
- Requires a hot water source
Our Final Opinion About the Wacaco Pipamoka All-In-One Vacuum Pressured Portable Coffee Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Wacaco Pipamoka all-in-one vacuum pressured portable coffee maker is a unique design that takes the manual work out of the process. Its affordable price and great portability make it the perfect coffee companion for early work mornings or an outdoor adventure.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Portable Espresso Maker
Benefits of Using a Portable Espresso Maker
Espresso makers can be one of the best ways for you to get your caffeine fix any day of the week, whether in the comfort of your own home or out in the middle of the wilderness. Portable espresso makers are obviously great because of their portability. They are small in size and lightweight, so they are very easy to stow in a pack or bag, and you don’t need to carry any accessories with you. However, there are some other benefits that you may not have considered thus far.
Portable espresso makers, especially the manual kind, can be great power savers. Using them at home on a regular basis can cut down on the energy your standard coffee maker draws, and they are perfect for outdoor use when you don’t have access to an outlet. Manual espresso makers are also very easy to use. All you have to do is add hot or cold water depending on the model, add your grounds or pod, and you’ll have espresso in a few short minutes. It doesn’t get any more convenient than that, and all models are easy to clean too. Some will even clean themselves!
Since these little machines are so small and lightweight, they don’t require much material or manufacturing to make them. The manual ones are even better in this aspect because they don’t require any sophisticated technology at all. That’s what makes them so affordable, even the ones at the more expensive end of the spectrum. Lastly, portable espresso makers are awesome machines because they can make barista-quality espresso. You’ll never have to spend an unwarranted amount of money at a coffee shop again.
How to Properly Choose Your Portable Espresso Maker
- Price.
You should never consider purchasing a portable espresso maker that costs you more than $200. Even top end quality machines will run you roughly $100 to $175, and they should be more than adequate to meet your needs. There are even cheaper ones on the market if you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly alternative to the traditional styles. Electric ones will typically cost more than manual, which is expected.
- Capacity.
The capacity of the portable espresso machine you have your eye on should be quite relevant to your decision making process. Some machines can only make one cup of espresso at a time, and others are meant to serve small groups. Consider the ways and occasions you’ll be using your portable espresso machine to come up with an ideal capacity before you start shopping for real.
- Portability.
For portable espresso machines, their portability is one of the most important characteristics. They are all roughly the same size in diameter (most are circular, bottle shaped models), but their main difference will be in their height. Smaller capacity models will be shorter since they require less water at a time, and larger capacity models will be taller and therefore slightly less portable.
- Digital Settings.
Many battery powered portable espresso machines will have a variety of settings you can choose from. Some will allow you to use both hot and cold water since it has a heating system in place, and others allow you to choose the number of cups of espresso you want in a single serving. The more variety the better in this case, so you can always have exactly the espresso you want.
- Automatic Pump vs. Manual Pump.
There are some pretty big differences between automatic espresso machines and manual ones. Manual ones will likely be cheaper and have a smaller capacity, but stovetop espresso machines will be the exception to that. Manual pump espresso machines can only be used with coffee grounds, whereas automatic ones can typically make use of grounds and pods. It’s up to you to decide on a feature list you want before settling on a pump style.
- Capsule vs. Grounds.
Most manual espresso machines are only compatible with coffee grounds, so that is a major thing to keep in mind. Electric machines can be used with grounds, pods, or both, so you’ll be able to find a machine compatible with your ideal coffee source in that style.
- Warranty.
As always, we recommend you look for a product that has some warranty protection. Since portable espresso machines aren’t cheap, it’s a good idea to protect that investment and ensure you can get a refund or replacement hassle free in the case of malfunctioning or damaged products. With how good espresso tastes from these machines, you won’t want to be without it once you’ve tried it.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of portable espresso makers allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
