The 10 Best Portable Espresso Makers of 2021
Photo: Litchi
For the espresso fanatics that also like traveling or camping a lot, getting your daily caffeine fix when on-the-go can seem like a tall order. But, it should not be as all you need is a portable espresso maker.
Portable espresso makers are highly affordable, easy to use, and widely available and of course compact and portable which allows you to make your espressos from anywhere.
And because they have become very popular over the years, there are now countless models available in the market, and so you need to know how to choose the best portable espresso maker for you from the myriad of options.
In this piece, we highlight the key factors that define a good portable espresso maker and also review 10 of the most popular options on the market to help make picking one easier for all espresso fanatics.
10 Best Portable Espresso Makers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Flair 4335463425 (Best Overall) | ||
 | 2. Wacaco 230078 (Small but Versatile) | ||
 | 3. Staresso SP-200 (Rich Espresso Taste Guaranteed) | ||
 | 4. Wacaco MPGR100 (Efficient & Easy to Use) | ||
 | 5. Litchi Portable Hand Held Espresso Maker (Best Budget) | ||
 | 6. Barsetto BAH001-B (Best 2-in-1) | ||
 | 7. Wacaco MPNS100 (Best Capsule-Based) | ||
 | 8. Bialetti 06799 (Rich & Authentic) | ||
 | 9. Nutrichef 4335463708 (High-Performing Electric) | ||
 | 10. Homgeek 1 Mini Espresso Maker (Inexpensive, Simple & Efficient) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Flair 4335463425 (Best Overall) |
2. Wacaco 230078 (Small but Versatile) |
3. Staresso SP-200 (Rich Espresso Taste Guaranteed) |
4. Wacaco MPGR100 (Efficient & Easy to Use) |
5. Litchi Portable Hand Held Espresso Maker (Best Budget) |
6. Barsetto BAH001-B (Best 2-in-1) |
7. Wacaco MPNS100 (Best Capsule-Based) |
8. Bialetti 06799 (Rich and Authentic) |
9. Nutrichef 4335463708 (High-Performing Electric) |
10. Homgeek 1 Mini Espresso Maker (Inexpensive, Simple & Efficient) |
1. Flair 4335463425 – Best Overall
Photo: Flair
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Capacity: 60 milliliters
- Pressure: 6 to 10 bar
Any espresso lover that prefers to make their coffee with the classic manual espresso makers will love this model from Flair. And once you get the hang of it, you can easily make some barista-quality brews.
It is a 100% manual espresso maker that will give you control over all brewing variables from the water temperatures to the extraction time, and hence allowing you to customize your brews easily.
The espresso maker comes in a sleek look that will ensure it looks fantastic anywhere you place it, and because its brew head is completely detachable, it will be super easy to clean. Better yet, it will also be easy to carry around as it comes with a nice carry case.
While this Flair espresso maker is the priciest on our list, for a classic manual-operated model, it is still fairly priced because similar models from other brands will cost several times more. Also, despite the smaller capacity, you should still be able to pull at least a double shot of espresso at a go.
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2. Wacaco 230078 – Small but Versatile
Photo: Wacaco
- Weight: 0.74 pound
- Capacity: 80 milliliters
- Pressure: 18 bar
With a small and versatile espresso maker like the Wacaco 230078, making coffee on the go will be a more effortless task. But, what makes it stand out is the high pressure as it will deliver up to 18 bars which is more than what you get from many home espresso makers.
Another key element that makes this one of the best handheld espresso makers is the fact that it requires less hand pump force, and hence making it easier to operate.
Its versatility stems from the fact that with an adapter, it will also work with Nespresso and other capsules, and hence allowing you to make your favorite coffee on the go.
Making coffee is also safer when using this espresso maker thanks to the heatsink design of the parts. And these parts also have a solid feel that is a good indication they are built to last.
Because the parts are not dishwasher safe, you need to clean them in the sink, but this is not a big deal because you will probably not even have access to a dishwasher when on the go. Also, the smaller shot sizes might not appeal to heavy drinkers, but they are close to standard size espresso and hence not a deal-breaker.
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3. Staresso SP-200 – Rich Espresso Taste Guaranteed
Photo: Staresso
- Weight: 0.97 pound
- Capacity: 80 milliliters
- Pressure: 15 to 20 bar
Staresso SP-200 is one of the most powerful models on our portable espresso maker reviews as its pumping system can deliver up to 20 bars to ensure fast and optimal extraction.
This espresso maker is also designed for versatility as it will work with both Nespresso pods and coffee grounds which allows you to make coffee just how you like it.
Also, this coffee maker has a straightforward and intuitive design that makes it super easy to operate even for first-time users. And it is made to be safe and durable thanks to the BPA-safe and heavy-gauge plastic components.
With its highly modular and more compact design, it is easy to take apart for storage and transportation which makes it more portable.
Clean up seems to take a bit longer than what many users might want because the basket can be a pain to clean. However, you will still not spend anything more than a few minutes cleaning up.
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4. Wacaco MPGR100 – Highly Efficient and Easy to Use
Photo: Wacaco
- Weight: 0.8 pound
- Capacity: 70 milliliters
- Pressure: 8 bar
Wacaco MPGR100 is the ultimate espresso maker for anyone looking for a portable unit that offers both efficient and simple operation.
Its straightforward and intuitive design means it will take little effort to use, and the 8-bar pumping system is just enough to ensure efficient espresso extraction.
Many users will also love that this espresso maker delivers more consistent results than many others out there and that it is easy to pack and carry for your travel as it also has a nice carry case.
Also, the sleek and modern look makes it more aesthetically appealing, and it will also come with a drinking cup to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your espressos.
If you prefer to take double shots of espresso, this espresso maker might give you hard time making it, but it still makes substantial quantity at a time and brews quite fast which means you can easily make more coffee. And although the nozzle cannot be disassembled, you can still clean it thoroughly by pumping hot water through the espresso maker.
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5. Litchi Portable Hand Held Espresso Maker – Best Budget Portable Espresso Maker
Photo: Litchi
- Weight: 0.95 pound
- Capacity: 80 milliliters
- Pressure: 8 bar
For the many espresso lovers that are looking for an efficient and reliable portable espresso maker but do not want to spend much, this model by Litchi is perfect.
This coffee maker is one of the cheapest and smallest espresso machines on our list, and it will be very convenient to have around for those that are always traveling.
It makes some rich espressos with a nice crema thanks to the efficient 8-bar pumping system, and it will also not take a lot of effort to use. And to crown all this, you also get a nice carry bag for storing and carrying it around.
Although the plastic used to make this espresso maker feels thinner gauge, for its price, it is still durable enough, and it is also BPA-free which makes it safe to use and should hence no be a concern.
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6. Barsetto BAH001-B – Best 2-in-1 Portable Espresso Maker
Photo: Barsetto
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Capacity: 80 milliliters
- Pressure: 15 bar
A good portable espresso maker is always one that gives you versatility when it comes to coffee making like the Barsetto BAH001-B which is designed to work with both capsules and ground coffee.
Its versatility ensures that it caters to all kinds of espresso lovers, and it is also designed to ensure excellent extraction thanks to the high pressure 15-bar pumping system and efficient Micropore filtration technology.
This espresso maker has some easily detachable parts that will make cleanup quick and easy, and the body is also insulated to keep the espresso warm for longer. Many users will also love the stylish Italian design.
The included directions do not seem very clear, but you should still be able to figure things out as this is a simple machine. Also, pumping could be easier but it is still not as hard as other similar espresso makers out there.
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7. Wacaco MPNS100 – Best Capsule-Based Portable Espresso Maker
Photo: Wacaco
- Weight: 0.78 pound
- Capacity: 70 milliliters
- Pressure: 8 bar
You cannot go wrong with Wacaco when it comes to the small and portable espresso makers as they are among the industry leaders with several amazing models like the MPNS100.
This will be a perfect choice for the espresso aficionados that prefer to use Nespresso capsules. And it has been built to offer simple and intuitive hand operation.
Also, this espresso maker has a semi-automatic piston that allows for easy control of the amount of coffee extracted, and it is generally easy to pack and carry.
Many users will also love its pleasant look as it comes in a sleek, modern design that will make it stand out anywhere you place it. And you also get an option to buy several other accessories like a larger water tank to make this an even more useful espresso maker.
This espresso maker seems to leave a little water on the reservoir after brewing, but this should not be a big deal as it is not enough to make a significant difference to the shot quality.
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8. Bialetti 06799 – Rich and Authentic Espressos in Minutes
Photo: Bialetti
- Weight: 1.34 pounds
- Capacity: 200 milliliters
If you are a heavy coffee drinker that prefers a more traditional way of making espressos over the campfire, the Bialetti 06799 Moka pot will be a perfect buy.
This well-built aluminum alloy coffee maker is almost indestructible which means it can handle the abuse that comes with traveling and outdoor use. And its larger 200-milliliter capacity is what makes it perfect for heavy espresso drinkers.
Overall, it is also easier to use than many other espresso makers on our list as there is no pumping since you only need to add water and coffee grounds and place it over a heat source.
And you can be sure it will serve you for a long time. Besides being highly durable, it will also come with replacement filters and gasket.
Giving this coffee maker a thorough cleanup seems to take a little more effort, but this is typical of most Moka pots and should hence not be a big deal. And despite it taking up more room in your travel bag than others on our list, it is still portable enough.
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9. Nutrichef 4335463708 – High-Performing Electric Portable Espresso Maker
Photo: Nutrichef
- Weight: 1.45 pounds
- Capacity: 90 milliliters
- Pressure: 8 to 12 bar
As you shop for the best portable espresso machines, the automatic ones like the Nutrichef 4335463708 should also be on your mind as they are designed to give you an easy time. Better yet, this model is USB powered which means you do not have to use your muscle power.
With this Nutrichef espresso maker, you can have your coffee ready in just 30 seconds, and it is also hassle-free to use.
This high-performing espresso maker will feature durable, food-grade construction that helps to ensure a long service life, and it has a stain-resistant housing to ensure it maintains its impressive overall look.
Coffee-making is also a quieter operation to ensure you do not distract everyone around you. And this is also a compact enough and highly portable espresso machine that you can carry anywhere.
Since the electric components on this espresso maker should not come in contact with water, cleaning it can be a little hectic, but it should become easier as you do it more. Also, the user manual is not very clear, but you should still be able to understand it.
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10. Homgeek 1 Mini Espresso Maker – Inexpensive and Simple but Still Highly Efficient
Photo: Homgeek
- Weight: 0.81 pound
- Capacity: 80 milliliters
- Pressure: 8 bar
The Homgeel Mini Espresso Maker is designed to ensure espresso-making is fast and simple when on the go, and it will make brews that are as good as what you get with your home espresso machines.
This espresso maker is the second most affordable option on our list, and so you not only get an efficient coffee maker but also do so without spending much.
It is also simple and easy to use in just 3 steps, and it will not need any batteries or USB charging, and hence allowing you to make espresso from anywhere. And when you buy it, you also get a free ground coffee container and a sleek carrying bag.
While the shot size seems to be relatively smaller, and this espresso maker also takes quite some effort to use, it makes up for this by making some top-notch quality espressos, and furthermore, for its price, it is hard to get anything better.
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How to Buy the Best Portable Espresso Maker
Photo: Homgeek
Although portable espresso makers might not be as complicated as the fancy full-size models for home use, they are not all built the same. They will differ in everything from the capacity to the price. To make sure that you choose the best mini espresso maker for your specific needs, you need to watch out for the following things.
1. Portability
Portability is the key element that sets these espresso machines apart from the regular models. Hence, when shopping for one, you need to check how portable it is to determine whether it will work for your specific situation or not.
Here you will need to consider both the size and weight of the espresso maker. For the size, you need it to be as small and space-saving as possible as it should take up little space in your travel bag. Luckily, most are fairly compact, and so it should be easy to find something that will work for you.
When it comes to weight, the espresso make also needs to be as light as possible. And in many instances, something that is under 1 pound or just a little over a pound is often the best. However, there are still some models that can weigh up to 5 pounds and still be portable enough.
2. Pressure
Optimal espresso extraction will largely rely on the espresso maker's ability to generate the required pressure. And while these manual portable espresso machines will not always give you 19 bars like the full-size models, you still need to make sure they provide enough.
9 bars are the ideal pressure that you will need to extract espresso, and so as you are shopping for a portable espresso maker, you need to make sure its pump pressure is as close to this as possible.
Most portable models will provide around 8 bars of pressure which is often good enough for making espressos, but there are still some that will deliver up to 15 bars or even more.
3. Capacity
For the capacity, the best travel espresso maker for you will depend on the volume or number of espresso shots that you take at a go.
As a minimum, the portable espresso maker that you choose should make at least double espresso shots without having to refill in between the shots.
The water and grounds capacity is what will determine how many shots you can make, and so the larger they are, the better the coffee maker.
For the water tank, something that can accommodate at least 60 milliliters of water should work well, and when it comes to the capacity of the ground, you should not settle for anything less than 8 grams.
4. Ease of Use
Since the portable espresso makers are typically manual appliances, they will not be as easy to use as the regular espresso machines that only require you to refill the tank and push some button to pull a shot.
However, you still need to make sure that the specific model you choose will give you an easy time. It should not require you to exert too much pressure by hand to pull a shot and should also be easy to take apart when you need to add more water and coffee grounds.
Before you settle on any model, check how much force is required to pump to make sure it will give you an easy time.
5. Budget
While the portable espresso makers only cost a fraction of what you would pay for a semi or super-automatic home espresso machine, their price still matters.
You can expect to pay anything from $20 to $200 for one of these coffee makers, and their price will often depend on the brand, capacity, and features of the espresso maker.
However, in many instances, you will hardly need to pay more than $80 for these coffee makers, and you can be sure there is something out there to suit almost any budget.
Conclusion
Portable espresso makers are super convenient as they will allow you to make espressos from almost anywhere whether you are traveling, trekking or camping
But, like any other appliance, you need to choose the best portable espresso maker to get the best service and great tasting coffee. The choice should be easy if you know the things to look out for which include the factors highlighted above such as the capacity, ease of use and price.
From our top 10 portable espresso maker reviews above, you should also now have an idea of some of the best brands and models to buy, and you only now need to choose what suits your specific needs and budget.
