Coffee lovers know that it is much more than just a drink.
Making coffee in the morning is a ritual that every coffee drinker enjoys. Morning coffee helps set the day right, and a perfect cup gives us the right start. Evening coffees fuel us up after long day workdays to get through the rest of the day.
However, getting the perfect cup of coffee when you are on the go can become difficult. This is probably why travel coffee makers are becoming more and more popular. Whether on the go or living in a temporary abode, a portable coffee maker will make it possible to get the perfect cup of coffee.
So, we have compiled a list of the best travel coffee maker on the market. Whether you like pour-over, French, or Nespresso coffee, we have a pick for everyone.
How We've Selected the Best Portable Coffee Makers
We started by looking at every travel coffee maker we could find online. Next, we ensured that we had selected at least one pour-over, espresso, and French coffee maker. We then looked at customer reviews to determine which ones offer the best value for money and are of good quality. Then, we looked at the overall weight and dimensions of the coffee makers so that we knew they were easy to carry. Next, we ensured that all the coffee makers on our list were good at what they do while being affordable.
Finally, we were left with eight travel coffee makers that we will now review.
1. Wacaco Minipresso GR
Wacaco Minipresso GR is an impressive-looking bullet-shaped coffee maker perfect for making coffee on the go. It is hand-operated and easy to use. This great portable coffee maker uses a semi-automatic position to inject small quantities of water into the coffee adapter. As a result, you can quickly achieve the optimal extraction pressure after only a few pushes. It is excellent at creating several rich and bold espresso flavors.
Wacaco claims that the Minipresso GR is one of the market's most miniature light handheld espresso machines. We do not doubt that claim is valid, and we are pleasantly surprised by what it offers in such a small size.
We also love that it comes with all the accessories you need to brew an excellent cup of coffee using this coffee maker. It also comes with a travel case which keeps this coffee maker safe when on the go. However, you should note that this coffee maker is one of the more expensive items on this list. However, it is well worth its price. It is sleek, modern looking, and packs impressive capabilities.
Why We Love It
- Innovative bullet shape design.
- Easy to use.
- Creates bold and rich espresso flavors.
- It comes with a travel case and all the necessary accessories to make the perfect cup of coffee.
What You Should Know
- The price is on the more expensive side compared to others on our list.
2. Staresso Mini Coffee Maker
Suppose you are looking for a portable espresso machine compatible with Nespresso pods and ground coffee. In that case, you will love the Staresso mini coffee maker. Some people regard this as the best portable coffee maker is a swanky-looking coffee maker with everything you need to make an authentic-tasting espresso.
This device is incredible at what it does, given its small size. You will have no issues traveling with this coffee maker because it weighs almost nothing.
When you have this coffee maker, and your favorite grounded coffee (or Nespresso pods), all you need is access to hot water to deliver the perfect cup of coffee. It features a patented pumping system that lets you make espresso without electricity. We love that it has a modular design that makes it incredibly easy to clean and pack this coffee maker after you are done making your coffee. It is made with high-quality BPA-free material. The pump and the coffee chamber are made out of stainless steel. It is one of the most attractive and sophisticated travel coffee makers on our list.
Why We Love It
- Incredibly easy to carry and store because of its lightweight and compact size.
- Deliver a frothy cup of coffee on the go.
- Does not require electricity to work.
- The modular design makes it easy to clean and pack.
What You Should Know
- Its pump may get stuck sometimes, which might cause some inconvenience.
3. AeroPress Portable Coffee Maker
Do you love AeroPress but need a travel mug to work perfectly with the press? Check out their portable travel coffee kit, which makes 1-3 cups in a minute.
Welcome to the easy, quick, and delicious world of AeroPress! This innovative home coffee machine brings you the full flavor of freshly brewed coffee in under one minute. Not to mention without leaving behind any trace of bitterness or acidity. No more waiting for your coffee fix - AeroPress helps you enjoy the perfect cup in just a matter of minutes.
AeroPress isn't just good enough for those occasional special occasions; it's even practical enough to be your regular daily brewer. That's right - no more wasting time trying to figure out which espresso machine is right for you. With AeroPress, a few simple steps are all it takes, and then you're ready to go: Add your favorite grounds into the chamber, pour in hot water, and let steep for up to a minute before pressing down and serving! Whether you want regular fresh-brewed coffee or espresso-style drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and more - AeroPress can do it all without taking up too much space in your kitchen cabinet.
Why We Love It
- It can act as your everyday manual coffee machine.
- Perfect for regular coffee or espresso drinks.
- No bitterness or grit.
- Great for cold brew coffee.
What You Should Know
- Adjusting the coffee grounds portion to your liking may take a few tries.
4. Primula Brew Buddy Portable Pour Over
If you are a fan of our over coffee and want something extremely simple to carry, all you need is a mesh filter. This Primula Brew Buddy lets you brew your favorite pour over a coffee within minutes. All you need is access to hot water and pour it over this filter filled with coffee grounds. We love that this device is simple and extremely easy to carry.
It is also effortless to clean this fine mesh filter. It is dishwasher-safe and easy to rinse. You can easily wash it on the go or while traveling by pouring water over it.
Why We Love It
- Simple and easy to use.
- Extremely convenient to carry while traveling.
- Very easy to clean.
What You Should Know
- This filter bag takes up a little space in your mug, so you will get a reduced amount of coffee.
5. Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker
If you love pour-over coffee and a simple mesh filter does not cut it, you should check out the coffee Gator pour-over coffee maker. While this coffee maker is not advertised as a travel coffee maker, it is portable enough to be easily carried wherever you go. This coffee maker is popular with baristas and regular coffee makers because it helps you extract much more from your bean. In addition, it is made with 100 percent BPA-free materials, so you do not have to worry about harmful chemicals leeching into your coffee.
The Coffee Gator pour-over coffee maker offers an all-in-one brew method and is perfect for a delectable single cup of coffee. It comes with a stainless steel filter that adds body to the coffee. What we love about pour-over coffee makers like these is that they are eco-friendly since you do not need any paper filters that you have to replace time and again.
It is effortless to carry this coffee maker with you anywhere you go. One of the best things about it is that the company offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. It is a great coffee maker that looks cute and brews perfect coffee.
Why We Love It
- Deliver authentic pour-over coffee without the need for paper filters.
- Extremely easy to carry.
What You Should Know
- The glass bottom has been known to break, but the company offers a guarantee that can be claimed if this happens while pouring coffee.
6. Cahlis All-in-One Travel Thermal Coffee Mug
It does not matter how compact your coffee maker is if you carry mugs separately. A solution to this problem is carrying disposable cups. However, only some people like drinking coffee out of disposable cups, which is unsuitable for the environment. This is where the Cahlis all-in-one travel thermal mug comes in.
It is a personal pour-over brewer that is perfect for one person. It features a stainless steel mesh filter that makes it effortless to make coffee on the go. The thermal cup is excellent at maintaining temperature and keeping your coffee hot for a long time. All you need to do is to drip the coffee directly into the cup and enjoy it while you travel. Yes, it's designed to fit the standard cup holders in American cars!
Why We Love It
- Perfect personal brewer for pour-over coffee lovers.
- A thermal cup holds the temperature for a long while being cool to the touch.
- Mug has an excellent comfortable grip.
What You Should Know
- You need to store the metal filter separately while traveling.
7. Bodum Travel Press
If you love French press coffee and need a coffee maker on the go, you will love Bodum travel press. This travel coffee maker can make 15 ounces of French press coiffe at a time which is impressive given its overall size and weight. This coffee maker is also straightforward to use. All you need to do is to add coarsely ground coffee and hot water and stir the contents. Next, you have to replace the lid with the plunger up and off you go.
This coffee maker also comes with a silicone and mesh filter that helps reduce the sediments and produces a smoother brew.
The Bodum travel press is made from vacuum-sealed stainless steel and has a double-wall design. This means that your coffee will stay hot for longer. It also comes with a non-skid rubber base attached to the base that makes for the perfect spill-proof coffee.
Why We Love It
- It lets you enjoy hot coffee on the go.
- Made from high-quality materials.
- Spill-proof.
- Extremely easy to use.
What You Should Know
- Its filter plunger stays inside the mug at all times.
8. Presto MyJo® Single Cup Coffee Maker
This coffee maker by Presto is the best at delivering the benefits of larger coffee makers in a portable package. This coffee maker uses K-cup to deliver an excellent and affordable way to make great coffee. It compresses the air inside the reservoir and pushes the water through the pack. It provides rich, smooth coffee that most coffee lovers will enjoy.
One of the best things about single-serve cups is that you do not have to worry about cleaning them since you would be throwing them away. However, you should note that this is terrible news for the environment. All you need to clean is the hot water reservoir, which is also incredibly easy to handle.
Why We Love It
- Compact and easy to carry.
- Delivers a smooth cup of coffee.
- Extremely easy to clean.
What You Should Know
- Only suitable for K-cups.
Benefits of a Travel Coffee Maker
While traveling, you can nip into the nearest Starbucks and enjoy a good cup of coffee. You might be wondering why you need a portable coffee maker. The simple answer to this question is that brewing your coffee is far more satisfying and cost-effective. Also, you likely won't find a Starbucks on remote highways.
Here are some of the benefits that a travel coffee maker brings with itself:
Convenience
Making a cup of coffee is highly convenient using a portable coffee maker. Some even let you do that at the simple touch of a hand, while others require little manual labor. Travel coffee makers enable you to enjoy your favorite cup of coffee even on the go.
Affordability
A full-fledged coffee maker can be expensive. On the other hand, a portable coffee maker is much more affordable. Many people use mobile coffee makers at their homes simply because it is cheaper. In addition, while you are traveling, you will save plenty of bucks by skipping coffee chains and making your coffee instead.
Portability
It is a no-brainer that travel coffee makers are portable and easy to carry. You can easily fit most of them in your bag and take them without even noticing their presence.
Types of Coffee Makers
If you are a regular coffee drinker, you should know the difference between the different types of coffee makers. Just like standard coffee makers, travel coffee makers can also be segregated according to their types. Knowing which one you should get before making your purchase decision is essential.
Pour-over coffee makers
Pour-over coffee makers are simple and the best option for longer journeys. They are the most compact and light weighty coffee makers. All you have to do is to carry a few grams of your favorite blend, and you can enjoy your favorite cup of coffee. These coffee makers work by pouring steaming water on coffee beans or ground coffee. The liquid is then collected at their base.
French Coffee Makers
French press coffee makers make a rich and robust cup of coffee. They work by immersing all of the coffee in hot water, which captures more of its natural flavor. As a result, you get a strong cup of coffee. You will love the French coffee maker if you are a heavy coffee drinker. The downside of French coffee makers is that they are more challenging to clean than others.
Espresso Makers
Those who love dark coffee would love a portable Espresso maker. It will give you a big flavor on the go. Espresso machines apply pressure to the beans and spill out the maximum flavor giving the same result as other coffee machines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Coffee Makers
Making great coffee isn't hard, but it can be tricky to do when you're on the go. That's why we've put together this list of the most frequently asked questions about travel coffee makers.
Why is AeroPress coffee so good?
AeroPress coffee is beloved for its unique and delicious flavor. This is because the AeroPress brewing method allows you to extract the most flavor from your freshly ground coffee beans. The AeroPress uses a combination of pressure and short brew time, resulting in a smooth, full-bodied cup of coffee with a strong but balanced taste. Additionally, the design of the AeroPress means that it can extract more oils and flavors from the beans due to its micro-filtering capabilities. Furthermore, with an AeroPress, you can experiment with different grind settings, water temperatures, and steep times so you can tailor your cup of coffee to your exact specifications. As such, no two cups brewed using an AeroPress will ever be exactly alike! This unique brewing method allows for ultimate control over taste and extraction, meaning every cup made with an AeroPress is sure to be something special and truly delicious!
How do you travel with a coffee maker?
The first step to traveling with a coffee maker is to select the right model for your needs. Portable models designed specifically for travel are available. They come in sizes ranging from single-cup brewers to 12-cup capacity machines. These portable designs often feature collapsible handles, folding drip trays, and even included storage bags or cases that make it more convenient to transport along with other items.
If you plan on using your existing coffee maker while away from home, it's important to keep in mind its size and weight when selecting a method of transport for it. Ensure you have enough space to safely and securely accommodate the machine. Additionally, if you're flying, check airline regulations before packing it in your suitcase or carry-on bag; some may restrict certain models due to their size or weight requirements.
What is the smallest Keurig for travel?
The Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker is the smallest Keurig for travel. It is lightweight, easy to use, and packs a powerful punch when it comes to making delicious and convenient coffee. This unique Keurig features a compact design that fits easily into any bag or suitcase, making it perfect for taking on the go. Its single-serve brewing system allows you to make one cup of coffee at a time in under two minutes with no mess or cleanup afterward. Plus, its patented K-Cup® technology ensures each cup of coffee tastes just as good as the last. The Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker also has an adjustable drip tray that can accommodate almost any mug or cup size, so you can enjoy your favorite brew wherever you go.
How do you make good coffee on vacation?
The first step is to select high-quality coffee beans. Seek out well-known brands sourced from local farms or specialty stores that cater specifically to coffee connoisseurs, which will help ensure you get the freshest beans.
Once you've found the perfect coffee beans, grind them immediately before brewing using a portable hand grinder or small electric grinder. This ensures you get the freshest flavor possible since as soon as the beans are exposed to air, they start losing their flavor and aroma quickly. Grinding only what you need for each pot will also help keep environmental waste to a minimum.
When it comes to making the actual brew, several methods are perfect for travel, including pour-over drip brewers and French presses, which require minimal setup and cleanup and deliver delicious results every time. Depending on your preferences, you may want to bring along some filters, reusable K-Cups, or other accessories, too. Hence, you have options when it comes time to brew some joe.
What Option of Travel Coffee Maker is Best for You?
We hope you enjoyed reading about all the different travel coffee makers on the market.
If you're still undecided, remember that it ultimately comes down to personal preference. What works for one consumer may not work for another, so it's important to find what suits your needs.
Thanks for following along, and we wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect coffee maker for your home!
Items reviewed:
3. AeroPress Portable Coffee Maker
4. Primula Brew Buddy Portable Pour Over
5. Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker
