Are you in a hurry? The Wacaco Nanopresso is the best option in our opinion.
Portable espresso makers are an excellent method for brewing coffee while traveling or otherwise away from home.
But it can be difficult to pick one course of action from among the myriad of accessible alternatives today.
There are a lot of portable espresso makers that appear to be the same. However, there are significant distinctions that must be taken into account before making a purchase.
In order to find the finest portable espresso maker, I researched and tried all of the most popular models.
I’ve narrowed my options down to my top seven picks and will now discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
Let’s plunge in!
Best Portable Espresso Maker: Our Top 7 Choices
• Wacaco Nanopresso (Best all-around)
• Flair Signature Espresso Maker (Best for the home barista)
• Wacaco Minipresso (Best for people on a budget)
• Handpresso Wild Hybrid (Most travel-friendly)
• Aeropress (Most versatile)
• Wacaco Picopresso (Best pro-level option)
• STARESSO Portable Espresso Maker (Best for double shots)
Wacaco Nanopresso
This is the most advanced model in the Wacaco collection, and it requires less effort from you while producing an even greater amount of pressure. The Nanopresso, which is the successor to the Minipresso, is capable of achieving pressures of up to 18 bars. In other words, more than enough for an excellent shot of espresso in the style of a cafe.
The nicest aspect is that you don’t have to put in a lot of effort to build up sufficient pressure to make the ideal cup of espresso. The Nanopresso eliminates the need for you to do the majority of the work. Pumping is simplified in comparison to their other products thanks to the revolutionary technology that is included in the Nanopresso.
You have complete control over the length of your espresso, with a maximum water volume of 80 milliliters at your disposal. Although it can hold up to 8 grams of ground coffee, the filter is not designed to work with espresso pods designed for single use. You’ll either need to bring a grinder with you or bring grinds if you want to make espresso.
The Nanopresso is designed to be carried about easily. It is barely slightly longer than 6 inches and weighs less than one pound. It is compact enough to fit in any bag or carry-on luggage.
When you combine all of these capabilities with a reasonable price, you have our top pick for a portable espresso machine that does it all. The Wacaco Nanopresso is an excellent choice for anyone searching for a mobile coffee machine that can handle heavy-duty use.
The availability of accessories is yet another advantage of the Wacaco product line. There are choices available for increasing the water volume, as well as adaptor kits for single servings. You do not necessarily need to purchase an entirely new machine if you discover that you desire extra functionality. Because of this, the Nanopresso is an excellent option for consumers who are just beginning their exploration of the portable espresso industry.
Pros
• It is simple to operate, and producing excellent espresso does not need a lot of effort on your part.
• Being lightweight and portable allows you to take it with you wherever you go.
• 18 bars of pressure, allowing you to reproduce an espresso in a cafe anywhere in the world
• Quick disassembly makes it a breeze to thoroughly clean in between shoots.
Cons
• A restricted range of versatility in the absence of the purchase of adapters and other accessories
• Due to its reduced capacity for holding water, it can only produce single shots.
Espresso Machine with a Flair Signature
A stunning and convenient portable coffee maker is the Flair Signature. It functions in the same manner as a standard espresso machine. It comes complete with a portafilter, tamper, basket, and lever, allowing you to “pull” your shots in the proper manner.
It has a dose capacity of 12-18 grams and can carry up to 60 milliliters of water at a time. This is a terrific ratio for pulling off some very impressive photos. The ratio of water to coffee in the majority of café espressos is 1:1.5. The Flair makes it simple to achieve this ratio and produces shots that are well-balanced and silky smooth.
Because the lever mechanism is capable of reaching up to 10 bars, even with a little bit of effort, this machine is capable of producing excellent espresso. An add-on attachment known as a pressure gauge gives you the ability to precisely measure the pressure in your system.
The Flair comes in at a hefty weight of approximately 6 lbs. Having said that, it is quite simple to disassemble and comes with its own carrying box. It is still portable, but it is best suited for traveling in an RV, staying at an AirBnB, or going to a friend’s house.
Pros
• Bottoms brew head allows you to see how much coffee is being extracted and gives you greater control over your shot.
• Because there are so few moving parts, cleaning and maintenance are really simple.
• The dosage and water capacity replicate those of a traditional espresso machine seen in cafes, ensuring that you will always obtain a superb espresso shot.
• Pressure gauge to let you know when you’ve reached the ideal level for making espresso.
Cons
• Pressure is entirely manual; in order to get 9 bars of pressure, you will need to put in some effort.
• It is cumbersome to transport anywhere because of its weight and size.
Wacaco Minipresso
Due to the Minipresso’s compact size and light weight, you’ll have no trouble transporting it to your destination of choice. Because it can achieve up to 8 bars of pressure, it will always provide high-quality coffee for you.
Unfortunately, single-serve pods are incompatible with the Minipresso. However, a pod adaptor can be purchased separately for it.
The Minipresso includes an integrated cup as well as a scoop. When you pump the gadget, the shot is pulled directly into a cup that is attached to the bottom of the device. You are not need to bring a glass with you; rather, you can simply sip it directly from the cup. In addition to that, it provides a scoop so that you can quickly dose the coffee. It weighs just under 1 pound and is 7 inches in length, so it can be carried in any bag. The Minipresso is an excellent choice for those who are always on the go.
This item is included on our list because of its pricing. The Minipresso is an excellent choice for those who consume espresso on an occasional basis because to its reasonable price. People who are searching for a travel option, whether it be for a road trip, a camping vacation, or just to have on hand in case of an emergency can also benefit from using it.
Pros
• An excellent and inexpensive choice for a single espresso shot that is reliable
• Because of the design’s all-in-one approach, you won’t need a scoop or a glass.
• Being compact and lightweight, it can be carried in any bag without taking up too much room.
• Simple to operate, with no additional labor needed to produce excellent espresso.
Cons
• With only 8 bars of pressure, the espresso may have an unpleasant acidic flavor.
• Loss of potential variety due to a reduced number of accessory add-ons
Wild Handpresso Handpresso Hybrid
One of the very first portable espresso makers with a hand pump, the Hadnpresso Wild Hybrid was released in 2014. If you have any prior experience with a bicycle pump, you will have no trouble using the Wild Hybrid.
Because the pumping and the extraction are handled by two different mechanisms, I prefer the Wild Hybrid. You first add water, then fill the basket, and finally click a button to release the pressure after generating 16 bars of pressure by pumping the machine like you would a hand-held bicycle pump.
Because the Wild Hybrid has a manometer, you are provided with precise information on when you have reached 16 bars of pressure. The gauge has a marker at 16 bars that indicates when you are ready to start brewing. As the gauge fills up, you will see the marker.
When you have the ability to pump before withdrawing your shot, you have a greater degree of control over the length of your shot. Each serving of espresso that you make with the Wild Hybrid will yield 50 milliliters, and it is designed to work with single-cup pods.
Because of its low weight and thin profile, it is simple to transport and convenient for usage on the go. A traveling case, an insulated flask, and cups are included in the set of accessories.
The Wild Hybrid is an easy strain to understand. It does not have a lot of moving components, and it is very straightforward to operate. It is ideal for someone who wants a quick espresso without having to put forth a lot of effort.
Pros
• Bicycle pump-style pressure means you decide exactly how much pressure goes into your espresso
• Compatible with pods, providing you with a wider variety of choices for the coffee you consume.
• An integrated pressure gauge that tells you when to stop pumping so you don’t waste your time.
• It has a really straightforward and user-friendly interface, and its intuitive design makes it the simplest item on our list to comprehend.
Cons
• With only 50 milliliters, the shot is quite little.
• In order to achieve 16 bars, the pumping system requires some effort.
Aeropress
The Aeropress requires very little explanation here. The adaptability of the Aeropress has contributed to its rise to prominence as one of the most sought-after portable coffee makers available. It is capable of producing a wide range of beverages, from regular coffee to Americanos.
The Aeropress is unable to generate a sufficient amount of pressure to produce an espresso that is full-bodied and velvety. However, it is not quite there yet. The force and velocity with which you dip into your cup determine the amount of pressure that is created.
Brewing with an Aeropress takes less than a minute, and cleaning up afterward is as easy as running the plunger under water.
Because of its many uses, I thought it would be useful to put the Aeropress on this list. You may brew anything from a standard cup of coffee to a beverage like espresso that is ideal for making drinks like Americanos or lattes. Because the recipes may be altered to your liking, this coffee maker will be an indispensable component of your collection both at home and when you’re away from home.
This coffee maker is an excellent choice that is also favorable to one’s wallet. If it were capable of producing a genuine espresso, then it would be the best portable coffee machine that is currently available on the market.
The Aeropress is an excellent option for consumers who don’t require a traditional Italian-style espresso and who are seeking for a coffee machine that can do it all. Because of its high level of durability, the Aeropress is an excellent choice for daily usage (I’ve been using the one I own every morning for years).
Pros
• Its versatility allows you to prepare a wide variety of beverages, ranging from plain black coffee to Americanos.
• Brewer of the plunger variety that requires only a few moments to be cleaned.
• If you use an immersion brewer that produces coffee in less than one minute, you won’t have to wait for it.
• There are hundreds of different recipes available, so you may adjust your coffee to to suit your preferences.
Cons
• Not enough pressure for a proper cafe-style espresso
• Unsuitable for use with pods designed for a single serving
Wacaco Picopresso
The Picopresso is designed for use in the comfort of one’s own home. This gadget is designed for professionals because it comes with a tamper, a distribution tool, and a bare filter. From the grind to the cup, you will have complete control over every component of your shot.
It has a large water capacity of 80 ml, which is sufficient to guarantee a flawless single shot each and every time. It functions in the same manner as other portable espresso makers manufactured by Wacaco, and it does not require a significant amount of effort to achieve the desired pressure of 18 bars.
At just more than 4 inches in height, the Picopresso is one of the most portable espresso makers on the market despite its extremely small size. Additionally, it weighs considerably less than one pound total.
You are able to view exactly what your extraction accomplishes and make adjustments as necessary with the help of the naked filter. Even though you will need to be aware of what to search for, providing skilled baristas with the ability to watch their shot develop from beginning to end is a fantastic way to give them more control.
To be clear, this is not a suitable choice for those who are just starting off. You need to be familiar with the various aspects of making espresso, from the size of the grinds to the extraction process, in order to get the most out of this machine. Having said that, if you are an experienced coffee brewer and you are seeking for a terrific espresso while you are on the road, this is the finest option on the list for you.
The Picopresso is the gadget for you if you want complete control over your espresso from a machine that can be carried in one hand and transported easily.
Pros
• Because it maintains 18 bars of pressure with relatively little effort, it is more user-friendly.
• Conveniently small dimensions make packing and traveling a breeze
• Maintaining the greatest amount of control over the espresso affords you a wide variety of extraction variables.
• Quick and simple disassembly for thorough cleaning and regular maintenance
Cons
• Familiarity with the process of espresso extraction is required in order to utilize this gadget.
• On the more pricey end of the spectrum for portable espresso makers
STARESSO Portable Espresso Maker
This gadget, which is capable of achieving pressures of up to 15-20 bars, will result in excellent espresso. To break through the coffee, you need to achieve a pressure that is sufficiently high. Obtaining a pressure of up to 20 bars is more than sufficient for producing high-quality coffee. It operates similarly to an Aeropress when using the plunger, albeit with the addition of a specific filter, basket, and brewing chamber designed for espresso.
Because it comes with a dedicated espresso plunger, this is a fantastic option for those looking to balance functionality and flavor in their coffee. It is not necessary to repeatedly pump the gadget in order to attain excellent outcomes.
Because of its large water capacity and accurate measurement cup, the STARESSO earned a spot on this list. Because it can contain up to 110 ml of water, you’ll have no trouble making two shots of espresso at once. Because the measuring glass has a capacity of up to 150 ml, you may make a latte or add milk directly to the glass without having to resort to using an additional cup.
You will have greater control over the espresso extraction if you use the measuring glass because it includes markings on the side. Depending on how you like your drinks, you can make them longer or shorter to suit your preferences.
Due to the fact that this appliance is also suitable for use with single-serve pods, it is an excellent option for producing espresso while traveling.
This is a little device that can be carried in practically any purse or bottle holder due to its size of just over 8 inches and right around 1 pound.
The STARESSO is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy double shots when traveling, at work, or at any other time while they are on the move.
Pros
• Because of the large water capacity, you have the option of pulling two shots at once.
• The use of a measuring glass provides you increased command over the amount of coffee that is extracted.
• Brewing with a plunger makes it very simple to achieve the desired level of pressure.
• Due to its low weight and small size, it can be carried in any bag or bottle holder.
Cons
Because it does not have any attachments or accessories, it can only perform one function.
• The 10-gram capacity of the basket makes it a little more difficult to get double shots just right.
Portable Espresso Makers: What You Need To Know
Each portable espresso machine has unique features. Deciding on those features will help narrow down your search.
From versatility to extraction, let’s break down the most common features and why they might be important for you.
Add 1 – 3 sentences here – never leave empty room between H2 and H3.
What Will You Use It For?
Figuring out what you need a portable espresso maker for will help narrow down the many options.
Are you looking for a rugged, camping espresso maker? Or are you looking for an espresso maker to take with you to brunch gatherings with friends?
Understanding when and where you will use your portable espresso machine can go a long way in limiting down your selections.
Find a portable espresso maker that is more sturdy than the hand-held ones for use at brunch parties, regular use at home or the office, or general use anywhere else.
Find a simple, hand-held gadget that is compact and doesn’t add much weight if you plan on bringing it with you on an excursion such as camping, backpacking, hiking, or any other activity.
Even baristas with years of experience have options to choose from. Find a portable espresso machine that provides you control over all of the variables if you already know what you want from an espresso and how to acquire the results you want.
The Extraction of Coffee
Another thing that you need to think about is how much control you want over the extraction of your espresso. Perform you place a high importance on achieving perfect extraction each and every time, or would you rather have the gadget do the majority of the work for you?
You will need to choose between portable espresso makers that are compatible with espresso pods and those that are not compatible with espresso pods.
The extraction method you use determines the flavor of your espresso. Espresso that has not been extracted properly will have a sour and watery flavor. Espresso that has been over-extracted will have a bitter taste and a consistency similar to tar. Espresso that has been extracted well will have a silky mouthfeel, be well-balanced, and even have a hint of sweetness.
Having said that, a good number of the coffee makers on this list are accommodating and do not provide an overwhelming number of adjusting options for you. This might be a positive or negative feature, depending on what you want an espresso maker to do for you.
If you want an espresso machine that will give you the least amount of trouble, go for one that has a small number of controllable variables or one that is compatible with espresso pods.
Capacity
The difference between making one or two shots of espresso from a portable coffee maker is determined by its capacity. The capacity of portable espresso makers is often limited because these machines are designed to be smaller and more compact.
Since these coffee makers are meant to be portable, storage capacity was a primary consideration in their development. If you are going to be drinking coffee with another person, you should probably look into purchasing a portable espresso maker that has a larger capacity.
If you will be using your espresso maker for one person most of the time and you don’t typically go through a lot of coffee, purchasing an espresso machine with a lower capacity will serve your needs just fine.
Find a portable espresso maker with a water capacity of about 80 milliliters if you often just have one shot of espresso in the morning. Look for a water capacity of at least 100 milliliters if you want to make double shots. Keep in mind that some of the water may be absorbed by the grinds, which means that not all of the water will reach your cup. In most cases, an 80-milliliter capacity will yield 40-60 milliliters of coffee.
Versatility
The singular purpose that portable espresso makers were designed to fulfill makes them exceptional within the coffee industry. The vast majority of them are geared toward those who are constantly on the move or who enjoy taking risks. The production of espresso is their primary function, and all of them are highly capable in this regard.
Some portable espresso makers just produce espresso, but they are quite good at producing shots in the style of a café. There are also portable coffee machines that can create regular black coffee as well as coffee that tastes quite similar to espresso. Some of these coffee makers are called AeroPress.
A great number of portable espresso makers are built with the intention of being utilized in natural environments, like as while camping, hiking, or riding. Others are designed to be utilized in confined spaces such as the office or the comfort of one’s own home.
When and where you plan to use your portable espresso maker is the single most important factor to consider. Find a device that is robust enough to take with you on your travels if you want to be able to use it anywhere and at any time.
There are coffee machines available nowadays that come with a variety of attachments and extras. Everything from carrying cases to adapters for pods is included in this category. Determine the characteristics you require right now (such as those that are simple to use or that have a large capacity for water), as well as any ones that you believe you might desire in the future. Prior to making a purchase, it is important to investigate the various espresso makers’ available add-ons and accessories.
Ease of Operation
It can be difficult to generate sufficient pressure by hand in order to extract a nice shot of espresso.
Some of the technologies that are used to develop pressure have the capacity to store that pressure and then release it at the touch of a button. Some require you to pump all the way through the brew while others do not. Both methods are capable of producing a pressure that is sufficient for making decent espresso, therefore choosing one over the other should be done with some thought.
There are various varieties of espresso makers that demand a bit more physical exertion on the part of the user, either through levers or plungers. On the other hand, these machines typically repay that additional effort with coffee of a higher quality. The ease will come at the expense of the quality.
The espresso makers on this list are all meant to be simple to clean, which is a requirement for inclusion on this list. They are simple to clean and reassemble once they have been broken down into their constituent parts.
Grinder
The grinder is the very last thing that you should think about. The espresso grinds need to be extremely fine, almost to the consistency of powder. If you want to obtain the greatest results from your portable espresso machine when you use it while you’re out and about, you’re going to need a burr hand grinder of good quality.
There is less of a need for concern on your part if you want to use your espresso machine at home or in an environment where you will have access to an electric grinder.
Hand grinders are often compact and easy to store, making them an ideal accessory to go along with your espresso machine. Bear in mind, though, that if you do not already possess one, you will need to go out and purchase one.
A Few Parting Thoughts
Portable espresso makers are ideal for people who are always on the go, who are always busy, or who just drink espresso occasionally. They are not only more affordable than espresso machines but also considerably more flexible.
When choosing a portable espresso maker, you should consider its size, portability, and the quality of the espresso it produces.
The Wacaco Nanopresso is one of the best portable espresso machines because it strikes an optimal mix between ease of use, cost, and the caliber of coffee that it produces. It is simple to operate, requiring very little effort to get the desired pressure, and can be packed into any bag despite its tiny size and high level of durability.
The ecosystem of add-ons provided by Wacaco is an excellent method to test the waters of the portable espresso maker industry without having to spend a significant amount of money right off the bat. The attachments are exactly what you need to give the already fantastic espresso maker even more variety.
We hope that after reading this list, you have a better understanding of the portable espresso maker market. You ought to have everything at your disposal to make a choice!
