Traveling often means stepping out of your routine and experiencing new places, cultures, and, of course, coffee. As someone who can’t start a day without a good cup of coffee, I understand the importance of having a reliable portable coffee maker during your travels. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities or heading to a remote location, a portable coffee maker can make all the difference in ensuring you never have to settle for bland, overpriced coffee again.
Not all of us are lucky enough to be near a café serving fresh, expertly brewed coffee, especially when traveling for work or in less developed areas. That’s where portable coffee makers come in handy. Many of these devices can brew excellent coffee, and some even rival high-end coffee shops. If you’ve been on the lookout for a compact, easy-to-carry coffee maker, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into some of the best options for brewing fresh coffee on the go.
1. Aeropress
The Aeropress has earned a dedicated following for good reason. Despite its simple design, this coffee maker can produce some of the most flavorful cups of coffee you’ll ever taste. For around $30, it’s incredibly affordable and durable. The Aeropress works by forcing hot water through coffee grounds under pressure, resulting in a smooth and rich brew without any bitterness.
What’s great about the Aeropress is how quick and easy it is to use. You can brew your coffee in just a minute, and it’s compact enough to fit into any backpack. If you opt for the stainless steel filter, you’ll also enhance the flavor by allowing more oils to pass through, giving your coffee a fuller taste. This little device has been my go-to for the last few years and has completely replaced my need for a Starbucks fix.
Price: $30
What You Need: Ground coffee, hot water, paper or reusable filter, and a mug.
2. Impress Coffee Brewer
If portability is key for you, the Impress Coffee Brewer is another excellent choice. This nifty gadget combines the best features of a French press and a travel mug, making it a versatile option for anyone who likes coffee on the go. The Impress is easy to use and gives you full control over the brew strength, and its double-walled insulation keeps your coffee warm for hours.
Its sleek design features only three parts, which makes it incredibly easy to pack and carry. While not the best choice for on-the-go backpacking (due to its delicate lid), it excels as a portable coffee maker that you can easily use at your desk or in a hotel room.
Price: $40
What You Need: Ground coffee, hot water, and a stirring spoon.
3. Espro Travel Coffee Press
For a coffee press that doesn’t spill or let grounds slip into your cup, the Espro Travel Coffee Press is one of the best. It features a double filter that keeps your coffee grounds where they belong—out of your cup. This press operates inside its own vacuum-sealed travel mug, which means your coffee stays warm longer and won’t leak.
What makes the Espro unique is its versatility. It can brew both coffee and tea, which makes it a great option if you enjoy switching up your beverages while on the move. While the cap can be a bit slippery, the overall functionality and insulation are top-notch.
Price: $35 (+$15 for the tea filter)
What You Need: Ground coffee, hot water, and a stirring spoon.
4. Bodum Travel French Press
The French press is a classic method for brewing coffee, and Bodum’s Travel French Press is a compact and convenient version of this timeless device. It doubles as both a press and an insulated travel mug, so you can brew and enjoy your coffee in one container. While the French press doesn’t brew as strong or clean a cup as some other methods, it’s still a favorite for many, and the convenience of an all-in-one travel mug is hard to beat.
Price: $30
What You Need: Ground coffee, hot water, and a stirring spoon.
5. GSI Collapsible Coffee Dripper
If you’re looking for something super compact, the GSI Collapsible Coffee Dripper is your best bet. This minimalist coffee maker is so small you can slip it into any pocket. All you need is a mug, paper filters, and hot water to brew a perfect cup. It’s also super low maintenance—just throw away the filter and rinse the dripper.
The collapsible design makes it easy to store, and it even comes with a lid to keep things clean when not in use. Plus, it doubles as a frisbee in a pinch.
Price: $13
What You Need: Ground coffee, hot water, paper filters, and a mug.
6. Cafflano Kompact
For those who want a more compact coffee press, the Cafflano Kompact is a standout. This portable coffee press folds down to the size of a hockey puck and delivers high-pressure coffee extraction, resulting in a flavorful and concentrated brew. Despite its small size, it functions just like the Aeropress but with even more portability.
It’s a great option if you need something that fits in a small bag and provides a high-quality cup of coffee on the go. Plus, it’s easy to clean, making it ideal for travelers.
Price: $65
What You Need: Ground coffee, hot water, and a mug.
7. Handpresso Portable Espresso Maker
If you love espresso, the Handpresso is your portable solution. This pump-operated espresso maker lets you make espresso shots wherever you are—no electricity required. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures or when you’re on the road and need that caffeine boost. Though it’s a bit bulkier than other options, it’s still portable enough to be a great companion for coffee lovers.
Price: Approximately $100
What You Need: Ground coffee or ESE coffee pods, hot water, and a mug.
8. Minipresso
If you’re seeking a compact espresso maker that’s lighter and easier to use than the Handpresso, the Minipresso might be your ideal pick. This small espresso machine is about half the price of the Handpresso but still delivers a strong cup of espresso. It has a pump mechanism similar to the Handpresso, though it operates at a lower pressure (8 bars), which is slightly below the ideal 9 bars for espresso. Still, it’s an excellent choice for espresso lovers on the go.
Price: $50
What You Need: Ground coffee, hot water, and a mug.
Final Thoughts
With these portable coffee makers, you no longer have to suffer through mediocre coffee during your travels. Whether you’re brewing coffee in a remote village, at a campsite, or in a hotel room, these devices make it possible to enjoy a cup of fresh, flavorful coffee anywhere. From simple pour-over systems to high-pressure espresso machines, there’s a portable coffee maker for every type of coffee lover.
So, don’t let bad coffee ruin your day. Invest in one of these travel-friendly coffee makers, and start brewing better coffee wherever you go.
Leave a Comment