9 Best Travel Espresso Makers of 2021 for a Strong Shot On the Go

How portable do you actually need your travel espresso maker to be?

None of the travel espresso makers that we’ve included require batteries or electricity, so you don’t have to worry about plugging them in. This feature alone makes them way more portable than traditional espresso machines.

However, think of where you’re planning on brewing your espresso.

If it’s during hikes or when camping, then you need a travel espresso maker that can fit in your backpack and is as light as possible: we don’t recommend going above 18 oz. This is also a handy option for work, unless you have plenty of room on your desk and can consider leaving it there.

If, on the contrary, you’ll take it on holiday with you but are thinking of hotels or your RV home, then you can easily look at bigger and more professional models that weigh a bit more.

Type of espresso brewing: grounds or capsules?

Traditionally, espresso is made with fine grounds. This is also the most eco-friendly choice and, if you pack a hand coffee grinder too, it’ll give you full control over extraction. Luckily, all the travel espresso makers that we’ve included in this list let you brew with traditional grounds.

However, if you can’t get enough of your Nespresso machine and were hoping to replicate the same experience, we’ve got you. We’ve included a couple of portable espresso makers that are either compatible with Nespresso capsules or can be paired with a separate adapter.

Only espresso or filter coffee, too?

If you’re after the purest, most impeccable espresso, then you should stick to the best travel espresso makers that focus on just that, especially since pressure is such a key component when it comes to this special type of extraction.

If, on the contrary, you mainly like espresso for the stronger caffeine hit but could do with some drip coffee on the go too, here’s a good compromise: choose a portable coffee maker that gives you both. 

In most cases, it won’t be technically classified as espresso (mainly because of the pressure problem) but it’ll get pretty close to it, and these coffee makers will offer you more flexibility.

Don’t forget about the water

Sure, no electricity is involved, but don’t forget that, in order to brew espresso, you don’t only need grounds: you must add hot water, too!

That’s why, no matter what portable espresso maker you opt for, you must also find a solution for your water. The easiest options are to either boil it at home or on your RV and keep it in one of the best thermoses during a hike or to take a small camping stove with you. 

Best Travel Espresso Makers of 2021 [Top 9 Reviews]

From timeless models to new inventions, there’s such a wide array of portable espresso makers currently on the market that we thought we’d start with a little overview:

The travel espresso maker par excellence, the Wacaco Nanopresso is the improved version of an already fantastic product, the Minipresso.

All you need to do is add and tamp the grounds, pour hot water, flip it, and start pumping.

This model has especially reached new levels when it comes to pressure (1):

“When making espresso, you usually want nine bars of pressure, or nine times the weight of the pressure at sea level.” Perfect Daily Grind 

With the Wacaco Nanopresso, you can pump up to 18 bars… and with 15% less force than previous models!

Plus, it’s light, durable, easy to clean, and includes a drinking cup.

PRO TIP: Should you wish to brew a bit more espresso in one go, you can always purchase the separate Wacaco Nanopresso Barista Kit or, to use your Nespresso capsules, the Wacaco Nanopresso NS Adapter.

Bottom line: The AeroPress of the espresso world and a favorite among coffee nomads.

This is the older version of the Nanopresso, but it’s still an all-time favorite among lovers of espresso that are also frequent travelers or hikers.

As you can read in our Wacaco Minipresso review, it usually reaches 8 bars of pressure, so just below the recommended amount. Still, keep in mind that it’s also a bit cheaper and that its espresso does taste delicious, usually topped with a layer of crema.

Just like the Nanopresso, the Wacaco Minipresso includes a drinking cup and, while being slightly bigger, you won’t even feel it in your backpack.

Bottom line: One of the most affordable but reliable travel espresso makers.

This award-winning espresso maker is a highly practical choice (2):

“With its very compact and fresh look, Staresso convinces just as much as with great functionality in a small space.” Red Dot Design Award 

What we love the most about it is that you can use it with both grounds and Nespresso pods without investing in a separate adapter nor making any additional effort.

In fact, thanks to the Staresso’s newly patented pumping system, you can reach up to 20 bars without anywhere near as much elbow grease as you would expect.

Bottom line: The most compact travel espresso maker currently on the market and a handy option for those who can’t decide between grounds and capsules.

Cafflano is an award-winning (3) Kickstarter gem that has been delighting us with innovative espresso solutions since 2012 (4) and has now come back with yet another portable espresso maker.

Unlike most models that rely on pneumatic air compression, the Cafflano Kompresso has introduced a hydraulic water compression system, making it a breeze to reach over 9 bars consistently.

We also appreciate the fact that, instead of traditional plastic, they opted for an eco-friendlier material: Bioplastic Ecozen. Nice one, Cafflano!

Bottom line: An interesting alternative to air pressure, and so light that you’ll barely notice it.

The AeroPress is a cult among coffee nomads as it allows you to brew between one to three cups of drip coffee in around a minute wherever you are.

However, as well as being one of the best travel coffee makers, did you know that it’s also one of the best methods to make espresso without an espresso machine?

Sure, it won’t be the perfect shot since the AeroPress doesn’t focus on pressure, but it’s good enough if what you’re after is just some stronger, espresso-style coffee.

The AeroPress is perfect when hiking or camping as it’s extremely lightweight. Keep in mind that, unlike all the other travel espresso makers that we’ve included, it needs small paper filters, too.

Bottom line: A practical solution for drip coffee and espresso-style brews.

This portable espresso maker has the seal of approval of the country of birth of espresso.

In fact, the iconic Bialetti moka pot has been a stunning example of made in Italy design since 1933 (5) and is one of the best stovetop espresso makers overall.

While it can’t reach the coveted 9 bars of pressure, it makes much stronger coffee than traditional drip. 

To brew with a moka pot on the go, you’ll need a heat source for the actual coffee rather than just the water, but, as long as you have a small portable hob or even a campfire, you’re good to go.

Bottom line: Best solution for some espresso-style coffee to be enjoyed both at home and on the go.