Are you planning a trip and looking for the best travel coffee maker? In this product review, we cover the top-rated coffee makers currently on the market.
As easy as it is to get coffee from a restaurant when you are travelling, nothing beats your own brewed coffee. You can brew it with precision and save money. Just because you are travelling does not mean that you have to compromise your comfort.
Luckily, there are travel coffee makers that you can get and carry to get you the best freshly brewed coffee. In this product buying guide, we look at the six best travel coffee makers that you can find on the market. They have a quality build, with the right features that will make your favourite cup of espresso while on a trip a breeze. If you’re traveling overseas, you might be wondering, can I bring coffee beans on a plane?
Here is a guide to the best travel coffee makers:
1. Casara Single-Serve Coffee Maker
This is a great coffee maker with an LCD and a programmable timer. It is a small capacity maker as it can do a maximum of 14 oz, which is one cup.
It features a double-walled stainless-steel travel mug and a reusable filter. The filter can be removed to be washed, and it is good to go. You do not have to use paper filters.
It can do different types of grinds, and hence you don’t have to opt for the pre-packaged types, which are typically more expensive and not as nice.
With the mesh filter, you can get any flavor you want, use any brand of coffee, and get the strength that you like.
It is a great choice to get your coffee on the go. Apart from the mug, it also has a secure but easy-to-drink lid to prevent spills.
It is a compact but stylish design, which makes it a great travel companion.
Product Details
- Product size: 7.0 x 5.1 x 11 inches
- Product weight: 1.8 pounds
- Water tank capacity: 8/10/14 oz
- Power: 120VAC,60Hz,700W
Pros
- It is programmable with an LCD
- It is compact
- It has a stainless-steel double-wall travel mug with a secure lid
- It can do different types of grinds to get what you desire
- It has a reusable permanent filter
Cons
- Some users complained that they were not able to get hot coffee
- There is no way to take out the water compartment in case you need to clean it
2. STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine
This is a manual espresso maker that you can take on the go. You can get a premium espresso with a thick layer of crema.
It makes a great travel companion as it is compact and lightweight. It only weighs 0.97 pounds. Its water tank can do 80 ml, and the maximum coffee it can grind is 0.53 ounces.
It is compatible with a variety of ground coffee including Nespresso pods.
It is easy to use and clean. You can make the espresso manually effortlessly to get what you want, thanks to its newly patented pumping system.
It is not only made with high-quality material, but it is also BPA-free, making it safe.
Product Details
- Product Dimension: 9.64 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches
- Product Weight: 14.1 ounces
Pros
- It is compact and lightweight
- It is easy to use and clean
- It has been made with high-quality, BPA-free material
- It is compatible with both coffee grounds and Nespresso
Cons
- Some users complained the coffee maker did not work well
- Some users complained that it was not durable
3. Wacaco Pipamoka Portable Coffee Maker
This is a single-serve coffee that is in the form of an insulated mug. It is a drinks pressure brewer.
It is made with a twisting mechanism to create vacuum pressure in the cup. That creates a suction force that pushes the hot water downwards through the coffee grounds. It helps to brew coffee in two minutes consistently.
To use it, fill the water chamber and fit it into the coffee basket. Then let it sink. Twist the ring to generate a vacuum pressure for water to mix with the coffee grounds.
The water chamber will rise, and you can then remove the brewer to enjoy the coffee. The coffee maker has a reusable stainless-steel micro filter that will save you the hassle of changing filters.
Unlike some coffee makers, the Pipamoka does not warm the water; hence you have to arrange for that if you want hot coffee. For every gram of coffee, it is recommended you use 15 ml of water. For optimal brewing, it is recommended that you use a medium grind.
Product Details
- Package Dimensions: 8.6 x 3.5 x 3.2 inches
- Product Weight: 15 ounces
Pros
- It is compact and portable
- It has a reusable stainless-steel microfilter
- It is easy to use
- It is easy to wash
- It has a stainless-steel vacuum that can keep a drink how for long
Cons
- It does not heat water
- Some users found it difficult to use
4. Generic Portable Espresso Machine
One of the downsides of most portable espresso machines is remembering to change the batteries; fortunately, the device by Generic is all manual. If your coffee choices are limited, you’ll be glad to know this portable espresso machine is compatible with all ground sizes. Even more impressive, the eight-bar piston replicates the pressure used to brew authentic espresso.
Given the size and quality of the machine, it won’t replicate the feeling of being in a coffee shop, but the coffee is still surprisingly good with a solid crema layer. The brewer is also easy to use as you simply add coffee, a filter, and hot water and then release and pump the piston until your coffee is ready!
Product Detail:
- Product Dimensions: 2.5″D x 2.5″W x 7.5″H
- Product Weight: 0.75 Pounds
Pros
- Works with all grind sizes
- Doesn’t require batteries
- Easy to use
- Portable
Cons
- Doesn’t heat water
- Authentic espresso can only be made with fine grounds
Compact Handheld Coffee Maker - No Batteries - Perfect for Travel, Camping, Beach, Hotel
5. Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker
This is a single-serve coffee maker that can have a capacity of 6 to 12 oz. When you buy the package, you get a coffee maker with pod storage. The pods are sufficient for up to 9 cups.
The unit makes it possible to have fresh coffee in no time. It has cord storage for convenience when you are traveling or want a clean countertop. The removable drip tray can comfortably accommodate cups that are up to seven inches tall.
The maker is energy efficient with an auto feature that will turn off the machine automatically 90 seconds after you complete your brew, helping you save on energy.
It uses a reusable coffee filter.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 4.5 x 12.1 inches
- Product Weight: 6.93 pounds
Pros
- It comes with a pod storage
- It has cord storage for safely storing away the cords
- The removable drip tray is compatible with any travel mug that is not more than 7 inches tall
- It is energy-efficient
- It has reusable coffee filters
Cons
- Some users complained that they did not get hot coffee
- Some users complained that the coffee maker did not work well
6. Wacaco Minipresso GR, Portable Espresso Machine
This is an espresso machine that is entirely manual and hence does not need any batteries or electricity. It is compact and lightweight. You can carry it on your trip to enjoy your espresso anywhere you go.
It is simple to use. You only have to add ground coffee to the filter compartment and add hot water into the water tank. With a little pumping and application of pressure, you can get your espresso.
You can brew coffee of up to 100 ml. If you need any extra accessories, you will have to purchase them separately.
Upon purchasing the product, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.4 x 6.9 inches
- Product Weight: 0.8 pounds
- Water capacity: 70 ml
- Ground capacity: 8 g
Pros
- It is easy to clean
- Easy to use
- It does not need batteries and electricity to operate.
- It is compact and portable.
Cons
- Some users complained of leaks after a short while
- Some users complained it did not last.
Buyer’s Guide
The above coffee makers that we have reviewed are perfect choices if you need a travel companion. If you need to settle on one coffee maker and you are wondering which one, in this section, we compare them to help you choose. Here is a quick look:
The most portable coffee maker: If portability is a primary factor to you, then we recommend the Wacaco Minipresso machine as it is the most lightweight with a weight of only 0.8 pounds. All the rest are portable, but if you need the most lightweight this is the best choice.
Most efficient: The most efficient machine is the Casara Single Serve Coffee Maker, as it has a programmable timer and LCD to give you ease of use.
The cheapest coffee maker: When it comes to costs, the most inexpensive coffee maker is the Casara Single Serve Coffee Maker, as it retails at only $35.99, making it the most affordable.
Our overall recommendations: As much as we vouch for all six machines, our top choice is the Casara Single Serve Coffee Maker. It is well-priced, has been made with premium material, and is very efficient.
Even though we may have already recommended the coffee maker to buy for your trip, it is also good to know what factors to consider when shopping for one. Some of the factors to consider include:
The type of coffee you drink
When looking for a coffee maker, it depends on the type of coffee you drink. For example, most espresso machines will not be able to work with a French Press. Before buying a machine, confirm that it can make your favorite coffee.
Capacity
Even though you might be buying this for a trip and need only a single-serve type, some people want a bigger capacity. For example, they may be traveling with their family and want to make a large quantity at once.
Ways of operation
Some makers are easier to use than others. Some need you just to push a button, and you are set, while some are more complicated. Some are manual, while others are automatic. Some use electricity or batteries. Just confirm you are comfortable with the way it works and operates.
Filter
Most coffee makers use paper filters that will need to be changed from time to time. This may be inconvenient if you are traveling. There are, however, some that have reusable filters. They are the better option as they are also eco-friendly.
Ease of cleaning
The ease of cleaning differs between machines. There are even those that have a self-cleaning mechanism. Most of the time, the filters or grinders have to be soaked in warm water to clean them. The rest can be washed normally or wiped clean.
Cost
Coffee makers will vary in cost based on their features. The more features they have, the more expensive they will be. Some are also expensive because of the brand. Before you choose a specific unit, make sure you compare the price against the features to know what you are paying for.
Reviews
Before you decide to settle on a particular product, it is vital to check the experiences other customers have had with the product to be sure of what you are getting into.
Apart from the reviews, also check the FAQs and questions other customers have asked to clear any doubts that you may have. It is also essential to confirm that the company has an after-sales service such as a warranty. If you liked this post, you might be interested in learning if you can bring coffee on a plane.
