A few years ago, the idea of a portable espresso maker seemed like an oxymoron.
However, we live in a time of unprecendented coffee innovation, and for that reason there are actually quite a few travel-friendly espresso machines on the market today.
Here’s a quick overview of some our favorite models. Read on, for the full overview.
| Image | Model | Weight | Basket Type |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Wacaco Picopresso | 350 g | Naked basket |
 | Flair Signature Espresso Maker | 3.18 kg | Standard |
 | Cafflano Kompresso (Hand Carry Coffee Maker) | 200 g | Naked Basket |
 | Leverpresso Pro | 995 g | IMS basket |
 | STARESSO Portable Espresso Maker | 400 g | Pressurized |
 | Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker | 336 g | Pressurized Basket |
 | Bialetti 06800 Express Moka Pot | 506 g | N/A |
The 7 Best Portable Espresso Makers in 2023
1. Wacaco Picopresso
The Picopresso is a small, handheld espresso machine made by the Hong Kong-based manufacturer Wacaco, who’s also behind the Nanopresso mentioned in this article)
The new Picopresso is superior to the Nanopresso in most ways though. The basket is a standard, non-pressurized model that can hold up to 18 grams of ground coffee. It means that you can pull an excellent 50 ml double shot.
This espresso maker is about the same size as a mug, but it’s a potent device.
In fact, it’s my current favorite among all the portable devices on this list.
If you want to know more about this cool gadget, then check out my review/video here.
See more reviews2. Flair Signature Espresso Maker
If you are looking for a way to handcraft your own espresso while at home or during travel, the Flair Signature Espresso Maker is one of the best options.
Sure, it’s a lot bigger than the other contenders on this list, but it’s also extremely capable. The Flair can pull legit, professional shots.
Despite weighing in at 7 pounds, this machine is easy to carry due to its foldable design and carry case.
All you need is your favorite espresso beans, a grinder, and some boiling water, and you’re good to go.
I have previously tested the Flair Espresso Maker and I was quite impressed.
It’s a great tool once you get your head around the slightly unusual workflow of a manual lever espresso machine.
Bonus Tip: Check out the new & upgraded “Pro 2” model here.
See more reviews3. Cafflano Kompresso (Hand Carry Coffee Maker)
The Cafflano Kompresso is a cheap espresso maker that is also extremely portable, weighing in at less than 200 grams.
This is one of the most compact espresso maker in the world that produces authentic espresso, so it should definitely be on your radar.
The Cafflano Kompresso uses a naked basket and that means that it’s best for advanced users, who already have a good espresso grinder and some knowledge about the brewing process. However, if you know what you’re doing, you can get great shots!
I have previously reviewed the Cafflano Kompresso and my impression was overall excellent.
See more reviews4: LeverPresso Pro Portable espresso Maker
The Leverpresso Pro is a highly portable, manual espresso maker produced by South Korean brand HUGH.
HUGH has evolved from making a basic plastic model of the Leverpresso to this high-end stainless steel Pro-model.
Weighing under 1 kg and including a travel case, the Leverpresso Pro is an excellent option for on-the-go espresso enthusiasts.
Its ergonomic design offers a comfortable brewing experience with easy-to-apply pressure, curved arms, and a conveniently positioned pressure gauge.
The device consistently delivers quality espresso using a 51mm IMS basket.
Although it requires preheating and comes with a high price tag, the Leverpresso Pro provides an enjoyable espresso-making experience that competes with well-established brands like Flair and Cafelat.
Check out my full review here.
See more reviews5: STARESSO Portable Espresso Maker
The Staresso SP-200 is a small but capable espresso maker.
Like many other travel espresso machines, it also uses a pressurized basket, but you can still get pretty high extractions and nice shots with crema.
At just 0.88 pounds its lightweight and portable, and perfect for every vacation.
Another great thing about the Staresso, is that it also works with Nespresso capsules. This is a very convenient way to get rather good coffee if you’re travelling and don’t want to carry a grinder.
See more reviews6: Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Weighing in at 336 grams (less than 1 pound), this is one of the smallest portable espresso machines that you will come across.
The Wacaco is a cute little gadget available in a wide range of colors.
This device will make shots with a nice and bubbly crema. However, this espresso maker uses a pressurized basket, so even though the crema is nice looking, the extraction is not quite as high as some of its rivals.
The main downside to the Nanopresso, is that shots are very small at only 8 grams. However, can buy an add-on that let’s you brew bigger shots.
See more reviews7: Bialetti 06800 Express Moka Pot
This is not technically a true espresso maker, however, most Italians use it at home, and they invented espresso.
So they must now a thing or two, right?
The flavor is still strong and potent, but usually a bit thinner than the standard espresso. But of course, this also depends on your brewing ratio. Just put in less water and more coffee, if you want it concentrated.
A thing to keep in mind if you plan to travel with the Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker is that you need a stove or gas burner for this device to work. Some portable espresso makers just need access to boiling water, but this device will need sustained heat in order to work.
The thing about a Bialetti is that they are both affordable and more or less indestructible,
See more reviews