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Author:
Jessica Simms
Lost without your usual pick-me-up on your camping/hiking trips? A manually-operated portable espresso machine is the perfect way to power your outdoor (as well as indoor!) activities. Simply add hot water and your coffee, and with some hand pressure, you can pull the perfect shot with a generous crema on top.
To narrow down the many choices available, we’ve compiled a list of our best portable espresso makers. Check it out!
Once you try our best choice, Wacaco Minipresso GR will become your only choice. Simple to operate, compact and lightweight, versatile, and extremely effective, this manual and portable maker is perfect for a day spent in nature.
The best part? It works well with all beans and roasts, so go crazy exploring your best taste.
We just can’t seem to get enough of Wacaco! With 18 bars of pressure and 15% less force needed to pump and extract, it is clear why we gave our second spot to this Nanopresso.
To pull the perfect shot, however, it is recommended to use finely ground coffee that is tampered well. After that, it’s all up to your hands!
And with all of the components being easy to separate, cleaning will not be an issue.
No coffee enthusiast hasn’t heard of AeroPress, so you can understand just how valuable our best value really is. Thanks to its quick and total immersion brewing, this coffee maker will provide a rich, bitter-less, and no-acid cuppa.
The greatest perk about energizing your trips with an AeroPress is that, besides Espresso-like coffee, it can also make 1-3 cups of regular, American-style brew.
Thanks to its 15 bars of pressure, you need half the force to pump a decent 60ml shot with a thick crema on top. And if you don’t like the hassle of bringing your grounds out hiking with you, you will love the fact that this portable maker is compatible with Nespresso pods, as well.
It is dishwasher-safe; however, it is recommended to clean it by filling it with warm water and pressing the piston to purge out whatever gunk may have stuck inside.
The detachable jug is super practical and perfect for your foamy cappuccinos, as well.
With parts that are easy to assemble and even easier to clean, this travel compatible maker will provide the perfect espresso taste in the most hassle-free possible.
The machine is compatible with any ground coffee, but a fine powder is recommended for the most vibrant flavor and thick top. And with a water capacity of 4.4 ounces, you can even share your creamy brew.
With under a pound of weight and compact size, Staresso makes an excellent travel companion. Thanks to 15-20 bars of pumping pressure, a thick and creamy espresso is guaranteed!
But that’s not all! If you are a specialty-coffee fan, you’ll love its ability to press milk into a rich froth.
And being a winner of the RedDot Design Award for its fancy look, this maker is definitely a no-brainer.
With an advanced pumping technology, you can easily achieve 20 bars of pressure with 50% less force than usual manual makers. And being a 2-in-1 maker, you can enjoy as rich a cuppa, whether using your ground Java or coffee capsules.
With an ergonomic design and a body made with high-quality, food-grade materials, safety and convenience have definitely joined their forces in this Moocoo machine.
Whether you want to brew freshly ground coffee or a K-cup pod of your choice, this Fdit portable maker will curb your caffeine cravings the creamiest way possible.
With a large capacity of 12 ounces and an all-detachable body for easy cleanup, you can enjoy your sips while traveling, without any hassle. The super lightweight and food-grade body only increases the convenience!
If you’re an avid traveler and need the perfect espresso makers for your outdoor adventures, then Simpresso over-delivers. Featuring reusable smart capsules, and compatible with the Original Nespresso capsules, brewing with this premium maker will be a breeze.
With 19 bars of pressure and a double-insulated wall for a burn-free touch, making coffee outside has never been more convenient.
Investing 3 minutes of your time and some hand pressure can give you a decent cup of Joe, creamy and silky as you’d like your espresso to be. The pressure here is 9 bars only so extra effort may be required, but if executed perfectly, Leverpresso can be quite rewarding.
The dual lever system conveniently provides consistent extraction.
The best thing about this elegant, all-black mini maker – besides its ability to brew one killer cuppa – is in the bonuses. The maker does not only come in a protective bag, but it also has a container that can carry enough grounds for seven cups of coffee.
NH-Kitchen gets along with your backpack well, which makes it perfect for outdoors, office, or even on an airplane.
If you’re looking for an annual espresso maker that you can operate as effortlessly as possible, then we present to you this Arlime portable machine. Thanks to its labor-saving pumping system that produces 20 bars of pressure, you will be able to pull silky and rich shots every single time.
But as appealing as that sounds, there’s actually more. This maker also gives you the ability to froth milk for your lattes or cappuccinos while expecting very little in return – easy disassembling and simple cleanup is all this maker needs to serve you happily for many years to come.
Small in weight and footprint but large in performance, this portable maker will give you an authentic coffee-shop-like espresso experience. All you need is to add hot water and press. And that’s it!
With a stainless-steel double-layer filter, shock-resistant water tank, and a sleek design that looks good anywhere, there is a lot to love about this modern-looking travel espresso maker.
Plus, all of its parts are detachable and easy to clean, which makes this machine even more convenient.
To put it simply, a manual espresso maker is a machine that is operated manually – by hand and therefore doesn’t require charging or energy. Think of them as a simpler way to brew espresso, but with extra labor invested. Here, you don’t have the luxury of pushing a button to extract a shot – you need to get your hands dirty and press the piston by applying significant pressure to force the water to extract the goodness of your ground beans.
It may sound exhausting, but it is actually quite simple. The best part of it all is that you get a great sense of accomplishment afterward. A creamy treat for the hard work!
If you are taking the plunge to try a manual portable espresso maker, then you must take into consideration all of the features that are essential for you to receive the satisfying experience that you are looking for. That can depend on a couple of factors:
Capacity – Do you need only one shot, or are you looking for a maker to scratch your loved one’s caffeine itch as well? Pay attention to how much water/coffee the maker can hold, and choose wisely.
Size – If a portable maker is what you need, then your plan is to transport it frequently. How are you planning to do that? In a backpack? Luggage? Making sure that the size of the maker aligns with your requirements is more than recommended.
Pressure – Higher pump pressure means more intense espresso flavor. If a strong kick is what you’re looking for, then aiming higher is ideal.
There is quite a lot to love about manual espresso makers:
On the downside, manual espresso makers:
Well, this mainly depends on your degree of mobility. If you’re planning on hiking, then, the lighter the maker is, the more suitable for you. It all depends on your needs, so make sure to choose the one that will fit into your traveling routine.
The main difference between manual and automatic espresso machines is in the way in which they are operated. While the manual ones require nothing but your hand for pressure, the automatic bunch are energy-dependent and will extract a rich shot by a simple push of a button. They usually include programmable settings and come with a frother, while some also have integrated grinders. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of preparing hot water and applying effort to brew, then going automatic is probably ideal for you.
However, if you care for the traditional, want to have more control over the brew, and like the sweet reward that comes after a minute of effort, there is no doubt that a manual espresso maker is a perfect match for your coffee mug.
As you can see, energizing on the go is something that each of these portable espresso machines can reward you with. You just need hot water, ground Java, and the pressure of your hand for a silky shot of espresso anywhere! Which one of these manual coffee makers will be your travel companion?
