Our picks
| Best for | Maker | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| The smallest for travel | Wacaco Nanopresso | from $72 | A small, light hand-pump espresso maker that packs anywhere. |
| Ground coffee or pods | Handpresso Pump | from $160 | Takes ground espresso or a 7 g E.S.E. pod. |
| In the car | Handpresso Auto Capsule | $360 | Plugs into a 12 or 24 V socket and sits in the cup holder. |
| No pumping | Handpresso e-Presso | $270 | A battery-powered portable machine for hiking, camping, boating or the office. |
| The best shot away from home | Flair Espresso Maker or ROK Espresso GC | from $279 / $259 | Lever makers that give you control over pressure and the closest thing to café espresso without power. |
| Camping kit | Handpresso Outdoor Set | $280 | The Handpresso Pump plus a thermo flask that keeps water hot. |
Choosing a portable espresso maker
Power. Hand-pump and lever makers need no power. The Handpresso Auto runs from the car, and the e-Presso runs on a battery.
Hot water. Most portable makers need you to bring hot water. The Handpresso thermo flask holds 300 ml, enough for about six espressos, and keeps it hot for more than three hours.
Coffee. Ground coffee gives the best result. Pods and capsules are quicker and cleaner on the road. Pair a ground-coffee maker with a hand grinder for fresh coffee anywhere.
Spare parts. Seals and o-rings wear over time. We stock spares for Handpresso and a GC conversion kit that upgrades older ROK and Presso makers.
