Just a few years ago, the idea of a portable espresso maker capable of crafting a rich shot of espresso on the go seemed like a distant dream. However, thanks to incredible advancements in coffee technology, we now have a range of travel-friendly espresso machines that deliver authentic espresso experiences, wherever your adventures take you.
Having personally tested numerous manual espresso makers over the years, I’ve curated a list of the top performers from my own collection, alongside some frequently recommended but less impressive options. This guide offers my insights to help you choose the best Travel Espresso Maker for your needs.
Important Note: This review focuses on truly portable devices. Countertop machines, even excellent ones like the Flair 58, are excluded due to their lack of travel-friendliness.
Top Portable Espresso Makers: Handpicked Selections
For those with an unlimited budget, the Leverpresso Pro stands out as an exceptional piece of equipment. However, its higher price and heavier build might not be practical for everyone. Let’s explore some more accessible and equally impressive alternatives.
My top recommendations are the Outin Nano and the HUGH Leverpresso V4. Both are genuine espresso makers, delivering authentic espresso without relying on pressurized baskets.
The Outin Nano excels in convenience with its integrated pump and heating system. This means you can brew espresso anywhere without the need for external hot water or manual pumping.
However, to unlock its full potential, especially for serious espresso enthusiasts, a separate upgrade basket kit is recommended. For casual coffee lovers seeking easy espresso on the go, it performs admirably with Nespresso capsules straight out of the box.
Either the Outin Nano or Leverpresso V4 will empower you to pull coffee shop-quality espresso shots while traveling. While the Outin Nano’s design might appear less visually exciting compared to some gadgets, its ease of use and performance are undeniably impressive. Like the Leverpresso models, it provides that satisfying “barista experience” in a portable format.
Outin Nano espresso shot
Authentic espresso shot extraction with the Outin Nano travel espresso maker, showcasing its ability to produce quality espresso with practice.
The Wacaco Picopresso is another highly regarded portable espresso maker that I personally love. While I have some reservations regarding its long-term durability, its espresso quality rivals that of the Leverpresso V4. The Picopresso is more lightweight and compact, whereas the Leverpresso V4 is my preferred choice for an everyday espresso maker that is also excellent for travel.
The Cafflano Kompresso is the lightest option among these espresso makers, but its long-term reliability can also be a concern. Although I once greatly appreciated this device, the Leverpresso V4 and Picopresso ultimately offer a higher level of performance.
It’s not surprising that many portable espresso devices face durability challenges. Manually creating espresso requires significant force to achieve high pressure. Plastic components in some machines can be prone to failure over time with frequent use.
The Flair Neo Flex is the least portable in this selection, but it remains compact and light enough for travel and local outings. It offers a solid balance between affordability, portability, and home use capability.
The Wacaco Nanopresso and Staresso SP-200 are not quite on par with the top-tier espresso makers in this guide. However, if you lack a dedicated espresso grinder, they are viable options. Both utilize pressurized portafilters, accommodating pre-ground coffee readily available in supermarkets. The Flair Neo Flex also includes an additional basket for pre-ground coffee compatibility.
| Espresso Maker | Shot Quality | Portability | UX | X Factor | Sturdiness | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leverpresso Pro | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 23 |
| Outin Nano | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 22 |
| Wacaco Picopresso | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 20 |
| Leverpresso V4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 20 |
| Cafflano Kompresso | 3 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 16 |
| Flair Neo Flex | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 16 |
| Wacaco Nanopresso | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 14 |
| Staresso SP-200 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 14 |
Detailed Reviews of Portable Espresso Makers
Wacaco Picopresso Review
The Wacaco Picopresso is a compact, handheld espresso machine from Wacaco, a Hong Kong-based company also known for the Nanopresso.
My recent testing of the Wacaco Picopresso revealed significant improvements over its predecessor, the Nanopresso. Wacaco has successfully addressed many of the earlier model’s limitations.
The Picopresso boasts a more robust build quality, feeling substantial and well-made. The most notable upgrade is the incorporation of a standard 51mm portafilter basket, replacing the Nanopresso’s smaller, pressurized plastic version. This allows for a more authentic espresso brewing process and the ability to dose up to 18 grams of coffee for a proper double shot of espresso.
Wacaco includes several thoughtfully designed accessories with the Picopresso:
- Custom tamper that neatly stores within the device.
- Dosing funnel for mess-free coffee loading.
- WDT tool (“puck rake”) to improve coffee grind distribution and eliminate clumps.
- Protective neoprene carrying case.
These additions demonstrate Wacaco’s understanding of the needs of modern espresso enthusiasts. This attention to detail is truly impressive.
Using the Picopresso becomes intuitive after a few tries. The side-mounted pressure arm, while initially feeling unusual, effectively generates sufficient pressure for proper espresso extraction. The plastic construction also aids in preheating the device as it has low thermal mass.
In comparison to the Cafflano Kompresso, the Picopresso produced superior and more consistent espresso shots. The espresso had a pleasing body and texture, and the device was more forgiving regarding grind size variations.
Overall, the Wacaco Picopresso is a highly capable and portable manual espresso maker offering exceptional value. It surpasses the Nanopresso in almost every aspect and has become one of my favorite portable devices.
For a deeper dive, check out my comprehensive Picopresso review and video.
See more Picopresso reviews on Amazon
OUTIN NANO Portable Espresso Maker Review
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The Outin Nano is a truly unique portable espresso maker that lives up to its promise of delivering excellent espresso anywhere. It’s versatile, working well with both Nespresso capsules and pre-ground coffee.
Its standout feature is the integrated self-heating system. With a simple button press, it heats water to the ideal brewing temperature, eliminating the need for a separate kettle.
The Nano offers two operational modes:
- Manual mode: Utilizes battery power only for the electric pump to generate pressure, requiring pre-heated water.
- Self-heating mode: The machine heats the water and powers the pump, offering complete off-grid espresso brewing.
While self-heating mode consumes battery faster (2-3 shots per charge), its convenience is revolutionary for on-the-go espresso. It has already proven invaluable in situations where early morning coffee was needed away from standard facilities.
For “serious” espresso, I highly recommend the “Nano Basket Plus” upgrade kit. This includes an unpressurized basket, dosing funnel, WDT tool, and palm tamper. With this kit, I achieved an impressive 20% extraction yield, producing sweet, balanced, and full-bodied espresso.
The workflow is significantly more streamlined and user-friendly compared to manual devices like the Picopresso or Leverpresso. The electric pump removes the physical effort of manual pressure generation.
Weighing 658g, the Nano is comparable to its competitors but the self-heating system offers a distinct advantage in convenience. The build quality is solid, and the unboxing experience reflects careful attention to detail.
The water reservoir is limited to 80ml, but a clever workaround allows refilling during extraction. This enables pulling longer shots, venturing into lungo territory and beyond typical espresso volumes.
Experimenting with filter roasts at a 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio yielded impressive results. The Nano’s slightly lower brewing temperature, which can be a limitation for light espresso roasts, becomes less critical with these extended extraction times.
The absence of a three-way valve (which normally releases pressure and excess water) allows pausing and resuming brewing without disturbing the coffee puck. This opens doors for creative techniques like extended pre-infusion and basic pressure profiling.
The Outin Nano’s flexibility to pull longer shots and experiment with extraction parameters distinguishes it from many other portable espresso makers, especially for adventurous coffee lovers.
While its appearance might be less flashy than lever-operated devices, its performance is highly comparable. The Outin Nano undeniably produces café-quality espresso with remarkable ease. If you prioritize great espresso with minimal hassle, even off-grid, it’s an exceptional choice.
Explore my full Outin Nano review here
Official Outin Shop | Outin Nano on Amazon
Flair Neo Flex Review
The Flair Neo Flex is Flair’s most budget-friendly portable espresso maker.
It includes all essential components for quality espresso, offering both pressurized and regular baskets, the latter convertible to bottomless.
A key feature is its plastic stand, a departure from the metal frames of other Flair models. While it feels less robust, it significantly reduces weight, enhancing portability.
The espresso shots are surprisingly good, virtually identical to those from the Flair Classic, which utilizes the same brew head.
Using the Neo Flex is straightforward: preheat the brew cylinder, grind and dose coffee (slightly less due to the smaller basket), distribute and tamp, add the dispersion screen, and pull the shot.
The Neo Flex’s main appeal is its affordability, making manual espresso accessible for home and travel.
However, some design choices are puzzling. The pressure release valve seems like a precautionary measure due to the plastic frame’s pressure tolerance. Despite its low cost, it matches the Flair Classic in shot quality. Its lightweight and easily disassembled design enhances portability compared to other Flair models.
A notable design quirk is the lack of official pressure gauge compatibility, likely to differentiate it from the Classic and protect sales. While the plastic frame has proven durable in testing, it may not inspire the same confidence as metal frames.
Overall, the Flair Neo Flex is an excellent value proposition for an affordable, daily-use manual espresso maker. With a good grinder, it produces delicious espresso. Even with a basic grinder, its pressurized basket option provides an accessible entry into espresso making.
Having previously tested the Flair Classic and Pro models, I find minimal taste difference between them and the Neo Flex. It’s a fantastic tool once you become accustomed to the unique workflow of a manual lever espresso machine.
Flair Shop | Flair Neo Flex on Amazon
Leverpresso V4 Review
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The Leverpresso V4 is a manual espresso maker that refines upon the successes and addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor, the V3.
Having extensively used and been impressed by the Leverpresso Pro, I was eager to test the V4 when HUGH provided a review unit a few months ago.
The V4 initially appears very similar to the Pro model, with a few key distinctions.
A significant change is the absence of a pressure gauge, which might disappoint some but is understandable at this price point. However, with practice and muscle memory, the gauge becomes less crucial. While it lacks an IMS basket, the included high-quality 51mm basket performs admirably.
Unlike the Pro, the V4 uses high-impact plastic instead of a metal body. This is designed to withstand high pressures, a significant improvement over the V3, which faced cracking issues. In my daily use, the V4 feels sufficiently robust, but long-term durability requires further assessment.
The Leverpresso’s signature dual-lever extraction system, similar to the Cafelat Robot, stands out for its user-friendliness. Pressing the levers is smooth and comfortable, making it one of the most ergonomic lever-based portable espresso makers in this guide. However, considerable force is still needed to achieve optimal pressure.
While the V4 offers excellent value, some areas could be improved. The included plastic tamper feels somewhat cheap and doesn’t fit perfectly. A higher-quality tamper, similar to Wacaco’s Picopresso offering, would enhance the user experience. However, readily available aftermarket 51mm tampers offer a simple upgrade.
The rubber caps intended to insulate the brew chamber feel like an afterthought and can obstruct the view while filling the chamber. I often find it easier to omit them.
Despite minor drawbacks, the Leverpresso V4 is an impressive manual espresso maker delivering excellent performance at a competitive price. For espresso purists seeking lightweight travel options, it’s a great compromise.
Cafflano Kompresso (Hand Carry Coffee Maker) Review
The Cafflano Kompresso is a budget-friendly and exceptionally portable espresso maker, weighing under 200 grams.
Having owned the Cafflano Kompresso for several years, I’ve thoroughly tested its capabilities and quirks. Unlike the Wacaco Nanopresso and Staresso SP200, the Kompresso uses a naked portafilter instead of a pressurized basket, enabling a more authentic espresso experience.
The trade-off is the Kompresso’s requirement for a much finer grind size, similar to traditional espresso machines. Pre-ground coffee is generally unsuitable; a high-quality manual or electric grinder capable of producing fine, consistent particles is essential.
Using the Kompresso involves a learning curve due to its unique workflow. Dosing coffee into the 13-14g basket, positioning the dispersion screen, and securely (but not overtightening) attaching the portafilter requires practice. The piston-style pressure mechanism, activated by simultaneously pressing down with palms and pulling up with fingers, also demands finesse.
However, once dialed in, the Kompresso produces excellent espresso. The naked portafilter promotes even extraction, and the larger dose yields a richer, more flavorful shot. I’ve consistently achieved a TDS around 12% and an extraction yield of 20%, positioning it as a genuine espresso maker.
Portability is a major strength. It’s smaller and lighter than all other devices in this guide, making it the most travel-friendly option.
The main drawbacks are the learning curve and grinder dependency. It’s less user-friendly and forgiving than pressurized options, requiring time and effort to perfect.
Durability is also a consideration. While the plastic construction is robust, gaskets and small screens might be vulnerable to damage over time with frequent use and pressure exertion.
Overall, I highly recommend the Cafflano Kompresso, particularly for experienced espresso enthusiasts with access to a good grinder, rather than casual users seeking quick and easy coffee on the go.
For more details, see my full Cafflano Kompresso review.
See more Cafflano Kompresso reviews on Amazon
LeverPresso Pro Portable Espresso Maker Review
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Unboxing the Leverpresso Pro was an impressive experience, highlighting meticulous attention to detail in both packaging and device design. HUGH, a South Korean company, has created a sleek, minimalist product conveying quality and refinement.
While HUGH might be less known in espresso circles, they are gaining recognition with the Leverpresso V4 and its predecessors. The Pro version elevates the line with all-metal construction, an integrated pressure gauge, and a professional-grade 51mm IMS basket.
A standout feature is the walnut cracker-style dual-lever system, reminiscent of the Cafelat Robot. This design facilitates applying consistent pressure more comfortably than single-lever devices.
Unlike the Robot, the Leverpresso Pro can be used with either a travel-friendly built-in cup OR a metal stand. The cup enhances portability but prevents using a scale while brewing due to pressure application directly onto the device.
HUGH offers premium accessories for the Leverpresso Pro, including a combined tamper/leveler and a heavy-duty funnel. These add-ons, while incurring extra cost, are worthwhile for maximizing device performance.
Drawbacks are minimal but present. The stand, useful at home, can be restrictive with cup and scale compatibility. The solid steel body requires preheating, especially for lighter roasts, which might be slightly inconvenient for some.
Performance-wise, the Leverpresso Pro competes with established manual espresso makers like the Cafelat Robot and Flair Pro 2, offering comparable build quality and design, but also a similar price point.
However, the Leverpresso Pro truly excels in portability. Weighing just under 1 kilo, it is genuinely airplane-friendly. Its lightweight, streamlined design, and included travel case make it ideal for coffee enthusiasts wanting high-quality espresso on the go.
Read my full Leverpresso Pro review here.
STARESSO SP-200 Review
The Staresso SP-200 is a compact yet capable espresso maker, weighing only 0.88 pounds.
Like many travel espresso machines, it uses a pressurized basket. Despite this, it achieves impressive extractions and produces shots with nice crema.
(Note: Espresso purists often prefer unpressurized baskets for their ability to deliver more nuanced flavors and higher extraction levels).
While the Staresso’s packaging and instructions are less refined than some brands, the device itself is well-designed and user-friendly.
A key advantage over the Nanopresso is the top-mounted pump, which feels more natural and ergonomic. The sturdy base and real glass cup enhance the user experience, providing a stable brewing platform and a nicer drinking vessel than the Nanopresso’s plastic cup.
Brewing is simple: fill the small basket with about 8 grams of ground coffee, insert into the portafilter, attach to the brew chamber, add water, connect the pump, and press. The resulting espresso features a notably foamy crema. The taste is slightly fuller than the Nanopresso’s.
Objectively, the Staresso achieves a higher extraction yield (around 17.6%) compared to the Nanopresso, though still below traditional espresso machines. Like the Nanopresso, the pressurized basket limits its ultimate espresso quality potential.
However, the Staresso uniquely supports Nespresso capsules without extra accessories. This is convenient for pre-dosed coffee and consistent results without grinding or dosing.
While I’m not typically a capsule fan, the Staresso’s ease of capsule use is striking. Just add hot water for decent coffee on the road. For travelers wanting to avoid carrying a grinder, it’s a very convenient way to get acceptable coffee quality.
See my YouTube video review to watch the Staresso SP-200 in action.
See more Staresso SP-200 reviews on Amazon
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker Review
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Several years ago, I extensively tested the Wacaco Nanopresso, a compact and stylish portable espresso maker. Its sleek design and clear instructions were immediately impressive. Wacaco excels in branding and user experience.
Weighing just 336 grams (under 1 pound), it’s among the smallest portable espresso machines available.
Using the Nanopresso is quite straightforward. Fill the small basket with about 8 grams of ground coffee, place it in the brew chamber, and attach the portafilter. Then, fill the water tank, connect it to the main body, and pump the side-mounted button to build pressure.
Espresso starts flowing after a few pumps. I was surprised by the thick crema it produced, considering its size. However, the espresso’s taste was somewhat underwhelming – mild and rounded, lacking the strength and intensity of true espresso. It also tasted slightly cool, suggesting preheating might improve results.
Refractometer measurements revealed a TDS of around 6.65% and an extraction yield of only 13.7%, indicating underextraction, likely due to the pressurized basket requiring a coarser grind.
Espresso enthusiasts generally avoid pressurized baskets because they can mute flavors and yield less potent extractions compared to traditional methods.
While it produces shots with crema, the Nanopresso uses a pressurized basket, resulting in lower extraction than some competitors, even if the crema looks appealing.
Modifying the Nanopresso for unpressurized brewing is possible but awkward and ultimately not worthwhile. The side-mounted pump is less ergonomic for generating the higher pressure needed for finer grinds.
Overall, the Wacaco Nanopresso is a beautifully designed, user-friendly portable espresso maker that produces impressively creamy shots. However, the espresso quality and strength are lacking, especially for specialty coffee standards. It’s a decent option prioritizing portability and convenience over ultimate flavor.
Compared to Wacaco’s superior Picopresso, the Nanopresso is somewhat disappointing.
See more Nanopresso reviews on Amazon
How I Tested These Travel Espresso Makers
As a full-time coffee equipment reviewer, I dedicate my time to thoroughly testing and evaluating the latest industry gear.
Unlike freelance writers covering diverse topics with limited espresso knowledge, my focused expertise allows me to stay current with coffee industry developments and engage deeply within the coffee community.
This specialization allows me to use advanced tools like refractometers for detailed equipment testing, providing nuanced insights beyond conventional media reviews.
My testing of the manual espresso makers in this guide has been ongoing and comprehensive. Initial side-by-side comparisons were conducted for YouTube videos, assessing performance, usability, and overall quality. Since then, I’ve expanded my collection, continuously evaluating new and notable manual espresso makers.
Crucially, every espresso maker in this article has been extensively battle-tested by me over time, providing a realistic understanding of long-term performance.
