There is good coffee (i.e. Kona coffee) and then there is bad coffee! Good coffee can be expensive unless you make it yourself. At home, you probably have a fancy coffee machine, but what do you do when you travel?
When you travel you may even need coffee more than when you are at home. You might be battling jet lag, trying to wake up early to fit in all that sightseeing or have a long road trip ahead of you. I was surprised to learn that there are excellent portable coffee makers available so that you can have the fresh coffee you want, wherever you are.
In my opinion, the best travel coffee maker is the Aeropress. It’s small, easy to clean, and doesn’t need any batteries or electricity. We love the coffee it makes so much that we use it even when we are not traveling.
In this post, I will explain why we are obsessed with our Aeropress and also tell you about some of the other popular coffee makers for traveling on the market.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information.
We love our aeropress!
Contents
- Choosing a Travel Coffee Maker
- Top Travel Coffee Makers
- The Best Travel Coffee Maker – Aeropress
- Other Travel Coffee Maker Options
- Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker
- Wacaco Minipresso
- GSI Collapsible Java Drip
- Kalita Wave Pour Over Dripper
- Primula Coffee Brew Buddy
- Kohipress Portable French Press Coffee Maker
- AdirChef Grab N’ Go Personal Coffee Maker
- Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker
- Black+Decker DCM18S Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker
- Is a Travel Coffee Maker Worth it?
- Tips for using your Coffee Maker on the Road
- Making Boiling Water
- Grinding Coffee While You Are Traveling
- Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Coffee Maker for Travel
Choosing a Travel Coffee Maker
There are a lot of different travel coffee makers on the market, so how do you know which one is right for you? Here are eight things to consider:
- Size – You want to pack light! I’m sure you have enough other things to pack in your suitcase. You want your coffee maker to take up as little space as possible. Remember bigger is not always better.
- How much coffee – Travel coffee makers vary in size and the amount of coffee they can make at one time. I think in most cases one that makes a cup at a time is fine, but if you plan on serving a large group you might want to consider a machine that makes multiple cups at once.
- Durability – Traveling can be rough on your belongings, especially if you check a bag. You want a coffee maker that is not going to break if baggage handlers get aggressive.
- Quality of Coffee – Why even bother with a coffee maker unless it is going to make good tasting coffee. Life is too short.
- Brew Time – When you are traveling, you may have a busy day of sightseeing ahead so you need to get up and go. There is a wide range of brew time with travel coffee machines, so it’s something to keep in mind.
- Easy to Clean – You will be on vacation, so you want to minimize the time you spend doing dishes. Some travel coffee makers can be put in the dishwasher, but when you are traveling you might not always have access to one.
- Power Requirements – Depending on where you are traveling, the power sources/voltages may vary. You need a coffee maker that can adapt. If it doesn’t use any electricity, that is even better. One less thing to worry about.
- Price – Your travel coffee maker needs to fit in your budget, whatever that may be. Lucky for you many of the best mini coffee makers are actually surprisingly affordable.
Sometimes, there is nothing better than a good cup of coffee!
Top Travel Coffee Makers
The table below compares the 10 best coffee makers for travel. Below the table, I go into more detail about each one.
| Name | Image (Click to check price) | Dimensions (inches) | Amount of Coffee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeropress |   | 10 (collapses to 5.4) x 4.25 | 1 cup |
| Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker |   | 4.12 x 4.12 x 9 | 1 cup |
| Wacaco Minipresso |   | 6.89 x 2.75 x 2.36 | 1 cup of espresso |
| GSI Collapsible Java Drip |   | 5.6 x 5.5 x 1.1 | Up to 12 cups |
| Kalita Wave Pour Over Dripper |   | 4.8 x 4.5 x 2.5 | 1 cup |
| Primula Coffee Brew Buddy |   | 4.2 x 4.2 x 1.6 | 1 cup |
| KOHIPRESS Portable French Press Coffee Maker |   | 2.7 x 2.7 x 10.6 | 1 large cup |
| AdirChef Grab N' Go Personal Coffee Maker |   | 6.7 x 5.1 x 10.1 | 1 large cup |
| Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker |   | 5.5 x 5.5 x 6.8 | 1 large cup |
| BLACK+DECKER DCM18S Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker |   | 10.2 x 7 x 6.9 | 1 large cup |
The Best Travel Coffee Maker – Aeropress
I think the Aeropress is the best coffee maker for travel. It’s simple, compact, and makes great coffee. I actually got it for Russell to take to work so that he would have another option besides the boring office coffee and Starbucks (nothing against Starbucks, although, it can be expensive).
We quickly realized it would be perfect for our trips too. You can get it with a zippered nylon tote and fits easily in a backpack.
Read reviews and check the current price for the Aeropress on Amazon here.
What you get when you buy an Aeropress plus a coffee cup.
How to Use the Aeropress
The Aeropress can be used to make both coffee and espresso.
One of the special things about this travel press coffee maker is that you can use it in two ways. First, there is the traditional press method. Second, there is the “inverted method” where you flip the unit before pressing the coffee.
We think that the inverted method makes a better tasting coffee, but we note that Aeropress themselves do not recommend this technique as there is a risk of splashing yourself with hot coffee. On that basis, we cannot endorse the inverted method either. We’ve never splashed the hot coffee on ourselves, but if you do decide to try the inverted method, don’t say you weren’t warned!
If you want to get fancy, check out this recipe book, especially for the Aeropress. Also get more ideas from our post about coffee recipes from around the world.
It’s easy to make good coffee with the Aeropress!
Additionally, this small travel coffee maker does not need electricity to work. The water should be just below the boiling point, so you can use a kettle, stove, microwave or even campfire to heat the water.
We also tried using hot tap water and it still made a nice cup of coffee. It wasn’t quite as hot as I would have liked, but still tasty. You can also use room temperature water to do a cold brew, but that takes 12-24 hours.
While it only makes one cup of coffee at a time, it doesn’t take too long to make each cup. Once you have the hot water, it takes about a minute. If you were making a lot of coffee it might be an issue, but for two it’s fine.
It also doesn’t have any way to keep the coffee warm. If you are planning on drinking your coffee right away that’s not an issue, but if you want to be able to keep it warm, I would recommend pouring it in a thermal mug like this one.
Check out this video demonstration so you can see how to use this travel coffee press.
Cleaning the Aeropress is Easy!
We also love how easy it is to clean the Aeropress.
The seal on the press is tight so it almost cleans itself when you press down. You press the last bit of liquid out in the sink (because this can be bitter) then pop the coffee grounds out in the trash. After a quick rinse, it is ready to be used again.
It comes with plenty of paper filters. We usually make a few cups of coffee with each filter so they last longer. You can also purchase a reusable filter (like this one) separately.
Pros of the Aeropress
Some of the Aeropress features we love include:
- It’s plastic, so it won’t break
- It doesn’t need electricity, perfect for camping or use on the go
- It’s small, and won’t take up much space in your luggage
- It’s easy to clean
- It makes great tasting coffee
- It’s affordable
Cons of the Aeropress
The Aeropress is not perfect, it does have limitations including:
- Only makes one cup at a time
- Doesn’t have a way to keep coffee warm
Other Travel Coffee Maker Options
We may be a bit biased since we do love our Aeropress, but there are several other travel size coffee makers that are worth considering. Depending on your preferences, you might find one of these better meets your needs.
Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker
This personal travel coffee maker is for the K-cup (Keurig) lovers. It also comes with a refillable cup so you can also use your own coffee. It’s simple to use and easy to clean. You add boiling water or use a microwave to heat the water in the reservoir. Then pump the heated water through to your mug.
Read reviews and check the current price on Amazon.
Wacaco Minipresso
If you are an espresso drinker, you may prefer a machine designed specifically to make espresso. You add the ground coffee and boiling water and then pump a few times to extract the coffee. It only makes one cup at a time unless you buy the larger tank which allows you to make two. This portable espresso maker also comes with its own cup.
Read reviews and check the current price on Amazon.
GSI Collapsible Java Drip
This collapsible coffee maker is perfect if you need to serve a crowd. It can make up to 12 cups and then it collapses down to be only 1 inch high.
The Java Drip is simple to use, you pour the boiling water over the coffee grinds and it drips through to your cup. No electricity needed! Some people say that it takes too long to make the coffee especially if it’s a large quantity, but customers do like the quality of the coffee it makes. You do need to purchase the #4 filters separately.
Read reviews and check the current price on Amazon.
Kalita Wave Pour Over Dripper
Many customers love how easy it is to use that it has become their home coffee maker as well. It uses a patented “Wave” filter to make the perfect cup of coffee. Be sure to wet the grinds and let them “bloom” before pouring in the rest of the water. (Some users have figured out how to use a cheaper standard filter or a coffee sock too).
Read reviews and check the current price on Amazon.
Primula Coffee Brew Buddy
The Brew Buddy is a reusable filter that fits into your coffee cup. You put a scoop of coffee in the filter and then pour boiling water over it. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.
You can adjust the strength of the coffee by slowing down your pour. The slower the pour the darker the coffee. It doesn’t need any electricity and it is dishwasher safe. The Brew Buddy is the cheapest travel coffee maker on our list.
Read reviews and check the current price on Amazon.
Kohipress Portable French Press Coffee Maker
This portable travel coffee maker is similar to the Aeropress but has a few important differences that you should be aware of. If you plan on making your coffee using the inverted method, you can’t do that with this coffee machine. I like that it comes with an insulated travel coffee mug and reusable stainless steel filter.
Read reviews and check the current price on Amazon.
AdirChef Grab N’ Go Personal Coffee Maker
This is a traditional coffee maker in a compact form so that you can travel with it. You will need electricity to operate it. It comes with a mug but is designed to fit most travel coffee mugs. It has a permanent reusable filter so this electric travel coffee maker is eco-friendly.
Read reviews and check the current price on Amazon.
Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker
This is a simple and compact pour over coffee maker that is ideal for travelers. It uses a laser-cut stainless steel filter to make delicious coffee. You don’t need a power source just hot water. The carafe is dishwasher safe so it’s easy to clean. It won’t work if you are trying to make a cold brew though.
Read reviews and check the current price on Amazon.
Black+Decker DCM18S Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker
With the press of a button, this little coffee machine brews directly into your coffee mug (that comes with the unit). It has a reusable filter so you don’t have to worry about bringing along extra paper ones. It’s all dishwasher safe but you do have to plug in it to get it to work. Don’t worry it has an automatic shut-off function.
Read reviews and check the current price on Amazon.
Is a Travel Coffee Maker Worth it?
Many of the best travel coffee machines are quite affordable. If you are a frequent traveler that appreciates good coffee, than a portable coffee maker that you can easily bring with you is priceless.
No more searching for a decent cup of coffee when you could be enjoying your destination. Forget about having to start the day with a bad cup of coffee because that’s all you can find. You will wonder how you ever traveled without it.
Tips for using your Coffee Maker on the Road
- Some coffee makers include a cup. If not, I would recommend bringing a to go cup with you, in case you want to drink coffee while you’re out and about.
- Bring your own coffee beans. Just make sure you store it properly (read more about that here). Who knows what will be provided at the destination!
- You might also want to bring non-dairy creamer since it’s easier to travel with than milk.
- Minimize the number of filters you use, its good for the environment and will save you money. Either reuse the paper filters or consider buying reusable mesh ones.
Making Boiling Water
Most of these portable travel coffee makers need hot water – close to the boiling point. Many types of accommodations have an electric kettle or microwave where you can boil water.
Some people do bring along their own travel-sized kettles, here is one that is dual voltage and folds up small. If you are camping, you can boil the water over the campfire.
I also recently learned about immersion boilers that can plug into your car lighter. This could be a good option for making coffee on the road.
Grinding Coffee While You Are Traveling
Without quality coffee beans, you cannot make good coffee. Of course, you can buy coffee already ground, but I know a lot of people prefer to grind their own. You can use your coffee grinder at home before you go since the coffee should stay fresh for a few weeks (if stored properly).
If you are traveling for a longer period or prefer to have coffee ground freshly for each cup, you can bring along a coffee grinder. The JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is affordable, doesn’t need any power source, and is compact.
Read reviews and check the current price on Amazon.
As you can see there are some excellent travel size coffee makers available today. What is your favorite way to get your coffee fix on the road?
-Anisa
P.S. If you are planning a trip, be sure to check out my travel planning checklist. It’s everything you need on one page!
Pin for Later
Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Coffee Maker for Travel
- You can still make excellent coffee (or espresso) while you are traveling if you have the right equipment. In some cases, you don’t even need electricity.
- One of these coffee makers could be a great gift idea for the traveler in your life.
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Last Updated on January 25, 2022
I love, love, love coffee! A few cups of coffee a day keep the grumpy me away, lol. This is perfect! I’ve been thinking about buying a travel coffee maker 🙂
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Haha yes! We do love our Aeropress
The Aeropress has so many devoted fans, I can’t believe I haven’t tried it out yet. I even saw someone using one mid-flight! When we’re camping, I bring a French Press with me, simply because of the quantity it can make. They make a stainless steel one too, which helps as well! When traveling I never thought to bring my own coffeemaker with me.
Staci – Wow I can’t believe someone used the aeropress on an airplane! I thought we were obsessed!
A great guide on travel coffee makers! I have always just bought coffee or tolerated the not-as-good hotel coffee, but I never even thought about bringing my along. Thanks for the tips! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Kimberly – Thank you! I was surprised how affordable these all are. You can get your money’s worth after only a few cups.
Oh what a choice… I never thought there were so many options for coffee when on the move!
Annette – Yes, I was impressed with what I found. Lots of great and affordable options.
this is helpful beyond words, especially since I have a boyfriend traveling with me who cant live without caffeine! I think I can gift something for my father too!
Awe thank you. So glad you found it helpful. I was impressed I was able to find so many high quality and affordable options. We do love our Aeropress.
I don’t drink coffee but I’m forwarding this to a friend:) #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Tanja. I appreciate that.
wow, i never thought about a travel pot, but now i am curious about this whole genre of coffee! I love and need my coffee in the morning. def cheaper over time than always hitting up starbucks!
Yes! I was surprised how affordable and compact some of the options are. And I love the coffee our Aeropress makes.
You know, I’ve never really given this topic much thought until now because I’m not a coffee drinker. But, I guess travelers (unless they have one of these or something similar) are at the mercy of so many variables and can be subjected to a lot of bad cups of coffee when traveling. Informative post!
Ericka – Thank you. Yes coffee lovers can be quite picky, so its good to know there are some great options now.
These all look like great travel coffee makers! Too bad you didn’t write this about 2 years ago when I was searching for one for my husband for our road trips. The one I bought didn’t make your list, but sadly, he’s never used it bc he always forgets to bring it. #TheWeeklyPostcaard!
Haha! So which one did you end up getting him?
Hi Anisa, this is such a thorough article on picking a travel coffee makers. I rarely ever drink coffee or tea or any beverage (other than water), yet I felt like reading this all the way. It’s good to know that if I’m gifting a traveler something, I need to get an Aeropress!
My husband always carries his own tea because he’s never sure if he’ll find a satisfying cup of tea at the destination, so I can relate to the need for the right coffee beans, grinder and coffee maker.
Jyoti – Thank you. Yes, it can be hard to find good tea when you are traveling too, luckily it is easy to just bring a few tea bags!
Great guide to travel coffee makers! I had no idea there is such a thing as a travel coffee makers, but then I am not a coffee drinker. You, coffee people, surely suffer without your morning coffee, I can tell. My husband drinks coffee but he is happy with whatever he can get his hands on, when we travel. I am crazy about tea and that’s not a problem to carry with you when you travel. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Anda! It is much easier to travel with tea than coffee. Luckily there are now a lot of great coffee makers that are easy to travel with
I’ve been hearing a lot about the Aeropress lately, but never looked into how it works. I love that it doesn’t require electricity, and that it’s small. Seems perfect for traveling!
Bryna – We love our Aeropress. It really is convenient for traveling and makes amazing coffee.
Hi, Wow this is an extensive coffee maker post, Love it…. we’re still on the hot flask system, and it is maybe now time to upgrade. thank you for sharing.
Thank you. Yes, there are some great options and they are affordable.
It is great to see how different nationalities make coffee differently. We usually pack dzezva, but Aeropress looks a lot more sophisticated. #TheWeeklyPostcard
I haven’t even heard of dzezva! I will have to look into that.
That’s so funny that you’re posting about this. We LOVE the Aeropress. Although we intended to use it only for travel, it quickly became the staple for coffee making even when we are home. And we have the usual other suspects at home too – Chemex, French Press, Moka Pot, Keurig and other drip coffee makers. If you grind your coffee fresh (read within 10-15 minutes of brewing), let the water cool for about a minute after boiling, and stir as instructed after adding water to the Aeropress, I don’t believe you can find a more consistent and flavorful cup of coffee.
If you’re in need of a compact, quality burr grinder for travel, I recommend the manual grinder from JavaPresse Coffee Company. It’s affordable and they appear to stand behind their product if there are any issues. (We have not had any and we own 3 of them.) You can also learn a lot about coffee and sign up for the newsletter!
Thank you Anisa for exploring all these options!
Beth – Glad to hear you love Aeropress too. We originally bought it for Russell to use at the office but now we use it everywhere. Thanks for the suggestion on the grinder, I will have to look into that.
Amazing. You did a lot of research for this. I am a coffee addict! We carry an REI titanium French Press. Its is super lightweight an non breakable. I highly recommend it. thanks for the great reviews.
Thank you! Glad you found a travel coffee maker that you love. There are so many great options these days!
You helped me find the perfect gift for my husband (and me); we love our espresso, but on the road we often need to give it up until we drive to a coffee shop, and hotel coffee is never great. So I’m going for the minipress or the aeropress – will return to get to it from you site as soon as I’m ready to shop. 🙂 Thanks for the reviews.
On another note, we just returned from NY/NJ/Pennsylvania, (that’s why there’s no Linkup from me this weekend); thanks for all your previous posts about NYC, they were helpful, especially your Hamilton Tour one 🙂
Thanks Emese! I think those are both great choices.
So glad to hear you had a great trip and can’t wait to read all about it.
Bookmarking 4 later. I’m in the market for something…dont’t laugh…to keep in my bathroom so I can get up before the kids and have…alone…in quiet. Lol
Amanda – Love that idea! If you are making it in your bathroom maybe one that plugs in so you don’t have to worry about boiling water? Or if you are ok with the coffee not being piping hot the Aeropress works with hot tap water.
You read our minds! As we were sitting at the counter in the original Green Mountain Coffee shop on our trip to Vermont, discussing coffee for travelers with the staff, we found our way to this very topic. (Because K-Cups are not so traveler-friendly!) So we started making a list not too terribly different that yours. You know what they say – Great minds (and coffee fans!) think alike! 🙂
Haha! Yes, that is true. Looking forward to it