What’s the Best Travel Coffee Maker? Here’s Our Top 8 Picks

Sharing is caring!

You’re on the road. You’re in the woods.

You’re stuck in a conference room away from the coffee machine.

There are many situations where a travel coffee maker would come in handy, but buying one is easier said than done. With so many products on the market, how can you be sure which machines are worth the money?

If you aren’t interested in the AeroPress, however, or if your needs require something different, we’ve also put together a list of other best travel coffee makers. Read on, java junkie!

Travel Coffee Makers – The Complete Buyer’s Guide

Maybe you’re a truck driver who doesn’t want to rely on diner sludge to keep you going. Maybe you’re a college student who needs something portable as you dash between classes, libraries and study halls.

Whatever your reasons for wanting a travel coffee maker, you’ll need to buy the right make and model for your lifestyle. This might mean being a little picky, but you’ll appreciate your diligence when you have the perfect product in your hands.

Here are just a few suggestions to help you decide which product that is!

How much brewing do you want to do?

There are several different types of travel coffee makers.

Some press your drink while others use the pour-over method; some will require you to boil water, grind beans and make careful measurements while others are more of a “insert pod and wait” kind of machine.

Your ideal machine will depend on how much brewing that you’re willing to do.

Will you have access to electricity?

Some travel coffee makers are basically mini-brewers that come with all of the cords and buttons that you’d expect from a traditional unit.

Others are portable, lightweight things that don’t require power or even batteries. Think about when, where and why you’ll be using your coffee maker to make a smart decision about its power capabilities.

How much coffee do you drink?

Travel coffee makers come in all shapes and sizes.

Some provide their own thermoses in “standard” sizes that will fit your car’s cup holder; some will have a reservoir for holding a specific amount of water; some even use collapsible technology for their cones and filters.

All of these things can affect how much coffee that they’re able to brew, so pay attention to them.

Where will you be drinking your coffee?

If you’re camping in the wilderness, you won’t have access to regular and reliable power, so an electric coffee maker is out.

If you’re on the road a lot, you’ll probably want something with special insulation and spill-proof technology on the lids.

If you’ll be staying in hotels or using your coffee maker at your cubicle, noise might be an issue.

How much can you afford to spend on a travel coffee maker?

Price is always an important consideration when it comes to coffee makers.

In addition to the cost of the unit itself, you’ll also want to think about your future purchases of beans, filters, cones, scoops, travel mugs and whatever else that you might need to get your caffeine fix. Budget for everything!

These are just a few things to keep in mind as you look for travel coffee makers. Stop dreaming of rich, full-bodied coffee beverages and make a decision that can turn them into reality!

Best Travel Coffee Makers (Portable) – Top 8 Reviews

Before we jump into the detailed reviews, here is a quick overview of our portable coffee makers.

That’s all for the quick summary. Let’s delve into the detailed reviews one by one.

1. AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker – Our Top Pick

AeroPress, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways.

The best thing about the AeroPress is that it brews an amazing cup of joe.

It produces strong, rich flavors whether you’re making coffees or espressos, and it’s for this reason that the AeroPress was hailed as the future of all coffee technology when it was invented in 2005.

As for this particular AeroPress model, it can be used both in the kitchen and on the go. It’s a compact unit that won’t take up a lot of space in your luggage, so it’s great for traveling.

It can brew between 1 – 3 cups of coffee per minute.

Your first order comes with everything from complementary coffee filters to a zippered tote bag that can carry all of your coffee supplies.

Honestly, the question isn’t why you would want to buy the AeroPress. It’s more like, “What’s stopping you?”

Pros & Cons

PROS	CONS
✅ Innovative coffee brewing technology	❌ Parts may wear out and need replacement.
✅ Prepares multiple cups in minutes
✅ Easily packed and stored for travel

Bottom Line

There’s a reason why the AeroPress debuted to glowing, gushing reviews. Join the party and see for yourself!

---

2. Bodum Travel Tea and Coffee Press – Also Great

Sleek and stylish, the Bodum will look great in your hand as you rush through your busy days.

It’s made of gleaming stainless steel and comes with several different color options for the grip, so it’s sure to draw compliments wherever you go.

Before you assume that it’s all flash and no function, however, you should know that the Bodum has more to offer than just its aesthetic.

It brews a great cup of coffee with its pour-over design and built-in plunger, and you’ll need only four minutes to go from coffee deprivation to coffee heaven.

Its double-walled, vacuum-sealed insulation will also keep your drink nice and hot for hours after it’s been prepared.

You can even use the Bodum for tea as well as coffee! Just make sure to thoroughly rinse it between beverages. Some users report that previous tastes can linger if it’s not properly cleaned.

Pros & Cons

PROS	CONS
✅ Decent price	❌ Requires thorough cleaning between uses.
✅ Sealed, double-walled design for temperature control.
✅ Stylish design with multiple color options.

Bottom Line

In addition to brewing a delicious cup of coffee, the Bodum will also serve as a stylish accessory for those of you who are trying to dress to impress.

---

3. Melitta Pour Over Coffee Maker

If you’re looking for a no-fuss travel coffee maker, the Melitta is the one for you.

While it lacks some of the advanced features of its contemporaries, it’s the kind of steady and reliable unit that you’ll use for years while your friends joke about how old it is and ask whether you’re ever going to upgrade.

Brewing is simple. A plastic cone is attached to the top of the travel thermos, and you add coffee grounds to the filter before pouring hot water over everything. Voila! Your coffee is freshly and instantly prepared without needing any kind of fancy footwork.

Of course, this simplicity can also be a drawback. You won’t have a lot of control over your java when everything is so paint-by-numbers.

If you just want a solid coffee maker, however, the Melitta is a viable option with a good price. It’s a basic, essential machine that won’t break the bank.

Pros & Cons

PROS	CONS
✅ Simple brewing process	❌ Not a lot of room for experimentation
✅ Viewing window for pouring.
✅ Safe to throw in the dishwasher

Bottom Line

It won’t impress the queen, but a Melitta Coffee Maker will brew your coffee just as well as any of the deluxe models out there.

---

4. Primula Single Serve Coffee Brew Buddy – Cheapest Pick

Are you in a hurry? The Coffee Brew Buddy can prepare a serviceable cup of coffee in just 30 seconds. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Fit the plastic-and-mesh filter over your mug or cup

Step 2. Add coffee grounds and boiling water, brewing your beverage directly into your drinking container

Step 3. When you’re done, simply remove the filter

Bam! Your coffee is ready to go, and you were able to brew it right into your favorite chipped mug from Christmas of ’03. It doesn’t get much simpler than that!

The Coffee Brew Buddy isn’t flawless, of course. It only makes one cup at a time, and its hard red plastic is very utilitarian.

However, if you don’t mind sacrificing a little in the looks department in exchange for tasty, speedy coffee, the Coffee Brew Buddy is a sound option for your next travel coffee maker.

Pros & Cons

PROS	CONS
✅ Portable	❌ Only makes one cup of coffee at a time
✅ Quick brewing time	❌ Isn’t the most attractive thing on the market
✅ Compatible with cups, mugs, and thermoses.

Bottom Line

It won’t win any fashion contests, but if you like quick coffee that’s easily prepared, the Coffee Brew Buddy will definitely become your new best friend.

---

5. Coffee Gator Pour Over Brewer – Also Great

There are many reasons to love pour-over coffee makers, and this brewer from Coffee Gator exemplifies them all.

For starters, it’s a compact model that measures 5.5 x 5.5 x 6.8 inches and weighs just 14.4 ounces. You can easily stick this coffee maker in your bag or find room for it on a hotel countertop.

It also offers a surprisingly sophisticated brew system for its size.

The filter is made of stainless steel, so you can say goodbye to paper or cloth filters that need to be endlessly bought, cleaned or recycled.

The glass carafe is both beautiful and BPA-free.

All things considered, the Coffee Gator will definitely take a bite out of your morning routine. It has a deceptively simple design that hides a lot of great features, and it’ll be a fine companion for you as you move around the world.

Pros & Cons

PROS	CONS
✅ Small and lightweight	❌ Glass parts require careful handling.
✅ Stainless steel filter is endlessly reusable	❌ Price is a bit high
✅ Glass carafe reveals the entire brewing process.

Bottom Line

Looks can be deceiving, so don’t judge the Coffee Gator by its size. It’ll prepare a fresh and fragrant mug even as a small and compact traveling unit.

---

6. Presto MyJo Single Cup Machine – Best Travel K-Cup Coffee Maker

Do you enjoy the ease and convenience of coffee pods?

Have you been scrolling through this list and despairing because none of the coffee makers seemed compatible with them?

Well, fret no more. MyJo is here!

MyJo creates instant, single-serve coffee with the help of pods. Simply load the pod into the filter/brewer unit and press the pump down.

You’ll need to add hot water, too, but another great thing about the MyJo is that it comes with a microwave-friendly reservoir.

If you don’t have the time or energy to boil water in a tea kettle, just stick the reservoir in the microwave and heat up your H2O with the help of modern technology.

It must be said that the MyJo looks a little strange. It’s a tall, bulky contraption that fits right over your coffee mug, and between its water-filled reservoir and pod-holding brewer, it’s not a stealthy device.

If you don’t care about appearances, however, MyJo is a great travel coffee maker that more than makes up for its oddities.

Pros & Cons

PROS	CONS
✅ Uses pods and K-cups	❌ Bulky design
✅ Can be heated in the microwave	❌ Requires a firm push to press the pump down.
✅ Easy to use, clean, assemble and transport

Bottom Line

The weird design of the MyJo might raise your eyebrows when you first see it, but it’s such a nifty device that you’ll quickly become its defender to skeptical friends and family members.

---

7. WACACO MiniPresso GR Portable Espresso Maker

Are you tired of dealing with surly teenage baristas at certain coffee chains that we don’t care to name?

Buy the MiniPresso to get your fix at home, work, school or anywhere in between.

Not only will you be able to prepare your espresso to your exact specifications, but you’ll also get to avoid the crowds and pop music of your local coffee shop.

The MiniPresso is a small and lightweight device with a built-in pump and semi-automatic piston that extracts your espresso.

Though it measures just 2.8 x 2.4 x 6.9 inches and weighs less than one pound, its powerful technology will deliver a cafe-quality beverage.

It even comes with a detachable espresso cup so that you can enjoy your drink on the go.

It’s ideal for situations where you’re away from your usual coffee facilities but still in desperate need of some caffeine.

As a bonus, the MiniPresso is a sleek little machine. You won’t be embarrassed to pull it out and use it whenever you need a pick-me-up.

In fact, other people might demand to know where you got it!

Pros & Cons

PROS	CONS
✅ Compact design for easy travel	❌ Pricey
✅ Pumps and pistons create high-quality espresso.
✅ Requires no batteries or electricity

Bottom Line

Say goodbye to that place that rhymes with Shmarbucks. The MiniPresso will allow you to create top-notch espresso beverages all by yourself.

---

8. GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip Coffee Maker

Designed for outdoor use, the Collapsible Java Drip is a no-mess, no-stress way of getting your daily dose of caffeine even when you’re miles from civilization.

In its compacted state, the Collapsible Java Drip is just one inch high and six inches across.

It can be fitted into even the smallest of bags and backpack compartments. It’s made of silicone, so you won’t have to worry about anything jostling or breaking during travel.

When extended, the Collapsible Java Drip turns into an impressive portable coffee maker. It has a four-filter brew capacity and can make anywhere between 1 – 12 cups of coffee.

Its wide-mouth attachment can be fitted to mugs, thermoses and even water bottles, and its vented lid will hold in heat during the entire brewing process.

All in all, the Collapsible Java Drip is a handy little tool for hunting and camping excursions.

It’ll get the job done without fanfare, and when you’re not using it, it can disappear into your bag as a tiny piece of collapsed silicone.

Pros & Cons

PROS	CONS
✅ Extremely small and light	❌ No way to control steep time
✅ Can prepare up to 12 cups of coffee	❌ May need a second pass for stronger coffee.
✅ Ideal for outdoor use

Bottom Line

The next time that you’re crouched in the woods and breathing cold, misted air, think about the Collapsible Java Drip preparing you a hot cup of coffee.

Sharing is caring!