travel coffee setup

The Ideal Travel Coffee kit?

Brewing coffee on the road is an art form. Here are my top picks, when it comes to tools and accessories.

Asser Christensen

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Have you ever been to a hotel with delectable coffee? Me neither. 

Usually, you’re left with a little sachet of instant coffee or a questionable batch brew. 

And don’t get me started on gas stations and airport cafés. 

No, if you want good coffee while traveling, you will probably have to brew it yourself. 

Luckily, it’s both easy and fun to brew your coffee on the road. 

In this post, I’ll give you tips and tricks and share my favorite travel coffee kit.

Travel Coffee Kit Basics

Brewing coffee on the road is one of those small things where the effort-to-reward ratio is balanced in your favor. There’s something amazing about making a proper cup of coffee when you’re outside your comfort zone in a new location. 

The basic travel coffee kit includes a brewing device and a small, portable manual coffee grinder. 

Most people bring an AeroPress and a cheap manual grinder, but you can easily make the setup much more advanced. For instance, I’ll usually add a scale to the setup. And while we’re at it, why not an additional dripper for some extra flexibility ? 

In the following article, I’ll offer different devices from different categories. Then you can mix and match them as you see fit. 

Remember, there are many types of travel. There’s a big difference between a road trip and flying somewhere with only hand luggage. With the first type of travel, your options are endless, while weight and size become a much bigger concern if you have a luggage weight limit of 7 kg. 

Brewing devices

There are many manual brewing gadgets that are suitable for bringing on a road trip or vacation abroad. However, here are my top picks.

AeroPress Go

The AeroPress is an all-time favorite for travel.

It’s compact, sturdy, easy to brew, and clean. You can use it in many different places and scenarios, whether it’s a hotel room or an airplane. 

Personally, I prefer the AeroPress Go over the original version because it comes with a mug. 

This travel mug looks basic, but it’s incredibly underrated for travel, where it can also work as a range server. Almost all hotels use these small white porcelain cups that are not very suitable to brew into. Especially not if you want to brew enough coffee for two people. 

Check out my video here for a better explanation of how I use it. 

Munieq Tetra Drip

The Munieq Tetra Drip is probably the lightest coffee maker in the universe! It weighs between 12-40 grams depending on the size and material!

It folds into three flat parts, so it doesn’t take up much space in the suitcase. 

Besides being collapsible, the Tetra Drip is a traditional pour-over dripper. It’s a simple gadget meant to be used with a cone-shaped paper filter.

Carefully pour hot water on the coffee; after a few minutes, the coffee is brewed.

I have brought the Tetra Drip with me on many trips, and I’m a big fan and supporter of its flavor profile. 

It has a slower flow rate with less bypass than the Hario V60. This makes it easier to use. You don’t need to pour as carefully as you’d like with the other pour-over drippers.

It comes in both colorful plastic and stainless steel.

Clever Coffee Dripper

It’s one of my favorites for both travel and at home. The brew is usually excellent, and it’s simple to use. 

It’s a mix of a French press and a filter coffee maker. First, add grounds and water and let them steep for 3-4 minutes. Then you place the Clever on a mug or a pitcher, and the valve opens up. The coffee flows out through the paper filter.

The Clever comes in a small and large sizes – I’d probably go for the larger one. It has enough volume to serve two-three people.

This device has followed me on several backpacking trips without fail. 

Unless you’re planning to be brewing capsules or preground coffee, you’ll also need a grinder for your trip. Unless you’re travelling with a gigantic suitcase, it should be a manual grinder.

1Zpresso Q2

The 1Zpresso Q2 is a compact, lightweight grinder that is perfect for travel. It has a slim design and can fit inside an AeroPress, which is an attribute that many people appreciate.

It is made from top-grade aluminum, which makes it both light and durable.

It’s easy to disassemble completely for in-depth cleaning.

The Q2 has a burr size of 38mm and uses a simple and reliable adjustment mechanism.

The geometry of the burr is suitable for most coffee. With the new heptagonal burr upgrade , it can even work for espresso. The new burr offers a nuanced and clean cup and grinds faster than the previous pentagonal version. 

Timemore Slim Plus

Timemore Slim model is very suitable for travel. It doesn’t take up much space in the suitcase but will still perform well across a wide range of brewing methods. 

The Timemore Slim has been on the market for a few years. But after the company upgraded it with the E&B burr set, it became much more attractive. 

E&B stands for  “espresso and brew burrs.”  Previously, the Slim was available with either coated burs with espresso geometry or uncoated standard burrs.

The new burrs work better at both types of coffee than the previous ones.

You can check out my full review of this grinder here. 

Accessories

There are some accessories that every traveler needs to consider. These include:

• Coffee filters  are a no-brainer. However, it’s a good idea only to bring the amount you need for your trip. So do the math beforehand to get a rough estimate. 
• Digital scale : It’s nice to have, but there is also a certain charm in eyeballing it when you’re on the road. On a recent trip, I brought the Weightman coffee scale , which many home espresso aficionados swear by. 
• TDS meter:  Traveling abroad, you most likely don’t know the water brands. For that reason, a TDS meter comes in handy.
• Coffee Beans:  You should bring enough beans for the first days of your trip – and potentially the whole trip if you’re going off the grid without access to specialty roasters or well-stocked supermarkets.  

What about portable espresso makers?

If you’re an espresso lover, you’re in luck. Today, there are several portable espresso options on the market. Some are pretty expensive, while others can be found for less than $150.

I’ve tried all kinds of them over the years, and I’m happy to say that a few stands out.

So, should you bring coffee gear on your trip? The answer is, of course a resounding, yes !

However, you should remember that you will probably spend more time traveling than actually drinking coffee. That means you’ll need to pack less stuff.

Also, you should think twice before bringing heavy equipment. I have traveled with too many coffee items before. They weigh down luggage and slow you down. Realize that you most likely are just going to stick with one portable brewing method on the road. For instance, there’s no reason to bring both a Clever Dripper and an AeroPress; just pick either one.

Hello, and welcome! I'm the editor & founder of this site. I have been a coffee geek since I started home roasting more than a decade ago. Since then, coffee has taken me on countless adventures: From ancient coffee ceremonies in Ethiopia to the volcanos of Sumatra. My background is in journalism, and today I'm also a licensed Q Grader under the Coffee Quality Institute.

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The ultimate hotel room coffee-making guide

A thousand times better than whatever’s in the room.

By Dieter Bohn

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Here is my philosophy on great coffee: drink it if you can get it, and don’t be a snob if you can only get something basic. But I have my limits on what I’ll accept, and those limits are well above what’s usually available in the little basket in your typical American hotel room. I am currently sitting in my first hotel room in over a year and figure a few of you might be doing the same soon, so here’s my guide for how to make the best coffee.

The obvious option is to locate the nearest coffee shop where you’re traveling, but that would necessitate leaving your hotel room, and the whole point of coffee is to build up the wherewithal to face the world in the first place. Instead, I prefer to make the coffee myself in the most convenient way given the limitations and options usually available in a hotel room. 

The best portable coffee brewer: AeroPress Go

Of all the coffee makers in all the travel bags in all the world, the AeroPress Go is the best for travel. It comes with a bunch of pieces of equipment that you’ll want on hand. There’s the basic system itself, which consists of a tube and plunger, of course. But it also packs itself into its own plastic cup and comes with a little container for filters, a scoop, and a stir stick.

There are a few reasons the AeroPress Go is so great for travel. First, it’s indestructible. Everything is plastic and can be knocked around. It’s also light, self-contained, and easy to clean. Most importantly for me, it’s an incredibly forgiving coffee maker. Conditions in a hotel room are going to vary from your home setup: unless you’re willing to devote space to a proper kettle and scale, you will be using smaller and simpler methods for getting hot water and measuring your ratios. Given that you can’t do everything exactly as you might like, the AeroPress has the best Good Coffee To No Fuss Ratio I’ve found.

It comes with a coffee scoop and stir stick, if you like using those when you brew your coffee. (I don’t bother with either.)

AeroPress Go

The AeroPress is the simplest way to make great coffee on the go. It comes with extra accessories that make life a little easier, too, including a filter holder, scoop, stir stick, and cup. It all packs up into a compact, clean package.

The simplest way to boil water in a hotel room: immersion heater

This little coil is the thing that unlocked my entire travel coffee setup. The thing about making coffee is you need very hot water, and the thing about hotel rooms is your options for making very hot water range from bad to none. An immersion heater neatly solves that problem without taking up too much space.

You may be tempted, as I have, to buy a portable water kettle — the kind that collapses down. I have tried two or three, and they’re all bad: too fussy, hard to clean, and too big. This little coil is really all you need to boil water, provided you have a vessel you can drop it in.

A couple words of warning. 1. I don’t think it’s a great idea to use this in the cup that comes with your AeroPress. I’ve done it in a pinch, but I think you should use something else. I use my own thermos, but you can also get by with whatever mugs are provided to you in the hotel room. 2. This coil is a blunt instrument: it’s a coil of metal literally hooked directly into the outlet. Never leave it unattended when plugged in, and never plug it in without first ensuring it’s submerged in water.

One thing you’ll miss out on is directly controlling the exact temperature of your water with this boiler. That’s fine because you’re already using the AeroPress, which is very forgiving about things like water temperature.

When packing, I stuff this coil and its cord inside my travel mug. 

Norpro Instant Immersion Heater

This dead-simple immersion water heater boils water just by plugging it in, but you will need to provide your own vessel. It’s easy to use, but never use it unattended, and never plug it in unless it’s already immersed in water.

Get good coffee beans or grounds

You’re going to need good coffee to make good coffee, so get some good coffee. How you handle this is entirely up to you. My setup includes a hand coffee grinder (see below), but pre-ground beans are perfectly fine for hotel room coffee if you ask me. 

My preferred way of handling the Bean Question is to not bring my own from home. Instead, I do a tiny bit of research before I leave and then buy them from a local shop when I arrive in town. I aim to try coffee that’s local and / or new to me. If you choose not to bring a grinder, the move is to go to the shop and ask them to grind the beans for you — that way, they’ll be just a little fresher than if you buy a pre-ground bag.

The last couple items below are totally optional. An AeroPress Go, a water boiler, and coffee are really all you need. 

My favorite travel mug: Zojirushi stainless steel travel mug

I won’t deign to tell you what kind of travel mug you should use, but this one is my favorite. It’s compact, utterly spillproof, and doesn’t slosh coffee into my face when I’m walking and sipping. It’s a lovely coffee mug.

There are two downsides. You have to take some pieces apart to properly clean it; the lid is made up of plastic and gaskets. It’s not difficult to do and easy to put back together, but it is a little bit of work. 

The second is a weird one, but here we go: for some people, it’s too good at keeping coffee hot. It sounds strange to complain about a coffee thermos being too good at its job, but sometimes you will use it at a coffee shop where you don’t have complete control over the temperature. For me, I’d rather have something that I know will keep my drink hot for hours.

I also use this as my travel water bottle when the coffee runs out. I recognize the irony of putting all this work into making great coffee only to use the same mug to drink water that will taste vaguely coffee-esque if I can’t clean it properly.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 12-ounce

The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Travel Mug keeps coffee hot for a very long time — so make sure it’s the temperature you want before you put the lid on. A flip-top cap makes it easy to take a quick sip and the spout is designed to prevent splashing.

My favorite portable coffee grinder: Timemore Chestnut C2

Okay, this is where I’ve gone off the deep end, I admit it. Hand-grinding your beans, one cup at a time, is obviously and inherently ridiculous when you’re sitting in a hotel room. But I bought this Timemore grinder on a lark a couple years ago, and it’s such a good little machine that I pack it anyway.

There are lots of different hand grinders, but I love this one because it’s relatively small and has a satisfying heft. It has a ton of different grind size options. I’ve used it enough that I can eyeball how much to fill it with beans to get the right amount of coffee ground to use in the AeroPress Go.

It’s over the top, I know. But fresh, burr-ground coffee really does taste better — which is to say you have to work for it with manual labor, and therefore you will convince yourself you can taste the difference. 

TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder Conical Burr

Spending over $50 on a hand grinder for coffee is objectively silly, but the Timemore feels so well-made that you’ll find ways to justify it. It’s a burr grinder as well, which is the best way to grind coffee beans.

Bonus: A simple AeroPress Go recipe

There are a kajillion AeroPress recipes on the internet. I am here to tell you that the best one is the one you land on yourself after some trial and error. In a hotel room, I do not bother with a scale. (I’m not a maniac, I swear.) Here’s my recipe:

• Put a (dry) filter in the AeroPress, and set it on top of the included cup.
• Grind the coffee as fine as I feel like. (The finer it’s set, the more work it is to hand-grind.)
• Eyeball the amount of coffee I put into the AeroPress. I fill just over the base of the filter cap.
• Fill it up with just-off-the-boil water just over the number 3 on the side.
• Set the plunger on and pull up slightly to make a vacuum.
• After two minutes, swirl the whole thing to agitate, then press for 30 seconds.
• Taste. Add a little water if necessary.

Here’s a slightly more detailed recipe from James Hoffman:

Photography by Dieter Bohn / The Verge

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• Work With Us

How to Make Great Coffee While Traveling

Written by Dan

Updated on May 2nd, 2024

Traveling with coffee? You need tips for how to make coffee on the road and on the go. Here’s how to make coffee on a vacation and how to create a coffee travel kit.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

• What you’ll need to make great coffee while traveling
• Tips for making the best AeroPress coffee
• Other ways to make coffee while traveling
• What are the benefits of making your own coffee while traveling?
• Other helpful tips to know through your coffee journey
• Why I wrote this guide

While you are planning a trip, you’re probably focused on your experiences, finding a hotel and which sights to see. What about coffee?

I’m a coffee lover and it’s part of my day, every day. In the list that follows, I’ve collected all of the ways I’ve tested out making coffee while I’m away from home, as well as some that I want to try. There are some coffee gadgets I recommend, and some quick tips, too.

What you’ll need to make great coffee while traveling

I’ve put together a lightweight coffee travel kit that you can check out.

Below I’ll go into more detail about how to use all the coffee products, and we’ll let you know if you need some of the specific items in the travel coffee product kit.

Here’s everything mentioned below

Coffee grinder

• Portable travel kettle
• Coffee mugs
• Coffee tumbler

The AeroPress will be your primary source for brewing coffee. It’s small, packs well and it’s great for daily use even when you’re not traveling. We use ours at home as a treat.

Coffee beans

Head over to a cool local cafe or check out the supermarket in a new city for a type of coffee that’s sourced or roasted locally. You’re in a new location so trying the local coffee is something fun and exciting to do.

We recommend cafes in Taipei , Brooklyn, New York and the Dominican Republic , to name a few.

You’ll need some way to grind your coffee ! Depending on how long you’re traveling for, you might be able to get away with having a coffee shop grind your coffee for you.

Immersion Heater

If you don’t have a way to heat up water, having a Portable travel kettle will be your best bet. Be careful, as these things can get dangerously hot, really fast.

If you want to make coffee to help you enjoy your morning, having a great non-breakable travel coffee mug will help your overall experience. Check out this set of two stainless steel coffee mugs you can pack in your bag.

Travel coffee thermos

If you are more of a coffee-on-the-go type of person, then an insulated thermos is what you need. The travel coffee tumbler from YETI is great because it has a double-wall engineered build, so it keeps things hot and cold for a long period of time. It’s also dishwasher safe.

I like YETI a lot, and I swear by their 26-oz. travel water bottle .

Tips for making the best AeroPress coffee

AeroPress is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make coffee. It’s easy to get started, but does have a bit of an intimidating element to it.

Experiment with your AeroPress before you travel

You now have a new coffee making product! Use it and practice, before you need to use it.

At home, I have my water temperature, grind size and roast type all dialed in during my coffee-making procedure.

When I travel with an AeroPress, or when I have to make coffee in a different environment other than my own home, I use the opportunity to experiment and try different brewing methods every morning.

If I don’t have a hot water kettle with a thermometer, I’ll experiment with getting the water to boil and waiting a certain amount of time before pouring the water in, when brewing.

I’ll experiment with different roasts and grind sizes to really dial in to how I prefer to drink my coffee.

Cleaning up your coffee-making station

One of the best benefits of using an AeroPress when traveling is minimal clean up. After your coffee is brewed, unscrew the coffee filter lid and plunge the grinds into the trash, or compost.

It’s really easy, all being said and done. After the grinds are separated from the AeroPress, you can do a quick rinse and then dry it off.

I find this to be one of the most minimalistic coffee-making methods, and everything is non-breakable when you use an AeroPress , which is a huge plus.

Don’t fret the details

Don’t have a gooseneck kettle? No problem.

Don’t have a thermometer? That’s okay, too!

Don’t have a scale to measure out coffee? You got this.

Whichever types of issues arise, you’ll figure it out. You can always make a second cup and try again tomorrow. To learn even more about AeroPress, check out the video to get started.

Other ways to make coffee while traveling

There are other creative and interesting ways to make some coffee while you’re on a trip away from home. Check out these ideas and see if any of these coffee methods will work for your taste.

Reusable Keurig cups

Some hotels and places where you stay may have a Keurig. I’ve never been a huge fan of them because they produce a lot of waste. Most coffee seems to be a bit too watery and in my head I know that it came from a pod.

The coffee with a Keurig never really tastes pure. That could be the age of the device or something else. I’m not sure!

A reusable K-cup would be a great option if you pick up some local coffee and don’t mind using the Keurig machine.

French press

There are a few single-serving French press options that would work well for travel.

Because a French press has two components, the lid and the beaker, it’s easy to pack (if you have a non-breakable plastic French press , as I would not recommend traveling with a glass French press, ever).

The lid of a French press breaks down very small and can fit into a lot of small areas of your pack.

You can fill the beaker with other items, like shirts or other soft items that you’re packing if you need to condense items in your luggage.

A French press is also a great way to enjoy coffee.

For daily use, I don’t like French press because the clean up can get sort of messy; however, a lot of people swear by the taste of French press coffee, and I respect that.

Making cold brew with a French press is a perfect option for you if you don’t have any hot water source or power.

This is an amazing coffee hack for when you’re on the road, and you either have a fridge where you’re staying, or some mildly cold outdoor temperatures (like the trunk of a car at night on a road trip!).

All you need is time (8-10 hours is suggested for brewing cold brew if you’re pressed for time, and between 16-24 hours is considered ideal).

To make cold brew while you’re traveling with a French press , mix your coffee (ground) and water into the beaker and don’t press down on the lid yet.

Right before you are about to serve your coffee, the next morning (most likely), strain the grinds by pressing down on the lid and plunger.

It’s that easy! You’ll be serving cold brew to some very impressed travel buddies in no time.

The JoGo Brew Straw for Coffee

What is the JoGo Brew Straw ? Well, if you’ve ever had “mate” in Argentina , you may be familiar with this metal straw contraption that has a coffee filter at the base. The JoGo has made it into an updated, special and patent-pending version specialized for your coffee .

What does this mean? It means that this new product allows you to travel without a coffee-making contraption, and all you’d have to do is put your coffee grinds into a mug, add water and then sip.

The JoGo is a sustainable and waste-free way to have a cup of coffee while on the road, camping or in an Airbnb anywhere in the world! It can also be used for tea.

We also have the Silicone Tip Color Pack , which are the BPA-free silicone straw tips designed for the JoGo’s flow control, and if you want an a la carte filter , you can order it on its own.

Cowboy coffee 🤠

If you don’t want to travel with any type of coffee-making device or coffee equipment, you can make “cowboy coffee.”

To make it, start with a coarse grind.

Next, boil your coffee and water together for a few minutes. The grinds should sink to the bottom.

Pour out the brewed coffee into a mug, and cup and that’s it. You’re a cowboy coffee pro, and now you see why any ole cowboy can do this while on the road.

Concentrated cold brew

Most stores sell concentrated cold brew nowadays.

If you were once a cold brew newbie and you drank a full cup of concentrated cold brew, you’re familiar with the onset of a caffeine headache and feeling a true overload of intense buzz. That’s because cold brew concentrate should ALWAYS be watered down in its intended ratios.

Concentrated cold brew coffee is generally a good option if you want to save money during travel and not be buying coffee every day.

Cold brew concentrate is also ideal if you have no desire (or time) to make cold brew coffee by yourself, on your trip.

The concentrated cold brew should last you a few days if you buy a bottle, but it does depend on the size of the bottle you buy.

Funny story: I went to a brunch at a friend’s house and poured some store-bought cold brew into my cup and didn’t realize it was concentrated.

I drank probably the equivalent of three or four cups worth of coffee in one sitting. Big oops. Depending on your weight or body mass, this can be sort of dangerous!

My advice is to watch out and read labels when it comes to cold brew. Look for that word ‘concentrate’ on the label, and you’ll be fine.

Coffee tea bags

One thing I can say is that I’ve experimented with making my own coffee tea bags and it didn’t work out too well.

The coffee ratio that I tried wasn’t quite right and it wasn’t my favorite method. It also kind of reminded me of tea, but it was overly very convenient and stress-free in terms of coffee-making methods while on the road.

If this sounds like something that you want to get into, check out Steeped Coffee , or, from the makers of the Big Island Coffee Roasters Espresso Bites comes the travel-friendly Hawaiian Coffee Singles. These coffee-bag sachets just have to be steeped in hot water and then you have a cup of pretty darn good coffee.

Drink tea instead of coffee

I know this is a coffee article, but tea is pretty good.

Tea is also very easy to travel with, and a few tea bags will have that caffeine kick if you’re in a pinch!

Becca has done a lot of research into the caffeine levels of tea (mostly because she’s a caffeine addict). If you want to nearly mimic a caffeine kick with tea in case there’s no coffee around, try these:

• Yerba mate (popular in Argentina )
• Black tea (it comes from Sri Lanka a lot of the time!)
• Green tea (most popular in East Asia, and welcomed around the world)

Instant coffee

Lastly, there’s instant coffee.

Some people actually enjoy instant coffee. During our trip to Merida, Mexico , our first Airbnb had a coffee maker, but no filters, and no good coffee.

We didn’t want to buy a nice bag of ground beans that might go to waste, because we were also planning on being at our coworking space nearby most days, and there was unlimited coffee there.

So, for the days on which we didn’t attend the workspace, we drank instant. First, we got bad instant coffee, from a convenience store, and it was terrible. We then got a bottle of Nescafe instant coffee at Walmart, and used half of it. One of us tolerates instant coffee better than the other (we won’t tell you who).

If you “tolerate” instant coffee, it’s not a terrible backup plan if your accommodation has a way to heat up water, or a hot plate with a pot.

What are the benefits of making your own coffee while traveling?

If you want to save money while traveling, but you love coffee oh-so-much, check out the benefits of making your own coffee while traveling. We guarantee you’ll be enthused to try making your own coffee in your hotel room, Airbnb, hostel or RV.

Did you ever think about how much people spend drinking coffee and going out to cafes?

Don’t get us wrong, because we absolutely love trying new cafes, especially all over the world.

The catch is that this stuff really adds up, between the cost of coffee, and then add-ons like syrups, non-dairy milks, getting a bigger size, and then adding tax and tip, and you could be in for $5-6 in some parts of the world.

On one of our most recent trips to Montauk, in the Hamptons we drank complimentary hotel coffee in the morning instead of going out to chic cafes nearby. If you consider this like a save of $10 between two people per day, you could save $70 from a week-long trip just by drinking coffee in the hotel.

Try local coffee

For making your own local coffee while traveling, try buying roasts and blends from sources nearby.

This is one of our most favorite parts of traveling in coffee regions like Colombia and Mexico. In fact, when we went to Mexico, we found out that Mexico has a robust and growing coffee trade.

We never would’ve known that if we hadn’t started our coffee tour of Mexico City at a cafe like BUNA , where we saw locally-sourced cafes from regions like Chiapas, and the same goes for cool cafes like Quentin .

Our advice here is to support local cafes by buying a bag of coffee, whether beans or ground, and if you’re traveling somewhere in which the language is not English, learn how to say these words in the local lingo. For example, to say ‘ground’ in Spanish is ‘molido.’

Support local businesses

Hand in hand with the above, when you buy locally-sourced coffees, you’re supporting local businesses.

What we really liked in Bogota, Colombia, at cafes like Azahar was that you can learn all about the coffee shops’ relationships with local farmers and coffee-growing families who are supported by the coffee you can buy there.

If you’re heading to a city in a ‘coffee country’ like Bogota, Colombia, check out more photos of local coffee shops and experience a cafe like Colo Cafe .

Have coffee on your own timeline

Let’s say you’re jetlagged and wake up at 4:00am. Wide awake. Cafes don’t open for another four hours and you really want to get your day started.

Good thing you brought your mini coffee-making kit because this way, you’re good to go!

When you travel with coffee-making supplies, you can make coffee whenever and wherever you want.

Other helpful tips to know through your coffee journey

Drinking good coffee is one thing, and making it well is another. It’s why we’re open to experiences like learning about coffee in a coffee brewing class to get better at the art of coffee.

It’s even a third thing to travel well with coffee. Here are some more tips to consider for your coffee logistics during travel.

How to pack your coffee making kit

If your coffee kit is breakable, we don’t recommend traveling with any of it. That’s why we recommend a non-breakable plastic French press and the AeroPress we talked about, above.

Be prepared to declare any international coffee you buy

Upon re-entering your home country, or upon entering a second country on your trip, you may be asked to declare items that were near farms, agriculture, animals and the like.

Keep in mind that if you buy coffee on a coffee farm or if you pick it and roast it yourself or what have you, this might qualify as a good that must be declared. If you wish to err on the side of caution, you can ship coffee home from destinations on your trip, or order them by mail when you get home.

Have a lightweight resealable bag where you can transport your open coffee

No one likes a mess when they open their bag after a flight or train ride! In fact, it’s one of the most disappointing things to realize you didn’t close your shampoo correctly and now it’s all over your clothes in your suitcase.

Traveling with coffee can yield the same type of challenge.

We recommend traveling with a resealable food storage bag , in which even if your coffee bag rips or spills, it’s contained within a sturdy and thick bag that won’t let the smell or the grinds leak onto your clothes or valuables.

Donate your leftover coffee to a local hostel or another traveler

We like hostels and communal spaces where travelers get to share things. One of the perks of a hostel kitchen is that people leave behind food items they can’t take with them, and the newcomers get to benefit. We’ve been on both ends of the occasion!

We stayed at the guest house of a couple of friends, and knew that they had a visitor coming a week after us, so we left our half-used ground coffee in a cabinet for that person. It feels good to pass on the love of coffee, don’t you agree?

Why I wrote this guide

If you’re anything like me, most of your mornings (and sometimes afternoons) start with coffee. In my kitchen, I have all of the brewing methods, like a Chemex , V60 pourover , French press and AeroPress .

They all serve a purpose and I enjoy using them all. But when I travel, I am at a loss. Sometimes I’ll drink the bad hotel coffee in the room or in the lobby. Maybe I’ll skip a day of drinking coffee completely. Or, maybe I’ll pay $5 for Starbucks.

When we’ve traveled in the past, we enjoy visiting local cafes (like in Mexico City! ), and we like working remotely from inside the coffee shops in a travel destination.

Now that times have changed a little bit, we’ve shifted our preferences, and now we like to make coffee at home. We also take it very seriously It’s our morning ritual, we find it satisfying and on weekends we drink coffee together on the couch or at our dining table.

When we travel now, we like to keep that tradition of finding ways to make coffee everywhere . I wrote this guide to share all the creative ways I’ve made coffee when we’ve been away from home, as well as the ones I’ve looked into, and have yet to try. I hope it helps you bring your coffee to wherever your travels bring you.

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Travel Coffee Kits: My Two Favorites, Tested Around The World

Pour-over brewing is a fun and easy way to enjoy great coffee at home.

But if you’re on the road much, then you know the difficulty of packing all that paraphernalia.

Having spent several months on the road in recent years, I’ve tried almost everything under the sun.

What follows are my two favorite ways to brew great coffee while traveling.

This article might contain affiliate links. As a member of programs including Amazon Associates, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Option 1: A minimalist pour-over coffee travel kit

Choose a dripper that collapses to pack flat. Bring a quality hand grinder, since grinding fresh is critical for flavor. Replace your usual kettle with a microwave-safe glass or silicone measuring cup. Keep beans in their valved bag to minimize air volume. Finally, pack your filters against something flat, like a laptop or book.

While you can also just bring a standard, plastic pour-over cone, it’s easy to find more compact options.

My favorite option is a collapsible silicone dripper like this one from Amazon.

(There are a few on the market, all basically identical.)

It uses Melitta-style filters, which cost next to nothing and are available at practically any grocery store.

Equally importantly, it has just a couple of small holes in the bottom. That’s a good way to keep water from passing too quickly when you don’t have a luxury of a gooseneck kettle.

Another option is this style of cone-less dripper with a reusable nylon filter.

In my experience, its filter allowed about as much sediment as you’d find in a French press. I dislike that; others don’t mind. It’s also harder to control the flow of water, since it’s just a suspended filter, not a cone with small openings.

That said, it’s the lightest and most compact option out there.

Finally, metal filter holders are a nice middle ground between the first two options. MiiR makes this particularly stylish one.

The price is a bit steep, frankly, but its fit and finish seem a notch up from cheaper knock-offs. It uses standard V60-style conical filters. However, the wide-open bottom means it could be a little finicky without a gooseneck kettle.

Option 2: The simplest AeroPress travel set-up

The AeroPress is ideal for travel because it’s easy to use without a kettle or scale. For easier packing, bring a hand grinder that fits inside the AeroPress plunger. Store some filters inside the filter cap, or switch to a reusable metal filter. Skip the funnel, but bring the scoop to help you estimate coffee amounts.

The AeroPress has a cult following in the specialty coffee world, and for good reason: it’s ingenious.

It’s also the single most travel-friendly brewer on the market.

My review goes into more detail, but in brief, the AeroPress is a tough and compact brewer that yields great coffee even when you can’t measure and pour precisely.

The plunger also lets you control extraction time when water temperature may be hard to manage. That matters more than you might think, as explained in my guide to coffee extraction .

Although the AeroPress takes more space than a collapsible pour-over cone, you can make up for that by buying a grinder that fits inside its plunger. Any of the models shared here would work well.

Finally, the AeroPress eliminates the need for a specialized kettle. It’s an immersion brewer, meaning the water stays in the coffee for some time, rather than passing straight down through it (as in percolation). There’s no further benefit to the slow, precise pouring of a gooseneck kettle.

What travel coffee gear do you really need?

Both of the suggestions above will make you excellent coffee. Still, it takes some compromises to fit everything into a bag while leaving room for (non-coffee) essentials.

These trade-offs will be clearer as we go through each item in a travel pour-over set-up.

Hand grinders are great for travel (as well as home)

No matter where or how you brew, it’s essential to grind fresh before brewing.

It’s equally essential to use a high-quality burr grinder. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a mix of powdery grounds and large bean chunks, both of which will throw off the taste.

The answer is a quality hand grinder. I’m fond of the Timemore Chestnut (reviewed here ), and actually use it at home as well as on the road. Like all other hand grinders of similar quality, it grinds as nicely as a much more expensive electric grinder, but in a small and affordable package.

If you go with an AeroPress, then check out this guide for three models that fit inside the plunger.

Manual grinders aren’t convenient for brewing large batches, but that’s seldom necessary when you’re traveling.

If a hand grinder breaks your budget (or weight/space limit), then pre-ground coffee may be the best remaining option. It loses flavor extremely quickly, so it’s best purchased at your destination.

Skip the scale

The water-to-coffee ratio plays a huge role in flavor. It’s impossible to get consistent results without measuring coffee and water alike.

However, inconsistent results aren’t bad ones, necessarily. Just a bit different each time. If that’s acceptable, then forget about packing something as delicate as a scale.

How, then, do you even get close to the right amount of coffee?

Personally, I practiced with a scale at home until I could reliably get within 1 gram based on the level of beans in a scoop or even in the palm of my hand.

(Yes, it’s a weird coffee-geek thing to do. But it works!)

This convenience does bring a couple disadvantages:

• It’s less useful if you need to make different batch size. If my palm or scoop hold 11 grams, there’s no obvious way to get (say) 17, besides eyeballing a palmful-and-a-half. Your mileage may vary.
• This work best with beans of similar density, which means similar size and roast level. For example, X grams of a light-roasted peaberry fill much less volume than X grams of a dark-roasted Pacamara. After all, we use a scale in the first place because mass, not volume, is what matters.

This isn’t an exact science, but that’s all right. We’re not looking for absolute consistency, just for a minimalist way to have good coffee.

Get creative with kettle alternatives

Gooseneck kettles make it easy to control the flow of water through a pour-over dripper. That helps the coffee extract more evenly.

Unfortunately, they’re the least travel-friendly item imaginable. Bulky, heavy, and equipped with a spout that might pierce whatever it’s packed alongside.

Use the numbers on the side of the AeroPress

If you use an AeroPress, then you can simply use the numbers on the side. Each one represents 60 mL, e.g., from the top of the “1” to the top of the “2”.

Pro tip: make your usual AeroPress recipe at home with a scale, and note what water level it reaches. That’s helpful because it may actually be more or less than 60 mL to reach the “1”, depending on how much coffee is resting on the bottom.

Use a measuring cup for pour-overs

The best reasonable alternative is a microwaveable measuring cup. Its microwave-friendliness lets you boil the water directly in it. (That’s better than the alternative of boiling elsewhere, then decanting. It loses heat too quickly.)

Silicone ones obviously win for durability and weight. Glass ones have handles, though, which makes a huge difference when full of scalding water.

Hotels in many parts of the world stock their rooms with one of those cheap, plastic tea kettles. They don’t pour as neatly as a gooseneck, but are perfectly adequate.

However, those kettle have too few volume markings—often none below a few hundred mL—so your measuring cup will still come in handy for filling it.

Wrapping up: great coffee wherever you are

Pour-over and AeroPress brewing are two of the best ways to make coffee at home. They’re also two of the best options to take on the road.

After traveling extensively with variations of both set-ups, I still can’t pick a favorite. The AeroPress gets a slight edge for its simplicity and extra control over extraction time, but the clarity and lightness of pour-over brews is also appealing.

In other words, it’s hard to go wrong.

Some simplifications and trade-offs are necessary. That’s especially true where measurement and pouring are concerned.

But as long as you buy a great grinder and don’t mind a little more variation between brews, it’s surprisingly easy to enjoy an excellent cup on the go.

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Coffee on the go: the ultimate guide to travel coffee kits, the traveler's love for coffee, the coffee-centric gypsy lifestyle, the allure of travel coffee kits, brewsman filter bundles, a closer look at brewsman filter bundles, the portable dripper, brewsman grinder bundles, unpacking the grinder bundles, the power of freshly ground beans, the perfect coffee on the go, tips and tricks.

• Consistent Grind: Experiment with the grinder settings to find the perfect grind size for your chosen brew method.
• Water Temperature: Pay attention to water temperature, as it can significantly impact the flavor. Invest in a portable kettle with temperature control.
• Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Find the right balance to achieve the strength you desire. Portable scales are a handy addition to your kit.
• Timing is Everything: Use a timer to ensure your brew is not under-extracted or over-extracted.
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different beans and brewing methods. The world of coffee is diverse and exciting.

Finding Your Ideal Travel Coffee Kit

• Brew Method: Choose a kit that aligns with your favorite brew method, whether it's pour-over, French press, or Aeropress.
• Portability: Consider the size and weight of your kit, especially if you're backpacking or have limited space.
• Quality vs. Budget: Decide on the balance between quality and cost that suits your needs.
• Accessories: Look for kits that include all the essential accessories you need for your preferred brewing method.

The Road Less Traveled with a Perfect Cup in Hand

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What a Coffee-Obsessed Travel Writer Packs in His Suitcase

As someone who’s been writing travel pieces from the road for a few years now, the one thing that keeps me rooted in reality is a daily ritual of freshly ground, meticulously brewed black gold coffee. Since I’d rather not pack ten pounds of gear in a suitcase that’s already swollen, pulling that process off requires patience and planning. After some hits and misses, I can finally say I’ve perfected a portable solution at a reasonable price point. It starts with a third-wave staple: the $30 AeroPress brewer favored by such respected micro-roasters as Tim Wendelboe and Verve . Since its two main parts fit together perfectly, pushing the AeroPress plunger into its plastic chamber cuts its cabin space in half. My stubby Porlex Mini Grinder that nearly earned me a spot on the no-fly list (turns out, it is not a pipe bomb) is small enough to squeeze into the other side of the plunger, maximizing its modest footprint even more. Completing this Lego-like combo is a reusable mesh filter (from Kaffeologie , which costs $13) with a lifetime guarantee, and the screw-on cap that keeps everything nice and snug. Leave the filter holder, stirrer, and funnel that come with every AeroPress kit at home; unless you’re glamping, you won’t need any of it. Or an electric kettle, for that matter. Most hotels, and even some Airbnb’s, are pretty good at providing those sorts of things. The real secret here is an iOS app, actually — a $5 AeroPress Timer that provides tips and recipes from world-class baristas. There’s even an ace iced-coffee approach that takes less than five minutes and won’t leave you trembling with hypertension the way some cold brews do. In several easy-to-understand steps, the app tells you how much coffee to use (1.5 scoops), the consistency of the grind (medium fine), and the brewing method (inverted, a hack Blue Bottle helped popularize). Follow the timer’s lead over ice, and you’ll end up with a clean-yet-complex cup that rivals anything you might find at a local café. Think you’ll miss having your morning pick-me-up and afternoon Fika break in something much sunnier than a sad hotel room? That’s understandable. But do you really want to spend upwards of $10 a day when you’re on vacation just on coffee ? Better to visit a reputable local roaster, enjoy a black coffee on-site, and ask what they recommend for an AeroPress. You’ll even end up with a decent souvenir that way.

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The 10 Best Portable Coffee Makers

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Best Overall AeroPress Go Portable Coffee Maker Read more

Best All-in-One Cafflano Klassic Read more

Best Super Simple Coffee Dripkit Pour Over Packets Read more

Best for Endless Possibilities Delter Coffee Press Read more

I have a weird superstition. It feels like the quality of my morning coffee is a portent for the kind of day I'm going to have. It's not only the dose of caffeine that does the trick, although that does help. It's also the ritual that surrounds it—the smell, the sound, and even the wait are all a part of how coffee sets me up for the day ahead.

It's easy to feel lost without that morning ritual, especially when you're already uprooted and far from home. Whether you're out camping, on a business trip, or visiting friends and family, getting that little taste of home can help you feel grounded and ready to face the day. We've rounded up the best portable coffee makers to brew while traveling. Some of these options are also great for people who aren't working from home , since office kitchens are likely closed.

Check out our other buying guides , including the Best Latte and Cappuccino Machines , Best Cold-Brew Coffee Makers , Best Portable Espresso Makers , and Best Espresso Machines .

Updated September 2022: We've double-checked prices, and updated our advice.

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Best Overall

The AeroPress is one of the most popular coffee brewers on the market for a reason: It makes a damn fine cup of coffee. The AeroPress Go produces the same great results but in a smaller, travel-friendly package. The Go is barely bigger than a coffee mug, incredibly lightweight, and entirely self-contained. All you need to add is coffee.

A part of the reason for the AeroPress' success is that the brewing method is infinitely customizable to your tastes. Take the three ingredients—coffee, water, and pressure—and start experimenting until you find what suits your taste. There is no wrong way to brew with an Aeropress. I do suggest starting with the method the company endorses, which you'll find included in the box, but once you've mastered it there are plenty of other ways to do it. (Try all the winning recipes from AeroPress' annual competitions .)

The AeroPress is also very forgiving; it's almost difficult to make a bad cup of coffee. You don't have to use some involved process. On those chilly October mornings of a late-season camping trip, you can just throw in some grounds, give it a stir, plunge, and you've got a great, hot cup of joe to warm your bones. I like the AeroPress Go for its compact, all-in-one design, but the original AeroPress ($40) is still quite portable and is another option to consider.

Best All-in-One

The Cafflano Klassic is everything you need to brew in a single, compact, relatively lightweight package. It combines a hand-mill grinder, drip kettle, and metal pour-over filter, as well as an insulated mug, in a single tumbler-shaped package. You can grind your beans, brew, and drink your coffee without needing anything but a way to boil water.

The resulting brew is some of the best pour-over coffee I've made. Getting the right grind is key, but the adjustable grinder allows you to experiment until you find something you enjoy. If even the compact design of the Klassic is too much, you can also do what I've been doing when I travel: Just bring the pour-over filter. It's made of stiff plastic and metal and has so far held up well in my carry-on bag.

Best Super Simple Coffee

Dripkit's disposable pour-over coffee packets are the simplest, best-tasting pour-over coffee you're going to get on the road. Tear open the packet, set it atop your mug (or hotel room cup), and pour over boiling water. The company's own coffee wasn't strong enough for my tastes, but Dripkit partners with Portland's Stumptown Coffee Roaster to make a pour-over kit that brews an excellent cup of joe. The packets are disposable, so use these sparingly.

We've linked to the 5-pack below, but you can also opt for a 10-pack or go the subscription route and save some dough. It can get pricey, but when you want to travel light without sacrificing taste, this is the way to go.

Best for Endless Possibilities

The Delter Press bears some resemblance to the AeroPress, but it adds something to the equation: pressure. The Delter Press is not an espresso maker, but it does, in my experience, brew stronger than the AeroPress. I also found it possible to control the strength (taste-wise) to an almost infinite degree by varying the grind, the amount of coffee, and the amount of water. One thing I like better with the Delter is the ability to add more water without starting a new brew, something that's not possible with the AeroPress.

Delter suggests starting with a medium to fine grind, but I got enjoyable results even with a very fine espresso grind. To me, this is the best part of the Delter—it offers a wide variety of brewing possibilities, making it easy to tailor the results to your individual tastes.

Brenda Stolyar

Julian Chokkattu

Aarian Marshall

Best Portable French Press

The Espro Ultralight Press is the simplest and lightest French press I tested. It also produces the least amount of sediment, a common problem in French press brewing that leaves a gritty mouthfeel every time you drink. This didn't happen with the Ultralight Press. It's double-walled and vacuum insulated, which means it will keep your hot coffee hot and iced coffee cold (about three hours on hot and five on cold in my testing). One of my favorite parts of the Espro is that with a quick rinse it can double as a water bottle when you're done with your coffee.

Best Compact Design

The Palmpress is a press-to-brew solution that packs up small and is pretty lightweight as well. One of the nice things about it is there's nothing extra needed: no filters and no cleaning brushes. It's simple to brew, and once I got the ground dialed in (a finer ground works best, but it's worth experimenting), the result is a clean, bright flavor with almost no bitterness. This was especially true with medium roasts, which I found to be the best choice for the Palmpress. My only concern is that it does require pressure, so you'll need a sturdy mug. Flimsy hotel cups won't work.

Best Camp Brewer

Planetary Design appears to have run out of vowels, but that's OK because it has managed to turn out a great French press for when you're at camp. The Ovrlndr is solid, if a bit heavy, and unlike every other French press I've used, it's super easy to clean. Unscrew the bottom, dump the grounds in the compost, rinse, and you're done. As with other Planetary Design presses, the Ovrlndr features the Brü-Stop filter system. It consists of an extra-fine screen and silicone ring that creates a tight seal against the side of the mug to prevent grounds from escaping into your coffee. I still also like our former Planetary Design pick, the Double Shot 3.0 mug ($42) , but I prefer the larger capacity and easier cleaning of the Ovrlndr.

Best for Mild Coffee

This Wacaco gadget has the most unusual brewing method out of all the testing I've done. It's a vacuum-pressure brewer that works by twisting. You fill a brewing chamber with coffee, and the insulated container with water, and then you drop the coffee chamber into the water and let it settle to the bottom. Once the air bubbles are out, you begin twisting the brewing mechanism up and out of the mug portion (which doubles as a mug, keeping the coffee hot for hours). I highly recommend watching the video to get a better sense of how it works. It may be odd, but the results are great. I found it works especially well with milder coffees, picking up the subtlety of lighter roasts.

Best for Backpacking

When you want to go ultra-light and ultra-compact but still want to brew quality coffee, GSI's collapsible pour-over coffee maker is your best choice. It weighs a mere 5 ounces and collapses down to about the size of the lid of an old coffee tin. It's also made of durable silicone.

When extended, it's around the height of your standard drip cone filter. Technically it takes #4 filters, though in a pinch you can use just about any filter (you'll need to be more careful with smaller filters). The bottom has a series of rings that mean the GSI balances well on any container, including wide-mouth water bottles, Jet-Boil pots , your standard cheap insulated camping mugs, and even my favorite drip-free, spill-free Contigo mug ($17) . This version includes a handy hand-grinder, too. 

Best for Frustrated Espresso Lovers

I have tried several dozen different ways of making coffee, and I always come back to the Moka pot. The classic Moka pot is the Bialetti 6-cup model , which you'll find in nearly every house in Italy, but I prefer this stainless steel version. A Moka pot is not quite espresso. The pressure is generally about 2 to 3 bar—to qualify as espresso you need to hit 9 bar—but it's less effort and easier to clean up. It's not the most portable way to make coffee, which is why it's not my top pick. Still, nine times out of 10, this is what you'll find me using at home, at campgrounds, and even in hotel rooms with a portable camp stove. (Yes, I'm that guy, please don't tell the hotel manager.)

Brewing Secrets

There are three basic, vital coffee brewing tips I'll impart.

Find good, fresh beans: Great coffee starts with high-quality beans. Quality beans can make even cheap brewing equipment shine. High quality means fresh. Find a local coffee roaster in your area. For testing, I used beans from Jittery Joe's Roasting Company in Athens, Georgia, specifically the Wake-n-Bake blend . (Disclosure: I worked for Jittery Joe's for many years, it's a favorite of mine.)

If you don't have a coffee roaster nearby, you can order beans online from reputable sellers like Blue Bottle Coffee or try a wide variety through a coffee subscription service like Atlas Coffee Club or my new favorite, Trade Coffee , which works directly with local roasters. I also recently tested a low-acid coffee from Trucup . It's made especially for people who have trouble with the acidity of regular coffee.

Get a quality grinder: Once you have good, freshly-roasted beans you need to grind them. You'll want a burr grinder, which grinds your beans evenly rather than chopping them like a blade grinder. I upgraded to a Hario Skerton Pro ($38) hand grinder, but if you want to go electric I recommend the Baratza Encore ($179) . If you're not sure which is right for you, be sure to read through our Best Coffee Grinders guide.

Experiment: Pick one of these coffee makers and start experimenting with it at home. If you want to have reproducible results, make sure you weigh out your beans and water using a good scale like the Apexstone scale with timer so you can track your pour-over pace, and take notes. It may sound nerdy, and it is, but after experimenting for a few days you'll likely find something you love. If you have notes, then you'll know how to make your perfect cup of coffee every time—no matter where you are.

Louryn Strampe

Medea Giordano

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Guide to Making Coffee While Traveling

Last Updated August 19, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Tips » Guide to Making Coffee While Traveling

If you love coffee and want to make sure you always get the best quality brews while on the road, this is your essential guide for making coffee while traveling.

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In This Article

Making Coffee While Traveling

Portability, packability, a hand grinder: the porlex mini, travel friendly coffee brewers, the aeropress, the kalita wave pour over dripper, the melitta ‘ready set joe’, the handpresso portable espresso maker, accessories that you may or may not need, travel resources for your next trip.

Imagine traveling to Paris, France, the city of lights. You’ve just sat down at a picturesque (and cliché) corner cafe. As you open up your laptop, and gloss over new emails, the waiter comes around, and asks for your order in a manner that seems both slightly familiar and mildly annoyed – a trait unique to Parisians.

Fast forward 15 minutes. Your laptop sits dormant on the minute circular table, and you sit disappointed on the wicker chair. The myth of amazing Parisiahn coffee is just that, a myth that seemingly applies to the whole of the European continent.

What goes in a brewing kit

As an experienced traveler, and coffee fanatic, I never leave my habit to chance. After being let down time and again, I now always carry my own brewing kit. Life on the road (or in the air) requires a different approach to essentials, and a flare for minimalism.

There are three simple things I look for when building my traveling coffee kit: portability, durability, and packability.

For a nomad, mobility and simplicity are key. Although there are portable, electronic brewing options, I prefer to stick with manual brewers. This way I am not dependent on a power source, besides myself.

When the lifespan of your essentials depends on the tenderness of an airport baggage handler, packing fragile items is a poor bet. It is important that your brew gear knows how to take a beating.

Apart from size, coffee brewers and gadgets come in all manner of odd shapes. You should keep in mind how your gear would fit in your baggage, and ditch anything too bulky.

The Coffee Nomads Essential Packing List

Here it is – if you want to have your cake and eat it to – i.e. travel minimally, but travel with the gear so for making coffee while traveling, here’s what you need.

There are many imaginative (and strange) ways to brew coffee, but there only a few ways to grind, so the first item on my packing list is always my grinder.

I bring my own grinder, because store-bought, pre-ground coffee tends to lose its flavor and aroma the longer it sits. Additionally, by changing the size of my grounds, I can control how light or bold my coffee will be.

On my travels, I carry a Porlex Mini stainless steel grinder , a burr grinder with a 20 gram capacity,  which is about six inches long, and less than three inches in diameter. Detaching the handle allows you to adjust the grind settings, and makes the grinder even more compact and easier to pack.

There’s an overwhelming array of ways to brew coffee – but some are not-so travel friendly. I’ve tried most of them – thanks to my coffee and travel obsession – so why don’t you take advantage of my compulsive curiosity and read through my list of favorites below to find which brewer will work best for you.

Regardless of traveling, the Aeropress is one of my most favorite brewing systems. This hydraulic shaped gadget uses a pressure method to force the flavor out of your beans, which is quick, simple and, unlike other brewers, doesn’t require much nannying.

Assembled and compressed, the Aeropress takes up only a 12x5x5 inch space, and its cylindrical shape makes it easy to slide down the side of your backpack or suitcase. This brewer is best for someone who enjoys the unique taste of a pressure brewer, and also likes to keep work distractions down to a minimum.

If you are someone who is fond of pour-over methods, then I’d suggest checking out the (metal) Kalita Wave . This brewer works just like any other pour-over dripper – set it on your cup, place the filter, pour in the coffee grounds, and intermittently pour (near boiling) water.

Although this process takes a bit of time and devotion, it’s easy enough to do in a your early morning stupor. A gooseneck kettle can make the periodic pouring process easier, but, with a steady hand, you will be fine with any normal kettle.

What makes the metal Kalita Wave stand out from other drippers, is its stainless steel body and its miniscule size. The metal body keeps your coffee hot as it brews, and the 5x5x3 inch size makes it extremely stuffable. If you particularly like the pour-over method, and are in need of something small and durable, then the Kalita Wave is for you.

The standard, the reliable, the Melitta .

This pour-over dripper, is both aesthetically and functionally simple, but whatever points this dripper loses in appearance, it makes up for in cost and dependability for making coffee while traveling.

The Melitta is only a little bigger than the Kalita Wave, but is made from thick, BPA free plastic, which makes it almost as durable. Because it costs less than $10, and its filters can be found in most supermarkets, the Melitta is best for budget-minded travellers.

This brewer is for travelers who enjoys pour-over, but could care less about looks.

Good news for all you travelling espresso enthusiasts, there is a travelling espresso maker, called the Handpresso Pump , which allows you to (literally) pump out a shot of espresso while on the go. It weighs roughly two pounds, and is pretty slim, taking up a little less space than the Aeropress.

Although the Handpresso Pump takes a bit more fiddling than the other systems I’ve mentioned, it is fun to use but still pretty straight-forward. You can also buy special coffee pods for the Pump, which makes the brew process even easier. Check out this cheesy video to see you how it works.

Unfortunately, at $129, this unique gizmo is the most expensive item on the list. I recommend the Handpresso Pump for travelers who prefer espresso and enjoy quirky gadgets, but don’t mind shelling out a little extra cash.

If you are like me – a little meticulous with your coffee – there are a few accessories you should also consider for making coffee while traveling .

I recommend the Coastline Digital Pro Pocket Scale which is durable, compact, comes with 2 handy measuring/weighing trays and seems to work perfectly for pour over coffee.

There’s no need to go overboard when choosing a scale – just choose something that can measure in grams and ounces, and does not have an auto-off feature (having your scale shut off mid brew will ruin your pour over process)

Another item you may want to pack is a coffee storage container. Because I often like to bring my favorite beans along with me, I use the Friis 12oz Coffee Vault , which provides airtight storage, while also filtering out CO2. The 12 oz is 5.5×5.5×8 inches, but, if you have more space allowance, there is also a 16 oz version available.

One final item I include is a mini thermometer. Most people just boil their water, but to get the highest rate of extraction from you beans, you actually want to heat the water to just below the boiling point.

For traveling, I recommend the CDN Digital ProAccurate thermometer, which is inexpensive, easy to use and easy to pack.

Regardless of what you’ve heard about the local coffee in your travel destination, I recommend bringing your own brew kit. There are still some modern cities (I’m looking at you Paris) where it is just hard to find – and expensive to drink – good coffee.

Additionally, if you manage to find some good local brewers, you can brew up that coffee even while working from your hotel room. There are many dangers of traveling, but coffee shouldn’t be one of them.

Let me know what you thought of the article on making coffee while traveling in the comments below, and tell me what you prefer to pack in your traveling coffee kit.

What you should read next

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If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Debra L Searle says

April 16, 2024 at 10:50 AM

Loved the article! I always take my Aeropress when traveling. It is easy to pack and I always get to drink good coffee.

William Tang says

April 16, 2024 at 3:52 PM

The Aeropress is so good when on-to-go!

October 15, 2021 at 8:46 AM

Love this blog! Your passion for coffee is matched. As a weekly traveler I have been in search of solving my coffee quandry. Excited to see your reference of The Rambler. Unfortuately it is not located on Stumptown link or by search tool on their site. I recognize the labor on your end to keep up active recommendations and links, hope this is helpful. If you have a Stumptown connection, let them know it is needed and a return for the holidays would be an appreciated surprise.

October 15, 2021 at 9:58 AM

Thanks for dropping a comment here! You’re right, it looks like they don’t make this kit/bundle anymore. I’ve updated the article to remove those bundles as it seems nobody sells them anymore so thank you for the heads up!

Lavues says

June 7, 2016 at 3:44 AM

Thanks for the write ups. I love coffee and can’t go anywhere without it. Now I can brew my own.

June 2, 2016 at 10:40 PM

I LOVE the Aeropress! I didn’t bring it with me because I ran out of space (in my backpack). But it was on my plan!! I was considering the Minipresso as well…. but I decided not to bother with coffee gadgets because I wanted to have local Spanish coffee instead.

Alex Azoury says

May 20, 2016 at 7:44 AM

Thanks Orion!

That is indeed one cool looking brewer – looks much like one of those new travel french presses that have recently hit the market….you throw in your water and grounds, and plunge it when you are ready – and then drink straight from it!

There are cool new brewers coming out every week it seems – thanks for your suggestion!

February 3, 2024 at 5:50 PM

You did not discuss the largest ingredient to coffee…. Water. What’s on your kit to get it hot to measure it with the thermometer you mentioned?

February 5, 2024 at 2:24 PM

Thanks for keeping me honest here! The one that I’ve recently gotten is this mini infrared thermometer . The truth is I don’t measure water temps as intensely as I do at home but this should do the job and is quite compact and travel-friendly.

May 5, 2016 at 3:21 PM

Cool article! I’ve been trying to find ways to brew coffee around college campus. I didn’t know there was a portable espresso maker!

I thought maybe I’d share a brewer that is similar to the aeropress and French press: https://www.itsamericanpress.com/ It’s not out yet, but I’m excited for it!

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The 16 Best Portable Coffee Makers for Travel

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

• Last Updated on May 25, 2024
• Published on April 9, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

About 75% of Americans drink coffee on weekdays, and half of those enjoy the caffeinated beverage daily. At home, it’s easy to whip up a delicious latte with the Breville Barista Express or brew a single-serve coffee with a Keurig. But while those caffeine-churning machines are great at home, they are lousy travel companions.

Coffee shops – especially those with a drive-thru – are popular among coffee drinkers at home and while traveling. But just two coffees per person per day can quickly add up to a large chunk of your travel budget.

Fortunately, portable coffee makers are a great solution. Packable and easy to use, these coffee machines can be fine-tuned to your taste and used before you leave the hotel room.

Browse through this list of the best portable coffee makers and decide which is the best fit for your style of that magnificent morning nectar.

Table of Contents

Quick compare, why buy a portable coffee maker, the different types of portable coffee makers, things to consider with a portable coffee maker, accessories for portable coffee makers, frequently asked questions, wacaco minipresso gr, outin nano portable espresso machine, staresso portable espresso machine, sea to summit x-brew collapsible coffee dripper, gsi outdoors gourmet pour over java set, cafflano klassic all-in-one pour over coffee maker, aeropress go portable travel coffee press kit, bodum travel press, presto myjo single cup coffee maker, brutrek ovrlndr travel coffee french press, espro p1 french press, keurig k-mini plus, black+decker single-serve coffeemaker, chulux single cup coffee maker, makita 18v cordless coffee maker, hamilton beach flexbrew.

• Compact design

Lightweight

All-in-one design

Built-in water heater

Stainless steel construction

Easy to clean

• Includes burr grinder
• Easy to pack

Easy to use

Includes coffee mug

• Brews in less than a minute
• Includes travel cup

Insulated travel mug

Large water reservoir

• Removable bottom
• Stainless steel

Reusable filter

Removable water reservoir

• Retractable cord

Heats water quickly

Removable drip tray

Lockable lid

• Two brew strengths

Short brew time

For some, whether or not to buy a portable coffee maker isn’t an issue because the answer is a resounding “Yes.” But for others, buying a portable coffee maker for travel may seem silly. Why would you want to pack a coffee maker when there are countless places to get coffee?

You may want to buy a portable coffee maker for three good reasons. You don’t need to be a coffee lover to appreciate these reasons. Do any of the reasons appeal to you?

Get coffee when you want it

If you’re anything like me, you want coffee within fifteen minutes of opening your sticky eyelids and rubbing away the last remnants of sleep. The last thing you want is to shower, get dressed, and walk across the street to the coffee shop for your first brew of the day.

If you travel with a portable coffee maker, you can make coffee whenever you want. There is no need to wait in line at the coffee shop or get dressed before you can enjoy that first cup.

Make coffee the way you want it

If you drink coffee regularly, you probably have a particular way you like it. A specific water temperature, a certain volume, and a selection of additives like sugar and cream. But when you travel, you relinquish control over your coffee and rely on the source – a gas station, fast food restaurant, or coffee shop.

If you travel with a portable coffee maker, you can make your coffee just as you like. You can use the same beans or pods, brew the coffee at the same temperature and volume, and add the same ingredients after brewing. And if you travel with a portable fridge , you can keep your coffee creamer chilled between stops on your road trips.

Spend less on coffee and more money on travel

Good coffee isn’t cheap and cheap coffee isn’t good. And while it’s fun to explore local coffee shops while traveling, they can quickly become a drain on your travel budget. Even those one-dollar coffees at the gas station will add up over a week. If you travel with a portable coffee maker, you can save the money you would have spent and put it towards a museum admission or kayak rental.

There are lots of ways of brewing coffee and lots of ways to finish it after brewing. If you drink coffee at home, you likely already know your preferred method of brewing coffee. But when you travel, you might want to try something different, like espresso drinks for an extra caffeine boost or a pour over coffee for something quick and easy.

Here are the different types of portable coffee makers that you could easily pack for your next trip.

Espresso beans are regular coffee beans roasted longer and ground finer for brewing. The result is a richer flavor profile enjoyable in shots, double shots, or espresso drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. At home, popular espresso machines like the Breville Barista Pro injects hot, pressurized water through a porta filter filled with finely ground beans.

While there are several portable espresso makers, they all require one key ingredient that is tricky while traveling: hot water. This requires a separate accessory for heating water before you can brew an espresso coffee, adding time and labor to the process.

Portable espresso makers are the easiest to travel with but have the heftiest price tag.

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Pour over is the easiest method for brewing coffee at home or on the road. A paper filter on top of a container is filled with ground coffee, and then hot water is methodically poured over the grounds. The Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker is a popular model for pour over drinkers at home.

While traveling, the pour over is a quick and easy method for brewing coffee. But, like espresso drinks, it requires hot water. Portable pour over coffee makers are the least expensive of all the options and the easiest to pack.

French Press

The French Press method of coffee making is popular among backpackers and campers because of how easy it is. First, water is heated in a vessel to the desired temperature. Then, ground coffee is gently poured on top and allowed to soak for a specific time. Finally, a fine mesh filter is pressed down, pushing the coffee grounds to the bottom of the vessel so the coffee can be poured into a mug.

Like the two previous options, the French Press requires hot water. And this method tends to be the messiest, with the wet coffee grounds pressed into the bottom of the vessel that must be cleaned between each use. Portable French Press coffee makers are somewhere in the middle for price and portability, but from start to finish takes the longest amount of time to brew coffee.

Single Serve

Drip coffee is the most common way of making coffee in the world. From large 12-cup glass coffee pots to stainless steel carafes and single-serve options, there are more options for drip coffee machines than any other method of brewing coffee. Ground coffee is placed in a filter basket or a pod inserted, and the machine does the rest, heating water and slowly trickling through the grounds and into the coffee mug.

Single serve coffee makers are the most convenient for travel, especially the models that can use pods. The machines require power, but so does the kettle to make hot water for all the previous options. But the machines require minimal cleaning and manual labor, producing coffee faster and easier.

Portable single-serve coffee makers compete with espresso makers for price. The makers are also larger and near impossible to pack in checked luggage if flying. However, the makers are the best option for road trippers and use in hotel rooms.

Before confirming your purchase of a portable coffee maker, there are some things to consider when making your decision. This decision might be easy if you’re set on a particular coffee-making method. But if you’re open to new possibilities, there are options for your needs.

If you’re flying, space in your luggage is a premium. But even if you’re road tripping, space in your car is limited. Giant coffee makers permanently parked on your kitchen countertop are not ideal for travel, so look for smaller coffee makers that are easier to pack and carry.

Like the size, if you’re flying, weight is a premium. Small usually means light, but not always. Look for a lightweight, portable coffee maker that will be easier to carry in your luggage.

Compactness

Some portable coffee makers come in all-in-one packages that make it easy to keep up with the various components. These are the best coffee makers, especially if you’re checking in and out of multiple hotels on a road trip.

This is the least important concern for travel unless you’re camping in an Alaskan yurt. You’ll likely have power wherever you travel, but finding an available outlet can sometimes be difficult. And, if your portable coffee maker requires power, you won’t be using it in your vehicle without a good power inverter .

Most portable coffee makers are built on the principle of brewing single-serve coffee. Anything more required a large and hefty carafe. Be sure you’re happy with one serving at a time, especially if you need two or more coffees immediately in the morning.

Portable coffee makers are slower than their counterparts sitting at your house. Instead of always having hot water ready, a portable coffee maker must heat the water and brew the coffee with each serving. And that can become a problem if you need coffee for two or more people every morning. Some portable coffee makers are faster than others, which might be the deciding factor.

A lot of portable coffee makers must be cleaned between each use. This means it will take longer and more effort to make each coffee. You might want to consider a single-serve coffee maker that will be faster and easier to use.

Accessories

A world of accessories exists for every portable coffee maker, but some require additional items. Depending on your purchase, you may need a coffee grinder, hot water kettle, and travel case. The total investment increases along with the size and weight of your luggage.

The availability of hot water is probably the most important factor in the type of portable coffee maker you choose. Unless you enjoy cold coffee, you will need hot water to make your coffee. Single serve coffee machines have built-in heating elements, but many other types will require a hot water kettle. That means buying and packing an additional device in your luggage.

One of the benefits of a portable coffee maker is saving money on what you otherwise might have spent at Starbucks. Consider how many coffees you would need to brew to see a return on your investment before plunging into the world of portable coffee makers.

For every kind of retail item, there is a third-party accessory catalog. Portable coffee makers are no exception. But while some accessories are nice, others are necessary depending on what kind of coffee maker you buy.

Here are some accessories for portable – and not-so-portable – coffee makers you might want to add to your shopping cart.

Craft Coffee: A Manual If you’re new to drinking coffee or want to learn more about coffee making, Craft Coffee: A Manual is a good purchase. The 272-page book dives into the methods of brewing coffee, necessary hardware and accessories, and how to get the most flavor from the coffee beans.

JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder The JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder trades electricity for elbow grease. The tall stainless steel cylinder is easy to grip with one hand while spinning the grinder with the other. 18 grind settings mean you can produce ground coffee from fine to coarse for your preferred brewing method. And at just half a pound, you’ll barely notice it in your luggage.

KRUPS Silent Vortex Electric Grinder Ironically, the KRUPS “Silent” Vortex Electric Grinder isn’t silent but close to quiet. The grinder’s 12-cup capacity makes it easy to prepare however much ground coffee you need daily. And then removable stainless steel grinding bowl makes it easy to pour and clean. At 2.4 pounds, it’s light to carry, and the power cord is stored beneath the grinder.

Miir Coffee Canister Keep your coffee beans fresh while traveling with the Miir Coffee Canister . The airtight stainless steel canister has a 12-ounce capacity for typical single roasted bean bags. The durable powdered coated hardshell will come in handy when traveling long distances. And at just one pound, when empty, it won’t weigh you down.

Jettle Electric Kettle You’ll need hot water if you want espresso, French Press, or pour over coffee while traveling. The Jettle Electric Kettle is the most portable hot water kettle on the market. At 10″ tall and 4″ in diameter, the cylindrical device is easy to pack in your luggage. And with a 16-ounce capacity, you’ll have boiling water in about five minutes. The power cord disconnects and stores inside the device for travel.

Café Casa Milk Frother To enjoy lattes, you’ll need the Café Casa Milk Frother and a portable espresso coffee maker. The frother features an ergonomic grip, two-speed settings, and a stainless steel whisk. And at just over a quarter of a pound, it won’t hinder your luggage.

BESTEK Power Inverter Did you know it’s possible to brew coffee in your car? With a BESTEK Power Inverter, you can power various electronic devices while your car’s engine runs. The BESTEK 150W Inverter can power smaller electronic devices, but you’ll need the BESTEK 300W or BESTEK 2000W for most portable coffee makers.

YETI Rambler Mug The stainless steel YETI Rambler Mug is a great travel mug for carrying around the campsite, hotel room, or lodge. Available in 10-ounce , 14-ounce , and 24-ounce capacities, the mugs feature a leak-proof MagSlider lid and comfortable carry handle.

THERMOS Stainless King Travel Mug The 16-ounce THERMOS Stainless King Travel Mug is the king of vacuum-insulated mugs. The stainless steel mug features a leak-proof lid and comfortable handle, making it perfect for taking coffee.

The Best Portable Espresso Makers

The Wacaco Minipresso GR is one of the easiest portable espresso makers. The compact all-in-one kit features a built-in scoop and cup, so everything conveniently remains together as you travel. And with the optional Minipresso Case , you can keep your investment protected.

The Wacaco Minipresso GR uses a semi-automatic hand pump to inject hot water through the filter basket. With a 2.35-ounce water reservoir, you can quickly brew two espresso shots with a few one-handed pumps. The manual operation means no dependency on power or batteries – this could be good or bad, depending on how you view manually crafting your coffee.

Like all portable espresso makers, the Wacaco Minipresso GR requires hot water from another source. The Jettle Electric Kettle is a perfect portable companion for getting boiling water. The Wacaco Minipresso GR measures just 7 inches tall and weighs less than a pound, making it easy to pack for travel.

Compact design and lightweight

Optional travel case

Requires hot water

Takes 7-10 minutes to brew a shot

Must clean after every use

Best Portable Espresso Maker

The OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Machine is a quantum leap beyond the competition with a built-in water heater. At 9″ tall and 3″ in diameter, it’s the same size and weight as the competition and a perfectly portable espresso maker.

The OutIn Nano uses a 7500mAh rechargeable battery for the effortless brewing of espresso shots. On a single charge, the machine can produce five shots of espresso. Each brew takes about 5 minutes to heat the water from room temperature and 3 minutes to extract the shot. Recharging is simple, though, with the standard USB-C cable and power block – not included.

The OuttIn Nano is an all-in-one design that makes it easy to pack for travel. An advantage of the OutIn espresso machine is the option to use capsules from popular brands like Nespresso . However, you can still grind coffee beans for a shot.

Battery powered

Uses capsules or ground coffee

Battery requires frequent recharging

Heating requires at least 30% battery power

The Staresso Portable Espresso Machine is a fine portable espresso maker if you don’t mind a little manual labor. The all-in-one design keeps everything together, including the coffee scoop, capsule cutter for Nespresso -style capsules, and filter basket for ground coffee. Stainless steel construction means this compact and lightweight machine can survive jostling while traveling.

After using something like the Jettle Electric Kettle for boiling water, the Staresso Portable Espresso Machine produces a single shot of espresso in about 5 minutes. Unlike other portable espresso machines, the Staresso machine securely holds the cup to the body while pumping for the perfect extraction.

No plastic parts – stainless steel construction

Top-mounted manual pump

The Best Portable Pour Over Coffee Makers

Sea to Summit specializes in lightweight gear for backpackers. So, of course, their X-Brew Collapsible Coffee Dripper is also perfect for travelers – especially if you fly. The silicone cone is collapsible to less than an inch thick, so you can slide it into a sleeve of your carry-on bag. The stainless steel mesh filter is removable for easy cleaning. And the entire setup weighs only 3 ounces.

However, a downside to pour over coffee makers is the need for hot water. The Jettle Electric Kettle is easy to get hot water for your pour over while traveling. Once the hot water is ready, brewing a coffee into your favorite travel mug takes less than a minute.

Pack in a carry-on bag

Easy to damage

US-based GSI Outdoors is one of the world’s largest family-owned outdoor gear makers. The company specializes in gear for backpacking and car camping. The GSI Outdoors Gourmet Pour Over Java Set is a happy product that meets the needs of backpackers, campers, and travelers all at once.

The silicone cone features a large, 5.6″ diameter plastic flange to help center the pour over your travel coffee mug. When finished, the cone collapses to 1″ high and weighs less than a pound. A plastic cover snaps onto the flange to keep everything together. It’s the perfect way to brew coffee if you fly with just a carry-on bag.

Of course, you’ll need hot water. The Jettle Electric Kettle can boil water in less than five minutes and easily packs into most bags.

Kit includes an adjustable manual conical burr grinder

Lightweight and compact design

Large plastic flange

It can be packed in a carry-on bag

The plastic flange is easily broken while traveling

Best Pour Over Coffee Maker

The Cafflano Klassic All-in-One Pour Over Cofee Maker is one of the most innovative coffee machines ever produced. The nifty device features a kettle, conical burr grinder, pour over filter, and a coffee mug that assembles into a 7.6″x3.5″ travel container. And weighing just one pound, it’s easy to pack for travel.

The adjustable conical burr grinder uses human power to produce fresh ground coffee directly into the pour over filter. The pre-measured kettle features a pour spout for fine control of the pour over. The pour over filter fits snugly onto the insulated tumbler. Pour water through the filter, remove the filter, and you’ll have coffee in less than a minute.

The only thing missing from the otherwise flawless portable coffee maker is a means to produce hot water. The Jettle Electric Kettle can make hot water in about five minutes, and the pre-measured Cafflano Klassic kettle will ensure you get the correct amount of water each time.

Mug does not have a lid

The Best Portable French Press Coffee Makers

All it takes is a single pump when brewing coffee with the Aeropress Go . The French press portable coffee maker uses a hand pump to push water through ground coffee in a filter basket to make delicious coffee. The process takes only a few minutes – but you’ll have to make the hot water first.

The 15-ounce travel cup does double duty as storage for the various components of the travel coffee kit. The scoop, stirrer, additional paper filters , and pump fit inside the cup, and a silicone cap keeps everything secured.

The all-plastic design means the Aeropress Go is more fragile than its stainless steel counterparts. And the paper filter means you’ll need to carry spares and pack enough to last the duration of your trip. Finally, you’ll need something like the Jettle Electric Kettle to make hot water for your coffee.

Less than a minute to brew coffee

Travel cup also serves as storage

Uses paper filters

All-plastic design

The travel cup does not have a sip lid

The Bodum Travel Press is as simple as it gets with a portable coffee maker. The 15-ounce stainless steel tumbler stores everything inside until you can make coffee. The plunger is built into the leak-proof lid for easy use without assembly.

You’ll need something like the Jettle Electric Kettle to make the hot water, though. Once the hot water is poured into the tumbler, add your ground coffee, wait a few minutes, and press the plunger. Enjoy your coffee first, and clean up everything later.

Small brewing capacity

Only makes one coffee for one person at a time

Depending on how you brew coffee at home, the Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker could have one significant advantage over other French press coffee makers: it uses pods instead of ground coffee. The all-in-one design keeps everything together and makes packing easy for travel. When you’re ready to use, simply open the base, pop in a k-pod or other brand, and you’re ready to pump your delicious coffee.

Like other portable coffee makers, you’ll need something like the Jettle Electric Kettle to make hot water. Once boiling, pour into the Presto MyJo water reservoir and start pumping.

The Presto MyJo is slightly bigger than other portable coffee makers, measuring 9″ tall and about 4″ wide. However, it weighs less than a pound, so it’s still easy to carry around in your luggage.

Uses pods instead of ground coffee

Not a compact design

All plastic parts

Best Portable French Press Coffee Maker

Although BruTrek’s budget was too small to buy vowels, the BruTrek OVRLNDR is one of the best portable coffee makers for travel. The all-in-one design keeps everything together for easy packing and prevents lost parts. The stainless steel components are durable and will survive the rigors of travel. At 9.5″ tall, it will take some room in your luggage, and at 1.5 pounds, it’s still lightweight but heavier than the competition.

The innovative removable bottom is the coolest – or hottest, depending on how you like your coffee – part about the BruTrek OVRLNDR. The bottom of the insulated travel mug detaches to make cleaning the soggy coffee grounds effortless.

You’ll need something like the Jettle Electric Kettle to make hot water. Once ready, pour the water into the travel mug, add your ground coffee, and screw on the leak-proof lid with a built-in plunger. A single plunge and you’re drinking a delicious coffee.

Stainless steel components

Removable bottom for easy cleaning

Reusable stainless steel mesh filter

Only makes one coffee for one person

Heavier than other portable coffee makers

Have you ever sipped French press coffee and found gritty coffee grounds? With a patented double-filter design, the ESPRO P1 promises to prevent that irritating problem. Pour hot water into the 14-ounce travel mug, add your ground coffee, and press the plunger down. The basket-shaped reusable mesh filter squeezes the coffee through and pushes the grounds to the bottom.

With the Jettle Electric Kettle , you’ll have hot water in five minutes. Then, it takes just a couple more minutes to brew your coffee in the ESPRO P1. The insulated travel mug keeps the coffee hot, and the leak-proof lid will keep it from spilling.

The ESPRO P1 is 8″ tall and 3″ wide and weighs less than a pound, making it easy to pack and travel.

Stainless steel, all-in-one design

Insulated travel mug with lid

Small capacity

The Best Portable Single Serve Coffee Makers

Best Single Serve Coffee Maker

Keurig popularized the use of coffee pods – small plastic cups filled with a single scoop of ground coffee for brewing one coffee at a time. Single-use coffee machines are common in kitchens across the country today.

And the Keurig K-Mini Plus is the perfect portable coffee machine.

The single-serve coffee maker uses any brand’s pods to brew up to 12 ounces. The removable water reservoir is easily filled with pre-measured amounts etched into the clear plastic sides. The Keurig K-Mini Plus heats water on demand for each single-serve coffee. Brewing a coffee takes about five minutes from start to finish.

The removable tray allows for up to a 16.8″ travel mug. The 26″ power cord stores in a compartment in the back of the coffee maker. And a removable compartment holds 9 pods. With the additional travel bag , it’s easy to pack the Keurig K-Mini Plus in your car.

Compatible with travel mugs

Retractable power cord

Built-in pod storage

Easy to pack with an additional bag

Short power cord

Only uses coffee pods

The BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker is one of the lightest and most compact on the market. But that’s because it’s a barebones portable coffee maker with few features. Pour up to 16 ounces of water into the built-in reservoir, fill the removable filter basket with ground coffee, and press a button to brew.

It takes about five minutes for the single-brew coffee to heat and trickle through the filter basket into the included travel mug. The travel mug is a nice feature, but the lid is prone to leaking, and poor insulation does not keep the coffee warm for long. The portable coffee maker has clearance for a 7″ travel mug.

At 12″ tall and weighing just 3 pounds, the BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker is compact and lightweight, perfect for packing in your car.

Removable brew basket

Excellent brew capacity

Compact and lightweight design

Travel mug with lid included

Only uses ground coffee

Poor travel mug design

The CHULUX Single Cup Coffee Maker is great for travelers who want fresh drip coffee in the mornings. The portable coffee maker is just 9″ tall and weighs about 2 pounds, so it’s easy to pack.

The built-in water reservoir holds up to 12 ounces. The filter basket is only compatible with coffee pods. But once those are loaded, the coffee maker features a lockable lid to prevent accidentally spilling contents if knocked over in the hotel room.

Powerful heating elements means it only takes 3 minutes to brew a 12-ounce coffee. The removable drip tray allows for up to a 5.3″ coffee mug. At 10″ tall and 2.2 pounds, it’s great for travel to rental units where you’ll have coffee mugs to use instead of travel mugs.

Short travel mug size

Even if you’re not heading out to the job site, the Makita 18V Cordless Coffee Maker is an interesting portable machine. The coffee maker uses 18V or 12V lithium-ion batteries to produce up to three 5-ounce coffees on a single 4Ah battery. The cordless design makes it convenient for brewing in the car or without hassling to find an outlet.

The removable water reservoir makes it easy to fill. Insert a coffee packet into the basket or use ground coffee with the permanent built-in filter. Brewing a single coffee takes about 5 minutes after pressing the power button. But with only 3.5″ of clearance, you can only use small coffee mugs – no travel mugs for this coffee machine.

This is a great portable coffee maker if you don’t have room in your luggage to fit another compact coffee maker. The rugged exterior features a carry handle to grab and go. But you’ll also need to grab an extra battery and charger.

Uses packets or ground coffee

Requires 18V battery (not included)

Few brews per battery

Minimal mug clearance

The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single Serve Coffee Maker is a perfect compact solution for brewing pods or ground coffee while traveling. The coffee maker features an interchangeable, reusable filter basket and piercing pod insert, so you can brew coffee however you prefer. With pods, the coffee maker produces 10-ounce coffees, and with ground coffee, you can get a 14-ounce coffee.

The coffee maker requires a lot of power, though – 1,000 watts. That’s not an issue if plugging into a household outlet in a hotel or house rental. But if you want to use this coffee maker in the car, you’ll need a bigger power inverter for a portable coffee maker. Two brewing strengths are a bonus with the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew. Choose between Regular and Bold to begin the brew.

The coffee maker can fit most travel mugs with an 8″ height. The removable cup rest makes it easy to use smaller coffee mugs and the rest doubles as extra storage.

The coffee maker is compact at 13″ tall and weighs just 3 pounds. However, portability is hindered by a fixed 2-foot power cord that cannot be retracted for storage.

Uses pods or ground coffee

10-14-ounce brew capacity

Two brew strength settings

Travel mug compatible

Removable cup rest

The water reservoir is not removable

High power demand

Cannot retract the power cord

Portable coffee makers make it easy to travel with a coffee maker. Compact and lightweight pour over and espresso coffee makers can easily pack into your luggage. Single serve coffee makers are too large for luggage, but some are still small enough to easily pack in your car.

Portable coffee makers work on the same principle as countertop coffee makers at home. Portable coffee makers can use ground coffee, Nespresso pods, or coffee pods. Hot water is poured through the coffee into a travel mug. The only difference with portable coffee makers – and their biggest downside – is how you get the hot water.

Yes, you can bring a coffee maker on a plane. The Transportation Safety Administration allows electronic items like coffee and espresso makers to be packed in carry-on or checked luggage.

Yes, the Transportation Safety Administration allows U.S. fliers to pack portable coffee and espresso makers in their luggage.

Yes, the Transportation Safety Administration allows U.S. fliers to pack portable coffee and espresso makers in carry-on luggage.

Yes, the Keurig K-Mini and Keurig K-Mini Plus are excellent travel coffee makers. Although Keurig does not market them specifically for travel, the compact and lightweight coffee makers are perfect for travel.

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Home » Gear » The Best Travel Coffee Makers • TESTED IN 2024

The Best Travel Coffee Makers • TESTED IN 2024

But first, coffee.

Does this saying ring true for you? If yes, then an awesome travel coffee maker is the best purchase a caffeine-loving nomad like you could make. Not only will a portable coffee maker save you money by letting you ditch your dependence on café-purchased coffee drinks, but you can be sure to always have a cup of joe within reach even in the most isolated of destinations.

I personally never travel (if I can help it) without some sort of coffee making device.

So if you’re in the market for the perfect portable coffee maker – whether you’re an espresso, press, or drip brew enthusiast – you’ll get all the information you need with this ultimate guide to finding the best coffee makers for travel that meets your needs and budget.

Let’s talk coffee…

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Quick Answer: These are the Best Travel Coffee Makers of 2024

#1 – overall best travel coffee maker, #2 – most portable travel coffee maker, #3 – best travel coffee maker for a single cup, #4 – best portable coffee maker for large groups, #5 – best portable coffee maker for solo travel, #6 – best travel coffee maker for espresso lovers, #7 – best travel coffee maker for a jetboil, #8 – best portable coffee maker for backpackers, #9 – best car camping french press, #10 – best travel coffee maker for commuters, how to choose the best travel coffee maker, faq about the best travel coffee makers, final thoughts on the best travel coffee makers.

• Overall Best Travel Coffee Maker – GSI Outdoors Java Press
• Best Lightweight Travel Coffee Maker – Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper
• Best Travel Coffee Maker for a Single Cup – AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
• Best Travel Coffee Maker for a Large Groups – GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel 14-Cup Percolator
• Best Travel Coffee Maker for Solo Travel – AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
• Best Travel Coffee Maker for Espresso Lovers – GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Set
• Best Travel Coffee Maker for a Jetboil – Jetboil Grande Silicone Coffee Press
• Best Travel Coffee Maker for Backpackers – GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker
• Best Car Camping French Press – Snow Peak Titanium French Press
• Best Travel Coffee Maker for Commuters – GSI Outdoors Commuter Java Press

GSI Outdoors Java Press

• > Mug-within-a-mug construction
• > Spill-resistant lid

Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper

• > Collapsible
• > Eco-friendly

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

• > Versatile and convenient
• > 350 paper micro-filters

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel 14-Cup Percolator

• > Made of high-grade stainless steel
• > Up to 14 x 8 oz. cups of coffee
• > Weighing only 11.5 ounces
• > Has a drinking cup built

GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Set

• > Lightweight
• > Double-wall stainless-cup

Jetboil Grande Silicone Coffee Press

• > Compatible with Jetboil MiniMo, SUMO and SUMO TI
• > Improved silicone ring

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker

• > Drip cone with legs

Snow Peak Titanium French Press

• > High-quality stainless steel coffee press
• > Weighing 6.3 ounces

GSI Outdoors Commuter Java Press

• > No need for a plunger
• > Flip-top, spill-resistant lid

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GSI Outdoors Java Press is our top pick for the best travel coffee maker

• Price: $39.95
• Liquid capacity: 30 fl.oz.
• Best Use: Camping
• Style: French Press
• Weight: 10.3 oz.

We love this thing! In fact, Epic Backpacker Tours (a TBB partner company) uses these for our group tours. It’s not the smallest unit, but it makes consistently delicious fresh-brewed coffee that you can count on to get your day started right.

The GSI has a silicone-ringed plunger and double-walled construction that not only keep your brew hot during and after brewing but also makes for a very durable java press. It’s perfect as an everyday coffee maker for digital nomads or for long camping trips. Getting your coffee fix – and having enough to share with friends – has never been easier with this epic coffee maker for travel.

• Large enough to serve 2-4 people
• Press mechanism produces very little coffee silt
• Too bulky for shorter backpacking trips

The best portable coffee maker on our list is Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper

• Price: $19.95
• Best use: Backpacking
• Style: Drip
• Weight: 4 oz
• Volume: 16.2 fluid oz.
• Materials: Food-grade silicone/nylon/stainless steel

Collapsible, eco-friendly, light, economical…just about everything a java lover needs for the trails. While not ideal for brewing coffee for a whole group, you can count on a tall, 2-cup brew just by using coffee grounds and hot water.

Another plus is that it’s made from food-grade silicone and has a reusable stainless steel double-mesh filter so there’s no need for paper filters – less to carry, less waste. It fits comfortably on most mugs and wider water bottles for enjoying warm coffee on-the-go. 

Sometimes the best travel coffee makers are the simplest.

This unit is perfect for ultralight backpacking .

• Lightweight and minimally designed for maximum utility
• No paper waste
• Budget-friendly
• Does not work well with very fine coffee grounds

Top pick for the best coffee maker for a single cup is AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

• Liquid capacity: 8 fl.oz.
• Weight: 11.5 oz.

You’ll love how versatile and convenient this travel coffee maker is. It effortlessly brews a delicious cup of espresso, cold-brew or American style coffee. Not only that, but it’s designed as an all-in-one mug and carrying case that makes it ideal for efficient portability. 

Filters are needed; 350 paper micro-filters are included. This makes it easy to use and clean. All you need is some hot water and within 1-2 minutes, you have a delicious cup of coffee to kickstart your morning.

To have the freshest coffee possible, we also recommend purchasing the GSI Outdoors JavaGrind to go with the AeroPress . The java mill features an adjustable and lightweight conical burr grinder that packs down easily and lets you have a high-quality cup of coffee every time. It’s the ultimate travel coffee power duo for one!

• Easy to clean
• Built-in drinking cup
• Portable and lightweight
• Not enough for those that want more than 8 oz at once

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel 14-Cup Percolator is one of the best travel coffee maker for a large groups

• Price: $59.95
• Liquid capacity: 112 fl.oz.
• Style: Percolator
• Weight: 2 lbs. 2 oz.

Made of high-grade stainless steel, this durable coffee maker is perfect for brewing a perfect cup of joe for every member of your camping posse. It’s designed to be used on a camping stove or hung over a campfire for a delicious pot of coffee every time.

The GSI Outdoors Percolator will brew up to 14 x 8 oz. cups of coffee to accommodate the caffeine needs of a large group of super-sized needs of a smaller group all in one batch. Because of its larger size, it’s preferred by trailer campers or for campers who take longer trips and are used to hauling plenty of equipment. 

• Sturdy stainless steel design will last a long time
• Glass knob lets you assess the coffee’s strength
• Doesn’t fit stably on all camping stoves

Meet the best travel coffee maker for solo travel: AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

As a solo traveler, going to a cafe for your morning cup of coffee can be a regular part of your travel schedule. But, if you’re camping in a remote location or just maximizing the idea of solo time, a Go Travel Press is the perfect solution for getting your coffee fix – anywhere, any time.

Weighing only 11.5 ounces, it’s a breeze to pack away and to make one of your travel gear essentials. And no need to take up extra packing space with a mug because the AeroPress has a drinking cup built-in that also serves as a carrying case. Just add hot water to coffee grounds, drink, and go. Cleaning requires just taking out the filter and a quick rinse – it’s a solo travelers’ coffee dream! 

The Aeropress is a staple in the Digital Nomads’ tool kit.

• Very portable and lightweight
• Built-in drinking cup/carrying case
• Limited to brewing 8 oz of coffee in one batch

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Our top pick for best travel coffee maker for espresso lovers is GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Set

• Liquid capacity: 2.5 fl.oz.
• Style: Espresso
• Weight: 11 oz.

If you’re all about espresso for your caffeine fix, the GSI mini espresso set is a godsend for travel. Lightweight, portable, and easy to use, this little travel kit includes everything you need for the perfect serving of espresso.

The stainless-steel, mini stove-top espresso maker includes a double-wall stainless-cup that makes an on-the-go coffee supply that much easier. Want your espresso pronto? All it takes is 90 seconds to have a 2.5oz double shot ready to go. Rinse, disassemble and pack up into its compact case – it’s that easy.

• Ultra-lightweight and portable
• Cup and espresso maker parts disassemble and fit into a compact carrying case
• Made of durable stainless steel
• Limited to brewing just one 2.5 oz of espresso in one batch

Jetboil Grande Silicone Coffee Press is one of the best travel coffee maker for a jetboil

• Price: $20.95
• Best Use: Backpacking
• Weight: 1.5 oz.

If you have a Jetboil and want the option to brew the best coffee possible while traveling, take a look at the Jetboil Grande coffee press. This press is compatible with Jetboil MiniMo, SUMO and SUMO TI cooking systems. 

Go ahead and ditch the instant coffee and give yourself the luxury of fresh ground coffee no matter where you are. With the improved silicone ring that makes for a secure fit, keep coffee grounds out and enjoy a flawless cup of brewed coffee. 

Learn More: Jetboil Flash review

• Detachable stem and basket for compact packing
• Easy clean up
• Less residue than previous version
• Only works with Jetboil

Our pick for the best travel coffee maker for backpackers is GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker

• Price: $10.95
• Weight: 0.4 oz.

When it comes to coffee-making essential simplicity, it doesn’t get more minimal than this. The GSI java drip is simply a drip cone with legs that clips onto any mug of your choosing (mug is not included). If you’re willing to carry some coffee grounds in your pack, this near-weightless coffee maker is the best way to get a fresh cup of brew on the trails, no matter how remote you are.

The GSI Outdoors Ultralight is the perfect solution if all you’re looking for is an inexpensive, portable way to make a good cup of coffee in the morning. If instant coffee doesn’t quite cut it for you, give this setup a try for your next backpacking venture. You won’t be disappointed.

• Doesn’t require a filter
• Packs down flat for ultimate portability
• Can work with most mugs and wide-mouth bottles or flasks
• Inexpensive
• Drip process can be slow
• Plastic and not ultra-sturdy/durable

The best car camping french press is Snow Peak Titanium French Press

• Price: $64.95
• Liquid capacity: 24 fl.oz.
• Weight: 6.3 oz.

The Snow Peak French Press is a portable french press coffee maker. Its the the way to go if you’re looking for a high-quality stainless steel coffee press that’s neither too big nor too small while being lightweight and easy to use. You’ll be sure to get 24 ounces of hot, great-tasting coffee every time. Say goodbye to instant coffee and wasteful paper filters.

Weighing 6.3 ounces, it’s heavier than most solo-cup portable coffee makers but is plenty compact and lightweight for most camping trips. It’s perfect for car camping stoves and will deliver the fresh brew taste you crave on the road.

• Compact stainless steel design
• Includes pot, lid, plunger, and carrying bag
• Works better by pouring hot water into versus boiling water directly into the pot

GSI Outdoors Java Press is our pick for the best travel coffee maker for commuters

• Price: $26.95
• Liquid capacity: 15 fl.oz.
• Best Use: Commuting
• Weight: 9.6 oz.

If a coffee maker that fits into your cup holder sounds ideal to you, the GSI Commuter java press is for you. Simply use 2oz of ground coffee, add 8oz hot water, wait a few short minutes, push the press, and – voilà – you have hot, freshly-brewed coffee to go!

No need for a plunger like you’d find in traditional java press coffee makers – its mug-within-a-mug construction allows for a press-and-drink process that makes caffeination while commuting a breeze. The flip-top, spill-resistant lid makes it even more commuter-friendly. 

• Get a double serving of coffee in one container
• Neoprene sleeve keeps coffee warm and provides insulation for easy holding
• Non-slip base for stability and narrow enough for car cup holders
• Too heavy for easy packing

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

We’ve provided the above travel coffee maker reviews to help you in your search for the perfect coffee maker, but if you want to keep shopping around, here are some things to know and pointers on how to choose the best travel coffee maker. 

The first question to ask yourself is: how much coffee do I need? Second question: how many people do I need to provide coffee for? If you’re a solo traveler, getting a large travel coffee maker likely isn’t necessary. If you’re traveling in a big group – and everyone wants to enjoy their cup of coffee at relatively the same time – a small coffee maker won’t cut it. Brewing multiple batches to accommodate everyone will quickly become cumbersome and annoying.

Consider not just the size of the coffee maker itself but also the brewing capacity and weight. Obviously, the larger the contraption, the more it will weigh and the bulkier it will be to pack away. For a backpacker, this weight and space make a considerable difference. Whereas, for car camping, the weight of a medium-to-large travel coffee maker that has greater brewing capacity won’t be as big of a deterrent. 

When choosing the best travel coffee maker for you, it’s important to consider how picky you are about the taste and quality of your coffee. Drip units, espresso makers and French press produce a cup of coffee that tastes different – even if you use the same type of coffee. The quality of the beans matter too, but not all coffee makers yield the same results.

Typically, a drip unit makes a more basic, less-intense cup of joe. French press and espresso machines usually result in a tastier and overall better quality cup of coffee. Consider what you prefer and what you’re used to and choose your coffee maker style accordingly.

Toughness 

How well is the device going to do after long-term abuse on the road? Consider how long you want (and need) your travel coffee maker to last and what you’re using it for. More economical coffee makers are usually plastic or include plastic parts – and are less durable. While stainless steel units are tougher and will last longer.

If you’re a backpacker that needs a coffee-making unit that will fold down and won’t break the bank, expect to get a plastic device that will do the trick for that trip. Whether or not it survives the abuse on the road can’t be guaranteed. For camping nomads that enjoy regular and frequent camping trips, investing in a tough, durable stainless steel travel coffee maker is probably the better way to go.

Parts vs Simplicity 

Also consider this question: does the device have a lot of parts that could break? If so, can they be easily replaced? The more parts, the more likely your chances of losing or breaking a piece while on your travels.

If you’re really attached to your travel coffee maker – and finding replacement parts is fairly quick and simple – then the extra hassle of multiple parts could be worth it. But, if your travel style tends to be less organized and rugged, you should consider getting a simple device with as few extra parts as possible.

Eco-Friendly 

Does the device require filters? Many espresso units do not require filters and some coffee presses have a silicone filter built-in – however – some do require paper filters. Be sure to know what the requirements are. Take the opportunity to bash the Keurig/Nespresso pods as an extreme environmental danger.

The more dependence your unit has on paper filters, the more wasteful and less eco-friendly it is. A device that has a reusable filter – or doesn’t require a filter at all – is much better for the environment. As a nature-loving nomad, leaving the smallest carbon footprint possible is always more ideal.

Price 

How often will you use your travel coffee maker? If the answer is often, then buying a high-quality one – or the one you really want – will be worth splashing out a little extra cash for. Most travel units aren’t that expensive to begin with, and getting the quality cup of java you need to kickstart your travel days the right way will be worth it.

Also, think about the money you save by making your own coffee while traveling versus buying individual cups at cafes. With extended and frequent use, the unit will eventually pay for itself.

Power vs No Power 

Typically, one should always go for a travel coffee maker that does not require electricity – that is why there are no powered coffee makers on our list. This is especially true for backcountry campers or backpackers who enjoy spending time the most remote places possible. Not having to find or bring along an extra source of electricity to power up your coffee machine will save a lot of hassle.

There are plenty of good travel coffee makers that produce delicious, high-quality coffee that don’t require power. We highly recommend sticking to those when making your final selection.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Is the AeroPress the best coffee maker?

The AeroPress is a great coffee maker for one cup of coffee, but we’re big fans of the GSI Outdoors Java Press . They both offer great value, but the Java press has a bigger capacity.

What do you need to consider when choosing a coffee maker?

Keep these key features in mind: 1. Size, Quality and Toughness 2. Parts and Simplicity 3. Price

What is the best travel coffee maker for solo travellers?

Since a single person won’t need endless ounces of coffee (at least it’s not recommended), the AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press is the perfect choice for solo travellers.

What is the best travel coffee maker for large groups?

When travelling with your friends, opt for the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel 14-Cup Percolator . It’s got a liquid capacity of 112 fl.oz. which is plenty enough for multiple backpackers.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

That’s it, java lovers! This is all you need to know about the best travel coffee makers out there and what you need to know to find the right portable coffee maker for your adventures. As you can see, there are many styles, sizes, and features available when it comes to brewing a great cup of coffee while on the road. But getting your necessary coffee fix is important, so be sure to weigh all your options.

Remember, not everyone has the same opinion about what makes the “perfect” cup of coffee – so carefully consider your own personal tastes, travel style and needs. 

We recommend using your new portable coffee maker with fair-trade, organic coffee :).

Aiden Freeborn

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15 Best Travel Coffee Makers: The Best Ways to Make Coffee While Traveling, Backpacking, and Camping

Wander the world long enough and you’ll learn that a good cup of coffee or espresso isn’t always easy to come by. Knowing the best travel coffee maker options while backpacking, camping, and wandering, and bringing your own coffee can be an invaluable solution for getting your fix for good coffee while traveling.  In my experience, it’s well worth it to pick up the best backpacking coffee maker available before your travels to make for an enjoyable morning and a guaranteed boost of energy before those pre-sunrise hikes.

You may get lucky in places like Italy and Vietnam, with their robust and amazing coffee culture, but more often than not the “coffee” served in remote parts of the world will more likely resemble caffeinated dirt juice than what you’re used to fueling up on each morning at home.  If you do happen to find a great coffee shop, plan on the price being as high as it would be back home…in a place where a meal costs $1 and a nice hotel costs $20.

Does this mean that traveling the world hunting for adventures and exploring places far from home means sacrificing access to a decent cup of coffee?  Absolutely not. You just have to come prepared.

This article contains affiliate links

Table of Contents for our Best Travel Coffee Options

• Which Type of Travel and Backpacking Coffee Maker is Right for You?

What to Look for in a Good Travel Coffee Maker

• French Press Options for Travelers
• Vietnamese Drip Coffee: Simple & Compact Options for Strong Coffee
• Aeropress: For Espresso on the Road
• Drip and Pour Over Coffee Options for Travelers: Simple & efficient for light coffee
• Infusion Brewing Basket and Bags: The simplest option for coffee
• The Costa Rican Coffee Maker: Chorreador de Café
• Cold Brew: Smooth, highly caffeinated, and simple…if you have the time
• Coffee Grinder, Maker, and Mug Combos: For the freshest coffee in a compact kit

Finding Good Coffee while Wandering the World: The struggle is real…

Somewhere between Italy and Vietnam, I picked up a “healthy” coffee addiction. So, despite the fact that I travel as a minimalist with just a carry on bag, I still have to tote the tools to make sure I have good cup of coffee each morning…anywhere. And no, instant coffee does not qualify as good coffee . 

Lucky for you these coffee cravings led me to find the perfect travel coffee maker options for every type of coffee drinker. As long as you can find hot water and good coffee grounds, these 11 portable coffee maker options will ensure you can have a great cup of Joe no matter where your travels take you.

Read on for the 11 best portable coffee maker options and mugs to make a travel coffee kit that’ll keep you caffeinated, adventure-ready, and mood swing free!

Which Backpacking Coffee Maker Style is Best for You?  Depends on the Coffee you prefer…

The best portable coffee brewer options for a lighter, smoother cup of coffee while traveling and backpacking are:

• Portable French Press Coffee Makers for Travelers : Convenient for a smooth cup of coffee
• Vietnamese Drip Coffee: Lightweight setup for a strong cup of coffee, one step below espresso
• Portable Espresso Makers : Making a great expresso possible anywhere
• Drip and Pour Over Coffee Options for Travelers: Compact, packable, and easy

Single Serve Coffee Sachets

• Portable K-Cup Coffee Makers
• Coffee Grinder, Maker, and Mug Combos: For the freshest coffee possible in a compact kit

Any Starbucks regular can tell you that not all coffee is the same.  Strip your Caramel Macchiato Frappe of the sugary and milky goodness, and even that basic coffee beneath can differ in many ways – light and smooth, robust and bold, thick with a touch of oily froth. 

For coffee drinkers hoping to ensure they always have a hot coffee available to their standards, understanding how you prefer your coffee – strong and quick like espresso, or light and long like French Press coffee – is the first essential step. Ultimately getting it, can make lugging around your own travel-friendly coffee pot a little more worthwhile – as the best travel coffee maker option for you will differ accordingly. 

The major factors in which coffee maker is best for you are generally how strong do you prefer your coffee, and how much you need those sometimes frothy oils naturally in coffee for that travel cup of delicious coffee to satisfy you.

If you prefer your coffee lighter and smoother…

…then life is easier for you, as you’ll have plenty of easy options for a cup of coffee on the road. 

If you like stronger and thicker …

…then life is still easy, but to get a good cup of espresso you’ll need heftier contraptions.  The best options for a strong cup of coffee on the road that’s more akin to espresso are:

• Aeropress Coffee Maker: The best portable espresso maker for coffee on the road and a compact coffee maker overall
• Vietnamese Drip Coffee: A surprisingly easy and lightweight option for a strong cup of coffee

(Click any of the links above to jump to our list of options)

The beauty of the best travel and camping coffee maker options is they work just as well as lightweight camping coffee makers, car camping luxuries, or even taking to work to make a freshly brewed coffee yourself. A fresh, quick, and delicious cup anytime you want. Again, as long you have coffee beans and hot water, you’ll have a great cup of coffee.

When you’re hunting for a travel coffee maker, you shouldn’t necessarily go for the shiniest prettiest thing – aim for the brewer that will make coffee you like and won’t break halfway through your travels.  To get pin down specifically which coffee maker this is, look for these 5 traits in a good travel coffee maker:

• Durability : A fancy coffee maker doesn’t do anyone any good if it’s broken
• Makes your style of coffee : Light and smooth or strong and bold
• Doesn’t require replacing filters : Reusable filters save the trouble of hunting for paper filters
• Compact Size : The lighter your bags are, the more enjoyable your travels will be
• Simplicity : Fewer moving pieces means fewer things to break…or do wrong

Our Full List of the Best Backpacking Coffee Maker Options for Traveling, Camping, and Backpacking

Now that you know what to look for in a travel coffee maker, and you know what kind of coffee you want from it, let’s look at the best brewing options. I recommend checking out these categories of coffee brewers for your travels (click to jump to the respective recommendations).

Best Brew Method Choices for Travel and Backpacking Coffee Makers

• French Press Coffee Makers for Backing
• Vietnamese Drip Coffee
• Aeropress and Portable Espresso Makers
• Drip and Pour Over Coffee Options for Travelers
• Infusion Brewing Basket and Bags
• The Costa Rican Coffee Maker
• Making Cold Brew on the Road
• Coffee Grinder, Maker, and Mug Combos

Full List of Our Recommended Portable Coffee Makers

Scroll down to get the details on all of them…

Best Portable French Presses for Travel

• OXO BREW Venture Travel French Press

Double Wall Insulated Stainless Steel French Press (by Jomo)

• Planetary Design Ovrlndr French Press
• Zyliss Hot Mug Cafetiere (Plastic French Press)

Best Coffee Press Mugs for Travel

The stanley mug french press, the espro travel coffee press.

• Bodum Travel Press

Vietnamese Drip Coffee Makers

Aeropresso Styled Coffee Presses

• AeroPress (Original) + The DISC: FINE Premium Filter for AeroPress Coffee
• Aeropress Go Portable Coffee Maker : The smaller, more travel-friendly aeropress
• Delter Coffee Press

Best Travel Espresso Maker Options for Backpackers

Wacaco nanopresso portable espresso maker.

• Wacaco PicoPresso : As good as the Nanopresso in a more compact size
• Staresso Portable Espresso Machine: Workswithcoffee grounds and Nespresso pods

Best Travel Pour Over Coffee and Drip Options

• Single serving, single use Hanging Filter bags

Reusable Drip Pour Over Coffee Filters

• Foldable Reusable Drip Coffee Filters
• GSI Collapsible Pour Over Coffee Maker
• Primula Reusable (Pour over) Filter
• Kuissential Slick Drip (Pour over filter cone)
• Kalita Wave 185 Dripper
• Drip Kit 10 Pack

Infusion Brewing Basket Coffee While Traveling

Yoassi steel mesh strainer, the finum reusable stainless steel coffee and tea.

Single Serve Coffee Bag Sachets (Tea Bag Style)

Counter Culture Single Serve Coffee Bags

• Wildland Coffee – Coffee in a Tea Bag
• Folgers Coffee Singles

Portable Nespresso Coffee Makers

Conqueco portable espressso maker.

Cold Brew Coffee for Travel (Method I use…)

All-in-One Coffee Maker: Coffee Grinder, Coffee Maker, and Mug Combos

• Coffee Gator
• Cafflano Classic
• Wacaco Pipamoka

Best Portable French Press Coffee Makers and Coffee Press Options

A compact travel coffee press in a portable French Press style is a great, simple option for a light, smooth, and delicious cup of coffee while traveling. 

For these portable French Press style one cup coffee makers, simply find or grind coarse grind coffee, pour in 1-2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, let the coffee steep for 3-5 minutes, push down the filter separate grinds from coffee, and then serve. 

Simple as that.

Travel coffee presses come in two types:

• Mugs that are a cup and travel coffee press combo
• French presses

Single serve combo mugs are best if you’re a solo traveler.  Travel French presses (normally serving up 32 oz.) are best if you’re traveling with others…or just a friendly character that shares their coffee.

The best portable French Presses suitable for travel are small and compact enough to fit easily into a backpack or luggage, make at least two cups (to over caffeinate on your own or share the love), and are more rugged than your average press to avoid shattering on day 1 of the adventures.  In reality, most travel coffee presses will be around 32 oz., so I only opt for a French Press when I’m consistently traveling with two or more people and don’t need to stay as light.  If you’re traveling solo, save some space and opt for a coffee press mug instead

The best travel French press options are:

The OXO BREW Venture Travel French Press

If you don’t mind sacrificing the space, this French Press has durable stainless steel construction, will definitely keep your coffee hot if you’re a slow drinker (like I am), and makes enough joe for 2 to 3 people.

The Jomo’s size (enough to share, possibly too large to take backpacking the world), ruggedness, and durability make it one of the best camping coffee maker options on our list. Additionally, the double wall insulation may add too much weight and bulk for travel backpacking, but will help keep your remaining cups of your delicious camp coffee warm on cool camping mornings.

More Great French Press Options

• Planetary Design Ovrlndr French Press **
• Zyliss Hot Mug Cafetiere (Plastic French Press) **

As compact as a travel mug, insulated to keep your coffee warm, and no need to track down paper filters.

My favorite Travel Coffee Press and Mug combos are:

An extremely functional mug and coffee press from a name that is known for making rugged coffee gear.  I actually recommend Stanley’s classic flask too which served me well and is currently being passed between backpackers in Europe…with plenty of memories attached.

Simple, straightforward, reliable, and a great coffee maker – the Espro Travel Coffee Press is kinda legendary for on the go coffee.  Count on 10 oz. of coffee per serving.

More Great Portable French Press Mug Options:

• Bodum Travel Press **

The Vietnamese drip coffee maker style is possibly the simplest, most durable, and cheapest coffee solution for travelers that want strong coffee – all for ~$10.

The all-steel makeup allows the natural oils of the coffee to drip through making the Vietnamese coffee more akin to espresso (without the tasty brown espresso foam) than American style drip coffee or pour-overs.  The simple, steel design also makes Vietnamese coffee makers durable enough to survive years on the road or in your luggage – just add grinds and water, and you’re caffeine ready.

This contraption is so simple that any stainless steel Vietnamese coffee filter on Amazon would work, just like this stainless steel Vietnamese coffee filter (pictured above and below)

For the longest time on Bali and in Southeast Asia, I always carried a Vietnamese coffee style drip coffee maker, and freshly ground coffee to ensure I always had a cup of coffee before my sunrise surfs, and well before most cafes open.

The lightweight design, cheap price, the fact that you can find a replacement anywhere, make these Vietnamese gadgets perfect light traveler and backpacking coffee maker options.

Aeropress Coffee Maker for Espresso on the Road (with Additional Metal Disc)

If you require an espresso in the morning, but aren’t in Italy and don’t have a Nespresso machine , the AeroPress may be your next best option. 

By compressing the grinds before preparing the coffee (as you would before loading a normal espresso maker) and pairing with a reusable metal AeroPress filter disc , you’ll get the same strong coffee and frothy coffee oils of an espresso…anywhere!  Plus, having the metal filter disc means no hunting for paper filters when you’re in the middle of Jordan somewhere.

When packing your kit, if you prefer a more espresso style coffee, with the tasty frothy oils, be sure to pack finely ground coffee as that is the only way to achieve an espresso style coffee. Larger grinds, more suitable for French Press coffee, will leave you with a thinner coffee.

The DISC: FINE Premium Filter fo r AeroPress Coffee

More Great Aeropress Styled Coffee Press Options

Whether you’re backpacking through Yosemite or backpacking through Sri Lanka, finding a quality cup of espresso can be fairly difficult.

Also, surprisingly for backpackers wandering through Southeast Asia, finding a good espresso, long black, or Americano (due to bean quality, machine settings, and barista training) can be so difficult that you may want to your own pocket espresso maker – as I resorted to.

For the digital nomad and freelancing crowd that hustles from home, its hard to overestimate the convenience of being able to make a great cup of espresso at home, in your home away from home.

For travelers, backcountry campers, and digital nomads alike, these portable espresso machine options take up minimal space and make a cup of coffee worth their weight

A very interesting option for espresso while traveling, hiking or camping – the WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker .  Just over a year ago I purchased it as a compact way to make an espresso – at home and while backpacking – and if you are an espresso addict it is definitely worth the investment.

Here in Bali, there is no shortage of fantastic coffee beans from around Indonesia. However, finding a shot of espresso or a long black that uses those fantastic beans to make an equally great cup of espresso based coffee without being overpriced is rare. As such, the Nanopresso has been a great purchase for making a quick cup of espresso at home, without a moka pot, and is an equally good backpacking coffee maker for my travels around the world.

This handheld option makes espresso from both grinds and Nespresso pods via pump action, and only requires hot water, coffee…no filters, no electricity.  Find out more by viewing the Nanopresso options on Amazon .

If you specifically require a good cup of espresso or espresso based coffee drink wherever you go, consider the nanopresso.

More great Portable Espresso Maker Options**

If light and smooth is how you like your coffee, then travel-friendly pour-over coffee options will be best for you – and there are plenty of them. Hanging Filter bags and folding coffee drip filters, reusable cloth filters, and reusable mesh filters will all give a great cup of coffee cheaply, quickly, and with minimal hassle.

The beauty of filtered coffee is that it delivers a “cleaner” cup of coffee, extracting the oils from the coffee (along with a bit of bitterness) and leaving a more flavorful experience. If you prefer a lighter roast and lighter cup of coffee but are stuck with darker roasted bean (think Italian roast or French roast), having filters will make a more palatable cup of coffee.

Hanging Filter bags

These handy little gadgets are my most recent coffee discovery and a perfect java backup to carry during travel.  They’re cheap and simple, and as long as coffee grinds, hot water, and a cup are available you’ll always have a cup of coffee.  Be sure to purchase “ Hanging Ear Drip Filter Bags ” cheaply on Amazon before you travel…just in case. 

For a simple option that will last the duration of your travels and doesn’t require paper filters, paperless pour-over options made of mesh metal filters are quick to set up, easy to use, and quick to clean up giving cup of coffee.  Thanks to the simplicity you can find plenty of durable and cheap steel pour-over coffee filters on Amazon that are well-reviewed and perfect for travel.

Stainless steel design and a tightly-knit mesh filter make these reusable pour-over coffee filters great options for coffee on the road.  The materials will last the trip and the built-in metal filter means no hunting for paper ones.  Just set the filter in your cup, place the grinds in, pour on water, and sip to your heart’s contentment. 

Also, consider a reusable pour-over coffee filter with a stand to make life easier by setting the filter on a cup and pouring instead of holding it.

Foldable Drip Coffee Filters

The Snowpeak Folding Coffee Drip and Snow Peak Field Barista Coffee Drip are both great, lightweight, durable options for making drip coffee on the road – but don’t forget to pack your own filters or purchase a cloth reusable filter like these hemp cloth reusable cone filters (pictured below).

Improvising with Reusable Cloth Filters

Reusable cloth filters are possibly the most lightweight and minimalist options for coffee.  Just set a reusable cloth filter in place over a cup, add grinds, and pour. 

If you’re unsure if you’ll need a coffee backup plan and can barely spare the extra space take a reusable cloth coffee filter with you and improvise along the way

More Great Pour Over Coffee Options

• GSI Collapsible Pour Over Coffee Maker: Extremely compact and effective, just don’t forget the filters*
• Primula Reusable (Pour over) Filter: Lightweight, reusable, supported mesh filter no additional *
• Kuissential Slick Drip (Pour over filter cone): Cheap, compact, and effective collapsible silicon filter, just don’t forget the filters!*
• Kalita Wave 185 Dripper: Slightly more cumbersome as it isn’t collapsible, but the beautiful stainless steal may be worth it*
• Drip Kit 10 Pack : A self contained single serving pour over kit packed with coffee and a disposable filter*

Another minimalist option for a good cup of coffee while traveling is the infusion brewing basket commonly used for tea.  This is a great option – small, durable, simple, and perfect for a quick, single cup of coffee.

Back before backpacking around the world, infusion basket brewed coffee was one of my favorite options for brewing at home and camping as it gives the same style of coffee as a French Press, is easily cleaned, and can be used to brew loose leaf tea as well.

To use infusion baskets for coffee, drop a coarse grind coffee into an infusion basket that has small pores, place your coffee in the basket (while in the cup), pour the water over the coffee and (through the basket), and let steep 3-5 minutes – just as you would in a French press.

The compact size, versatility, and ease of use make infusion baskets excellent portable portable, minimalist travel and backpacking coffee maker options.

Any well-reviewed infusion basket on Amazon that explicitly states it can be used for coffee will work just fine.  I recommend checking out these options:

The Costa Rican coffee Maker: Chorreador de Café

Coffee beans have been around much longer than Starbucks and the espresso culture of Italy, and the simpler methods of brewing coffee still persist in the charmingly simpler parts of the world.  The Costa Rican “Chorreador de Café” is proof of this.

A reusable cloth bag with a handle used pour-over style is all that’s needed to brew coffee from the java beans that Costa Rica is so well known for.  This contraption is small enough that it takes up nearly no space in your bag, cleans up easily, and lasts for anywhere from a few months to a few years.

To use, just drop your grinds in, hold over your coffee cup, and pour away with hot water. 

For cleanup, don’t use soap, just rinse with warm water and scrub with salt if necessary (maybe once a week if using daily).

Traditionally the Correador de café is sold with a wooden stand like this handmade Costa Rican coffee maker , but you can find the Costa Rican coffee Makers on Amazon as a simple bag for cheap too, minimalist, and perfect for coffee while traveling.

By far, the easiest approach to making a good, reliable, quick cup of coffee are with single serve, tea bag style coffee servings. With these, you simply find hot water, grab a cup, and steep your coffee to your preferred point.

If you are car camping, and have quite a bit of space, or will be traveling and backpacking for a limited amount of time – planning out enough cups for your days of adventure and addiction – this may be the best and simplest travel coffee option for you.

These single serve “coffee bags” come in an environmentally friendly container in dark roast, medium roast, light roast, French Roast, and as many others as you can think of

The packaging itself is compostable meaning the whole experience of having your coffee in your favorite place is convenient and environmentally friendly.

More Great Single Serve Coffee Bag Options:

• Folgers Coffee Singles Coffee Bags: A household coffee name, packaged into convenient tea bag style coffee bags

For many people, the K-Cup dependency is real, and for good reason. K-Cup Pods are available (and can be restocked) in most countries in North America, Europe, and Asia, meaning you can pickup a portable K-Cup coffee maker and restock on the road.

This rechargeable (car or home) portable espresso maker runs on Nespresso pods and simultaneously heats water, perfectly pressurizes (to 8 to 10 bar) and pours a cup of espresso all with the push of a button.

Note that the heating process (for the water) takes about 10 minutes when starting with room temperature water.

Cold Brew Coffee for Travel

If you have the time, appreciate highly caffeinated coffee, and want something very smooth with low bitterness and acidity, cold brew coffee may be up your alley.

You’ll still need an option for filtering the grinds after soaking overnight, just cut it with a bit of water to your personal tastes as it will be quite strong.

To make cold brew coffee, simply grab some coarse grind coffee, mix 1 part coffee with 4 parts water (so 1 cup of coffee with 4 parts water), let it steep for 12 hours, and then filter with cheesecloth or coffee filters. 

Dilute the resulting coffee with water as necessary or plus up on coffee the next time for a stronger brew.

All-in-One Coffee Maker – Coffee Grinder, Coffee Maker, and Mug Combos

If coffee freshness matters to you most, a portable coffee maker that combines a coffee grinder and reusable filter compactly into the mug is perfect for you. This is my brew method of choice when camping and trekking solo as the morning routine of grinding the beans (usually over a few minutes) smelling the freshly ground coffee and carefully making pour over coffee wakes me up in such a pleasant way.

Consider these fresh coffee facts…

Did you know that the peak flavor and aroma of coffee grinds occur in the first 20 to 30 minutes after grinding? 

Did you know that coffee beans stay fresh for 4 months while coffee grinds only stay fresh for 1 month before going rancid? 

What does all this mean? If you’re traveling long term and not sure if coffee grinds will be available where you’re going, bring one of these handy gadgets and coffee beans.  This way you’ll be able to enjoy fresh coffee, anytime, any place.

I own a grinder combo similar to this portable coffee grinder and drip coffee maker combo by MOYEAH and it served me well during my national park tour – with a supremely fresh cup of java every morning, with a little grinding workout to wake me up. 

More Great All-In-One Portable Coffee Makers

• Coffee Gator : A whole coffee maker system, including a pour over cup, reusable metal filter and an insulated mug
• Cafflano Classic **
• Wacaco Pipamoka **

Other Great Travel Gear  Content:

• The 8 Best Travel Shoes for Men
• 5 Great Men’s Travel Shorts
• The Best Travel Pants for Men
• My Carry on Packing List

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

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• What to Buy

I Make Coffee To-Go Every Day, and This Is the Coffee Gear I Never Travel Without

Never trust the coffee setup at the hotel.

Food and Wine / Fellow

A fun part of my job as a commerce editor is testing kitchen products. One of my favorite parts about that part of my job is testing the best coffee gear. I make coffee every morning either to sip at my desk or to-go while I’m walking my dog, and I’ve gone through dozens of coffee makers , grinders , espresso machines , and milk frothers . I love coffee so much that I like to make it even when I travel, especially after being stuck at an Airbnb without a proper coffee setup one too many times. And don’t even get me started on the horrors of the broken hotel room Keurig.

So, no matter where I go, I bring a few simple coffee tools that are durable enough to get banged around in the back of the car but lightweight enough to pack without adding too much bulk. If I’m headed upstate to go camping or hitting the beach for a long weekend, these are the three travel-ready coffee tools I always take with me.

The 3 Travel Coffee Tools I Always Pack 

• Fellow Carter Move Travel Mug , $30
• Barista Warrior French Press , $35
• MiiR Airtight Coffee Canister , $35

Fellow Carter Move Travel Mug

I don’t travel without my Fellow Carter Move Mug , whether I make a quick trip into the office or hit the road for a weekend getaway. Unlike many other coffee thermoses, it fits perfectly in a cup holder. It also feels nice in my hands; the twist-off lid makes a satisfying tactile clank. Its stainless steel construction makes it durable enough to toss in my bag for a hike or a subway commute, and the vacuum seal means it won’t spill my precious coffee everywhere. It’s also designed with a removable splash guard that has proven to be especially useful when I’m in a hurry.

It’s my favorite travel coffee mug thanks to its durability, practical design, and temperature control, and it’s also versatile for iced and hot coffee (or a to-go spring cocktail in the park). Also unlike other coffee thermoses, the Fellow Carter Move Mug has a ceramic interior that doesn’t impart any chemical aftertaste, so when I’m blissfully sipping my coffee in the woods, I’m not distracted by any metallic taste.

Barista Warrior Stainless Steel French Press

A French press is my go-to small coffee maker . I like the flavor, strength customization, and control I get with a manual press. I’ve tested dozens of French presses and broken at least two glass Chambord models, but the Barista Warrior Stainless Steel French Press has gone with me on multiple camping trips and Airbnb stays for over three years. It’s a great portable coffee maker for travel since it only requires beans and hot water from an electric kettle (or even better: from a pot over a crackling fire).

Unlike glass models, this double-wall insulated stainless steel press doesn’t get hot to the touch but keeps my coffee piping hot. It has a handy built-in thermometer that makes it easy to brew coffee at the correct temperature too. This is hands-down the most durable French press I’ve ever used (as I said, I’ve broken several), but it’s lightweight enough to pack. 

MiiR Airtight Coffee Canister

I buy my coffee beans whole and grind them to a medium coarseness to use in my French press. If I’m headed out of town for a long weekend, I’ll grind my beans beforehand and pack enough grounds for a few days in an airtight coffee canister to throw in my bag. This MiiR Canister is designed with double-wall vacuum insulation to protect contents and maintain freshness, and it works exceptionally well for transporting coffee beans.

I use this coffee canister for other snacks while I’m hiking. I’ve also used it to store my dog’s kibble or treats on our hikes, too. I’ve tried other fancier vacuum-sealed canisters that have been tricky to seal and release, but I recommend this simple lever-style model with a twist top for transporting smaller amounts of coffee beans, trail mix, or snacks.

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10 Best Travel Coffee Makers in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

There are countless travel and portable coffee makers on the market, but we’ve handpicked the best ones to make your life easier. You may prefer a particular coffee-brewing method, and just because you are traveling doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice coffee made the way you like it. No matter what you’re looking for in a travel coffee maker, from espresso machines to French presses, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our list of the 10 best.

• A Quick Summary of Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Travel Coffee Makers

• 1. AeroPress Portable Coffee Maker – Best Overall

The AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker is everything you want in a travel coffee maker. It’s extremely lightweight (only 13 ounces) and compact, so it won’t take up much space in your bag. It makes coffee fast, with less than two minutes to brew a cup, which is perfect for when you’re on the go. It’s easy to use and easy to clean. Best of all, it’s completely manual. It doesn’t require electricity, so you only need access to hot water. This makes it ideal for any travel situation: hotels, beach houses, your friend’s house, or even camping and backpacking .

The only issue is that it can only make one cup of coffee at a time. If you want more than one cup, or if you want to impress your friends with your coffee-brewing skills, you have to go through the process all over again.

All in all, we think this is the best travel coffee maker of the year.

By the way… you can read our full review of the AeroPress coffee maker here !

• Very lightweight
• Makes coffee fast
• Inexpensive
• Easy to use
• Easy cleanup
• No electricity needed
• Only makes a single cup of coffee at a time
• 2. Bodum TravelPress – Best French Press Coffee Maker for Travel

We chose the Bodum Travel Press as the best french press coffee maker for travel, as it’s incredibly convenient. The travel cup comes with a plunger and filter, so you brew your coffee right in your travel cup. This means you don’t have to pack a separate coffee maker or paper filters, saving valuable space in your luggage. It’s made of a stainless steel double-wall design that keeps coffee piping hot, so be careful! It’s quick and easy to use, which is great for travel. It even comes in a few bold color choices.

On the negative side, this isn’t the best cup for daily use. That’s fine if you plan to use it just for travel, but the durability is questionable. The filter breaks down over time, and the lid tends to be flimsy.

To conclude, we think this is the best portable French press coffee maker. Take it on your next trip and see what you think!

RELATED READ:  There’s a new French press in town.. and it’s solar-powered!

• Brews in a travel cup
• Insulated stainless steel cup keeps coffee hot
• Available in various colors
• Quick and easy to use
• Not as durable; breaks down over time
• 3. Black+Decker Portable Single Serve Coffee Maker – Best Value

The Black + Decker Single Serve is another great portable coffee maker that brews right in the travel cup. It’s an auto-drip maker, but its compact design makes it ideal for travel and small spaces ( like a dorm room ). A permanent filter is included, so you don’t have to worry about disposing of or buying paper filters. It’s also very inexpensive.

It does have a couple of problems, however. It comes with a plastic travel cup, which won’t keep your coffee hot for long. You can upgrade to any 16-ounce travel mug, but that’s an added expense. It’s also not very durable and shouldn’t be used for daily use.

• Compact design
• Permanent filter
• Plastic travel cup
• Not very durable

NOTE:  You can see a breakdown of the best travel-friendly ESPRESSO makers here

• 4. Keurig K-Mini – Best Travel K-Cup Coffee Maker

Keurig is the manufacturer of popular K-Cup makers , so it makes sense to include their most travel-friendly model on this list. The Keurig K-Mini is extremely compact and lightweight; it’s only 4.5 inches wide, and it weighs a little less than five pounds. It comes in a variety of colors, and it has a compartment for K-Cup storage. For more potent cups of coffee, it has a strong brew option.

If you’re the type of person who likes more than one cup of coffee in the morning, then this design might get a little tedious, since the water reservoir can only hold up to 12 ounces. Other than the strong brew option and a couple of size options, this brewer doesn’t have any extra features.

Read our full review of the Keurig Mini here!

• Extremely compact and lightweight
• Available in several colors
• Strong brew option
• Only enough water for one cup of coffee
• No extra features
• 5. GSI Portable Portable Pour-Over Coffee Brewer

The GSI Outdoors Java Drip is a great option for backpacking, camping, or boating. It collapses almost completely flat and is made of durable silicone. Fewer parts mean easy cleanup, and it’s easy to use. Just insert a paper filter, place the silicone disc over your mug or travel cup, and use the pour-over coffee-making method with hot water. It’s big enough to use a regular-size coffee filter, so it can handle up to twelve cups of coffee.

Even though the silicone makes it durable and easy to clean, it has a detectable smell, especially right out of the box. This can affect the taste of your coffee. You’ll also need paper filters, which are another thing to purchase, take up space in your bag, and dispose of.

• Collapsible, lightweight design
• Easy to clean and use
• Brews 1-12 cups of coffee
• Silicone can affect the taste of coffee
• Paper filters needed
• 6. Wacaco Minipresso Portable Travel Espresso Maker

If you can’t live without espresso while you’re traveling, especially in situations where you won’t have access to electricity, the Wacaco Minipresso is a great choice. All of its parts stack together into one unit, so it’s very compact. It comes in at 0.8 lbs, which is very light. It’s entirely manually operated via a pumping mechanism, so you don’t have to worry about batteries or finding an outlet.

However, with eight BARs of pressure, it’s just under the nine BARs needed for espresso. This means that the grounds are a bit under-extracted. Quite a bit of hand strength is needed for the pump, and even though the company’s video shows it being operated with only one hand, many people will need to use both. All those parts also mean it’s harder to clean, and some will require air-drying.

Read our full review of the Wacaco Minipresso here! (We loved it).

• Compact and lightweight
• Manually operated
• Harder to clean
• Espresso is under-extracted
• Hand strength required
• 7. Coffee Gator Travel Pour-Over Coffee Brewer Mug

The Coffee Gator Pour Over Brewer Mug is another option for pour-over brewing, where you can brew directly into the included travel mug. It’s made of vacuum-insulated stainless steel, and it has a copper lining to keep your coffee hotter longer. The metal filter means you don’t have to buy paper filters or have them take up space in your luggage. It comes in a range of colors, and it’s easy to use.

There are a few things that keep it from the top of the list, however. It has a flimsy lid, so the durability is questionable. The lid also has a few small parts, making it difficult to clean. This wouldn’t be a good choice for daily use, as the filter appeared to break down over time.

• Brews right in the travel mug
• Made of quality materials to keep coffee hot
• Metal filter
• Available in a variety of colors
• Difficult to clean
• Questionable durability
• Filter breaks down over time
• 8. Bialetti Portable Stovetop Coffee Maker

This is the compact, travel-friendly version of the Bialetti Moka pot you love. It’s extremely portable because it’s entirely self-contained. Just add ground coffee and water. The brew time is fast at under five minutes, and it’s easy to clean.

One major issue, however, is that you’ll need access to a stovetop or campfire. That’s not a problem if you’re staying in a hotel suite with a kitchen or traveling in an RV , but it wouldn’t be the best travel coffee maker choice for a regular hotel room, for example. It’s also a bit heavier than some of the other options, at a little more than a pound. It only makes one small cup, so it’s a bit of a pain if you want multiple cups of coffee.

• Entirely self-contained
• Easy to clean
• Fast brew time
• Requires access to a stovetop or fire
• On the heavier side
• Only makes one small cup
• 9. Presto MyJo Single Cup Travel Coffee-Maker

The Presto MyJo is another good choice for camping, backpacking, or other traveling activity where you don’t have access to electricity. If you love the convenience of a K-Cup brewer, this is the travel coffee maker for you. It uses K-Cups, but it also comes with a reusable coffee filter that you can fill with your own ground coffee. The design is extremely compact, and it weighs less than a pound.

Unfortunately, the reusable filter is also pretty delicate, and it’s custom-made by Presto, so you have to order it from the company. The MyJo isn’t very durable, and the gasket leaks easily if you don’t have it properly sealed. It may also be convenient that no electricity is needed, but it requires a lot of force to pump the water through.

• Extremely compact design
• K-Cup compatible
• Reusable coffee filter included
• Reusable coffee filter is delicate
• Tends to leak
• Takes a lot of force to pump water
• 10. Takeya Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker

Can’t live without your iced coffee , even when traveling? Then the Takeya Cold Brew is the coffee maker for you. It’s easy to use; you only need coffee grounds and cold water. This design is especially compact and lightweight, at just under 10 ounces.

However, the handle is flimsy, and the lid tends to leak if you aren’t careful. The filter also never forms a perfect seal, so grounds always manage to escape into the coffee. Because of this, the overall design doesn’t seem very durable. It’s fine for occasional travel use, but it wouldn’t be a good choice for daily use.

• Lightweight
• Filter allows coffee grounds to escape
• Tends to be flimsy
• Prone to leaks
• Final Thoughts – Finding the Best Travel Coffee Maker

We think Aeropress is the best travel coffee maker of the year. It’s lightweight and compact enough for air travel, and the fact that it doesn’t require electricity makes it ideal for camping. It makes both American-style coffee and espresso, so it can suit the tastes of almost everyone.

If you can’t leave home without your French press, then the Bodum Travel Press is the best for travel. The fact that it brews directly in the travel mug makes it great for travel, and it won’t take up much space in your luggage.

If you’re on a budget, Black + Decker’s Single-Serve Coffeemaker is inexpensive and also brews right in the travel mug. This is an auto-drip model that’s easy to use and familiar to just about everyone.

For those who love the convenience and efficiency of a K-Cup coffee maker, the Keurig K-Mini is perfect to take along. Its compact design ensures it won’t take up much space, while still giving you the speed and efficiency you’ve come to expect from a single-serve coffee maker.

Whether you prefer a cup of espresso or love the convenience of a K-Cup, we hope our reviews helped you find the travel coffee maker to suit your needs. We truly hope that our guide helps you find the best portable coffee maker for your tastebuds. Happy brewing!

WORTH READING:

• Can you bring coffee beans on a plane?
• Airplane Coffee Guide: What Kind of Coffee Do Airlines Serve?

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The 13 Best Portable Travel Coffee Makers [2024]

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Table of Contents

Why buy a portable coffee maker, the different types of coffee makers, things to consider with a travel coffee maker, the 4 best espresso makers for travel, the 4 best pour-over coffee makers   for travel, the 5 best french presses for travel, final thoughts.

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Whether you are looking for something to perk up your morning commute or want to sip a hot cup of joe on a mountain top in the middle of nowhere, a portable coffee maker is an absolute game-changer.

From single cup heaters to coffee makers you can share with friends, a portable coffee maker is a travel must-have for those who never want to miss a coffee fix, wherever they are headed.

Sure, you could nip into the nearest Starbucks (or other coffee shops available) and grab a paper cup on the go. But being able to brew your favorite hot beverage is far more satisfying and much more cost-effective.

Portable coffee makers are, among other things:

An automatic coffee maker can brew up a cup at the touch of a button. Your morning cup can be just as tasty as it is at home, even on the road.

Fancy lattes and other brews can be expensive. Nice for the occasional treat, but buying 1 every day can soon add up. Making your own will save you money from the get-go.

Compact, discreet, and easy to take with you, a portable coffee maker can fit in your carry-on bag and be produced for a brew whenever you need it.

Blendable To Suit Your Tastes

Once you get used to using your coffee maker, you will soon be brewing like a barista as you mix blends and flavors to create your perfect cup.

Because not all coffee makers are the same, they offer varying ways to brew your coffee on the go.

The most common types of coffee makers include:

Pour-over Coffee Makers

Possibly the best option for longer journeys, pour-over coffee makers are compact and light as a feather. Carry just a few grams of your favorite blend and voilà — a perfect coffee on the go. The only downside to these types of coffee makers is that you may have to wait a few minutes for your brew.

French Press

French press coffee makers work by immersing all of the coffee in hot water to capture more of its natural flavor, resulting in a rich, strong cup of coffee. While the coffee may be better, the cleaning processes take longer, and some French press coffee makers are more portable than others.

Espresso Makers

If you like your coffee dark, a portable espresso maker will give you big flavors on the go. As the machine applies pressure to the beans, the maximum flavor and oils spill out, giving the same result as bigger coffee machines, but in a compact and completely portable format. These models are the most expensive but will be a big hit with true coffee connoisseurs.

Hot Tip: Check out our favorite travel mugs to go with your travel coffee maker.

When choosing your perfect portable coffee maker, consider the following:

Portability

One of the most important features of a portable coffee maker is that it needs to be “portable” — the clue is in the title. Some types of coffee makers are far larger and bulkier than others, so look for one that suits your needs.

Whichever type of coffee maker you favor, it needs to be easy to carry and not take up too much space. Otherwise, you may as well leave it back at home.

Hot Tip: Look for lightweight materials like silicone, and consider coffee makers that are complete and without the need for lots of other fancy accessories.

Traveling can take its toll on your possessions, and you need to make sure that you buy appliances and devices that will go the distance. Stay clear of delicate glass coffee makers and opt instead for reinforced materials such as plastic, silicone, or even aluminum for guaranteed durability.

Brewing Time

A portable coffee maker is almost pointless if you have to wait half of your journey time for it to brew. Choose appliances that take between 30 seconds to 5 minutes to brew, and you can enjoy speedy coffee on the go.

Ease of Cleaning

Dirty coffee is not good coffee. Consider where you are headed and how easy the coffee maker will be to clean when you get there. If you are hotel-based or have an apartment, you can enjoy the luxuries of a hot tap and maybe even a dishwasher, but if you are camping in the middle of nowhere, you should choose a coffee maker that is easy to clean, with minimal components.

Coffee for 1? 2? Or maybe more than a few? The size of your coffee maker could determine how grumpy your fellow travelers will be in the morning. You can be the chief coffee maker for as many as you want, but remember that the larger the capacity of the appliance, the bigger and bulkier it is likely to be.

Nearly every appliance or device you take with you will eventually need charging or require some form of power to make it work. Your portable coffee maker will be no different, but you need to be sure how you need to power it before you go.

Those that don’t run on elbow grease alone will run on electricity or batteries. To ensure your charging needs match your destination, read the instructions and reviews before you buy.

There are many different types of portable coffee makers out there to choose from, all of which will brew you a great cup of coffee. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Big Tasting Coffee From a Tiny Device

Wacaco minipresso gr, portable espresso machine.

Claiming to be one of the smallest and lightest handheld espresso machines on the market , the Wacaco Minipresso could be everything you need for your next big adventure.

Hand-operated and easy to use, the Minipresso uses a semi-automatic piston to allow small quantities of water to be injected into the coffee adapter. After a few pushes, the optimal extraction pressure is achieved, creating a wealth of rich and bold espresso flavors.

This impressive-looking bullet-shaped coffee maker comes with all the accessories you need to brew up a great single cup of coffee, as well as a travel case to keep it safe on the go. It is one of the more expensive models on this list, but its innovative design, sleek good looks, and impressive espresso-making capabilities make the price tag well worth it.

What We Like

• Produces perfect crema

What We Don’t Like

• Only makes 1 shot of espresso with cleaning required after each shot

2. A Travel Mug for Coffee Enthusiasts

Espro travel coffee press, stainless steel.

Make 10 ounces of great-tasting coffee with this traditional travel mug-style coffee maker. Super easy to use and carry with you, this travel press creates awesome coffee in an instant.

The leak-free mug lets you enjoy your freshly brewed coffee wherever you may be, and the patented double micro-filter keeps your cup free of grit and sludge, allowing you to drink it upright to the last sip.

The insulated double-walled stainless steel construction will keep your brew hot for hours , and the filter press will keep your coffee from getting bitter. Durable build quality makes this an excellent choice for regular travelers, and the BPA, BPS, and phthalate-free mugs will keep your coffee tasting completely authentic.

• Portable press that stays hot for hours
• The plunger is tight to remove to clean

3. Perfect Espresso Wherever You Go

• STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine

This swanky little coffee maker has everything you need to pour a cup of authentic tasting espresso. Measuring just 8 x 6 inches, this is an incredibly portable little device that weighs next to nothing and is super easy to use.

Compatible with both Nespresso pods and ground coffee , all you need is access to hot water to be brewing like a pro. Intuitive and straightforward to use, the patented pumping system means you can make espresso without the use of any electricity, just by using your elbow grease alone. Once you are done, the modular design makes it easy to clean and pack away the coffee maker until your next craving.

Made from high-quality BPA-free material, with a stainless steel pump and coffee chamber, the Staresso is an attractive, sophisticated, and easy-to-use portable espresso maker for serious coffee lovers.

• Makes espresso and froths milk
• The pump can sometimes get stuck

4. Easy Expresso at the Push of a Button

• CONQUECO Portable Coffee Maker

The CONQUECO Portable Coffee Maker is a clever little device that creates expresso at the touch of a button. Compatible with Nespresso and L’OR coffee pods , you simply pop in a pod, fill with water, and press the button.

Automated pressure builds to 15 bars, and depending on whether you used boiling or cool water, it will produce creamy, rich, and flavorsome espresso instantly, or within 8 to 10 minutes.

It’s easy to charge up using the supplied home or car charger cables, and it even has a super convenient auto wash function, so all you need to worry about is cleaning your cup.

Lightweight and incredibly portable in its small carry case, this coffee maker is a firm favorite with serious coffee lovers who are always on the go.

• Easy to use and wash
• Only creates 3 servings per charge

1. Affordable, Portable, Pour-over Coffee Maker

• Primula Brew Buddy Portable Pour Over

Create perfect coffee on the go with an easy personal brewing system that works in minutes. Unlike some of the larger portable coffee makers here, this little device is portable, slimline, and incredibly easy to take with you , meaning that you can make the perfect cup every time.

All you need is a cup and some hot water to create a perfect single cup of coffee. Simply place the Brew Buddy over your cup, add your coffee, and sit back and brew before enjoying the rich, smooth taste.

Dishwasher safe at home or easy to rinse through on the road, this little gadget also eliminates the need for reusable paper filters, coffee pods, or K-Cups, and there is no excess waste from paper filters or plastic pods — perfect!

• Small, lightweight, and easy-to-use
• The filter bag sits in your cup, reducing the space for a full cup of coffee

2. A Quirky Little Gadget That Delivers Great Coffee

Kuissential slickdrip – collapsible silicone coffee dripper.

This quirky-looking little gadget will give you truly excellent coffee on the go. Negating the need for bulky or expensive coffee machines or filters , you can brew up delicious flavors in minutes.

Made from high-grade silicone, this device is durable and completely portable. Unlike some other cheaper plastic coffee drippers, it will not absorb odors or leave a chemical taste in your brew.

To use the SlickDrip, simply place it over your mug, set the paper filter, add coffee and boiling water, and wait for the flavors to drip on through. Perfect for camping, commuting, at work, or at play, the unique collapsible design of this little coffee dripper makes it easy to clean and more practical to carry than glass or porcelain alternatives.

• Flattens down completely for portability
• Leaking can occur when using a skinnier travel mug

3. An All-in-One Brew Method for Great Coffee on the Go

Coffee gator paperless pour over coffee maker.

Popular with both baristas and regular coffee fans alike, this pour-over coffee maker gives you much more from your beans. Designed to make up to 10.5 ounces of coffee , this pour-over coffee dripper comes in a 100% BPA-free carafe and offers awesome coffee flavors on the go.

Offering an all-in-one brew method, this little beauty is just right for single-cup perfection. The detachable stainless steel filter adds body to the coffee and is much more eco-friendly and efficient than having to replace paper filters time and time again.

The compact dimensions make this small enough to be carried anywhere with ease, and the Coffee Gator company offers a satisfaction guarantee. Good looks and great brews from this cute-looking, single-cup coffee maker.

• Very easy to clean
• The glass bottom can be easily broken

4. A Durable Coffee Maker for Every Kind of Adventure

Cahlis all-in-one travel coffee maker and thermal cup.

A personal pour-over brewer with a difference, this travel coffee maker features a stainless steel mesh filter to make your coffee taste great on the go.

Drip coffee directly into the cup, and the double-wall stainless steel will trap in the heat for longer while keeping the outside cool to the touch. Perfect for long car rides and trips away, the cup has even been designed to fit nearly all car cup holders for awesome ease of use.

The metal filter sets this coffee maker apart from the competition, as well as being more environmentally friendly and cheaper to maintain. This 1-cup coffee maker uses a manual hand drip method to unlock the flavor of your brew. Measuring in at just 8.34 x 4.1 x 4 inches, this is a great choice for coffee lovers.

• The mug has a non-slip grip area for holding
• The metal filter doesn’t store inside mug when transporting

1. Share Great Coffee With Your Significant Other

• AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

Perfect for making 1 to 3 cups of coffee on your travels, the AeroPress promises to offer a fuller flavor brew than a traditional French press portable coffee maker. Complete with a press, funnel, scoop, stirrer, 350 micro-filters, and a filter holder, this impressive press measures in at 9.5 x 4 x 4 inches — just right for taking with you.

The superfast brewing process promises a full-flavored cup of coffee that is free from bitterness or the acids that can be produced by some lesser appliances. The patented micro-filter helps to eliminate grit and makes this coffee maker super easy to clean in seconds.

Create espresso-style coffee on the go with this lightweight, portable, and compact coffee maker that is perfect for camping trips, days out, morning commutes, and so much more.

• Easy to clean after use
• Only makes 1 cup at a time

2. Big-brand Beverages From Bodum

• Bodum Travel Press

Made by the big brand coffee enthusiasts at Bodum, this travel coffee maker holds up to 15 ounces of coffee and is an impressive little addition to your travel kit . Designed for you to enjoy a single cup of French press coffee, you can guarantee plunger perfection every time and an excellent cup of joe.

Incredibly easy to use by just adding coarsely ground coffee and hot water, stirring the contents, replacing the lid with plunger up, and off you go. The silicone and mesh filter also helps to reduce sediment to produce a smoother brew.

Made from vacuum-sealed stainless steel with a double-wall design, your coffee will stay hot for longer, and the non-skid rubber base’s non-slip grip makes for perfect, spillproof coffee anywhere you go.

• Keep the coffee incredibly hot
• Filter plunger is stored inside the mug at all times

3. A Beautiful Italian Standard Both at Home and Away

Bialetti 06799 express moka pot.

Made from high-quality, polished aluminum in the classic octagon shape, this is an iconic Italian coffee maker made by an iconic Italian brand . A real statement piece for your kitchen, you can also take this out and about with you.

Just large enough to hold 4.4 ounces of coffee, this coffee maker is just right for 2. From start to finish, the Bialetti only takes 5 minutes to brew the perfect cup, so you and another coffee drinker can enjoy the very best in next to no time at all.

The distinctive 8-sided shape allows the heat to diffuse perfectly to enhance the aroma of your coffee, and the rich, aromatic flavor is as good as anything you will find in a coffee shop, all in the comfort of your own home.

• Can be washed with just water
• Easy to burn yourself as the pot gets very hot

4. Single-serve Packs With Flavor

Presto 02835 myjo single cup coffee maker.

With its compact design, this single cup coffee maker offers many of the benefits of larger coffee makers in a perfectly portable package.

Using single-serve packs, the Presto MyJo offers a portable and affordable way to make great coffee using a K-Cup. By simply compressing the air inside the reservoir to push water through the pack, rich, smooth coffee will drip into your cup, ready to be enjoyed.

Easy to clean, you only need to rinse the base , while the single-serve packs can be disposed of and replaced by a new one when it’s time to brew again. The hot water reservoir is safe and easy to handle, and this type of coffee maker is a good choice for use in hotels and other bases where no coffee machine is present.

• Water can be heated in the reservoir in the microwave
• The rubber seal can fail over time, causing leaks

5. Unique Coffee Brewing From a World Leader

Kohipress the original portable french press coffee maker.

As one of the best-selling portable French press coffee makers, there must be something pretty special about this compact little compact coffee maker. Using its patented “Advanced Isolation Mechanism” and a fine mesh filter, coffee lovers can enjoy a rich, flavorsome cup of joe, where the grounds really have separated perfectly from the brew after pressing.

For travelers who appreciate both function and form, the sleek, cylindrical design is sure to impress, and the 3-minute brew time means even quicker coffee.

The insulated double-wall vacuum construction, along with the completely leakproof design, will ensure that your coffee stays hot and tasty wherever you are headed — a really good quality coffee maker for real coffee lovers.

• Coffee grounds stay separated for great tasting coffee
• Coffee doesn’t stay hot for very long

If you can’t get going in the morning without your caffeine fix, a portable coffee maker could be your new best friend. Whether you choose a simple pour-over or a sophisticated espresso maker, the perfect portable beverage is yours for the making.

For smaller budgets, remote locations, and the most intrepid adventurers, invest in a pour-over with easy cleaning capabilities. If you can take your coffee maker home to a dishwasher, or want something that offers a superior brew to better your barista, a French press or espresso maker might be more your thing.

Looking for more travel products? Explore all of our best travel products reviews — all in one place. For coffee junkies, also check out our travel coffee grinders guide to get that perfect cup of coffee on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i take a coffee maker in my carry-on.

Coffee makers and espresso makers can be packed in your carry-on. Just make sure that there is no liquid inside.

Can you use a coffee maker without electricity?

There are many portable coffee makers that do not require electricity or even batteries. For example, the STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine runs on elbow grease alone, as does the Wacaco Minipresso.

What is the best travel coffee maker?

There are plenty of great lightweight, affordable, and portable coffee makers that are perfect for travel. Here are a few you should consider:

• Wacaco Minipresso GR
• Espro Travel Coffee Press

Are there battery-operated coffee makers?

Some portable coffee machines are battery-operated, but most have a built-in rechargeable battery. Other coffee machines are hand-operated.

How do you make coffee when traveling?

From single cup heaters to coffee makers you can share with friends, a portable coffee maker is a travel must-have. These range from a French press to an espresso machine and are usually simple to use by adding ground coffee or whole beans.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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• Coffee & Tea

Survive Holiday Travel by Brewing Coffee in Your Hotel Room

Liz Clayton / Serious Eats

Whether you're en route to somewhere you want to be, or simply hiding from your relatives in a hotel room, there's one thing you definitely need to survive the upcoming holiday travel season, and that's a good cup of coffee. But is it possible to survive even in the wildest reaches of the world, where your nearest respite may be a stale hotel buffet—or the nearest gas station? As part of our ongoing public service commitment , we've compiled a cheat sheet to some of the best ways to survive in a hotel when you need a cup of coffee to even get yourself out the door.

Though some of these may sound like they require acrobatics, none should really take more than about three or four minutes. Let's check in!

Serious Eats

Requires: ground coffee, hot water, Aeropress, and filter

Favored by everyone from campers to long-haul airline travelers, the Aeropress's lightweight, unbreakable plastic makes it easy to stow in your carry-on for any emergency. For those in a hotel, Aeropress is one of the easiest possible solutions to make reliably great coffee. The key reason for this is hot water: because of Aeropress' flexibility of brewing, there are several recipes that don't demand the just-off-boil brewing temps we're used to with coffee, which are sometimes impossible to achieve in a hotel. (Ever tried to use two-cup in-room coffeemakers to heat coffee for a Chemex or pourover? It doesn't work. I haven't ever tried the iron, though...)

The Aeropress offers a simple way to make cups of coffee efficiently in a hotel room (I suggest the bathroom) and if you do it with grace, you can even press the coffee into one of those to-go cups. And with one of those permanent Aeropress filters from Able Brewing, you won't have to remember filters every time, either. Done and done.

Dripper Cone

Requires: ground coffee, just-off-boiling water, dripper cone and filters

With your trusty dripper cone of choice (I like the hybrid Clever infusion-dripper, which comes in a small size that's easy to pack) and sufficiently heated water from a travel kettle or hotel microwave, you should be able to reproduce exactly how you brew at home in your hotel setting.

Standard drippers like Melitta, Kalita, Hario, Beehouse, Clever, Bonmac etc, should fit on any hotel cup, but where you'll find the Clever's advantage is it doesn't suffer from brute-force water pouring. That is, with the first several, non-immersion methods, the way you pour the water will affect the taste of your brew—and I'm guessing very few of you are traveling with your favorite Japanese fine-spouted water pouring device. With the Clever Dripper you're meant to put all the water in and give a quick stir before you await the steeping time to conclude, so how precise your first coffee-to-water contact is is of little consequence. You'll need filters—but luckily those travel light.

Kantan Dripper

Requires: ground coffee, just-off-boiling water, Kantan drippers

For super-portable brewing that is ingeniously cute and makes a great cup of coffee, there is nothing more charming than the Kantan Dripper from Kalita. These tiny paper fold-flat coffee brewers perch perfectly over a cup while you carefully infuse water into the tiny little bed of coffee grounds.

The Kantan requires a lot of patience and stop-start action, so it's the most commitment of all these travel methods. But on the upside, there's nothing breakable or bulky (you can fit these in your laptop case, pocket, copy of Fifty Shades Darker, etc.) Also: cute!

K-Cup Brewer

Requires: room temperature water, hotel with K-Cup brewer

Now that the future is finally here, Keurig K-Cup single cup automatic brewers are truly everywhere. The brewers have reached beyond the office and countertop to select hotel rooms—the Hilton Garden Inn is the first to launch a chainwide deployment. Though I avoid these convenience brewers (for financial, waste-generating, and taste reasons) when in the "real world", hotel travel is far from that, and the ease of popping a coffee cartridge into a machine (which you've, of course, filled from the bathroom tap or that $7 bottle of Fiji water from the minibar) is impossible to top.

The biggest drawback here is that you'll be stuck with the hotel's choice of coffee—and let's be honest, certain of these prepackaged pod blends can really make hotel coffee feel like airplane coffee, and that's not a good thing. But for those who embrace the pod, you can always travel with your favorite varieties, or perhaps take it to the next level with the ones you can fill yourself? Either way, it's fun to live in the future...even if it requires a little more non-dairy creamer than you might've hoped.

Bonus points:

Bringing your own travel kettle (Bonavita makes a clunky one, others exist with variable wattages as well!) will save you time and frustration in most of these preparation methods. Should you find yourself in a hotel with room service but no kitchen accoutrements, ordering hot water for tea may do the trick in an Aeropress (by the time it gets to your room, that is.)

Hand grinders are great for travel when you prefer the taste of freshly ground coffee, and when you'll be enough days that preground coffee will become quickly stale. Bonus points if you're traveling with a kid who will grind the coffee for you. Those rollaway beds aren't free, you know.

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• Coffee & Tea

The Ultimate Travel Coffee Brewing Setup

How to optimize the mobile coffee brewing experience

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Share All sharing options for: The Ultimate Travel Coffee Brewing Setup

Despite third wave coffee's country-wide profusion, a great pour-over is still not always within arm's reach. Consequently, travel sometimes equals bland coffee.  I've found that when I'm in certain cities, say Las Vegas, finding a great cup of coffee is nearly impossible, especially on the Strip. Over the years, I've devised different setups to maximize the mobile coffee brewing experience. While this particular guide is optimized for one or two people, I've included suggestions for those who plan to make coffee for a larger group, too. Here now, the ultimate mobile coffee brewing setup, from start to finish.

Every great coffee experience starts with beans, so that means loading up on the freshest you can find. Make sure to grab at least one 12 ounce bag of freshly roasted coffee for one solid week of drinking. I'd portion out about 30-50 grams a day, which means you'll need about 350 grams for seven days.

Brewing mobile means having a reliable and easy to use hand grinder. Taking a bulky electric burr mill grinder (the kind of machine you'd keep on the kitchen counter) to a Las Vegas resort (or, say, a campground) is overkill. I've already reviewed the most commonly found hand grinder models ; I really like the Porlex for quick trips. One major bonus: it fits right inside an  AeroPress brewer, which is what I like to use while traveling. I didn't use the mini Porlex for my review, though that's certainly an option as well.

There are two brewers I suggest for travel. The first is an  AeroPress , a sturdy plastic device that looks like it belongs in a lab. I'd rate it as a C+ in terms of usability, but after mastering the brewing technique, it yields very good single cups of brewed coffee. It's also really small, a little bigger than the size of a Coke can when you bundle it up. And it weighs maybe a third of a pound. The other brewer I'd suggest is a  Hario V60 , especially one of the newer thin stainless steel models. The reason why I suggest the Hario is that it's a little more brainless to operate in the mornings.

Another option I've really enjoyed is the travel-sized Bona Vita electric water boiler , which weighs about a pound and is shaped like a tall can of tomatoes. I've toyed around with this half-liter boiler, which takes room temperature water to boiling within minutes, with great success. It's particularly suited to use with the AeroPress, which doesn't require  a special spouted kettle . But, with enough care, it is possible to brew a very solid cup on the V60. If you won't have access to a water boiler (they're becoming less frequent in hotels, and are almost impossible to find even in a Vegas resort), this is my recommended device.

Measurements

When traveling, I think most people could forgive eyeball measurements. But why eyeball when something like a pocket-sized gram scale runs a  mere $10 on Amazon ? I purchased this new style gram scale and found it incredibly useful: the range of this tiny device (it's sized like a square deck of cards) goes all the way up to one kilogram, which means brewing an entire Hario V60 or AeroPress mug is entirely possible.

Brewing Parameters

Here's the tricky part: dialing in your travel coffee set up so it's almost as good as what you could get at a local craft coffee shop. And the bonus? It's often much cheaper to get your morning (or afternoon) coffee this way.

Via AeroPress

I really like  Heart Coffee 's general brewing method . Start with 18 grams of beans and hand grind to a slightly fine setting (think like Diamond Crystal kosher salt). Then set the AeroPress above a cup, wash through with warm water (to prime the device to the right temperature), throw in the coffee, and fill with 270 grams of hot water. Set the plunger on top to prevent the brewed coffee from seeping into the cup below. Wait just below a minute, remove the plunger, stir grinds and set the plunger back. After another minute, slowly plunge coffee through (make sure to take it off the gram scale when you push the coffee through at this point or else it'll break). Et voila, about 9 ounces of delicious hot coffee. Repeat for a second cup.

Via Hario V60

This method's a bit higher on the MacGyver scale. Grind 22 grams of coffee and throw the grinds into the Hario V60 (you can also wash through the filter, though you don't have to). If you have a fancy gooseneck kettle, slowly pour about 50 grams of water to "bloom" the coffee, then after about 30-40 seconds, finish pouring the water over a period of two minutes and thirty seconds or so, using a total water weight of 340 grams of water. If you're using the Bona Vita half-liter water boiler, you won't have the finesse of the gooseneck kettle, though you can still manage to brew a darn good cup of coffee (same parameters, though try and aim for about a 15:1 water to ground coffee ratio).

The full spread.

The Full Gear List

• Porlex coffee grinder ($54)
• Bona Vita half liter water boiler ($30) OR electric gooseneck kettle ($60)
• American Weigh Scales digital gram scale ($10)
• Aeropress ($30) or Silver-plated Hario V60 ($28) plus filters for each
• A sturdy travel mug or tumbler
• Fresh roasted coffee

Editor: Kat Odell

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The Best Travel Coffee Makers For a Better Brew, Anywhere You Go

By Jonathan Zavaleta

Jonathan Zavaleta

Contributor

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Getting your fix on the go can be tough if you’re a coffee obsessive. Patronizing the local cafes is always a great idea, but sometimes, you need a cup of coffee before your first cup of coffee. And if you’re camping or staying in a remote cabin, your morning Blue Bottle run might be out of the question. If that sounds like you, then you’ve probably wondered what the best ways to make coffee on the go are. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite travel coffee makers, based on research and personal experience.

The kind of travel coffee maker that’s best for you will vary depending on the kind of travel you’re doing. That’s why we picked out travel coffee makers that suit different kinds of accommodations. If you’re at an Airbnb, you might have access to a stove, which you likely won’t have if you’re staying at a hotel, for example. And what you need to make coffee while camping in a tent will be totally different.

The basics for making coffee will always be the same, though. You need hot water, ground coffee , some kind of filter, and a vessel to drink out of.

There are plenty of great travel coffee makers out there, but one of the biggest challenges is boiling the water. If you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb, then a small electric kettle will be your best bet. There are collapsible silicone options, small half-liter stainless steel kettles, and compact plastic options to consider. They come with their own drawbacks, however. Silicone might not be as durable, stainless steel will be heavier, and some people may have concerns about the safety of plastic kettles. Otherwise, you might be able to find hot water at gas stations or in the hotel lobby.

Campers will likely want to opt for some combination of a burner and metal kettle that they can use to heat water. In either case, your kettle will likely be what takes up the most space in your travel coffee setup, so plan accordingly.

Read on for our picks for the best travel coffee makers to buy, regardless of whether you’re staying in a suite or camping in the woods.

1. AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press

Best overall.

It isn’t every day that a new way to make coffee comes along, which is why the arrival of the AeroPress was such a big deal. It remains one of the most popular ways to brew coffee among enthusiasts. The original AeroPress was slim and built from plastic, making it very easy to take on the go. But the AeroPress Go is even more portable, thanks to the built-in lid that doubles as a mug. One key advantage of the AeroPress is its versatility. By changing the brew time, you can make coffee that’s close to espresso-strength or coffee that’s close to drip. You can even use it to make iced coffee.

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Maker

$39.95 $49.95 20% off.

• Can brew different kinds of coffee
• Compact and lightweight
• Popular among coffee enthusiasts
• Grit-free coffee
• Requires filters
• Requires some force to press down

2. MiiR Pourigami

The MiiR Pourigami allows you to make pour-over coffee, without needing to bring along fragile and bulky coffee makers like a Chemex or a ceramic dripper. The Pourigami consists of three metal plates that fit together to form a triangular dripper. Regular paper filters don’t always sit properly in the Pourigami, so it’s best to put the filter in and run hot water over it. You can then use a regular paper filter or MiiR’s own paper filter. It’s easily one of the smallest options on this list. When folded, it’s barely thicker than a stack of three credit cards. Plus, the travel pouch has a pocket for storing folded-up filters, so you won’t forget them. However, the short sides of the Pourigami means it’s easy to accidentally overfill, which is one drawback.

MiiR Pourigami

• Most compact option on this list
• Good for pour-over fans
• Sturdy metal build
• Comes with travel pouch
• Can take some effort to assemble
• Can be messy when brewing

3. Bialetti Moka Express 1-Cup

Best for rentals.

Italians are known for their love of espresso, and the Moka pot is how espresso is traditionally enjoyed in Italian households. The Moka pot technically does not use enough pressure to be considered true espresso, but it’s close in flavor and intensity. Bialetti’s Moka pot has several advantages that make it a great travel coffee maker. The filter is built in, so you don’t need to worry about forgetting to bring paper filters. It’s made from aluminum, so it’s lightweight yet durable. It’s also pretty easy to clean. The catch is that it’s a stovetop maker, so it’s better suited to Airbnbs and campsites than it is hotels.

Bialetti Moka Pot (1 cup)

• Inexpensive but durable
• Fairly easy to clean
• No filters required
• No kettle required
• Not ideal for groups
• Requires a stove

4. ESPRO P1 French Press

Best for trips.

Compared to labor-intensive methods like pour-over, the French press requires very little attention or effort. Simply add coffee and hot water, let it sit for a few minutes, press down, pour, and enjoy. Most French presses are made of glass, or in some cases, ceramic, so they’re usually not travel-friendly. ESPRO’s innovative option is made from stainless steel and has a similar design to a travel mug. In fact, it doubles as a travel mug, allowing you to drink straight from the French press. However, for best flavor, you may instead want to pour it into a separate vessel. The double filter design helps eliminate excess grit that’s common with French press coffee. It’s a good option for road trips; skip the gas station coffee and just use their hot water, instead. The compact size will fit in most cup holders.

Espro P1 French Press

• Can drink straight from the press
• Cupholder friendly
• Leak-proof lid
• Can be hard to push down the plunger

5. Dripkit Stumptown Holler Mountain

Best for camping.

Some of these coffee makers were designed for home use and so happen to be good for travel. The Dripkit was specifically made with travel in mind. The Dripkit consists of a paper dripper that pops open and sits on top of your mug. Each dripper is pre-filled with a single serving of ground coffee, which you brew the same way you would pour over. Dripkit also partners with different roasters like Portland’s Stumptown and Santa Cruz’s Verve Coffee Roasters, so you can enjoy the taste of your favorite cafe, anywhere in the world.

Dripkit La Pacifica

• Very compact
• You don’t need to bring coffee or filters
• Variety of flavors available
• High cost per cup
• Might not fit over every cup
• Could have more variety in roasters

6. Nguyen Coffee Supply The Original Phin Filter

Honorable mention.

A phin is a coffee maker that might not be familiar to every coffee enthusiast, but it’s worth familiarizing yourself with. A phin filter is used in Vietnamese coffee, which has a different flavor profile than Western coffee drinkers will be used to. For one thing, Vietnamese coffee uses Robusta, rather than Arabica. Vietnamese coffee is also typically brewed hot but served iced (befitting Vietnam’s tropical climate). It’s made using condensed milk, giving it a sweeter taste. Finding ice and bringing condensed milk are admittedly a few extra steps to take, but the Phin itself is compact and easy to pack in a bag.

Nguyen Phin Filter

• Unique flavor
• No paper filters required
• Lightweight
• Robusta can be harder to find
• Can have a learning curve to use

Accessories To Consider

Your travel coffee maker won’t do much good if you don’t have a way to boil the water first, regardless of whether you’re going to drink it hot or iced. An electric kettle will be your best bet if you’re staying somewhere with electricity, like a hotel or a short-term rental. Campers will probably want to opt for a portable burner and a stovetop camping kettle.

Coffee also needs to be ground before it can be brewed. Most coffee lovers will be satisfied grinding their beans before the trip, but if you brew coffee without compromise, then a portable coffee grinder is a suitable option.

1. Brentwood Collapsible-Travel Kettle

According to reviews, this collapsible kettle holds 0.8 liters of water and boils quickly and pours easily. Bear in mind that the silicone outer will be hot to the touch after boiling, so you’ll want to handle it carefully.

Brentwood kettle

$23.68 $49.99 53% off, 2. coleman 1 burner butane stove.

This is an affordable portable burner from a trusted camping brand, and it takes regular butane canisters and has an intuitive design for on-the-go cooking. This is a great option to use with the Bialetti Moka pot featured on this list, or you can use it with a camping kettle.

Coleman Camping Stove

3. javapresse manual coffee bean grinder.

Bringing ground coffee will be easiest, but if you insist on grinding it first, then the Javapresse will be one of the best bets. It’s fairly pricey, but it’s made from metal and has a slim design that makes it easier to pack.

Javapresse Coffee Grinder

$27.98 $46.99 40% off.

Jonathan Zavaleta is a native Angeleno with a passion for writing about politics, music, film and fashion. He has worked as a writer for an art gallery, an activist for a political organization, and…

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BEST PORTABLE ESPRESSO MAKERS: NEVER BE WITHOUT GREAT COFFEE

• Author: Julia Bobak
• Edited By: Jovana Durovic
• Last Updated: May 31, 2024

Fact Checked

• Why Trust Homegrounds?

Julia Bobak

Julia is a west coast canada-based professional coffee specialist who has spent nearly a decade immersed in the world of coffee research and professional brewing. she loves trail running, rock climbing, coffee, food, and her tiny dog — and writing about all of them. she starts every morning with a fresh americano from her home espresso machine, or she doesn’t start it at all..

Here are the six best portable espresso makers that actually live up to their name.

Whether you’re on a business trip or a camping adventure, getting a good caffeine fix on the road is always a challenge for espresso lovers. There are plenty of portable drip coffee makers on the market, but finding one that makes true espresso is a harder task.

At A Glance:

• TOP PICK: Flair Classic
• FOR BACKPACKING: Wacaco Nanopresso
• GREAT VALUE: Staresso Classic

I’ve tested dozens of so-called travel espresso makers, many of which just brew a strong coffee. My picks brew real-deal espresso no matter where your travels take you. 

The 6 Best Travel Espresso Makers in 2024

Let’s take a look at my list of the best portable espresso makers. They are varying degrees of portable; some are better suited to a road trip, while others are perfect for a backcountry journey. But they all share one commonality: high-quality espresso for the coffee lover on the go!

Now all you need is a great bag of espresso beans and a few tips on espresso extraction .

1. Flair Classic

• Capacity: 60 mL
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Pressure method: Manual lever

The design inspiration behind the original Flair was to create a portable espresso machine with only the components needed to produce the best espresso – no bells and whistles to weigh it down, complicate assembly, or increase the price. The brand’s wild success and expansion are testaments to how well they met that goal. 

That first Flair (now called the Flair Classic) is still my favorite way to make espresso when I’m not at home.

While it’s among the heavier espresso makers on this list, the Flair disassembles and packs neatly into an included compact travel case. I wouldn’t take it hiking, but it’s great for bringing out to the lake house, visiting the in-laws, or car camping trips.

The Flair is a true manual espresso maker, offering complete control over your shot of espresso: grind, tamp , water temperature, bars of pressure, and timing. It takes a little skill to use but puts no limitations on how good your espresso can be ( 1 ).

With lever machines, the barista is in control…They allow creativity and experimentation.

I highly recommend upgrading the Flair Classic with the optional pressure kit to take full advantage of this incredible brewer. For more details, read my Flair espresso review .

2. Wacaco Picopresso

• Capacity: 80 mL
• Weight: 12.3 oz
• Pressure method: Hand-driven piston

Wacaco has emerged as the go-to brand for great portable espresso makers, with each model aimed at a different traveler. The Picopresso is the newest and most pro-oriented of the bunch ( 2 ).

The Picopresso is first and foremost for coffee connoisseurs that desire a superb body and aroma out of their portable coffee.

This mainly comes down to a larger 52-mm non-pressurized bottomless filter basket that can hold up to 18 grams of coffee. It has the capacity to deliver a true double shot with a rich crema. 

Once I dialed in the best extraction, the shots I pulled with the tiny Picopresso were on par with any traditional espresso machine. It also has a lot more metal in its build than Wacaco’s other plastic-heavy offerings.

On paper, the Picopresso is the most compact Wacaco machine, but it’s the only one without an integrated cup. Instead, it comes with a range of extras, including a funnel to help load the filter basket, a tamper, and a distribution tool. This makes for a more professional brewing experience, but there’s more for you to potentially misplace in transit. 

Here’s a more detailed Wacaco Picopresso review . 

3. Wacaco Nanopresso

• Weight: 11.9 oz

The Wacaco Nanopresso was the first upgrade to the original Minipresso , and in my opinion, there’s no reason to buy the Minipresso now unless you really want to save a few bucks.

The Nanopresso can’t match the Picopresso or Flair in espresso quality (or build quality), but it has them both beat in portability. It’s my first choice when I’m hitting the trails for an overnight backpacking trip. 

It’s tiny and light, includes a built-in espresso cup, and has a pressurized portafilter. While I can’t stand a pressurized filter basket at home, it makes sense deep in the woods. 

I can enjoy great espresso shots even using pre-ground coffee and no tamper – a simplicity I crave on the trail.

The Nanopresso is highly customizable, provided you’re willing to pay for the extras. I definitely recommend the optional carrying case, and the adaptor to make coffee with capsules is handy. The Wacaco Barista Kit expands its filter and water tank capacity from single shots to double shots, which is worthwhile if you’re serving two.

4. Conqueco Portable Espresso Machine

• Weight: 33.4 oz
• Pressure method: Battery-powered pump

Battery-operated coffee makers tend to be plagued with reliability issues, but Conqueco is one of few brands bucking that trend. I’ve been singing the praises of the Conqueco as the perfect travel companion for years, and the recently released new model is substantially better!

Compared to the older version, the latest model is smaller and lighter but has a larger capacity. It heats much faster (under five minutes to heat 80 mL of water for a double shot in my tests), can brew more coffee on a single charge, and achieves higher pump pressure – all for the same price. 

It’s powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery, making it the only machine on this list that doesn’t require a separate heat source. However, if boiling water is available, you can use it to save battery power.

The only thing I don’t like about this machine is that it brews exclusively with aluminum coffee capsules – not freshly ground coffee beans or even refillable capsules. While capsules are convenient sometimes, they are also expensive and environmentally unfriendly, so I like the option to avoid them ( 3 ).

Find more battery-operated coffee makers here.

5. Bellman CX25P Stovetop Espresso Maker

• Capacity: 270 mL
• Weight: 5.64 pounds
• Pressure method: Steam pressure

What if a sweet campsite cup of espresso isn’t enough? What if you want a latte, cappuccino, or cortado? Then you need the one-of-a-kind Bellman Espresso Maker, which includes a proper steam wand.

The Bellman design is similar to a Moka pot. Fill the lower chamber with water and set it over a heat source to let steam pressure build. But this stainless steel espresso machine has a much more robust build than the average stovetop brewer and generates high enough pressure to produce true espresso with a thick crema. 

Where this portable device really shines, however, is the steam wand. With a bit of practice, you can make cafe-quality microfoam for your latte or airy froth for a cappuccino ( 4 ). I definitely suggest buying the full Bellman Bundle, which includes a tamper and stainless steel milk jug.

The downside of the Bellman is that it’s (perhaps not surprisingly) the heaviest machine on this list. This is not a backpacker’s tool. It’s best for car camping; it works beautifully on my old-school Coleman stove. It’s honestly pretty great at home, too – compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops.

6. Staresso Classic

• Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Pressure method: Hand-powered piston

The Staresso Classic has been around for a long time because it’s simple and affordable. It just works. It’s the most basic design of anything on this list, and I mean that as a compliment. 

This all-in-one brewer is easy to use, easy to clean, and nearly impossible to break.

The pumping mechanism is stainless steel, but it’s coated in a comfortable silicone for easy gripping. I do find the pump a little stiff on this one, so it’s a bit more of an arm workout than the others.

Despite being the cheapest option on the list, the Staresso Classic is surprisingly versatile. It’s the only one that works with coffee grounds and Nespresso-type capsules without the need to purchase additional adaptors, and I’ve found it works just as well with cold water if you want to make an iced Americano.

The downside is its relatively small capacity. In my experience, it’s impossible to pack more than about 10 grams of ground coffee in the little basket, so don’t plan on pulling any double shots.

How To Choose The Right Portable Espresso Maker

Investing in a portable espresso maker is the best way to ensure you’re never without delicious coffee. But don’t be tempted to purchase a travel-friendly espresso maker (or any home espresso machine ) just based on style or price. It’s important to find the one that meets your needs. Here are a few things to consider before you buy.

What Level Of Portability Do You Require?

This is the most important deciding factor. Where do you plan to brew coffee and espresso? All travel espresso makers are relatively compact, durable, and don’t require electricity, but their size and weight vary considerably.

Prioritize low weight and high durability if you want to pull shots on a multi-day backpacking trip. On the other hand, a more comfortable user experience might be worth a few extra ounces if you’re going to be brewing in a hotel room.

Does It Take Ground Coffee, Pods, Or Both?

We all know that freshly ground beans make the best coffee. But depending on your travel plans, having the option to brew using capsules can be incredibly convenient. Personally, I like using capsules on camping trips as they make for easy packing and clean-up. They’re also handy if you’re serving multiple people with different tastes.

Don’t Forget To Factor In Accessories

Most of the manual espresso machines on this list (with the exception of the Conqueco and the Bellman) require a separate way to heat water. Some include little built-in espresso cups, while others require you to bring your own travel mug. Depending on your drink preferences, you might also need to add a tamper, milk jug, or manual coffee grinder. Take those extras into consideration when evaluating your space and weight needs—and your budget. 

The Verdict

Choosing the best portable espresso maker for you depends on your precise travel habits. But if you can afford the space and weight, the Flair Classic is the best espresso maker I’ve used for portable espresso and coffee. It’s incredibly well made, disassembles easily for travel, and delivers excellent espresso shots on par with the expensive automatic espresso machine at your local coffee shop.

What is the best portable coffee maker?

The best travel coffee maker, in my opinion, is the Aeropress. It’s lightweight, portable, durable, and makes amazing coffee on the go. If you want the best brewing travel kit with a coffee maker and grinder, pair the Aeropress with the Porlex Mini grinder, which fits right inside the brew chamber.

Why buy a portable espresso maker?

Buy a portable espresso maker so you never have to be without a quality espresso experience. Because portable espresso makers are manual, they tend to be relatively affordable and compact. So they can also be a great option for an espresso lover with limited space and budget.

Is Picopresso better than Nanopresso?

Picopresso is better than Nanopresso in espresso quality and durability. But depending on your needs, it isn’t necessarily the right espresso option for you. I find the Nanopresso more practical for backcountry travel because you don’t need to dial in the shot as carefully, and it includes a built-in cup.

• Haydon, M. (2018, December 10). Understanding Different Types of Espresso Machine. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2018/12/understanding-the-different-types-of-espresso-machine/
• Bryman, H. (2021, June 28). Wacaco’s New Picopresso Keeps Espresso at Hand and Home. Retrieved from https://dailycoffeenews.com/2021/06/28/wacacos-new-picopresso-keeps-espresso-at-hand-and-home/
• Sanci, E. (2021, July 30). If I Care About the Environment but Am Also Lazy, Should I Get a Nespresso or Keurig? Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/nespresso-or-keurig-better-for-environment/
• Clive Coffee. (n.d.). The Science Behind Perfect Steamed Milk. Retrieved from https://clivecoffee.com/blogs/learn/the-science-behind-perfect-steamed-milk

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Every article we publish undergoes a stringent fact-checking procedure. To complement our own first hand experience, we draw from reputable sources within the industry, including coffee communities such as the coffee and espresso SubReddits, and a number of specialty coffee forums and private groups.

Our editors cross-reference every claim, statistic, and piece of data with multiple sources to verify its accuracy. We also compare our own experience to community reviews to see if there is anything we may have overlooked. Any discrepancies found are flagged and corrected before the article is published.

This meticulous process ensures that the information you receive from Home Grounds is not only engaging and useful but also trustworthy and reliable. We're committed to helping you 'Brew Better Coffee', and that starts with providing you with the best, most accurate information possible.

Homegrounds.Co Is Your Most Trusted Resource On All Things Coffee

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That's where we, at Home Grounds, come in. We're not just some faceless corporation; we're a tight-knit crew of coffee junkies, who live and breathe the art of coffee brewing on a daily basis. We're here to cut through the noise and give you the no-BS lowdown on coffee gear and home brewing, with real reviews from people that have actually used the items they write about.

Our team? We're a bunch of self-confessed coffee nerds, each with our own journey through the specialty coffee industry. From pulling espresso shots in hipster filled cafés, to roasting beans to perfection or tinkering with espresso machines - we've been there, done that.

And we don't just talk the talk. We put our money where our mouth is, sourcing and testing all the gear you see reviewed on our site. Each recommendation we make comes from extensive personal use.

As the industry is so fast-moving, we aim to keep our content fresh, updating our articles at least twice a year. So, when you see a machine or a coffee recommendation in our top picks, you know it's not just hot air.

We hope you'll join us on our mission to Brew Better Coffee.

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Travel Coffee- How to Make Great Coffee While Traveling Light

(Note: I may earn a small commission from purchases made through product links in this article at no extra cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

How to brew a great cup of coffee while traveling light is a subject that has vexed many manual brewing enthusiasts over the years. Is it possible to make a great cup of coffee in a hotel room (bedroom, hostel, train station) without bringing your entire manual brewing arsenal in your suitcase?

Would you believe I can fit everything I need to brew a great cup of coffee into the nylon storage bag that came with my Aeropress (with the exception of my Hario Slim Mill and a bottle of water)?

Below are a few travel coffee musings as well as my on-the-road coffee packing list. My travel coffee kit is self-contained and will hold up in nearly every scenario (save the loss of electricity). It is compact, fairly inexpensive and durable. From the curious traveler who has just sworn to never drink another hotel K-cup to the seasoned road brewer, there is a little something for everyone.

Travel Coffee Musings- Everything Boils Down to Hot Water

I’ve been thinking a lot about making coffee away from home (whether coffee outside or traveling) lately and I’ve concluded that the most limiting factor for making a good cup of coffee on the road is hot water. Without a source of clean water and a way to heat it, your options are cold brew , café or settling (or some combination of the three).

Don’t overlook your water source: Do not assume the water at your hotel will taste good or be good for making coffee. Hedge your bets and pick up a bottle or two of spring water ( What is the best water for coffee? ).

The task of heating water seems inconsequential when you are brewing coffee at home. On the road, the ability to produce hot water is what is standing in between you and a cup of handmade craft coffee. For sourcing hot water, there seems to be two standard options:

• Buying a small travel kettle- This seems to be the most logical and likely to produce an environment similar to your home brew bar. There are several attractive options, the most popular being the Bonavita Bona Voyage .5 Liter travel kettle but the T-fal BF6138 seems to have great reviews as well. The only problem with a travel kettle is it takes up some extra space. If you are looking to keep your coffee gear to a minimum and travel light, this is a less than ideal option.
• Using the in-room equipment to rig a passable brew- The old “use the Keurig to produce hot water and then use this water to brew a cup of coffee manually” (usually Aeropress since it brews well with lower temperatures) trick. This option sounds like a great idea in theory but I have never really had great success with it. You can’t be certain of how hot (or clean) the water will be coming out of the machine. To be sure, this method will make a better cup of coffee than just using the room supplied pods but I’ve always thought there should be a better option.

You can certainly use either of these methods to make a cup of coffee on the road. Buying a travel kettle is a great option if you can give up the extra suitcase space (about 435 cubic inches) and I’m sure with practice you will be able to hone your skills for good, fairly reliable results with the autodrip/Aeropress method. Plenty of great content has been written on the two above methods for creating travel coffee and there is not much more I can add.

For me, adding another kettle was not appealing to me and I would strongly prefer to avoid using a communal hotel brewer of questionable cleanliness and consistency. That is why I was excited when I learned of another option.

The Immersion Heater- A Water Heater that Fits in Your Pocket

From my days of being an avid home brewer of beer, I remember people taking electric water heating elements and building things called heat sticks . These heat sticks were meant to be placed into a pot of wort (unfermented beer) to assist with boiling the liquid.  Some brewers would forego the stovetop altogether and simply boil their wort with one or two heat sticks. This kind of heater is called an immersion heater and I was delighted to find they make really small ones .

Creating a mini-travel kettle

While heating your brewing water with a small immersion heater is certainly a little less convenient than using a travel kettle, it can afford you the same outcome (hot water) and it uses less space. Here are some of the particulars:

The immersion heater I bought is tiny. It takes up very little space and can be stuffed into just about any available crevice when you are packing. I combined the immersion heater with a small 12 ounce stainless steel pitcher and together they consume less than 180 cubic inches.

It brings room temperature water to brewing temperature in about six minutes. This immersion “kettle” takes about six minutes to bring 300mL of water up to brewing temperatures. That is around the same amount of time I wait for my electric kettle to come up to temperature at home. It helps to gently stir the heating water periodically to circulate the water.  While you are waiting you can also grind your coffee and get everything set up.

You can brew Aeropress into it. Pretty much worse case scenario when you are traveling with an Aeropress is arriving at a destination that only has Styrofoam or paper cups. You cannot press onto them to make your coffee because you will crush the cup and create a mess. In a pinch, you can press your coffee into the pitcher (and even drink out of it) once you have filled the Aeropress with the heated water.

Caution: Read this before using your immersion heater

Successfully using an immersion heater takes a basic understanding of how it works and a little attention to details. If you are absent-minded you may want to either bite the bullet and buy a small travel kettle or purchase an extra heater and resign yourself to the fact that you will probably be breaking them on occasion.

The electric element of an immersion heater uses electricity flowing through a copper core to produce heat. The heat is then dispersed to the water the element is submerged in. If the element is not fully submerged in water or plugged in at any time while not submerged in water, the immersion heater will be ruined (called dry firing). These instructions are an adapted summary from a very helpful review ( you can find the original here ).

In short, to keep your immersion heater working properly:

• Make sure the entire heating element (not the base or cord, just the heating element) is submerged in water before you plug it in.
• Wait 15-20 seconds or so after unplugging the heater before removing it from the water.
• Do not ever lift the element out of the water (even for a split second) while it is plugged in.

Don’t worry it isn’t as daunting as it may sound. Using the immersion heater is quite easy and once you figure out an away-from-home brewing routine, using the heater will become mindless and second nature.

The Virtues of the Aeropress as a Travel Companion

I have discussed the Aeropress before and lauded on some of its virtues and strengths. Below I would like to highlight a few of its characteristics that make it (and the accompanying kit) the perfect minimalistic travel companion.

• No Gooseneck, no problem- While you don’t need a gooseneck kettle to brew a great cup of coffee manually, there are some methods where a gooseneck is helpful. The Aeropress brews a great cup of coffee without a gooseneck kettle and really doesn’t receive an advantage from the use of one.
• Easy to brew by volume- If you don’t want to bring a digital gram scale on your travels, an Aeropress is a fairly easy brewing to brew by volume on. Using the markings on the side, you can typically get a pretty consistent cup with a little practice.
• Durable- The Aeropress does not break easily (or at all pretty much).
• Easy Clean Up- To clean up, all you have to do is pop out the coffee “puck” and give it a little rinse. If you are not near an abundant water source, a quick wipe down will do in a pinch.
• Cheap and compact filters- The filters are cheap and it is easy to bring an abundant supply of them along.
• Many of the add-on accessories serve a purpose when traveling- I have found the carrying case (bag), the funnel and the stirring stick that are included with the kit to be very useful while traveling. The stirring stick is not only helpful for stirring your coffee slurry in the Aeropress; it is also good for circulating your water as its heating. You can leave the scoop and filter stand at home as they don’t really add much.

The Manual Brewing Minimalistic Travel Brewing Kit

My goal when researching equipment and methods for this post was to create a travel brewing kit that will fit inside the smallest space possible. I am quite pleased that I am able to fit everything listed below inside of the nylon carrying case that comes with your Aeropress. With this travel coffee kit, all you need to brew coffee is an outlet, 300mL of water and ten minutes.

A note on the handmill: You can replace the Hario Slim Mill with the Porlex Mini Mill and the entire handmill should fit inside your case. If you have a Hario Slim Mill and would still like everything to fit inside the case, you will have to leave the base of the unit behind and grind straight into the Aeropress (which is a viable option that is not too difficult).

Minimalist Travel Coffee Kit:

• Aeropress with included accessories (bag, funnel and stirrer)
• Aeropress filters
• Fresh roasted whole bean coffee (or pre-ground if you are not bringing a handmill)
• Hario Slim Mill (or comparable small handmill like the Porlex Mini Mill)
• 12 ounce stainless steel pitcher
• Small immersion water heater
• Your favorite Aeropress recipe ( you can find mine here )

Not an Aeropress fan?- If you aren’t a big Aeropress fan or don’t have one. You can easily adapt your packing list to include your favorite pour-over device (and filters) or even a small stainless steel French Press like the Highwin 350mL model .

The travel coffee process:

The brewing process should be fairly simple.

• Fill your stainless steel pitcher with 300mL or so of water.
• Fully submerge your immersion water heater in the water and clip it on the side.
• Plug in the water heater.
• While you wait for the water to heat, grind your coffee and set up your Aeropress.
• Gently circulate the water in the pitcher with the Aeropress stirring stick every minute or so.
• When the water is boiling, unplug the heater and wait 15 seconds before removing it from the pitcher (you will likely want the water to cool a bit before brewing anyways).
• Brew your favorite Aeropress recipe by volume. If you only have the pitcher as a vessel, I recommend using the inverted method and then press the coffee into the pitcher utilizing the funnel.
• Enjoy! This method can be replicated anywhere there is an outlet (110 volt for this heater). Over the next couple months, I will try to get some pictures and videos to prove it.

Do you have any travel coffee hacks, routines or recommendations? If you take my recommendations and take a minimalist travel kit somewhere, I would love to hear about it. Share your experiences and questions below or send me comments and questions via Twitter or Instagram (show me your travel brew setup).

Coffee Hacks , Coffee Trends , General Coffee , Immersion Brewing

aeropress coffee on the road hotel coffee travel coffee travel coffee kit

January 28, 2016 at 6:49 pm

Excellent post. I usually rely on whatever heating contraption the hotel has, but I might look into getting one of those heating elements or digging out my travel kettle if I have the space (you can also pack things inside the body of the kettle, so it’s not so bad). As you already know, my Aeropress already comes everywhere with me, but after reading your post, I might pack my 360ml pitcher as well.

Thanks, Brian.

PS Nice video. So that’s what you look like!

January 28, 2016 at 10:38 pm

Brian, Thanks! I am sure you have your travel coffee set-up down with all the traveling you seem to do (although you do get to a lot of cafes as well).

I figured you could pack a good amount of coffee paraphernalia inside the travel kettle but I wasn’t interested in buying a 4th (yikes) kettle.

What would we do without the Aeropress? What a great brewer to bring traveling :).

Thanks for the comment (Re the video: I normally look less tired but I am flying solo this week and made the video during the little kid’s nap time).

Thanks again, John

January 29, 2016 at 2:16 pm

This is great! Also, love the site. I’m just getting into what I like to call “the manly way to make coffee,” so all your posts have been super helpful!

February 5, 2016 at 4:00 pm

Thanks Tom! I’m glad you found this to be helpful.

March 3, 2018 at 10:58 pm

You might like this somewhat unknown, but really great Travelers Coffee Kit… http://ez-et.com/travelers-coffee-kit All of the profits from this go to children’s charities.

June 3, 2018 at 2:02 pm

I keep reading great blogs like this. One problem is that I am not going to be traveling with coffee or beans. Can beans be bought in most countries? I figure if it will be hard to get beans I shouldn’t waste ounces of weight bringing my grinder. Can anyone answer this?

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The Best Sheets For Your Bed

The most comfortable, high-quality sheet sets (that also don't cost a fortune).

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If it seems like there are endless bed sheet options to choose from when you shop, we hear you: We've tested over 300 sheet sets in recent years. Good sheets should feel comfortable, remain durable and offer temperature regulation, depending on your needs. It also doesn't hurt to have ones that look great and are easy to make on the bed.

You can find more information about how we rigorously test sheets, how to shop for your perfect set and other helpful tips at the end of this guide. Read on to learn more about the best sheets to buy for your bed, with prices listed for Queen size.

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This popular set is consistently an excellent performer in our tests and has an easy online shopping platform with free shipping. The smooth cotton fabric comes in a variety of neutral colors and prints, with limited edition options added regularly. Brooklinen has a variety of sheet offerings available (including a cotton percale ), but the Luxe Sateen set is its bestseller and our favorite because of its durability and positive feedback from users. In fact, it earned the Good Housekeeping Seal (meaning we stand behind it with our limited warranty) and it's the set I prefer on my own bed.

As a bonus, making my bed is easier with this set thanks to clever tabs labeled "long side" and "short side" on the fitted sheet. The brand offers a lenient any-reason return policy for an entire year (minus a $9.95 return fee), so there's low risk in trying it out. The fitted sheet is 15 inches deep which should be generous enough to fit most mattresses, though it may be a tighter fit on taller models or beds with mattress toppers .

TESTING NOTES: We found the fabric to be durable across the board in our Lab tests: It was strong, didn't pill easily and held up well to repeated laundering. Testers liked its basic, no-frills construction and shared comments like, "These are a classic sateen sheet — soft and smooth," and, "I really liked the material they were made of. It was a much softer material without being a silk sheet. They feel nice on my skin."

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: These Luxury Brooklinen Sheets Are Actually Worth the Hype

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This one is hands down your best bet on a budget. I t's hard to find any cotton sheets for under $100, let alone any that perform as well as this set. The sheets feel substantial with a good weight and the fabric is comfortable with a balance between soft and crisp. I regularly recommend this set to friends and family, and they always tell me they're thrilled with the purchase after trying it out. It's also popular on Amazon with over 70,000 reviews and an average 4.5-star rating.

It comes in a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes to fit just about any bed. You can purchase pillowcases separately if you need extras (a simple yet genius offering that we don't always see with popular sheet sets!). The brand says it's made to fit mattresses ranging from 8- to 16-inches tall, and our testers found that to be true in their reviews.

TESTING NOTES: Most of our reviewers loved the feel of these sheets and provided feedback like, "I like the weight and quality of the fabric. It also had a nice sheen and a smooth feel." One tester said they weren't quite as soft as other sheets she's slept on but noted, "I liked the shape and fit of these better than any other sheets I've tried. There wasn't any additional fabric that bunched or came untucked easily." In Textiles Lab tests, we especially loved how this set could be washed in warm water (which is better for keeping your sheets clean ). It had average scores for fabric strength but perfect ratings in our pill-resistance tests, meaning you're less likely to see those unsightly balls on the surface.

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If you're looking for something less expensive and smoother than cotton, this best-selling Amazon sheet set is a great option. I first tested it years ago because of its popularity and low cost — and it continues to be a top performer year after year. The set stands out for its soft, buttery feel, and it has over 320,000 reviews from real users . On top of that, it comes in variations to fit a wide range of bed sizes — with options for split or extra deep mattresses — plus dozens of colors and prints.

Besides having a smooth feel, the polyester material also helps keep it durable and easy to care for. Just keep in mind that the synthetic fabric might not be as substantial or breathable as natural cotton, and those who prefer a crisp sheet might find the fabric too soft.

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TESTING NOTES: This fabric earned a higher softness rating than other cotton sheets in a side-by-side comparison test. One tester described it as "buttery soft and very luxurious without being slippery." In fact, several testers told us they wanted to buy these sheets after feeling them. The fabric was also strong and shrink-resistant in our tests, though it did show some pilling after the fabrics were rubbed together and some creases after laundering, despite the "Wrinkle-Free" claim in the name.

RELATED: The Softest Sheets for a Blissful Bed

Material: 60% Tencel lyocell, 40% Outlast viscose | Colors: 4 options | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

If you sleep hot or experience night sweats, this cooling sheet set can help keep you cool and dry all night . The fabric is a blend of moisture-wicking Tencel lyocell and viscose with Outlast technology, which uses phase-change materials to store and release your body heat, thereby keeping your temperature regulated at night. Besides its cooling features, it's also incredibly soft and smooth against the skin.

The brand offers a 60-day any-reason return period, meaning you can get a full refund if you don't love the set after sleeping on it. Just note that this set only comes in white, grey, blue or tan.

TESTING NOTES: At-home reviewers unanimously said they stayed at a comfortable body temperature throughout the night while sleeping on this set. The fabric also earned high ratings for softness and overall comfort from our panelists, who told us they wanted to continue using it on their beds. One tester also noted, "I didn't have trouble making the bed, and the elastics on the fitted sheet were functional and didn't shift in the night." The fabric held up to wash testing without shrinkage, though it wasn't as durable as other materials in our fabric strength evaluations.

RELATED: The Best Cooling Sheets to Prevent Overheating

Material: 100% Tencel lyocell | Colors: 10 options | Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King

Lyocell is a type of rayon that's super trendy in bedding because it feels substantially softer and smoother than cotton , and Tencel is a brand of lyocell that's known for its sustainable production practices. West Elm's set is made entirely from Tencel and outperformed over a dozen other rayon sheets in our evaluations .

The fabric is both lightweight and moisture-wicking (great for managing night sweats!). Besides its sustainable sourcing, it's also made at a Fair Trade Certified factory. I've used this set many times on my bed at home and can attest to its softness, though it certainly doesn't feel quite as substantial or crisp as cotton.

TESTING NOTES: Despite being lightweight, the fabric proved to be strong and pill-resistant when we tested it with our Lab equipment. It experienced slight shrinkage that was on par with sheet sets made with similar fabrics. During sleep testing, users loved that it was cooling and soft without feeling too slippery.

Material: 100% cotton percale | Colors: 9 options | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Percale sheets are ideal for anyone who prefers a light and crisp feel instead of a silky smooth one, but they sometimes get a bad rap for feeling rough. This luxe set stood out for outperforming other percale fabrics, both in our Lab and with consumer testers.

It's made of premium Pima cotton, which uses longer cotton fibers for more softness, and it has a simple weave that offers good breathability. It's also more affordable than other premium cotton sets on the market. Besides its range of solid colors, the set is also available in prints at a slightly higher cost.

TESTING NOTES: Lab analysts were all impressed by the set's durability after the fabric held up to strenuous strength, shrinkage and pilling evaluations. And while some percale sheets wrinkle easily, these became noticeably less creased than others. One tester who felt the fabric in a blinded comparison described it as feeling "like quality hotel sheets" and said, "It also feels a bit cool to the touch, which I like. I would love these sheets in my home."

RELATED: The Best Airy and Crisp Percale Sheets

Material: 100% polyester microfiber | Colors: 30 options | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

If you're looking to spend as little as possible, you can find popular sheets on Amazon that'll help you save. In fact, this set from Amazon's own brand is a total steal for under $20. Similar to the Mellanni set, the polyester microfiber has an incredibly smooth feel which the brand describes as a "peach-like finish." The synthetic fiber also has built-in shrink- and wrinkle-resistant properties .

On top of that, it comes in tons of colors and has nearly 400,000 reviews with an average 4.5-star rating. With its low cost and impressive feedback, it's an ideal set for anyone on a budget.

TESTING NOTES: Despite its low cost, this was another top performer in our tests thanks to its durable material, meaning you can expect it to hold up to long-term use. And while some testers thought these sheets felt thin compared to others, most raved about the smoothness, with one calling it "soft and lightweight."

RELATED: The Best Sheets to Buy on Amazon

Material: 100% cotton sateen | Colors: 5 options | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Riley's splurge-worthy set uses an indulgent sateen weave, long-staple cotton (ideal for smooth and durable fabrics) and a combing technique so there are no short fibers to poke you. The result is a sturdy yet soft fabric that impressed our testers and analysts alike.

Besides its quality material, this set was also beloved for its convenience features, like its side envelope-closure pillowcases, "top" and "bottom" tabs on the fitted sheet and generous sizing that fits even tall mattresses. Just note that while the set is made of organic cotton, we weren't able to verify that the entire production process follows organic standards without proper certification. We also noticed that it typically has some sizes and colors listed as out of stock.

TESTING NOTES: Testers especially loved that these sheets were comfortable yet still lightweight. One even highlighted how they felt "more breathable than most sateen sheets." And while cotton sheets tend to wrinkle easily, these resisted creases better than other sets in our Lab's evaluations. Beyond that, they held up to washing with minimal shrinkage and didn't pill during our durability tests.

Material: 100% organic cotton sateen | Colors: 3 options | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

Good news: You don't have to spend a fortune or sacrifice quality to go green. Smooth luxury sheets that are truly organic can cost several hundred dollars, but this set is GOTS-certified and costs less than $200.

The GOTS certification is especially important because it means the entire manufacturing process is organic, not just the way the cotton is grown. This set doesn't come in a wide variety of colors like some others, but it is available in neutral hues to go with almost any bedroom palette. You can also purchase extra pillowcases and a matching duvet cover to complete your set.

TESTING NOTES: This fabric outperformed other organic sheets in our series of tests. Though the sheets did see some shrinkage and creases after washing, the sateen fabric proved to be both soft and strong in Lab and consumer evaluations. Sateen sheets tend to be thicker, but still one tester shared, "I love the lightweight feel and overall smoothness."

RELATED: The Best Organic Sheets for Eco-Conscious Shoppers

Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets

Material: 100% organic cotton percale | Colors: 12 options | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King

This sheet set stands out for being GOTS-certified organic as well as crisp and breathable thanks to its airy percale weave. It's ideal for people who like a relaxed, lived-in look and feel for their bed as opposed to super crisp fabric; the brand uses a special process to achieve its unique crinkled texture.

Besides its GOTS certification, it's also Fair Trade Certified , which focuses on ethics throughout the supply chain. So even though this one's a bit pricier than others, the brand works to improve the wages and working conditions at the farms and factories where it's produced.

TESTING NOTES: At-home users praised the comfort and aesthetics of this sheet set. One user even described it as "soft, luxurious and yet crisp and cool." The fabric also held up to in-Lab laundering tests with hardly any shrinkage. It did show some pilling, and the fabric looked creased after washing, but that's expected for these "crinkled" sheets and their casual appearance.

Cuddledown Hotel Sateen Sheet Set

Material: 100% cotton sateen | Colors: White with 10 color embroidery options | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King

If you love the elegant and smooth look of a hotel bed, this sateen set has a wrinkle-resistant finish that keeps it looking smoother than other cotton fabrics. And while there are sometimes concerns around chemicals like formaldehyde in wrinkle-resistant fabrics, this one is Oeko-Tex certified which means it's been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels in the fabric.

The cotton is also combed to remove short fibers so it feels extra soft. It comes in white with colored stitching as a decorative accent, and the brand says these sheets are used in luxury hotels throughout the country.

TESTING NOTES: Compared to other cotton sheets, this set had the smoothest appearance after laundering. Our testers also said the fabric had a smooth feel and gave it high softness ratings in a blind comparison . The fabric wasn't the strongest in our test, but it still proved to be durable overall, and the set was generously sized, fitting our test mattress with room to spare.

RELATED: The Best Hotel Sheets for a Five-Star Bed

Novelty sheet sets to consider

Besides the traditional sheet fabrics described in this article, there are also some non-traditional materials on the market that I recommend trying if you're interested in a unique feel.

• Best Flannel Sheets: The Garnet Hill Hemstitched Supima Flannel Sheet set performed better than any other flannel set in our test. It's made of 100% cotton and is brushed on both sides to trap warmth and provide ultimate softness. In fact, it earned a perfect softness score from sleep testers. It pilled easily, which is typical for flannel fabrics but was fairly strong in our durability evaluations.
• Best Brushed Sheets: The Parachute Home Brushed Cotton Sheet Set is ideal if you want the softness of flannel sheets without the warmth. Its fuzzy texture gives it a cozy feel that the brand describes as feeling like "your favorite lived-in T-shirt." It also was more durable than flannel, and testers liked how soft it was compared to traditional percale fabrics.
• Best Linen Sheets: We recently tested The Citizenry's Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set and it outperformed all other linen sheets in at-home consumer evaluations. Users especially loved the comfort, appearance and temperature regulation, with one adding, "I like these sheets more than other linen sheets I have slept on."
• Best Hemp Sheets: The Tuft & Needle Hemp Sheet Set has the unique texture of linen sheets but feels substantially softer. It's pricey — a Queen set costs $270 — but hemp is considered sustainable because it doesn't require as much water to grow. Testers gave it nearly perfect ratings across the board, though it's less ideal for people who prefer the traditional feel of cotton.
• Best Jersey Sheets: Most bed sheets are woven, but jersey sheets are knit and feel more like comfy apparel fabrics. The Pact Organic Favorite Tee Jersey Sheet Set was a top performer in our most recent jersey sheet test. It earned high softness ratings in a blind comparison and good resistance to both wrinkling and shrinkage in Lab tests.

How we test sheets

We've put over 300 bed sheets through the wringer in recent years, both in our Textiles Lab and with consumers to see how comfortable they feel and how well they'll hold up over time. Here's what we consider when we test sheets in our Labs:

• Fabric strength : As part of our durability evaluations, our specialized machine called an Instron (pictured here) pulls swatches of fabric until they break, letting us know how sturdy each material is.

• Washability: Each sheet is repeatedly washed according to its care label and gets scored multiple times on both shrinkage and appearance after laundering.
• Wrinkle resistance: Immediately after the sheet dries, each one is taken to our specialized lighting room and visually measured for wrinkles and creases following industry standards.

• Softness : Dozens of consumer testers feel and rate each fabric in a blind comparison (pictured here), which occurs after laundering to remove any leftover finishes from production. Fabrics are compared against similar constructions — e.g., sateen sheets, percale sheets, linen sheets, etc.
• Sleep tests: Our panel of reviewers try out sheets for several weeks at a time, weighing in with feedback like the ease of making the bed, softness, comfort, temperature regulation, appearance and overall satisfaction. They also share responses to open-ended questions, which gives us more insight into their experiences.

• Pilling resistance: We use our abrasion machine (pictured here) to rub swatches together, which mimics tossing and turning as well as regular wear and tear. We then visibly score signs of pilling against textile industry standards.
• Other factors: We also check measurements to see how well the sheets fit onto a mattress and consider any special specifications, from cooling features to organic claims.

What type of sheet is the best quality?

The best sheet quality is 100% cotton sateen based on extensive Lab data and consumer feedback scores. This fabric tends to have the best balance of durability and comfort. Also, keep an eye out for long-staple cotton (meaning the fibers are longer and more uniform) and combed cotton (meaning shorter fibers have been "combed" away), which makes the fabric even softer and more durable. That being said, shopping for sheets is largely based on your personal preferences, so read on to ensure you're finding the right fit for your needs.

How to choose your best sheet set

The two most important aspects of a bed sheet are the fiber content and the construction. Here's the difference between the two:

• Fiber content tells you what the sheet is made of and it's the first thing you should look at when you shop. You can find the fiber content on the website listing or product packaging, and all fabrics should be labeled with their fiber content on the product tags.
• Construction tells you how the fabric is built (regardless of the fibers used) and has a major effect on how the sheets feel. Most brands list the construction in online descriptions and packaging.

First, check the fiber content

✔️ Cotton: It's by far the most popular sheet material, and with good reason. Cotton is soft, durable and feels the most luxurious against your skin.

Long-staple cotton is considered the highest-quality sheet material because the fabric is smoother and more durable than regular cotton. Types of long-staple cotton include Egyptian and Pima, but just note that there have been instances where brands falsely label their sheets with these premium cotton names.

Sometimes cotton is described as "combed." This is a special production process that removes shorter cotton fibers, which are weaker and could stick out and poke you. As a result, it leaves behind only the longest, smoothest and strongest cotton fibers to be used in the sheets.

✔️ Polyester: This fabric costs less than cotton, plus it's more affordable, shrink-resistant and wrinkle-resistant. Polyester sheets feel super smooth, though not as luxurious or crisp as cotton. You can also find cotton and polyester blends, which typically feature more cotton than polyester but give you the benefits of both materials.

✔️ Rayon, viscose or lyocell: These are called "regenerated cellulose" fibers because the raw material is some type of plant, which gets chemically processed into a fiber. Rayon is the umbrella term, and viscose and lyocell are types of rayon. They stand out for feeling incredibly soft; in fact, they're usually softer than cotton, though they're typically thinner and less substantial.

You may see these fibers described as bamboo or eucalyptus. That's because rayon is often made using bamboo or eucalyptus trees as the raw material. Just note that although it may sound luxurious and eco-friendly, there is actually no trace of this original raw material in the finished rayon fabric.

✔️ Linen: Breathable and airy, these textured sheets are the most popular during summer. They also have a relaxed look and feel and some people even prefer them for year-round use. Similarly, hemp sheets feel like linen and are starting to gain popularity for their sustainability aspects; hemp needs very little water to grow.

✔️ Silk: Incredibly smooth and naturally temperature regulating, silk sheets are considered a luxury option and are likely not ideal for most shoppers. They're expensive (usually several hundred dollars per set) and won't hold up to laundering as well as other sheet materials. You can always opt for a silk pillowcase to get the smooth feel without outfitting your entire bed.

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Bedding Reviews

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Money blog: Victorian island forts - complete with helipads and nightclubs - up for sale

Two Victorian island forts that were used to defend the Portsmouth dockyards during the Second World War have been listed for auction for £1m each. Read this and the rest of today's consumer news in the Money blog.

Friday 7 June 2024 20:55, UK

• 100,000 reportedly due to remortgage onto higher rates before election - here's what you need to know
• Victorian island forts - complete with nightclub - up for sale
• Does Wetherspoons buy lose to out-of-date beer?
• Rents fall in some big cities
• How much a last-minute Taylor Swift ticket will set you back

Essential reads

• Why you should consider swapping chicken breasts out of your shopping basket
• How brands get you to buy more, more, more
• Ed Conway : Claim of £2k tax rise under Labour is over four years - same maths suggests Tories have raised taxes by £13k in last four years
• How much are student loans, when do you start paying back and what is the interest?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Ever wanted to own your own Victorian island fort?

Well now you can - with two being listed with a guide price of £1m.

Spitbank Fort in Hampshire and No Man's Land Fort off the Isle of Wight have been listed for auction and can be bought separately - or as a pair if you can't pick between the two.  

During the Second World War, the forts were used to defend the Portsmouth dockyards. 

No Man's Fort is substantially bigger and probably presents itself more as a business opportunity, but Spitbank offers nine large bedroom suites across three floors and could potentially work as a private home to the right buyer. 

No Man's Fort has its own traditional English pub, a nightclub, and a helipad, while Spitbank Fort naturally boasts a wine cave plus a swimming pool and spa complex.

"Throughout my career as an auctioneer I've seen several sea forts hit the market that have achieved impressive prices as buyers have sought to pursue these trophy assets," said Robin Howeson, head of Savills Auctions.

"Having been carefully restored by the current owners, No Man's and Spitbank Fort represent exceptional market value, each guided at £1m. 

"Both offer an opportunity like no other; a waterfront location, up to 99,000sq ft of space and a chance to champion the heritage and legacy of these iconic maritime structures."

The auction takes place on 18 June. 

The BBC's content arm is among the suitors vying to buy the television production company which owns the rights to The Gruffalo.

Sky News has learnt that BBC Studios is participating in a sale process for Magic Light Pictures, which has won three BAFTAs and secured a quartet of Oscar nominations.

The auction is being run by Gotham Street, a specialist media deals boutique.

A number of other bidders are also said to be involved in the process given the quality of Magic Light's content library, which includes a number of works by The Gruffalo's creators, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The Gruffalo has become one of Britain's best-known children's characters, telling the story of an adventurous mouse that fends off a series of would-be predators by telling them about a supposedly imaginary creature called a gruffalo.

In the 2011 sequel, The Gruffalo's Child, the mouse then scares off a young gruffalo by using shadows to project a giant version of itself.

The two films have been distributed internationally by Magic Light, and along with the original Gruffalo books have sparked substantial merchandising revenues as well as a theme park attraction at Chessington World of Adventures.

The woman alleged to be the inspiration for the stalker in hit Netflix series Baby Reindeer is suing the streaming platform for $170m (£133m).

The show is said to be based on the real-life experiences of writer Richard Gadd, who plays himself as he copes with stalker Martha Scott.

Fiona Harvey, 58, claims she is the inspiration for Martha, who begins stalking Gadd after he serves her a free cup of tea in the pub where he works.

In the lawsuit, Ms Harvey has accused Netflix of spreading "brutal lies", including that she is a "twice convicted stalker who was sentenced to five years in prison".

"Defendants told these lies, and never stopped, because it was a better story than the truth, and better stories made money," it states.

"As a result of defendants' lies, malfeasance and utterly reckless misconduct, Harvey's life had been ruined."

Sky News's US partner network NBC News reports the lawsuit described the show's claim "this is a true story" as "the biggest lie in television history".

"Netflix destroyed a woman, claiming, among many allegations, that she was a convicted woman," Richard Roth, a lawyer for Ms Harvey, wrote in an email.

"It never contacted her. It never checked the facts. It never made any effort to understand the truth of its 'true story!'"

The lawsuit seeks actual damages and compensatory damages at $50m (£39m) each, punitive damages at $20m (£16m); as well as "all profits" from Baby Reindeer at $50m (£39m).

A Netflix spokesperson told Sky News: "We intend to defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd's right to tell his story."

Administrators to The Body Shop are aiming to clinch a sale of the stricken cosmetics retailer by the end of the month, even as its former owner veers away from making an offer for it.

Sky News' city editor Mark Kleinman has learnt that FRP Advisory, which was appointed to handle the chain's insolvency in January, has asked for indicative bids by next Tuesday.

British entrepreneur Mike Lynch has been cleared of all charges by a US jury in the high-profile fraud case related to the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011.

Dr Lynch, who was extradited to the US to face trial just over a year ago, was acquitted alongside a former finance executive Stephen Chamberlain who had faced the same charges.

They were accused of conspiracy and attempted fraud over the £8.3bn sale to HP - a deal that has been the subject of costly legal action since.

Labour is promising to get more young people on the housing ladder as it announces its "freedom to buy" scheme on Friday.

The party is pledging to make the existing mortgage guarantee scheme - which sees the government act as a guarantor for people unable to save big deposits - into a permanent fixture if it wins the election on 4 July.

Meanwhile, the Tories are promising a tax cut for parents by raising the threshold for when families have to pay a levy on their child benefit.

The current system means if either parents or a parent's partner earns more than £60,000, they begin paying the high income child benefit tax charge, and lose the benefit altogether when a salary hits £80,000.

But if the Tories win the election on 4 July, they have promised to increase the threshold to £120,000 before any tax is paid, and to £160,000 before the benefit is withdrawn, as well as base it on a household income, rather than an individual.

If you missed out on the general sales but want to bag yourself a last-minute ticket to Taylor Swift's show in Edinburgh tonight , it could set you back a whopping £4,000. 

Not to fear, however, as it is currently possible to land yourself a ticket for as little as £271 - if you settle for a somewhat restricted view. 

We've checked resale giant Viagogo for the latest prices, accurate as of 10.30am. 

As is often the case with popular tours listed on resale sites, many of the tickets are sold individually - so if you're happy to go alone tonight, you're more likely to get a ticket. 

For context, a ticket at general sale cost somewhere between £80-£160 depending on where you sit/stand. 

As it stands, the cheapest seat with an unrestricted view of the stage is currently up for sale at £323.

Just one ticket is up for £271, but has a "restricted view". 

Bringing a crowd

If you're looking to take someone with you, the cheapest pair of tickets without any restricted view will cost you a combined £1,706.

However, if you're happy with a restricted or limited view, you can pay the cheaper price of £538 for the pair (£269 each). 

You can buy up to four tickets in the same area for £303 each (£1,212 together) for a restricted view, or £555 each (£2,220 together) for an unobstructed view of the stage. 

Getting closer to the action 

Standing tickets are much sought after given their proximity to the stage. 

As alluded to at the top of this post, one frankly optimistic reseller has listed four general admission tickets for a staggering £4,256 each (in the "floor" section shown in the map below). 

However, you can get even closer - with one ticket remaining in the separate section to the left of the stage at £651 and another to the right at £559. 

A word of caution

Ticket resale sites, including Viagogo, have previously been accused of "ripping off" consumers amid concerns customers could be turned away at venues because of restrictions on some resold tickets.

The company was told in 2019 that it was required to make a number of changes to the way it collects and presents information about tickets on its site.

It has since pledged to be compliant with UK watchdogs and now offers a "100% order guarantee [which] covers both buyers and sellers".

If you're happy paying over the odds for last-minute tickets, make sure you're buying through a site with such a guarantee and always beware of scams!

House prices in the UK dropped by 0.1% between April and May, data from mortgage lender Halifax shows.

Analysts had expected a drop of around 0.2%, while last week, rival lender Nationwide said its measure of house prices rose in May after falling in the previous two months.

In the 12 months to May, prices rose by 1.5%, Halifax said - faster than the median forecast in a Reuters news agency poll for an annual increase of 1.2%.

"Market activity remained resilient throughout the spring months, supported by strong nominal wage growth and some evidence of an improvement in confidence about the economic outlook," Halifax's head of mortgages, Amanda Bryden, said.

The stable picture for property prices over the last three months was likely to give more confidence to buyers and sellers, she added. 

Sir Keir Starmer will shortly promise to get more young people on the housing ladder as Labour announces its "freedom to buy" policy. 

We've now got some reaction from business leaders, who've been speaking to Newspage.

Justin Moy, managing director at EHF Mortgages, was not impressed. 

"Freedom to buy looks great on the first read, but then you realise it’s actually been in place since 2021 and many lenders don't use it anyway," he said. 

"Labour are effectively promoting something that already exists and isn't used," he added. 

Andrew Montlake, managing director at Coreco, disagreed, saying it marked a "promising" first offering from Labour. 

"This can allow lenders to take a longer-term approach in their offerings and ensure that competitive products are continually available for those with lower deposits. 

"Whilst it doesn't solve the long-term housing issues overnight, Labour have at least shown they understand them and have already shown they are willing to speak and engage with those on the front lines, which is more promising for the housing market as a whole should the next government be a red one."

However, many more had a negative outlook. 

Lewis Shaw, owner of Shaw Financial Services, was scathing in his assessment, saying: "This policy is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. 

"Prior to the pandemic, 95% loan-to-value mortgage lending was the norm. 

"It happened without any political interference or putting the taxpayer on the hook - has everyone forgotten that? 

"If Labour really wants to help young people buy a home, then do the things that we all know are needed: Tax the super-rich, reduce wealth inequality and build more houses. It's not rocket science."

Katy Eatenton, mortgage and protection specialist at Lifetime Wealth Management, said it was "yet another scheme with no real substance", which was echoed by Stephen Perkins, managing director at Yellow Brick Mortgages.

"This policy will not hugely impact the property market," he said. 

Shortly, we're expecting Sir Keir Starmer to promise to get more young people on the housing ladder as Labour announces its "freedom to buy".

He's set to speak in the coming hours. 

The party will pledge to make the existing mortgage guarantee scheme - which sees the government act as a guarantor for people unable to save big deposits - into a permanent fixture if it wins the election on 4 July.

Sir Keir will also commit to an overhaul of the planning system, including reintroducing housing targets, claiming his measures will see 1.5 million more homes built over the next five years.

Among the planning changes, the party will promise to tax foreign buyers "pricing out young people" from the housing market in order to pay for new planning officers, which it claims will help increase projects being signed off.

It will bring back house-build targets - scrapped by the Tories in 2022 - as well as fast-track permissions to build on brownfield sites, and reform compulsory purchase orders to "stop speculators frustrating housebuilding".

They will also promise to offer "first dibs" on new developments to local people looking for a home and reiterate their pledge to create "the next generation" of new towns.

Read more in our dedicated Politics Hub :

GAME are set to end their long-running rewards programme on 31 July and have urged customers to use their remaining credit whilst they still can.

Both the company's standard GAME Reward scheme and their Elite membership tier will cease to exist, while no further reward points will be earned from purchases made in store or online after July 15.

You can currently redeem 400 reward points for £1 off of a purchase. The end of GAME Elite will mean the end of its monthly offers and prize draws. Any outstanding paid Elite membership months will be eligible for a refund.

"We would strongly urge you to redeem your GAME reward points prior to the closure date on purchases in store or online to avoid disappointment," said GAME.

"After the closure date, GAME reward points will be reset to zero and the GAME reward account will be closed, you will no longer be able to access it and you will no longer be able to redeem your GAME reward points."

The end of GAME's reward programme is the latest move from the company to make changes to their business model.

The chain has already closed several of their own bespoke high street stores and instead taken up residence within Sports Direct and other Fraser Group outlets.

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

We've now had the first interest rate cut in the UK, US and EU for years. 

Yesterday the European Central Bank (ECB) brought down the cost of borrowing in the countries using the euro - the first reduction since 2019.

Sterling stayed roughly where it has been against the euro for the last two weeks - one pound buys more euro than it has done for most of the last year, €1.1740. 

Oil prices have ticked up through the week but are still just below $80 a barrel for Brent crude, the benchmark price. 

That's cheaper than the vast majority of this year and good news for motorists.  

Signs of stabilisation can be seen in the housing market with the news that house prices fell just 0.1% in May, equivalent to a £170 drop in the average house, according to mortgage lender Halifax. 

But renting is still becoming more expensive, just at a slightly slower rate than before, according to property portal Zoopla.

The average rent costs £80 more a month compared with a year earlier.

Higher housing costs have also shown through in a market update from British homebuilder Bellway, which said it expects to sell houses at a higher price point than it previously thought.

The company is a constituent of the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 250 index of 101st to 350th most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange which is down 0.22% this morning. 

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