11 Most Rated Portable Coffee Makers

If you are like most Americans, you start your day with a cup of coffee. Supposedly, you have a coffee machine at home that you took pains over choosing. You got used to it, you know how it sounds when brewing, it produces the crema just the way you like. The home is your castle, with your coffee machine this is a nice castle to live in. But let's look outside the walls of it.

 

According to the National Coffee Association and the Specialty Coffee Association of America, the average consumption in the United States is 3.2 cups of coffee per day. That means that certain amount of coffee is being drunk during the day, specifically during work hours outside the home. It is good when you work in the office with a cozy break room and a coffee maker but many professions require life on the go. With that in mind and with the idea how to solve the problem of stale office coffee, Jonh Sylvan created a K-cup coffee and a small single server brewing machine – a breakthrough in the life of every coffee monger. He was not a pioneer in promoting compact coffee machines but he raised it to a new level.

The smaller the better?

Not exactly. A portable device, be it a compact coffee machine or an iron, is no comparison to a full-size appliance. First, because it causes you to compromise certain device features, and second because the price is not necessarily lower proportionally to its size. However, with these reasons mentioned, portable appliances are in high demand, portable coffee makers are no exception. But what make small coffee machines so special that people used to buy them? Let us see some of the causes:

 

Key Benefits of Portable Devices

 

1. Portability. Would you refuse a freshly brewed cup of coffee at your campsite? With a compact camping coffee maker, you can enjoy your favorite drink anywhere. Being portable and transportable, small coffee machines can be easily taken to the trip.
2. Size. No secret, portable devices are normally of a smaller size, which is much easier to take on the go. Also, if you lack space in the kitchen, a compact coffee machine definitely takes a smaller footprint on the counter.
3. Power options. Unlike a full-size coffee maker that needs a power outlet, a portable version of it can work by sucking energy from various sources like lithium ion batteries or car power. This is beneficial when there is no electricity.
4. Durability. Some portable coffee machines are dust- and wet-resistant so that they can be safely used outdoors. To add more, OXX COFFEEBOXX stood the test of durability by being placed under the SUV wheels.
5. Performance. With a limited amount of functions and customization, small coffee makers brew a nice shot of espresso and creamy latte. If you opt for a compact Keurig coffee maker, the variety of coffee tastes is numerous.

 

We have analyzed the assortment of the best compact coffee machines to present you with the list of 11 most rated appliance of different types. With all pros and cons studied, we hope choosing a small coffee maker will be fun instead of tiresome.

 

The Best Models of Compact Coffee Machines

 

1. AmoVee French Press

• Price: $18.99 BUY NOW
• Pros: French press doubles with a mug, made of high-quality plastic, lightweight, spill-resistant lid, great for traveling or taking it on the go, separates the sediment, takes little time to brew, durable, no leakage, no filters needed.
• Cons: directions are unclear.

 

Characteristics:

• size: 2.6 x 2.6 x 10.2in (6.6 x 6.6 x 26cm)
• weight: 10.2oz (290g)
• color: black, wine red
• material: plastic
• pressure: no

 

Most common usage problems:

• there is some liquid left with the grounds, that causes the mess when cleaning.

 

2. Gourmia Foldable Electric Kettle

• Price: $24.97 BUY NOW
• Pros: extremely compact and reliable, dual voltage compatibility, lightweight, lid lock, auto shut-off, integrated spout filter, efficient, made of high-quality material, excellent for traveling, easy to use, collapsible, convenient to use, easy to pack.
• Cons: min and max markers are not distinct.

 

Characteristics:

• size: 4 x 7.8 x 5.8in (10 x 20 x 15cm)
• weight: 1.2lbs (544g)
• color: black, white
• material: plastic and silicone
• capacity: 17oz (0.5L)
• power: 120V - 220V

 

Most common usage problems:

• kettle turns on once you plug it in, need time to get used to
• the switch does not turn off so you should unplug immediately after boiling
• water can't be reboiled just at once, need to wait for some time
• the first batch of water boiled may have a chemical taste

 

3. Nespresso Coffee Machine

• Price: $109.99 BUY NOW
• Pros: aesthetically very attractive, compact, stylish design, makes a good layer of crema, fast to warm up and brew, the variety of tasty and convenient coffee pods, easy to use, makes great espresso, the function that allows to start brewing the coffee once the water is hot, affordable price,
• Cons: the instructions are complicated, the machine is noisy when brewing.

 

Characteristics:

• size: 12.4 x 4.7 x 9.1in (31.5 x 12 x 23cm)
• weight: 5.3lbs (2.4kg)
• color: red
• material: plastic
• pressure: up to 19 bars
• Nespresso capsules x 16
• power: 120V

 

Most common usage problems:

• the majority of parts are made of plastic, thus seem less reliable
• water reservoir does not fit completely
• load/drop design is inconvenient

 

4. Presto MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker

• Price: $11.17 BUY NOW
• Pros: convenient, compact design, easy to use, great for traveling, silicone grip provides easy handling, inexpensive but efficient, has a refillable cup, can be used with K-cups, good for brewing tea, easy cleaning, no electricity is required.
• Cons: unclear instructions.

 

Characteristics:

• size: 4.1 x 4.1 x 9in (10.5 x 10.5 x 23cm)
• weight: 14.1oz (400g)
• color: black
• material: plastic and silicone

 

Most common usage problems:

• the first attempt may fail because of unclear instructions
• you need two hands to pump so should be careful
• sensitive silicone valve
• coffee grounds may backflow into the clean water

 

5. OXX COFFEEBOXX Single Serve Coffee Maker

• Price: $229.99 BUY NOW
• Pros: heavy-duty construction, ultra-tough, crushproof, brews coffee in 100 seconds, works for 8, 10 and 12oz cup sizes, water- and dust-resistant, can be used outdoors, large water tank, spill-proof design, a carrying handle, an integrated carbon water filter.
• Cons: short power cord, coffee sprays intensely.

 

Characteristics:

• size: 11 x 9 x 11.5in (28 x 23 x 29 cm)
• weight: 12 lbs (5.44kg)
• color: desert tan, hi-viz green, special ops black
• material: impact resistant plastic
• water tank capacity: 85oz (2.5L)
• power: 120V

 

Most common usage problems:

• it spews the coffee in 3 seconds after it stops brewing, you should know about that and wait not to take the cup away, otherwise, the coffee will spill on the tray
• requires cleaning every time after using.

 

6. Presto Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator

• Price: $31.99 BUY NOW
• Pros: classic design, indicator light, detachable cord, automatic keep-warm mode, cool-touch handle,
• Cons: electrical connectors designed poorly.

 

Characteristics:

• size: 4 x 7.5 x 10in (10 x 19 x 25.4cm)
• weight: 6lbs (2.7kg)
• color: silver
• material: metal stainless steel
• power: 120V

 

Most common usage problems:

• mind the stem – it should fully engage into the base, otherwise, there is a risk of weak coffee
• it's hard to see how much water is in the pot
• the taste of coffee from percolator differs from the one out of the French press or coffee machines.

 

7. WACACO MiniPresso Espresso Maker

• Price: $48.38 BUY NOW
• Pros: small to fit any bag, easy to clean and operate, lightweight, versatile, brew a perfect espresso, good for traveling, quick to brew, impressive body design, consistent result.
• Cons: only makes 1-1.5 shot at a time.

 

Characteristics:

• size: 7 x 2.5 x 2.4in (18 x 6.35 x 6.1cm)
• weight: 10.4oz (300g)
• color: black
• material: plastic
• coffee amount: 1 shot (50ml)
• pressure: 8 bars

 

Most common usage problems:

• nozzle can't be disassembled for thorough cleaning
• do not tamp the grinds, otherwise, the pressure can break the device
• the pump is quite tender and can blow up with intense use.

 

8. Infinite Coffee's Grind and Brew Master

• Price: $28.97 BUY NOW
• Pros: dual function ceramic grinder and travel mug, provides even grind, compact, durable and efficient, the hand crank folds for easy transportation,
• Cons: no lid for the grinder.

 

Characteristics:

• size: 3.7 x 8.3 x 3.7in (9.4 x 21 x 9.4cm)
• weight: 14.4oz (408g)
• color: black
• material: stainless steel
• coffee amount: 8 oz (235ml)

 

Most common usage problems:

• the beans can spill around because of the lack of a cap
• grounds can get into coffee because the grinder does not fit perfectly, or this is the matter of trails and fails to make it fit.

 

9. Handpresso Wild Hybrid

• Price: $74.99 BUY NOW
• Pros: compact and small, lightweight, portable, fits any bag, no electricity needed, brews excellent espresso, easy to use and wash, hard and durable.
• Cons: used only for espresso shots.

 

Characteristics:

• size: 8.5 x 2.8 x 4in (21.6 x 7 x 10cm)
• weight: 1lb (453.5g)
• color: black, silver
• material: plastic
• pressure: 16 bars

 

Most common usage problems:

• the device does not maintain 16 bar pressure throughout the brewing process
• it is quite heavy, if it was made of aluminum it would be great for traveling
• it requires certain efforts to pump it

 

10. Black+Decker Single Serve Coffeemaker

• Price: $19.19 BUY NOW
• Pros: convenient one-touch operation, dishwasher safe, travel mug included, brew directly into a travel mug, compact, permanent grounds filter, automatic shut-off, optimal brewing temperature, easy to clean, indicator light, small footprint.
• Cons: on button feels pretty cheap.

 

Characteristics:

• size: 6.1 x 5.5 x 9.4in (15.5 x 14 x 24cm)
• weight: 2.1lbs (952g)
• color: black
• material: plastic
• water tank capacity: 12oz (355ml)

 

Most common usage problems:

• not all the water may be processed over the time, if so just switch off the coffeemaker and press the start button again
• black inside makes it difficult to see the max line
• the start button is inconvenient.

 

11. Makita Lithium-Ion Coffee Maker

• Price: $37.99 BUY NOW
• Pros: cordless, two power options: to plug in and use the battery, no paper filter needed, permanent filter, has a battery adapter, compact and portable, boil dry protection, great for camping or when you have no power.
• Cons: 1 lithium ion battery is required.

 

Characteristics:

• size: 6.1 x 10.7 x 10.4in (15.5 x 27 x 26.5cm)
• weight: 3.6lbs (1.63kg)
• color: green
• material: plastic
• power: 18V
• coffee amount: 5oz (150ml)

 

Most common usage problems:

• it makes one 4 oz cup of coffee at a time
• the battery is good for only two cups of coffee
• can't fit a big cup

 

For an affordable price and convenient size, a compact coffee machine is worth your test. Order one from an online store you trust, take it with you on a trip or bring it to your office. See how this portable appliance will provide you with aroma cup of coffee anytime you need it.