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How to Make Great Coffee While Traveling

Written by Dan

Updated on March 1st, 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

While you are planning a trip, you’re probably focused on your experiences, booking your accommodations and packing.

But have you thought about coffee?

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 .

Come find out how we make coffee while we travel!

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?

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The 10 Best Portable Coffee Makers

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

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.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

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.

Nena Farrell

Brenda Stolyar

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.

Adrienne So

Julian Chokkattu

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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

• Best Coffices in NYC
• Insane Adventure in the Ottawa Valley – Ontario’s Highlands Freedom Finder Route
• Top 5 Travel Essentials
• Best Extended Stay in San Diego Hotels
• 9 Tasty Snacks in Japan That Make Great Souvenirs

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

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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The 13 Best Portable Travel Coffee Makers [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

775 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

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Why Buy a Portable Coffee Maker?

The different types of coffee makers, things to consider with a travel coffee maker, 1. big tasting coffee from a tiny device, 2. a travel mug for coffee enthusiasts, 3. perfect espresso wherever you go, 4. easy expresso at the push of a button, 1. affordable, portable, pour-over coffee maker, 2. a quirky little gadget that delivers great coffee, 3. an all-in-one brew method for great coffee on the go, 4. a durable coffee maker for every kind of adventure, 1. share great coffee with your significant other, 2. big-brand beverages from bodum, 3. a beautiful italian standard both at home and away, 4. single-serve packs with flavor, 5. unique coffee brewing from a world leader, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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.

The 4 Best Espresso Makers for Travel

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.

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

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
• 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
• 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

The 4 Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers   for Travel

• 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

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

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

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

The 5 Best French Presses for Travel

• 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
• 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

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

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

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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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 November 1, 2023
• 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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Instant Coffee Is Fancy Now: The Best Travel-Friendly Coffees to Take With You

By Maggie Hoffman

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

I woke at dawn, and it took a minute to remember where I was: Crappy airport hotel. Everything’s loaded on the truck. Just catch the flight. My daughter and husband had already headed toward our new home on the East coast, and my last morning in California wasn’t exactly a poetic goodbye. The coffee dispenser in the empty hotel breakfast room was broken. My head was pounding. Just catch the flight.

After a closed-road delay (because the crappy airport hotel wasn't even that close to the airport), I raced to the gate, collapsing sweatily into my airplane seat and trying to shake off the mounting pressure between my temples. It was then that I remembered: I’d bought myself a parting gift at Sightglass , the coffee roaster down the street from our old house. Six packets of their fancy new instant coffee. As the beverage cart (with its urns of acidic roastwater) passed by, I tore one open and mixed the powder with the contents of my water bottle and a cup of ice. I took a sip. I may have said aloud: I’m a genius.

My name is Maggie, and I’m a coffee snob.

The elixir had the punch of espresso and a robust cocoa flavor. I’d been skeptical of the new generation of instant coffees (and other travel-friendly options from high-end roasters around the country) that I’d been hearing about. Who needs instant coffee that costs as much as a cafe cup? But with each lifesaving sip on that cross-country flight, I let go of doubt and vowed to explore all the options.

And now, after spending this fall tasting cup after cup, I know I can bring the good stuff with me wherever I go.

If you’re traveling on planes, trains, or automobiles this winter, you need the coffee situation to be easy, and that’s where dissolving granules of much-better-than-old-school instant coffee come in. Most of these instant coffees are made through a partnership: Your favorite roaster sends their beans to a producer like Swift Cup in Lancaster, PA. Though the precise details are proprietary, they basically grind the coffee and brew it into an intense concentrate, which is then freeze-dried so that you can easily carry around a single-serving pouch. All you need is water to bring the coffee back to life. Swift Cup produces their own instant coffees as well as making the stuff for more than 50 different roasters, including Sightglass and Joe .

As grateful as I was for those granules of coffee on the plane, there are some downsides. The dehydrated coffees I’ve tried reconstitute into a rich, bold cup, with an intensity that I like best on ice. Matt Scottoline of ReAnimator Coffee Roasters in Philadelphia says they’ve noticed that the instant coffees have “lowered acidity and a higher concentration of sugary flavors,” though he notes he’s happy with their clean, sweet character. In a post on their blog, the Counter Culture team explains that they found a molasses note that sometimes veered toward oxidation in some of the dehydrated coffees they sampled from various producers, which is why they chose to go a different way.

That different way is essentially coffee in a tea bag, and it’s not just Counter Culture that went there: the company Steeped produces the bags for 75 different roasters including Victrola and Alabaster Coffee . The bags feel a bit weird to use, but it’s an easy process: You pour hot water over the bag into your cup, lift it up and down for a few seconds, and then let the bag steep for five minutes. What you’re left with has the brightness of pourover and some of the richness of French press. The Steeped tea bag model captures more of the coffee’s high notes: the tart cherry, the lemon rind. I’m into it, and I’ll be taking a few to drink at my inlaws’ house this Thanksgiving. (Love you guys! But hate your coffee!)

True coffee nerds can even take real-ish pourover on the road, and several of the companies making them say they're working toward launching a 100% biodegradable product soon. I felt a little funny jiggering the flimsy cardboard wings of a single-use filter setup over my cup—and several of my office mates stopped to stare—but the Kuju Ethiopian is pretty good. Of these portable pourovers, I liked the setup of DripKit’s offerings best: The sturdy cardboard contraption’s notches slide onto the rim of your cup to make it more stable, and their single origin coffee from Verve is delightfully bright and juicy. Though I’m not sure I’d want to risk knocking it over on a plane. For that, I’ll keep my Sightglass granules handy.

All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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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…

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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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 :).

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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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Travel Mugs For Stylish, Secure Sipping On-The-Go

Caffeinated and chic.

by Editorial Team Updated on May 17, 2023

At Luxe Digital, we independently research, review, and recommend products we love and that we think you will love, too. Learn more about how we curate the best products for you .

We all love those moments when we can sit and enjoy our morning coffee in peace. However, we’re busy people. We live life on the go. Whether you’re traveling for work or play, your coffee’s going to need to come with you . 

The best coffee mugs for traveling have all of the feel-good benefits of the mugs you have at home…with all of the benefits of being able to safely and securely bring them wherever you want . With these travel tumblers and mugs, you’ll also enjoy eco-conscious benefits.

Whether you’re brewing your coffee at home or toting a reusable cup to your favorite coffee shop, you need to have the best travel mug for your specific lifestyle. 

With features like auto locks, triple insulation, and gorgeous, aesthetically-pleasing facades, the world is your oyster when you’re looking for the best travel mugs to keep coffee hot (or ice cold!). 

We’ve compiled a definitive ranking of the best travel coffee mugs, so you know precisely what to look for. From chic reusable coffee cups to sturdy stainless steel coffee mugs, you’ll find them all right here .

The best travel coffee mugs

Zojirushi: overall best coffee travel mug.

If you’re looking for industry-approved insulation , look no further. Zojirushi makes the same coffee urns that are used in coffee shops worldwide – so you know that the brand’s personal insulated mugs are going to keep your drinks hot or cool for hours on end. And, just as importantly, these mugs can do it while looking sleek and chic.

A powder-coated exterior, an easy-clean nonstick interior, an ultralight body: Nothing about this mug gets in the way of your everyday coffee experience. It’s all there to enhance. The BPA-free plastic lid on this best travel mug to keep coffee hot has a 2-step release process to avoid accidental spills, gushing, or overflowing.

Best of all, the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug simply ensures that your coffee will be the precise temperature you want , even hours later.

Best for : Coffee aficionados who like their drinks piping hot or icy-cool — with no in-between.

S’Well: Best high-end thermal mug

If you’re anything like us, your coffee mug is one of your favorite daily accessories. If you’re spending a lot of time using it, you might as well enjoy the process, right?

Turn to S’Well for a bottle that works well and looks good doing it. With triple-layered construction that keeps beverages cold for 24 hours (and hot for 12), your drinks will always be just the way you like them. Each Traveler Mug by S’Well has unique patterns, prints, textures, and colors. You’re sure to find one to perfectly complement your own personal aesthetic .

The seal on these mugs are impeccable, the opening of the mug is wide enough for ice cubes and comfortable sipping, and they’re perfectly sized for most cup holders. They’re also far and away the best travel mug for iced coffee.

Ultimately, when you’re looking for a gorgeous traveler mug to fit into your lifestyle, the S’Well Traveler is the way to go.

Best for : Drinking perfectly-heated-or-iced coffee on the go—in style. 

MiiR: Best value stainless steel coffee mug

Travel mugs already have the potential to save you a lot of time and money, as you can use them to bring drinks from home instead of stopping at your favorite coffee shop (or stopping for coffee anyway, but having your favorite mug to use instead of a single-use cup). When it comes to value, though, this MiiR Insulated Tumbler really steps up to the task.

This dishwasher-safe, double-wall-insulated mug will give you perfectly-heated (or cooled) beverages without condensation . The hard shell powder coating won’t deteriorate over time. It’ll always look good and feel good to hold while you’re enjoying your morning (or afternoon) coffee.

The lid of the MiiR Insulated Tumbler flips open so you can easily drink your beverage — but locks so you don’t have to worry at all about leaks . With three gorgeous color choices and a low price point, it’s safe to say that this tumbler is definitely worth it.

Best for : Those who appreciate the reliability of a mug that can truly go the distance. 

Contigo Transit: Best reusable coffee cup for your car

When you’re enjoying your morning commute, you need to be alert. This stainless steel mug can provide you the java you need to drive safely and even get your thoughts in order before you park at work, ready to start your day.

This coffee mug does its job as well as you do : it’s sized to fit in most standard car cup holders, it keeps your beverage at the temperature you want it, and it won’t leak or spill if it suddenly tips over, should you need to brake quickly.

Its non-slip grip sleeve makes it easy to sip your coffee with one hand , and it’s got the same non-slip material on its base. This coffee mug won’t be going anywhere unless you want it to!

For a frustration-free car coffee experience, the Contigo Stainless Steel Mug is the right pick.

Best for : A tried-and-true co-pilot for your next road trip. 

Trudeau: Best insulated coffee mug for work

When you’re enjoying your coffee in-office, you need a professional-looking travel coffee mug that’s up to keeping you alert through meetings, deadlines, conferences, and more.

The leak-proof lid of this coffee mug swivels and even pops off so you can have a regular mug drinking experience — without the risk of getting coffee stains all over your tech and your documents. The durable, hand-washable faux-leather accents are a nice touch, as well.

What’s more, the no-frills, industrial vibe of the Trudeau Board Room Mug can literally tell others (and remind yourself) that you mean business. 

Best for : A veritable savior for your morning commute (even if that’s just from the kitchen to your living room!

bubba: Best coffee travel mug with straw

The thing about travel coffee mugs is that they almost universally come in sip-friendly models. One of life’s great joys, however, is enjoying an iced coffee through a straw . If you’re missing out on that experience when you use reusable travel mugs, don’t worry. 

Enter: The bubba insulated coffee mug. Its easy-clean lid can be used with or without an included plastic straw , which is dishwasher-safe — so you can clean it easily, as well.

With a sleek double-walled body that fits in most cupholders and a sweat-free exterior formulation, this bubba Vacuum-Insulated Mug will be pleasant to use for years to come . (Since it comes with a lifetime guarantee, you’ll be able to use it for that long, too.)

Best for : Those who enjoy sipping through a straw, but want a sustainable way to do so.

YETI: Best coffee mug with handle

Many coffee travel mugs don’t actually look like mugs, when you think about it. For the very thing which defines a mug — an eminently grippable, practical handle to make drinking your coffee kinesthetically pleasing — is often absent from sleek, modern travel cups.

This YETI Rambler Mug is here to change that.

With an impeccably-engineered shape , feel, and insulation system, this travel mug has a low, wide body and a large handle for easy grabbing and pleasant sipping. Even if you’re wearing gloves, this mug will easily fit around your mitts!

The no-sweat dura coat cover ensures that the color of your choice will remain bright and cheery forever. You’ll see no peeling, fading, or scratching with the YETI Rambler . Its ability to keep drinks hot or cold all day long is just as hard-working as its frame : Until the last sip, your beverages will be precisely as you need them, every single time.

Best for : A travel tumbler that can handle literally anything before you. 

Contigo Autoseal: Best stainless steel travel tumbler

Raise your hand if you’ve ever accidentally knocked your travel mug over to your great chagrin. (Our hands are raised.) This can ruin your day before it even begins. Finding a travel mug that would never, ever do that would be a game-changer.

Introducing: the Contigo Autoseal Travel Mug .

With Contigo’s Autoseal technology, you can be sure that will never happen. (You can also simply toss this travel mug into your bag and be perfectly confident your belongings are safe. It’s that good at what it does.)

Just the push of a button and you can enjoy one-handed drinking of perfectly-heated (or cooled) drinks. The lid opens completely so you can clean it thoroughly — and locks, so you don’t have to worry about a thing .

Absolute peace of mind in a travel coffee mug. That’s what we like to see. 

Best for : Those who seek reliability and safety with their coffee mug. No leaks, here.

Swig: Most trendy travel coffee mug

When you’re using your coffee mug, you’re walking out and about. You’re at work. You’re strolling through your office. You want that mug to be reflective of who you are …and your personal style.

And, sometimes, you might just want to have a little fun with your accessories. That’s where the Swig Triple Insulated Mug comes in. With countless gorgeous, fun, and trendy designs , this handled mug is one you’ll want to reach for in the morning.

A silicone base keeps this mug completely scratch-free, slip-free, and noise-free . It looks good, and keeps your coffee hot for up to nine hours. When it comes to a coffee mug, what more could you want?

Best for : A gorgeous coffee truly worth of your #ButFirstCoffee ‘grams. 

Mora Ceramics: Best ceramic travel mug

If you’d rather steer clear of a mug with an industrial, workaday feel , perhaps it’s time to hit pause.

Named for the Latin word meaning ‘pause’, this ceramic mug by Mora Ceramics is a constant reminder to slow down, take stock, and rest as you go throughout your day. 

With an organic, natural feel, the glazed ceramic of this mug is something you’ll enjoy cupping in your hands as you begin your day. However, this mug isn’t all about looks. It incorporates a splash-resistant lid, a double-walled ceramic body with paladin clay, and a base that will slip smoothly into any standard cup holder.

Instead of rushing through your day, take a moment to pause. With the Mora Ceramics Travel Mug , invite calm into your productivity. Your future self will thank you.

Best for : Moments of caffeinated chill among the chaos of busy days.

JOCO: Best glass coffee travel mug

An artisan glass travel coffee mug. Does such a thing exist? 

As it turns out — yes. The artists behind the JOCO Glass Travel Tumbler precisely formulate these mugs with wide-mouth, comfort-sip designs, steady flow function, and gorgeous clarity . If you want to drink your beverage instead of wearing it, you’ll enjoy the anti-splash ergonomic experience of the lid.

JOCO has made sure that nose-to-lid collisions are minimal with the intuitive shape of the lid; the thermal silicone sleeve keeps your drink hot and the mug touchable ; and — as this mug is 100% plastic-free — it is odor-resistant, oven- and microwave-safe, and very easy to clean.

If you’re looking to eliminate plastic from your life and you like the thought of incorporating a beautiful work of art into your coffee experience, the JOCO Glass Travel Tumbler is the one for you.

Best for : The fans of coffee in a glass who enjoy one-of-a-kind artisan pieces.

Thermos: Best tumbler for coffee

A sleek, fluted style . Unique functional features. And a company name that has literally come to define travel coffee mugs.

Thermos’ Sipp line has been completely re-engineered and redesigned to give you maximum temperature retention. With vacuum insulation and a durable stainless-steel interior and exterior, this thermos is made to be at your side to endure whatever life throws at you .

Thoughtfully crafted with a one-hand push-button drinking operation, a built-in tea hook for tea bags or infusers , and a minimalist, streamlined body that can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher: The Thermos Travel Tumbler brings sophistication to the table encased in a slim, smooth profile.

Best for : Anyone who prefers the simple classiness of pure functionality.

Juro: Best budget travel coffee mug

BPA-free, large-capacity, a matte black facade that blends in with any outfit or environment: This travel coffee mug is everything you need out of a basic coffee mug…and it’s available for an extremely economical price.

The Juro Stainless Steel Tumbler keeps cooler drinks cold for a full day, and hot drinks piping hot for six hours. The unique feature of this mug is its lid. When you’re enjoying your coffee, all you need to do is slide the moving part of the lid back and forth. There are no rotating parts to break or line up. There’s a tight clip seal on the lid when you need it to stay put.

Zero worries, reliable insulation, and a lightweight design that holds a lot of coffee . That’s pretty much the dream! This insulated travel coffee mug also comes with a lifetime warranty. All in all, the Juro Stainless Steel Tumbler offers incredible value for a bargain price.

Best for : Those who’d rather keep their coffee and their pocketbook safe from spills. 

Buyers guide: Finding the best travel coffee mug for your life

Your life, your daily rituals, the specific needs you have as you move throughout your day: They’re all as delightfully unique as you are . Therefore, the coffee mug that you use to help bring you comfort and energy needs to be special, too . Luckily, there are many different types of mugs, features, and accessories that you can choose from.

We’re here to help make yours an informed choice with this helpful guide. When you’re looking for your ideal travel coffee mug , keep the following features in mind.

• The insulation : One of the primary reasons you purchase a travel coffee mug is to keep your drink at an optimal temperature. Make sure that your coffee mug can handle both warm and cool beverages, and that it has enough insulation to keep your drink hot — and your hands safe. 

• The lid : Your travel coffee mug can’t spill — that’s a must. When you’re considering your purchase, keep the anti-spilling tech in mind. Some coffee mugs have locking features on their lids. Others might slide open with the twist of your hand. 
• The washability : You’ll be drinking from your mug daily, so you’ll need a way to make sure that your cup is freshly clean and safe quite often. If you prefer using a dishwasher, check to make sure that your travel mug is dishwasher safe. If not, just examine it to see if it’s easy-clean or if you’ll need to purchase a special bottle brush to sanitise it.
• Sip vs. straw : Think about the way that you like to enjoy your coffee. Would you rather a sipping lid, or would you prefer at least the option of a straw? Remember, you can use your travel coffee mug for hot or cold beverages — and sipping iced coffee through a straw can be simply divine. However, if that’s not a feature you would use, a straw could be just another thing that you have to regularly clean.

• Hot vs. cold: If you do plan on using your travel coffee mug for both hot and cool drinks, make sure you purchase one that is engineered for both —there are some that are better for hot drinks, and others that are better for cool ones (that reduce condensation on the exterior surface, for example). 
• Size: Lastly, pick a coffee mug that has a volume you can work with. The very point of having a travel coffee mug is so you don’t have to refill it too often. Think about your consumption needs and pick one that’s large enough to give you a satisfying amount of your favorite beverage — without it being too bulky for you to comfortably carry it around. 

Frequently asked questions about the best travel coffee mugs

The best travel coffee mugs are the ones that you use the most! Think about your daily life and what you need — a handled coffee mug, one with a straw, or one with an airlock lid. The one with features best suiting your life will be the best travel coffee mug for you. (We like the Zojirushi Insulated Mug , however, for just how good it is at regulating temperature!)

The Zojirushi Insulated Mug keeps coffee hot the longest. Zojirushi is used industry-wide for coffeeshop thermal needs, so, if you’re looking for professional-level insulation, that mug is the way to go!

The best thermal mug is the S’well Stainless Steel Traveler . It keeps hot drinks hot and cool drinks chilled for long periods of time…and it has the different color options to ensure that you enjoy your mug as an accessory, too.

Stainless steel coffee mugs are safe when you can be sure that the company is using the right type of stainless steel. If you see that a mug uses food-grade, performance-grade, or medical-grade stainless steel, you can be sure that they’ll be safe to use.

About the author

Editorial Team

Luxe Digital is an independent media brand, and premier online destination inspiring millions of people like you to live their richest lives—beyond bling. Our award-winning editorial team is a global team of content creators and editors. We are journalists, strategists, analysts, creatives, travelers, and luxury insiders—all with high standards and even higher values.

Learn more about Editorial Team

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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?

Table of Contents

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The Travel Mugs That HuffPost Readers Say Are Actually Worth Buying

Staff Writer

Whether it’s coffee , tea, water, yerba mate, Bloom or Athletic Greens, you have to have your morning drink. And if you’re going to work, taking kids to school or otherwise leaving the house, you likely have a rotating selection of slightly leaky containers you take with you on the go.

To help you stay upbeat and hopefully not covered in your drink as you start your day, we asked HuffPost readers on the Life and Parenting Facebook pages for their favorite thermoses, tumblers, cups and water bottles for daily commutes or busy days out of the house.

Facebook user Jayme Carlson said it best, noting that her favorite drink containers (the Yeti Rambler and Stanley IceFlow tumbler ) are something she “ swore I’d never pay for but have proved to be worth it.” Like Carlson, many readers suggested specific brands and styles of tumblers and bottles that aren’t the cheapest options on the shelf, but earn their price tag tenfold. Some containers have been shown to never leak, so much so you can throw it full of coffee in your gym bag, while others keep beverages at their desired temperature for hours.

To jumpstart your morning routine and to replace your cabinet of cheap novelty thermoses and mismatched insulated cups for which you can’t find the lid, here are HuffPost readers’ favorite daily commuter cups — the only tumblers you will ever need.

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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The Best Travel Coffee Maker

Which travel coffee makers are the best ones out there? Well, if you’re a coffeeholic like myself, you need your cup of freshly brewed joe in the morning. And it really needs to be freshly brewed, otherwise it doesn’t work.

During travels it can feel like a treasure hunt when you venture out to find a good cup of coffee, and if you’re camping it may not even be an option.

So why not make your own?

There are plenty of ways to do it, and with a travel coffee maker it is both easy and quick to brew it yourself. Luckily they don’t cost a fortune, and some of them really make a great cup of coffee.

We’ve reviewed a bunch of travel coffee makers over time, and below are our 8 favorite picks:

Coffee Maker for Your Portable Stovetop

Bialetti Moka Express

• Very reliable and durable
• Makes a strong cup of moka
• Easy to use

What we like: Why exactly did we pick this as our favorite, you ask? Well, for once it works with most types of heat sources (except induction, since it’s aluminum). You can even put it in a camp fire, although it isn’t recommended since the handle is made of plastic. It makes you nice and strong cup of coffee as well, and that’s what it’s all about. It really gets you up and going in the morning, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort to use. Since it’s mainly made from Aluminum, it will most likely last you more than a decade too.

All you need to know: The Bialetti Moka Express is a coffee brewer suitable for most heat sources, except induction because it’s made from aluminum.

It is an Italian brand and made in Italy as well, so you’ll get an authentic coffee brewer that works just the way Italians like it. The moka pot works by filling up the lower container with water, and then you’ll add your coffee grounds to the small container in the middle. When the water is boiling, it will build up a pressure that forces it through the coffee grounds, a metal filter, and into the upper container. The upper container collects the freshly brewed coffee, which is then ready to serve.

The coffee is stronger than drip coffee and French press coffee, but it’s also smooth and therefore a pleasure to drink. It can even be used for coffee specialties such as cappuccino or caffe latte.

The Bialetti Moka Express comes in many sizes, which makes you able to make anything from 3 to 12 cups of coffee. You should expect a brewing time of approximately 4-5 minutes, depending on the size you purchase. There’s not a lot of preparation with this brewer, you just fill it with water and coffee ground, and then let it do the work for you.

Specifications:

• Coffee type: Moka
• Coffee taste: Strong, rich, bold
• Capacity: 3 to 12 cups
• Estimated brewing time: 4-5 minutes

Durable French Press Coffee Maker for Your RV

Coffee Gator French Press Thermal Brewer

• Requires nothing but hot water
• Insulated: Keeps the coffee hot
• Great choice for camping

What we like: We had to mark this as our favorite too. It is beautiful, stylish, durable, and most importantly: It makes great coffee. All it takes is some boiled water, which can be boiled just the way you want it. If everything you got is a camp fire, so be it. Warm up the water in a pot and let it boil, before cooling it down just a few degrees. Then you simply add water to your coffee grounds, and let it sit for a couple of minutes – and voila! You get a nice, robust and rich cup of coffee!

All you need to know: The Coffee Gator French press is perfect for travelling, because it’s durable and easy to use. Store it in your RV, and make use of it any time you got access to hot water.

It has an insulated jug which keeps your coffee warm for longer, and it makes 34 ounces of coffee at a time, which gets you between 8 or 10 cups of coffee, depending on the size of your cups.

The brewer has a two-piece metal mesh filter, which ensures that your coffee is filtered efficiently.

French press coffee has a richer and more robust taste, but it’s also balanced and not as strong as other types of coffee. It is somewhat similar to drip coffee, but a less refined taste. We consider it one of the easiest ways to make fresh coffee .

• Coffee type: French press
• Coffee taste: Robust, rich, balanced
• Capacity: 34 ounces

Coffee Brewed in a Mug – Perfect for Backpackers

Coffee Gator All-In-One Travel Coffee Maker

• Lightweight coffee mug
• User friendly
• Good insulation

What we like: Now this is a great choice for those of you who travel on your own. The Coffee Gator All-In-One travel brewer works really well for those who need their coffee on the go, but still wants a nice cup of freshly brewed coffee. You simply apply the filter, add your coffee grounds, and pour hot water. It just takes a few seconds! And one of the best things are: The slower you pour the water, the stronger your coffee gets. So you can either make your coffee mild or strong, depending on your personal taste.

The mug holds a good 20 ounces of coffee, and it is even insulated and keeps your coffee hot for more than 6 hours.

All you need to know: The Coffee Gator All-In-One pour over mug is suitable for those travelling on their own. It can also be used as a to-go much on your daily commute, if you don’t have time to enjoy your coffee at home. It could work well on camping trips as well, because all you need is some hot water and you’ll be ready to brew a fresh cup of coffee in no time.

The double-layered mug provides you great insulation, so your coffee stays warm for longer. You’ll also avoid the risk of burning your hands, which is a good thing!

There’s also a to-go lid included, which opens and closes whenever you want a sip of coffee. The mug is available in many different colors.

You should expect somewhere between 2 or 3 minutes for this brewer to make coffee, and it is availabe in multiple colors.

• Coffee type: Pour over / drip coffee
• Coffee taste: Rich, smooth, well balanced
• Capacity: 20 ounces
• Estimated brewing time: 2-3 minutes

Beautiful Pour Over Coffee Maker with Permanent Filter

Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker

• Beautiful design
• Perfect for camping
• No paper filters needed

What we like: This is one of our favorites for those travelling in packs (or alone!). The Bodum pour over coffee maker is not only suitable for travelling, it is also suitable for those seeking an easy-to-use coffee brewer, which doesn’t take a lot of space and makes you able to brew a great tasting coffee in no time. Simply apply the filter on top of the carafe, fill in your coffee grounds, and pour hot water over it. Once it stops dripping into the carafe, your coffee is ready to serve.

What a perfect way to start every day!

All you need to know: The Bodum coffee brewer isn’t necessarily made for travelling, but it is definitely made for those beautiful mornings, which are best spent with friends and family around.

While it isn’t necessarily made for travelling or camping of any kind, it is easy to bring along and store in an RV. Just add hot water, and you’re ready to make yourself a nice and smooth cup of coffee.

It is available in 3 sizes varying from 17 ounces up to 51 ounces, so your entire family could be served from just one carafe. It is also dishwasher safe, and it takes just a few minutes to brew the coffee.

The filter is made from stainless steel, and doesn’t require any paper filters. You can make a very rich cup of coffee if you pour the water slowly over the grounds, but you can also make it a bit milder if you pour it as quickly as possible.

• Capacity: 17 – 51 ounces

Affordable and Durable Pour Over Coffee Cone Dripper

YITELLE Pour Over Coffee Dripper Set

• Brew your coffee the way you want
• Suitable for small or large portions
• Scoop and brush included

What we like: If you for some reason aren’t interested in buying a complete coffee brewing set, this coffee brewer is a great alternative. Here you’ll get the opportunity to brew your coffee directly into your mug or your own thermo, so you’ll “cut off” the middleman, which is why it’s a good choice for camping, the RV life, and similar. It has been made completely from steel, so it’s a permanent filter that doesn’t break under normal cicumstances. All in all, we think this is a great buy.

All you need to know: This coffee brewer lets you pour over some hot water, and then it is filtered through the metal mesh and ending up directly into your own cup, a jug, or similar. It’s one of the simplest solutions out there, which is why so many people love it.

The coffee brewer from YITELE comes with a scoop and a brush, so you’re all set and don’t have to buy anything extra. Just bring your favorite coffee mug, and you’re good to go.

After use is is easy to clean. You can even wash it in the dishwasher, if you want. Brewing time would take less than 3 minutes, so you’ll quickly get a freshly brewed cup of joe in the morning.

Quick Coffee and Espresso Maker On-The-Go

AeroPress Coffee Maker

• Brew coffee in minutes
• Lightweight and durable
• Easy to clean

What we like: The AeroPress is a genious way to brew a cup of coffee while travelling. You can bring it in your backpack, in your suitcase, or store it in your RV. Since it’s made of plastic (in the USA!) it won’t break easily, and it’s as lightweight as it gets. With this little device you get to choose the strength of your coffee by how long you let it rest in the cylinder, before pressing it into the mug. What more could you possibly ask for?

All you need to know: The AeroPress is a unique travel coffee brewer, where brewing your coffee has been rethought in order to make it as easy and non-messy as it gets.

The way it works is you put a filter in the bottom cap, make sure it’s wet before adding your coffee grounds, then you add hot water, stir it a little to mix with the coffee grounds, and then you add the plunger from the top and press it down slowly. The plunger creates a pressure that will push the coffee through the filter, in order to keep the coffee grounds from spilling into your mug. In a few minutes you’ll have a fresh cup of coffee, and all you have to do afterwards is to rinse off the AeroPress with a bit of water. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

The AeroPress travel brewer comes with a plunger, a cylinder for brewing, a filter cap, a funnel to easily add water and coffee grounds without spilling, a filter holder, a scoop for your coffee grounds, and a stirrer to mix it all properly.

By how this coffee is brewed, it will make you a nice and strong cup of coffee, that is both rich on taste yet also smooth, because of how it’s filtered at the end. It brews approximately 220 milliliters of coffee at a time, which gives you 1 or 2 cups of coffee.

• Coffee type: Press coffee
• Coffee taste: Rich, smooth
• Capacity: 220 milliliters
• Estimated brewing time: 1-2 minutes

Percolator Coffee Pot – Good Old Classic

Coletti Bozeman 9-12 Cup Brewer

• Coffee the way it used to be
• Works with all stovetops

What we like: The percolator is a great travel companion, because it works with all kinds of heat sources, and quickly makes a strong yet delicious cup of coffee. It is very easy to use as well, so you don’t have to be a scientist in order to make a great cup of joe with this little brewer. It is particularly suitable for those enjoying the camping life, but you can basically bring it wherever you want as long as there’s a heat source you can heat it on.

All you need to know: The Coletti Bozeman is a travel friendly coffee brewer, which works on its own and doesn’t require hot water to brew coffee. You fill it with water and your favorite medium/coarse ground coffee, place it on a heat source (could be a stovetop or a woodburning stove), and then you wait for it to start boiling.

As soon as the water starts boiling, it starts moving upwards through the brewing chamber. The water continues to cycle through the brewer until you decide it’s done, because unlike electric brewers it goes on until you decide it’s done. So you can either have a mild cup of coffee, or let it sit for a little longer if you want it stronger.

One thing most people like about this brewer, is its ability to make a VERY hot cup of coffee. Just like moka pots, the water is boiling hot when the coffee is brewing. We also found the coffee tasting smooth and robust, but sometimes with a hint of bitterness as well. You can probably avoid the bitterness if you avoid letting the water boil for too long, because it might start soaking up those bitter aromas from the coffee grounds over time.

• Coffee type: Percolated coffee
• Coffee taste: Smooth, robust, (sometimes) a hint of bitterness
• Capacity: 9-12 cups

Portable French Press Coffee Maker

KOHIPRESS The Original

• Brew coffee on-the-go
• Quick and easy to use
• Works like a French press

What we like: The KOHIPRESS is a modern and stylish travel coffee brewer, that makes you able to brew a lovely cup of hot coffee on the go. Just add in your coffee grounds and hot water, which can be found on gas stations, or you can boil it over a camp fire or on a camping stove. Let the coffee rest for a short while, and press the plunger to the bottom. Done! You got yourself a nice cup of coffee in no time, and without even breaking a sweat. It comes with a leak-proof lid that you can open to take a sip, and then close it until you want to take your next sip. Once you’re done, you can eject the coffee grounds and rinse it in hot water. Easy and simple.

All you need to know: The KOHIPRESS is a portable coffee brewer suitable for travelling and camping. It also works well as a to-go cup, and it has insulated walls to keep your coffee hot for longer periods of time.

The brewer is made from a outer cylinder and a plunger, whereas the plunger works as a mug on its own. The plunger has a filter in its bottom, so when you press it downwards, it filters your coffee and makes sure the coffee grounds stays in a separate chamber until emptied.

KOHIPRESS is made from stainless steel and plastic, and according to Pressopump, which is the brand behind the brewer, it is completely leak proof once it’s sealed. The lid has a to-go-style opening, so you can open it once you want a sip of coffee, and then close it back up and keep the seal completely tight to avoid spilling your coffee.

While this is basically a portable French press, you’ll get a nice and robust cup of coffee with a rich and balanced taste as well. It makes up to 12 ounces of freshly brewed coffee at once.

• Capacity: 12 ounces
• Estimated brewing time: 3-4 minutes

All You Need to Know About Campsite Coffee

No matter where you go and how you live, it is always possible to make a great cup of coffee. First of all you need a proper travel coffee maker, and this article got you covered on that issue.

There are a few more things that are nice to know, and besides the actual coffee maker a few additional tools will definitely come in handy. Here’s a walk-through of how to make the best cup of coffee while travelling and being off the grid:

1. Opt for whole beans instead of ground coffee

Whole beans ensure that most of the aromas are properly sealed until the point of consumption, whereas ground coffee may not have the same amount of taste.

One of the biggest advantages of buying whole beans is that you can grind them exactly the way you want. Maybe you’d want a coarse grind one day in order to make French press coffee, but the next day you want a finer grind for your AeroPress / slow pour coffee.

That’s all possible with whole beans and a proper compact burr coffee grinder .

TIP: Make sure your whole beans are fresh when you buy them. Local coffee shops are most likely the place to go, if you want to make sure the whole beans are actually roasted recently. The packaged date doesn’t usually tell you anything about when they were roasted, and the flavors will peak just a few days after they were roasted.

A mason jar is also a great way to store the beans, in order to extend their freshness for longer.

2. Heat your water to 200° F / 93° C

Unless your coffee is brewing in a moka pot or percolator, you should ensure the temperature of the water is between 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, or 90 to 95 degrees Celsius.

By ensuring the right temperature, your coffee grounds will have the right amount of aromas extracted and give your coffee the best flavor possible.

You can measure the water temperature with a ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Thermometer or similar. The easiest method is to heat up the water to a few degrees higher than the desired temperature, and then let it slowly decrease to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Experiment with the amount of grinds

The most widely recommended amount of coffee grinds for one cup is 2 tablespoons, or the equivalent of 7 grams.

To measure this amount of coffee accurately, you’ll need a kitchen scale that’s able to somewhat precisely measure out 7 grams. Most digital scales are able to do so.

While above is the general guideline, you can indeed try experimenting with the amount that suits your liking.

Do you want a stronger cup of coffee with a more intense flavor? Add a few extra grams of coffee grinds to your brewer.

Want a less intense flavor? Reduce the amount with 1-2 grams.

Some of the travel coffee makers make it super easy though, because the amount of coffee needed is fixed according to a 1-2 cups portion size.

Best Travel Coffee Maker: Top 8 Picks for Coffee Lovers on the Go

Start your day right, no matter where you are! With a travel coffee maker, your morning coffee can be just as good on a mountain top as it is in your kitchen. These handy gadgets make sure you never miss out on a great cup of coffee, whether you're on a road trip or at a busy airport.

We've picked out the best travel coffee makers for you. Whether you love a strong espresso or a smooth pour-over, we've got something for everyone. So, let's find the perfect coffee maker for your adventures and make sure every morning starts with a delicious coffee!

🤝 As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through our links, at ZERO additional cost to you.

8 Best Travel Coffee Makers

Best overall: aeropress portable coffee maker.

• Editor's Choice: Wacaco Minipresso GR
• Best on a Budget: Primula Brew Buddy Portable Pour Over
• Best for Travel: Bodum Travel Press
• Best for Versatility: Staresso Mini Coffee Maker
• Best for K-Cup pods: Presto MyJo® Single Cup Coffee Maker
• Best for Pour-Over: Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker
• Best for Integrated Brewing: Cahlis All-in-One Travel Thermal Coffee Mug

1. Best Overall

AeroPress Portable Coffee Maker

Outstanding for its versatility in brewing both regular and espresso-style drinks quickly and without bitterness or grit. Ideal for daily use and adaptable for various coffee preferences. Do you love AeroPress but need a travel mug to work perfectly with the press? Check out their portable travel coffee kit , which makes 1-3 cups in a minute.

What We Love

• Versatile Brewing : Suitable for regular coffee and espresso-style drinks.
• Quick and Efficient : Brews a perfect cup in under a minute.
• Smooth Taste : Eliminates bitterness and grit, great for cold brew.
• Daily Use : Ideal as an everyday manual coffee machine.

What to Keep in Mind

• Learning Curve : Finding the right coffee grounds portion may require experimentation.

Why It Might Be Right for You

The AeroPress is a dream for those who value both speed and quality in their coffee routine. Whether you’re craving a classic brew or an espresso-style shot, this all-rounder adapts to your every whim. Perfect for the coffee lover who refuses to settle for anything less than the best, no matter where they are.

Customer Review (source: Amazon) The AeroPress Original Coffee Press truly revolutionizes my coffee experience. It combines the best of French Press, Pourover, and Espresso into one compact device, giving me a full-bodied and smooth cup every time, without the usual grit and bitterness. It's incredibly portable, perfect for my camping trips and travel, and super easy to use and clean. This coffee press has changed the way I enjoy coffee on the go - it's a must-have for any coffee lover!

2. Editor's Choice

Wacaco Minipresso GR

Its innovative bullet shape, ease of use, ability to create rich espresso flavors, and travel-friendliness with all necessary accessories make it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.

• Innovative Bullet Shape : Eye-catching and unique design.
• User-Friendly : Simple, hand-operated mechanism.
• Rich Espresso Flavors : Delivers bold and rich espresso.
• Travel-Friendly : Includes a travel case and all necessary brewing accessories.
• Higher Price Point : More expensive compared to other models in our list.

If exceptional espresso is your non-negotiable, the Wacaco Minipresso GR is your go-to travel companion. Its compact design and rich flavor output make it perfect for espresso enthusiasts who are always on the move but unwilling to compromise on their coffee quality.

Customer Review (source: Amazon) I'm a barista who can't compromise on my espresso, and this mini espresso machine is a lifesaver. It lets me enjoy top-notch espresso wherever I go - be it grandma's house or a cabin by the river. Just hot water, my own beans, and this compact wonder, and I'm set to impress with amazing americanos and lattes. Easy to clean and worth every penny, it's an espresso connoisseur's dream come true.

3. Best on a Budget

Primula Brew Buddy Portable Pour Over

Offers simplicity, ease of use, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. Highly convenient for travel and easy to clean.

• Simplicity : Straightforward and easy to use.
• Travel-Friendly : Highly portable, perfect for on-the-go brewing.
• Easy Maintenance : Dishwasher-safe and simple to clean.
• Reduced Coffee Volume : The filter bag occupies some space in the mug, leading to less coffee.

For those who appreciate simplicity and affordability in their coffee brewing, the Primula Brew Buddy stands out. It’s an ideal match for students, travelers, or anyone seeking a fuss-free, portable coffee solution that doesn’t break the bank.

Customer Review (source: Amazon) I switched from a pour-over to this coffee maker and it's a game-changer! It's super fast and doesn't require constant water pouring. I just let it sit a bit longer for a stronger brew. It's perfect for minimalists like me who crave efficiency without sacrificing quality. Highly recommend!

4. Best for Travel

Bodum Travel Press

Perfect for French press lovers on the go, thanks to its spill-proof design, quality construction, and ability to keep coffee hot for extended periods.

• Convenient for Travel : Brews and serves coffee in the same container.
• Quality Construction : Made from vacuum-sealed, double-wall stainless steel.
• Temperature Retention : Keeps coffee hot for extended periods.
• Spill-Proof Design : Features a non-skid rubber base and spill-resistant lid.
• Plunger Design : The filter plunger remains inside the mug at all times.

If your travels can’t start without a French press brew, the Bodum Travel Press is for you. It’s designed to meet the needs of those who cherish a robust, freshly pressed coffee on the go, ensuring your adventures are always accompanied by a perfect cup.

Customer Review (source: Amazon) I've been using the Bodum Travel Press since 2018 and it's been great for my needs. It's compact and durable, ideal for my preference for a larger volume of coffee. While it's best to drink the coffee soon after brewing, I sometimes leave it in longer which slightly changes the consistency. It's enough for three tea cups if filled to the max. I love adding just a pinch of cinnamon and a cardamom seed for flavor. The stainless steel body pairs well with my mobile hot water jug, making it easy to prepare coffee anywhere without indigestion or heartburn issues. My only small issue is with the mesh element becoming slightly loose, but overall, it's a fantastic choice for households with different coffee routines. I recommend it for its mobility in terms of fitting into our varying coffee times, more than just for travel.

5. Best for Versatility

Staresso Mini Coffee Maker

Compatible with both Nespresso pods and ground coffee, and it doesn't require electricity, making it versatile for different coffee preferences and settings.

• Portable and Compact : Ideal for travel, lightweight and easy to store.
• Versatile Use : Compatible with both Nespresso pods and ground coffee.
• No Electricity Needed : Manual operation, perfect for outdoor adventures.
• Modular Design : Simplifies cleaning and packing.
• Quality Materials : Constructed with BPA-free materials and stainless steel.
• Pump Issues : The pump may occasionally get stuck, causing inconvenience.

The Staresso Mini is a match for those who love experimenting with their coffee. Whether it's a Nespresso pod morning or a ground coffee evening, this versatile device is ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy variety and innovation in their brewing.

Customer Review (source: Amazon) I've been a coffee enthusiast for years, with all sorts of coffee gadgets at home. I first got this coffee maker in 2016 when I was deployed and needed a reliable way to make espresso. It's traveled with me to 7 countries and 25 states, providing countless moments of morning bliss. Recently, after 7 years, the pump gave out. I reached out to Staresso for a replacement part and was impressed to find they still offer support. I decided to upgrade to the new model, which has improved features like a better-insulated hot water chamber and an easier-to-remove screen in the grind cup. The flavor is creamy and nutty, perfect for those moments when you need a quick coffee escape. I'm excited to take my new machine on more adventures!

6. Best for K-Cup Pods

Presto MyJo® Single Cup Coffee Maker

Ideal for those who prefer the convenience of K-cups in a compact and easy-to-use package. It's designed for efficient and enjoyable single-serving coffee experiences.

• Portability : Compact size ideal for various settings like home, work, or travel.
• Smooth Coffee Quality : Provides a rich and satisfying coffee experience.
• Ease of Cleaning : Simple cleaning process for the water reservoir.
• K-Cup Dependency : Designed exclusively for use with K-cups.

For K-cup enthusiasts looking for convenience without clutter, the Presto MyJo® is your solution. It’s tailored for those who enjoy the variety and ease of K-cup brewing but need a more compact and travel-friendly design.

Customer Review (source: Amazon) I got this coffee maker for work trips where good coffee was hard to find, and it's been fantastic. It's so easy to bring my own pods and make coffee anywhere. My coworkers are fans too, and I've even started bringing it camping. I bought a second one for my camper. It's super easy to use, but you have to ensure the clear plug at the bottom is properly seated to avoid any mess. In the four years I've had it, it's only come loose a couple of times. The inventor of this is a genius, and I'm so grateful for it!

7. Best for Pour-Over

Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker

Delivers an authentic pour-over coffee experience without the need for paper filters. Appeals to those who appreciate quality construction and eco-friendly options.

• Authentic Pour-Over Experience : Delivers true pour-over coffee taste.
• Travel-Friendly : Easy to carry for coffee on the go.
• Eco-Friendly : Uses a reusable stainless steel filter, no need for paper filters.
• Fragility of Glass : The glass component may be prone to breakage, but a satisfaction guarantee is offered.

The Coffee Gator is a haven for pour-over purists. If you revel in the ritual of pour-over brewing and desire a richer, more nuanced cup, this coffee maker promises to elevate your daily brewing experience, wherever you are.

Customer Review (source: Amazon) I was initially hesitant about this pour-over coffee maker, but it's truly transformed my coffee routine. Its durability is impressive, as long as it's handled carefully. Preheating the carafe and mug enhances the warmth and aroma of the coffee significantly. I've adopted the habit of cleaning it right after use without soap, which, to my surprise, improves the coffee's flavor over time, reminiscent of the way a cast iron skillet works. It's crucial to use warm water for rinsing to prevent the glass from cracking. This brewing method requires a bit more time and attention, not ideal for those in a hurry. However, the effort to perfect the grind and brewing technique is worth it. Once you experience it, you might never want to switch back to regular coffee. I highly recommend this pour-over coffee maker to any coffee enthusiast!

8. Best for Integrated Brewing

Cahlis All-in-One Travel Thermal Coffee Mug

Combines a brewer and thermal mug, making it perfect for on-the-go coffee enthusiasts who value convenience, thermal retention, and a sleek design.

• Convenience : Integrates a brewer and mug for easy on-the-go use.
• Thermal Properties : Keeps coffee hot while remaining cool to the touch.
• Comfortable Grip : Designed for ease of handling.
• Eco-Friendly : Features a reusable double mesh filter.
• Storage for Filter : The metal filter needs to be stored separately while traveling.

Ideal for the on-the-go coffee drinker who appreciates both brewing and sipping in style. The Cahlis mug is perfect for those who want a seamless transition from brewing to enjoying their coffee, all within a single, sleek device.

Customer Review (source: Amazon) I absolutely love this pour-over coffee cup! The filter is incredibly sturdy and doesn't let any coffee grounds through, which is such a smart design. It's also super easy to clean. I was so impressed with my first one that I bought another for my husband. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great pour-over experience.

How We Chose Our Top Picks

• Extensive Market Research : We started by exploring every travel coffee maker available online, covering a wide range of types and brands.
• Diversity in Types : We made sure to include diverse brewing methods in our selection, choosing at least one pour-over, espresso, and French press coffee maker.
• Customer Reviews Analysis : We delved into customer reviews to gauge which coffee makers deliver the best value for money and maintain high-quality standards.
• Assessment of Portability : We carefully evaluated the weight and dimensions of each coffee maker to confirm their ease of portability, a crucial factor for travel coffee makers.
• Performance and Affordability : Our final picks are not just good at what they do; they also offer great value, striking a balance between quality performance and cost-effectiveness.

By following this rigorous selection process, we aim to provide recommendations that are not only reliable but also tailored to a variety of preferences and requirements, ensuring you get the best possible coffee experience on your travels.

Benefits of a Travel Coffee Maker

While traveling, you can nip into the nearest Starbucks and enjoy a good cup of coffee. You might be wondering why you need a portable coffee maker. The simple answer to this question is that brewing your coffee is far more satisfying and cost-effective. Also, you likely won't find a Starbucks on remote highways.

Here are some of the benefits that a travel coffee maker brings with itself:

Convenience: Making a cup of coffee is highly convenient using a portable coffee maker. Some even let you do that at the simple touch of a hand, while others require little manual labor. Travel coffee makers enable you to enjoy your favorite cup of coffee even on the go.

Affordability: A full-fledged coffee maker can be expensive. On the other hand, a portable coffee maker is much more affordable. Many people use mobile coffee makers at their homes simply because it is cheaper. In addition, while you are traveling, you will save plenty of bucks by skipping coffee chains and making your coffee instead.

Portability: It is a no-brainer that travel coffee makers are portable and easy to carry. You can easily fit most of them in your bag and take them without even noticing their presence.

Types of Coffee Makers

If you are a regular coffee drinker, you should know the difference between the different types of coffee makers. Just like standard coffee makers, travel coffee makers can also be segregated according to their types. Knowing which one you should get before making your purchase decision is essential.

Pour-over coffee makers: Pour-over coffee makers are simple and the best option for longer journeys. They are the most compact and light weighty coffee makers. All you have to do is to carry a few grams of your favorite blend, and you can enjoy your favorite cup of coffee. These coffee makers work by pouring steaming water on coffee beans or ground coffee. The liquid is then collected at their base.

French Coffee Makers: French press coffee makers make a rich and robust cup of coffee. They work by immersing all of the coffee in hot water, which captures more of its natural flavor. As a result, you get a strong cup of coffee. You will love the French coffee maker if you are a heavy coffee drinker. The downside of French coffee makers is that they are more challenging to clean than others.

Espresso Makers: Those who love dark coffee would love a portable Espresso maker. It will give you a big flavor on the go. Espresso machines apply pressure to the beans and spill out the maximum flavor giving the same result as other coffee machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i look for in portable coffee makers.

When selecting portable coffee makers, consider factors like size, weight, durability, and how easily it can be packed. You should also check if it's compatible with your preferred coffee-making method, such as espresso, pour-over, or cold brew coffee.

Which are the best portable coffee makers on the market?

The best portable coffee makers offer a combination of portability, ease of use, and the ability to brew coffee to your taste. They range from compact espresso devices to convenient pour-over systems, each designed to meet different travel needs.

How do I brew coffee while traveling?

To brew coffee while traveling, you need a great portable coffee maker. Look for one that is easy to use, clean, and can brew your preferred type of coffee, whether that's a full-bodied hot drink or a refreshing cold brew coffee.

What makes the best portable coffee maker stand out?

The best portable coffee maker stands out due to its efficient design, allowing you to easily brew coffee anywhere. It should be durable, easy to clean, and capable of brewing high-quality coffee that suits your taste preferences.

How important is the coffee mug I use with my portable coffee maker?

The coffee mug is quite important as it should not only fit the output of your portable coffee maker but also retain the ideal temperature of your coffee. Some portable coffee makers come with an integrated coffee mug for added convenience.

Are there portable coffee makers that can make cold brew coffee?

Yes, some portable coffee makers are versatile enough to make cold brew coffee. These usually have a longer brew time to allow the coffee grounds to steep in cold water, producing a smooth and less acidic beverage.

What Option of Travel Coffee Maker is Best for You?

We hope you enjoyed reading about all the different travel coffee makers on the market.

If you're still undecided, remember that it ultimately comes down to personal preference. What works for one consumer may not work for another, so it's important to find what suits your needs.

Thanks for following along, and we wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect coffee maker for your home!

Items reviewed:

Please note that the reviews on this page have been edited for readability and clarity while maintaining the essence of the original content.

Further Reading

• For more tips on how to brew the perfect cup of coffee that complements your travel coffee maker, visit EatingWell 's guide on the essential rules for coffee-making.

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This is Our Favorite Travel Mug For Our Morning Coffee

words: VinePair Staff

We’ve gone through a metal to-go mug or two in our day, and can we be honest? They’re not the best. They often feel a little cheap and drinking coffee out of a metal mug feels like it should only be done while camping. We’ve been looking for a better mug for a while, and we’re so excited to have finally found it.

Meet the Porter Mug . It comes in both 12 oz and 16 oz, in a range of understated pastel and neutral shades. It’s crafted from durable (and beautiful) ceramic and wrapped in protective, insulating silicone so you can still have that lovely Instagram-appropriate aesthetic while enjoying your morning cup of to-go coffee.

Extra bonuses? It’s BPA-free , microwave safe, and dishwasher safe! It imbues your morning ritual with an extra dose of luxury and is good for the planet without resulting in any weird metallic flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a hot oat milk latte or an iced coffee, your coffee will taste exactly as it should and stay at the right temperature for as long as you’re sipping.

You only get one chance to enjoy your first cup of morning coffee, and you may as well do it right. For us, the only to-go mug we want for our morning coffee is the Porter Mug .

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Best Ceramic Travel Mugs: Your Guide to the Best Choices

Posted by Ismar Hrnjicevic | Last updated Nov 16, 2023 | Ceramic

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Whether you’re rushing through your morning commute or enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation, a good ceramic travel mug can elevate your coffee experience. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best ceramic coffee travel mug options, each with unique features and benefits. 

From the convenience of a ceramic travel coffee mug with a handle to elegance, these ceramic travel mugs cater to various preferences and needs. 

If you value both style and practicality, read on to discover the perfect companion for your coffee adventures.

Table of Contents

1. Best Overall: W&P Porter Ceramic Mug

W&P Porter Ceramic Mug

The W&P Porter Ceramic Mug emerges as the ultimate fusion of aesthetics and functionality, offering an unparalleled coffee experience.

The W&P Porter Ceramic Mug is the best ceramic coffee travel mug overall. Accompanied by its protective silicone sleeve, it seamlessly integrates into my daily routine, offering a unique experience. As someone frequently on the move, I immediately appreciated the combination of form and function this mug brings to my busy schedule.

From the initial touch, I couldn’t help but notice the ceramic mug’s weight and texture, conveying a sense of refined elegance that I found quite appealing. 

The silicone sleeve not only adds an aesthetic touch but also keeps my hands safe from the warmth of freshly brewed beverages. 

Personally, I opted for the Cream variant due to its timeless appeal and its ability to fit into any setting.

The lid, designed to prevent spills, gently adheres to the cup, making it splash-resistant — a feature that works perfectly for securing my drink during commutes in my car cup holder.

What stands out most for me is how easy it is to maintain. Warming up my drink with a quick microwave session before heading out and then simply tossing it in the dishwasher for cleanup makes it a convenient choice for my on-the-go lifestyle .

However, I did notice one aspect of practical use. While the silicone sleeve provides excellent heat protection, I found that when I pour in piping hot beverages, a bit of patience is required before lifting the mug. It’s these minor considerations that add a touch of inconvenience to the experience.

Temperature-wise, the Porter Mug lacks insulation, causing drinks to cool down rather quickly. This aligns well with my preference for sipping over an extended period. If you’re seeking prolonged temperature control, an insulated alternative from the list might be more suitable.

During my early mornings at work, wrapping my hands around the Porter Mug not only adds a comforting routine but also serves as a reminder of balance amidst the bustling day. 

It’s more than just a cup — it’s a companion that seamlessly integrates aesthetics, functionality, and thoughtful design, enhancing my moments of travel, work, and relaxation.

Still not convinced? Read our full review of the W&P mug here .

• Aesthetic appeal and color variety
• Protective silicone sleeve for hands
• Microwavable and dishwasher-safe design
• Splash-resistant lid for on-the-go use
• Limited insulation for temperature control
• Silicone sleeve requires patience with hot beverages

2. Best with Handle: Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug

Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug

The Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug combines convenience and style with its ergonomic handle, splash-resistant slider lid, and built-in coaster. Ideal for coffee and tea enthusiasts, this BPA-free, dishwasher-safe mug offers a seamless on-the-go experience.

The Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug, with its convenient handle and built-in coaster, has become a seamless part of my daily routine, offering a delightful experience. 

As someone who values both style and practicality, this travel mug has truly caught my attention.

Right from the start, the ceramic material of the 18 oz (532) ml mug exudes a sense of comfort and familiarity. What sets it apart is the convenience of the integrated handle and the protective silicone boot that comes with it. 

These thoughtful design elements not only provide comfort during use but also ensure that the mug stands up to the rigors of daily life.

For those on the move, the friction-fit slider lid adds a layer of convenience by allowing direct sipping from the ceramic surface, making it an ideal companion during my morning commutes. 

The added splash resistance makes it even more versatile.

Cleaning is a breeze , with all parts being top-rack dishwasher safe. The fact that I don’t need to remove the sleeve for cleaning saves me time and effort — a feature that aligns perfectly with my busy schedule.

One of the standout features is the ceramic material itself — a clean and safe option that ensures the taste and aroma of my coffee remain uncompromised. Additionally, the microwave-safe nature of the mug is a major plus for those who appreciate their beverage piping hot.

• Integrated handle for convenience
• Built-in coaster and splash-resistant design
• Microwave-safe for reheating
• Easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe parts
• Ceramic material preserves the flavor and aroma of beverages
• The lid might not fit perfectly on some units

3. Most Unique: Nova Ceramics Reusable Coffee Cup

Nova Ceramics Reusable Coffee Cup

The Nova Ceramics Reusable Coffee Cup offers a unique design with a captivating running glaze. Its high-quality ceramic construction ensures a delightful flavor, and its convenient size easily fits under coffee machines.

The Nova Ceramics Reusable Coffee Cup has added a splash of color and individuality to my morning routine, offering an exceptional experience. As someone who appreciates distinctive design and practicality, this coffee cup has captured my attention.

Right from the start, the ceramic construction of the 355ml cup exudes a sense of authenticity and charm. The integration of a silicone lid, accompanied by a heat band, creates a well-rounded travel companion that looks great and delivers functionality.

One of the most striking aspects is the cup’s unique design featuring a captivating blue and white running glaze over a glossy black base. Each cup is one-of-a-kind, with its own intricate detailing, making it a true standout.

The thoughtful dimensions make it a perfect fit for my daily needs. It effortlessly slides under coffee machines, allowing me to brew my favorite blend without any hassle. 

The silicone lid and heat band provide a level of convenience that enhances its portability, making it an ideal ceramic coffee cup with lid.

In terms of maintenance, the cup proves to be hassle-free. With the ability to withstand dishwashing and microwave heating, the cup’s smooth finish doesn’t accumulate coffee stains, making it easy to keep clean. Plus, the cup’s sustainability and reusability align with my values of reducing waste .

• Unique and captivating design with running glaze
• High-quality ceramic construction preserves flavor
• Convenient dimensions that easily fit under coffee machines
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Sustainable and reusable, reducing waste
• Bulky design may not fit all cup holders

4 Best Finish: Mora Double Wall Ceramic Coffee Travel Mug

Mora Double Wall Ceramic Coffee Travel Mug

The Mora Double Wall Ceramic Coffee Travel Mug offers a blend of elegance and functionality with its lead-free glaze, enhanced lid grip, and superior insulation.

This mug from Mora has transformed my daily coffee ritual into a moment of pure indulgence. 

As someone who values aesthetics and functionality, this mug has become an integral part of my morning routine.

Upon first glance, the ceramic construction radiates elegance and durability. The 14 oz (414 ml) capacity is ideal for my daily dose of caffeine, and the seafoam green color adds a touch of tranquility to each sip. 

The thoughtful design includes a rotating, microwave-safe lid that provides a secure seal, making it a perfect companion for on-the-go activities.

One of the standout features is the lead-free all-natural glaze. Unlike other ceramic products, Mora’s commitment to toxin-free glazes ensures I can enjoy my beverage without any health concerns. The glaze’s all-natural composition may cause slight color variations, which add to the mug’s unique character.

The splash-resistant lid boasts a 2X thicker silicone grip for enhanced security. The lid’s innovative design reduces spillage by 90% and prevents accidental openings, even during bumpy rides. While the lid is dishwasher-safe, the mug is microwave-safe, offering convenience without compromise.

The double-walled ceramic construction, fortified with 20% stronger Paladin Clay, ensures that the mug remains cool to the touch while keeping beverages hot. Its shape is tailored to fit most car cup holders, providing comfort and functionality during commutes.

• Lead-free all-natural glaze for a toxin-free experience
• Splash-resistant lid with enhanced silicone grip
• Double-walled ceramic with 20% stronger Paladin Clay for superior insulation
• Microwave-safe mug with a convenient rotating lid
• Eye-catching seafoam green color and elegant design
• The lid may get dirty over time due to moisture retention

5. Best Silicone Sleeve: Ello Ogden Ceramic Travel Mug

Ello Ogden Ceramic Travel Mug

The Ello Ogden Ceramic Travel Mug is a stylish and practical choice for coffee lovers on the go. With its sleek design, exceptional heat retention, easy-to-clean features, and large 16 oz (473 ml) size, this mug ensures that your beverages stay hot for longer while providing convenience and durability.

The Ello Ogden Ceramic Travel Mug stands out as a perfect companion for those who appreciate the warmth and comfort of drinking from ceramic while on the go. With its 16-ounce (473 ml) capacity, this travel mug offers the ideal blend of size and functionality for caffeine enthusiasts and coffee connoisseurs alike. 

Crafted from high-quality ceramic, the Ello Ogden provides a safe and clean drinking experience, free from the worries of leaching or unpleasant odors.

Designed to make your daily commute more enjoyable, the travel-friendly features of the Ello Ogden include a friction-fit slider lid that enables you to drink directly from the ceramic, making sipping your favorite beverages a breeze. 

The added silicone boot not only acts as a built-in koozie, enhancing grip and comfort but also serves as an innovative insulation layer. This layer keeps your drinks piping hot for an extended period, ensuring you can savor your coffee’s warmth throughout your journey. Additionally, the splash-resistant design of the ceramic coffee tumbler ensures that minor spills are kept in check, making it a practical choice for busy mornings.

The Ello Ogden’s attention to ease of use extends to its cleaning process. All parts of the mug are dishwasher safe, eliminating the need to remove the silicone sleeve for cleaning. This convenient feature saves you time and effort, allowing you to enjoy your coffee without the hassle of intricate cleaning routines.

Ello prioritizes both your satisfaction and environmental responsibility. The mug is crafted with BPA-free materials, offering a clean and green option for your daily coffee ritual. As you take a moment to enjoy your favorite brew, Ello Ogden’s design serves as a reminder to pause and prioritize self-care, enhancing your overall well-being.

Despite a few considerations mentioned in the reviews, such as potential chipping and lid fitment issues, the Ello Ogden Ceramic Travel Mug maintains its status as a top choice for those seeking a comfortable and convenient on-the-go coffee experience. With its combination of clean ceramic, innovative insulation, and user-friendly features, the Ello Ogden proves itself as a travel companion worth having by your side.

• 16-ounce capacity with an insulation-enhancing silicone boot
• Friction-fit slider lid for direct sipping and splash-resistant design
• Dishwasher-safe components for easy cleaning
• BPA-free materials for an eco-conscious choice
• Potential lid fitment and chipping concerns
• Risk of chipping due to ceramic material
• Limited insulation for cold beverages, with potential condensation

6. Best Starbucks Cup: Starbucks Classic Coffee Tumbler

Starbucks Classic Coffee Tumbler

The Starbucks Classic Coffee Tumbler is a beloved companion for coffee enthusiasts. Holding 12 oz (355 ml) of Starbucks goodness, its iconic logo sparks familiarity

For those of us who consider Starbucks a vital part of our daily routine, the Starbucks Classic Coffee Tumbler is like a loyal friend, always ready to hold your favorite brew. 

Crafted with a double-wall ceramic design, this tumbler holds a satisfying 12 oz (355 ml) of your cherished Starbucks ceramic insulated coffee cup, ensuring your coffee stays perfectly warm as you conquer your day.

The moment you grasp this tumbler, the iconic white and green Starbucks logo warmly greets you, conjuring images of cozy coffee shop visits and cherished moments. The black plastic swivel lid adds an extra layer of convenience, preventing any accidental spills and preserving the warmth of your beloved beverage.

Now, let’s shift our focus to something even more important — sustainability . 

Have you ever paused to consider the environmental impact of disposable coffee cups? 

By choosing the Starbucks Classic Coffee Tumbler, you’re not only making a personal statement but also a positive impact on our planet. Each time you reach for this reusable gem, you’re actively saying no to single-use cups and embracing a lifestyle that’s kinder to the environment.

This tumbler doesn’t just hold coffee; it holds your commitment to a greener world . Think about the countless disposable cups you’ll prevent from clogging landfills , one sip at a time. Its design isn’t just timeless — it’s a testament to your dedication to both great coffee and a sustainable future.

Of course, let’s address a common concern — temperature retention. While some reviewers mention that the tumbler might not keep your coffee steaming hot for hours, remember that it’s not just about the heat. It’s about enjoying your drink, feeling the connection to Starbucks, and knowing that you’re making a meaningful choice.

• Holds a generous 12 oz (355 ml) of your favorite Starbucks beverage, making it an ideal companion for your daily routines
• The classic white and green Starbucks logo on the tumbler creates a sense of nostalgia and familiarity
• The tumbler’s black plastic swivel lid not only prevents spills but also maintains the ideal temperature of your drink
• By choosing the Starbucks Classic Coffee Tumbler, you’re actively contributing to a more sustainable world
• Its timeless design and quality construction ensure it’ll be your loyal coffee companion for years to come
• Heat retention might not match that of more insulated options
• For those seeking extended temperature maintenance, the tumbler’s focus on sustainability may come at the cost of keeping drinks piping hot

About The Author

Ismar Hrnjicevic

Ismar has been collecting cool and unique coffee mugs for as long as he's been drinking coffee — since 2012. He drinks at least 3 cups a day and rotates through his vast collection to make each coffee break a unique experience. His collection includes everything from cute and quirky to downright weird mugs, and he loves showing them off while sipping on his daily dose of coffee.

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Camping Trips You Should Take, Based on Your Coffee Shop Order

• Julie Loffredi — Lifestyle
• Apr 22, 2024

If there is one thing for sure, it’s that people love their morning coffee! No matter where you are in the world, there is nothing quite like the first sip of coffee in the morning.

People’s coffee shop orders often say a lot about who they are as a person. Do they enjoy the simple things in life like a classic black coffee, or do they prefer things to be a little more fun and exciting like a crisp cold brew? 

Today, the experts at Thousand Trails have taken a handful of campers’ most popular coffee orders and paired them with the perfect camping trip. If you are both a coffee and camping lover, keep reading to find out which camping trip you should take based on your go-to coffee order!

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• Animal cruelty is often a sign of worse things to come

Cold Brew: California Yurt Adventure 

Being extra exciting, and a whole lot of fun, cold brew and yurts have a lot in common! These are both things that are not for everyone, but are sure to bring a lot of excitement and adventure to your days. Yurt vacations are unique and the perfect mix of camping and glamping. If you’re a fan of cold brew, you’ll absolutely love a fun yurt adventure in California!

Photo: Marina Dunes | Marina, CA

Iced Caramel Macchiato: Cabin Weekend Getaway in Texas

If your go to is a fun coffee order like a caramel macchiato, a cozy cabin getaway is the perfect trip for you. A glamping adventure like this gives you all the fun of a camping trip, but with the luxury of a bed, kitchen, and bathroom. Picture yourself sitting on the porch, sipping on your morning coffee, and watching the morning sunrise…nothing beats it!

Photo: Lake Conroe | Willis, TX  

Matcha Latte: Stay in a Tiny House for a Week

Much like indulging in a frothy matcha latte, tiny houses bring the same charming, colorful, and fun energy! While some may say “that’s not camping” or “that’s not a true coffee shop order,” these types of people know that’s far from the truth. Tiny houses offer the ultimate getaway for anyone up for trying something new and dipping their toes in the world of tiny house travel!

Photo: Tuxbury Tiny House Village | South Hampton, NH

Hot Black Coffee: Pitch a Tent in the Northeast

Cute, simple, and essential for any coffee aficionado or outdoor enthusiast. If you like the simple things in life, like a hot black coffee, pitching a tent in the northeast is the perfect adventure for you.  Picture yourself waking up to the crisp morning air and brewing a fresh cup of coffee over the campfire – an ideal morning! Whether you are alone, with friends, or doing a fun family trip – this type of vacation is one you will love.

Photo: Mount Desert Narrows | Bar Harbor, ME  

Iced Coffee: Explore the Pacific Northwest in an RV

Just like an iced coffee, RV trips are the perfect way to enjoy the simple things in life. RVers have the luxury of getting to customize their space on the road, just like adding your favorite creamer to a classic iced coffee. Taking an RV road trip to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest is an absolute dream for any avid iced coffee enthusiast! Don’t have an RV? Not to worry, peer-to-peer RV rental platform Outdoorsy has you covered!

Photo: Mt. Hood Village | Welches, OR

Originally published on julielo.com , part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange .

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The 50 best coffee shops and best cafes in Moscow

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1 Coffeemania

2 Nude. Coffee & Wine Bar

3 One Teaspoon

4 david b. cafe, 5 starbucks.

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6 Coffee Bean

7 coffeemania, 8 cafe pushkin, 10 i love cake, 11 double-b, 12 bar bq cafe, 13 chernyy cooperative, 14 camera obscura coffee, 15 shokoladnitsa.

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17 Coffee Piu

19 bosco café, 20 restoran mandarin. lapsha i utki, 21 coffee house, 22 tehnikum, 23 conversation cafe, 24 scramble, 25 starbucks.

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26 Upside Down Cake

28 cezve coffee, 29 bosco bar, 30 double b, 31 starbucks, 32 ziferblat, 33 black milk, 34 table one cafe, 35 ladurée moscow.

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How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow

Feb 11, 2020 • 5 min read

Moscow enjoyed the status of capital for most of Russia’s history, except for a relatively brief period (about two hundred years), when the Tsar and the government relocated to St Petersburg . But the Bolsheviks moved the capital back to Moscow in 1918, and today it’s an extremely diverse city. It can easily take a couple of weeks to see all of its sights, but if you've only got a weekend to explore, here's how to have two perfect days in Moscow.

Start your weekend in Moscow by acquainting yourself with top-notch Russian cuisine at Grand Cafe Dr Zhivago . Located on the first floor of the historical hotel National and overlooking the Kremlin, it’s definitely one of the best breakfast spots in the city. Try millet porridge with crawfish, pearl barley porridge with oxtail or traditional cottage cheese with raisins and candied fruit.

Set aside at least half a day for Russian capital’s major attractions: the Red Square and the Kremlin . To reach the Kremlin, cross the street from Dr Zhivago and walk through the Alexander Garden to the main entrance at the Kutafya Tower . Check out all the cathedrals, including Archangel cathedral with all the tsars’ tombs and Uspensky cathedral with medieval icons. Pause to look at the famous Tsar Bell and climb Ivan the Great Bell Tower to enjoy some great views.

Exit and walk to the Red Square through the Alexander Garden, where, if lucky, you can see the change of guard. If you’re feeling hungry, stop by the food court at Okhotny Ryad shopping complex to pick up a snack.

The Red square is dominated by four buildings of equal historical importance: the Kremlin's most famous Spasskaya (Saviour) Tower , with a clock and fourteen bells that chime national anthem four times a day (6am, noon, 6pm, midnight), St Basil's Cathedral , Moscow's best-known symbol with its multi-colored domes, Lenin’s Mausoleum , the resting place of the leader of the 1917 October revolution, and GUM , Moscow's oldest department store, topped with a glass roof, designed by one of Russia's most celebrated architects, Vladimir Shukhov. 

A guide to shopping in Moscow

Right behind the St Basil’s it is the relatively new Zaryadye Park , designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, famous for its work on the High Line in New York City. Zaryadye showcases flora from all the climate zones of Russia, which is the largest country in the world. The floating bridge at the edge of the park is one of the biggest selfie magnets in Moscow, providing spectacular views of the river and the city skyline as the background. 

Another Zaryadye attraction is a glass pavilion that hosts restaurant Voskhod  (Sunrise) – a perfect spot for your lunch or early dinner. Voskhod focuses on dishes from all fifteen former Soviet Union republics and its inside looks like a Soviet-made spaceship with great views of the Moscow river. Try Azeri home-made pasta or trout from Lake Sevan in Armenia.

After all that walking and exploring you need some quality downtime and what better way to spend it than relaxing for a couple of hours at the famous Sanduny  traditional Russian hot bath. Make sure to get a massage with birch sticks!

You might still have time to go to Winzavod Center – a creative cluster with galleries housed at a former wine factory. Galleries like XL , pop/off/art and Ovcharenko always have something on, most likely a cutting-edge Russian contemporary art exhibition. Finish the evening hanging out at one of the best Moscow bars – try socialites’ paradise Noor Electro , co-joined with one of Moscow’s avant-garde theatres or Powerhouse Moscow , located in a 19th-century mansion, which is famous for live indie and jazz band performances. Both serve great food, too. 

Power up for a busy day ahead at one of Moscow’s trendiest coffee/breakfast spots,   Nude . Located in the upscale, well-heeled neighborhood of Patriarch’s Ponds, Nude offers a wide range of breakfast dishes, including scrambled eggs, toast, porridge and banana bread. Book ahead as it might be busy on a weekend morning.

After checking out the Patriarch's Ponds, which features prominently in Mikhail Bulgakov’s perennial novel The Master and Margarita , devote the rest of the morning and early afternoon to exploring Moscow’s best museums. Depending on your tastes, pick one of the following: Tretyakov Gallery for traditional Russian art, from medieval icons to the early 20th century;  New Tretyakov for 20th century and contemporary art as well as great temporary exhibitions;  Pushkin Museum for one of the greatest collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art in the world; and the Garage Museum for some eye-opening modern-art exhibitions. 

Whichever museum or gallery you choose, be sure to go to LavkaLavka for lunch, certainly one of the best places to try new Russian cuisine, which is a contemporary reading of centuries-old recipes. It’s one of the few places to try polugar , which is, allegedly, what Russians called vodka in the 19th century. 

When you talk about Russian culture, literary giants usually pop into mind: the likes of Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anton Chekhov. There are plenty of literary museums in Moscow, but if you had to pick one, visit Tolstoy Estate Museum , located just opposite the headquarters of Yandex, the Russian equivalent of Google. Every little detail has been restored just the way it looked when Tolstoy lived here in the 1880s–90s. 

Leave some time for exploring the Moscow Metro : every station is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Our favorites include Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya and Kievskaya. Later, unwind at one of dozens of Moscow’s craft beer places . Try  Jawsspot , named after one of the leading breweries in Russia, Jaws from the Urals region, which also serves decent pizza and salads.  

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Why food markets in Moscow are having a moment    Russia for first-timers: dos and don’ts    Russia's best drinks and where to try them   

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