If you love camping, road trips, or hiking and can't live without your favorite espresso, a portable coffee machine is exactly what you're looking for.

But how do you choose the right one? Let's take a look at the basic features you need to pay attention to, in simple terms:

Type of Operation: Manual or Electric?

• Manual machines: Operate 100% with your own muscle power (usually by pressing a small pump by hand). They are extremely lightweight, never run out of battery, but attention: they do not heat the water. You will need to have a thermos with hot water or a portable stove to boil water on the spot.

• Electric machines: Here, the work is done automatically by pressing a button. They are divided into two categories:

  • With rechargeable battery: You charge them at home and take them with you. Many of these can heat cold water, but this quickly drains the battery (usually enough for 3-5 coffees). If you use hot water, the battery lasts for dozens of coffees!

  • With car lighter cable (12V/24V): They do not have a battery, but connect to the cigarette lighter of your car or truck. They are ideal for drivers, as they heat the water using the vehicle's power supply.

What type of coffee do you prefer? Before you buy, see what the machine accepts:

• Ground coffee: Ideal if you want to create your own blend.

• Capsules (e.g. Nespresso or Dolce Gusto): Incredibly convenient for travel, as there’s no mess. Just insert the capsule, brew your coffee, and throw it away.

• With adapter (2-in-1 Adapter): The best machines on the market accept both! They have an accessory that you can switch, so one day you can use a capsule and the next day ground coffee.

Pressure (Bar) 

To make a proper espresso with rich crema, the water must pass through the coffee under pressure. Look for machines that deliver 8 bar or more (most modern portable machines reach 15 to 18 bar, which is more than enough).

Weight and Size (Portability)

• If you go hiking or mountaineering, every gram counts. Choose a manual machine (they weigh around 300-350 grams).

• If you travel by car or camper, weight doesn’t matter. You can get a heavier electric machine (600-900 grams).

Water Tank Capacity

Portable machines are small. Usually, their water tank holds around 50ml to 80ml. This translates to a classic, strong (single) espresso. If you like to drink a double espresso or lungo, you may need to repeat the process twice.

Extra useful features

• BPA Free: Means that the plastic parts of the machine are safe for your health and do not release chemicals when they come into contact with hot water.

• Easy to clean: Choose a machine that can be easily rinsed with a little water, especially if you plan to use ground coffee. Capsule machines are noticeably quicker to clean.

In summary 

• If you go to the mountain with a backpack, take a lightweight manual one (don't forget the thermos with hot water)
• If you travel by car, take a 12V electric one so it does everything by itself
• And if you want absolute freedom, take a battery-powered electric one that heats the water, just remember to charge it!