For most coffee enthusiasts, having at least 3-5 cups of coffee a day is a must, and it would be even better if it were espresso. While making a cup of coffee at home or in the office is very easy, carrying a semi-automatic or fully automatic espresso machine for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or events is unrealistic. Fortunately, portable espresso makers are now trending on the market. They are about the size of a thermos, weigh no more than 1kg, but can brew a shot of espresso. This is fantastic news for outdoor enthusiasts who are also coffee lovers. This article will review various portable espresso makers available on the market to help more people understand them and how to choose one.
Features of Portable Coffee Makers: Small size, portable, can brew espresso
All electric portable espresso makers share the following features:
Small size and weight, portable
The espresso maker weighs about 1kg and is shaped like a thermos. You can put it directly into your backpack or carry it in your car, making it a portable car espresso maker. Compared to household semi-automatic and fully automatic espresso machines, the size and weight are significantly reduced.
Used for brewing espresso
Compared to pour-over coffee, portable espresso makers are used to extract espresso concentrate, capable of producing rich espresso crema. It is recommended to use medium-dark roast coffee beans to achieve this crema. Previously, the only ways to get espresso were via semi-automatic or fully automatic machines, which cannot be taken outdoors.
Built-in pressure pump, strong safety features
Portable coffee makers have a built-in pressure pump, with a maximum pressure of at least 16 bar. For example, the Outin Nano portable espresso maker can reach up to 19 bar, and the IKAPE KAPO K2 portable espresso maker reaches up to 20 bar. High maximum pressure indicates the pressure limit the portable machine can withstand. Normally, 9 bar is the ideal extraction pressure. However, due to variations in coffee bean type, grind size, and prep preparation, the extraction pressure might become too high. If the portable espresso maker cannot withstand excessive pressure, the water line could burst. Based on experience with home semi-automatic machines, the maximum extraction pressure typically reaches around 16 bar, limited by the fineness of the coffee grind. Even a very fine grind usually only achieves 16 bar, as few coffee grinders can achieve a finer grind. Therefore, a higher pressure tolerance for the portable machine means greater safety.
Electric extraction, rechargeable, strong battery life
Electric portable espresso makers, like home machines, use electric power to extract espresso. Therefore, they need to be charged. Generally, the battery capacity should be at least 5000 mAh. For example, the Outin Nano has a battery capacity of 7500 mAh, capable of extracting 200 shots of espresso using hot water and 6 shots using cold water. The IKAPE KAPO K2 portable espresso maker has a built-in battery capacity of 13500 mAh, double that of the Outin Nano. Additionally, charging is simple via USB, usable with 12V/24V household or car chargers.
Independent coffee basket, can use ground coffee and coffee capsules
Electric portable espresso makers require a coffee basket (portafilter basket) for ground coffee to extract espresso. The earliest portable makers had small baskets, holding only 5-7g of coffee, like the Outin Nano and IKAPE V1. With technological advancements, the market now offers portable makers with baskets similar to those on portafilters, like the IKAPE KAPO K1 and K2, which use 51mm baskets holding up to 18g of coffee. The difference is that the K1 uses a bottomed basket, while the K2 uses a bottomless (naked) portafilter, allowing you to observe the extraction process like with a home semi-automatic machine.
Furthermore, some portable espresso makers can also use coffee capsules, coming with a dedicated capsule adapter basket to extract espresso from capsules. This is very convenient for outdoor enthusiasts. Note: The IKAPE K2 does not include a capsule adapter and is limited to using ground coffee beans.
IKAPE K2 portable coffee maker
Advantages of Portable Espresso Makers
Coffee enthusiasts never stop exploring ways to make coffee. Traditional espresso machines are too bulky, limited to home use, and unsuitable for certain scenarios. Therefore, coffee lovers are increasingly enthusiastic about portable espresso makers.
Can set up a small home coffee bar
For coffee lovers with a limited budget or small kitchen space, an electric portable espresso maker can be a great new option. It eliminates the need to invest over $500 in a machine and numerous espresso tools for puck prep. You just need a manual coffee grinder and a portable espresso maker to set up a small home version of a semi-automatic setup, costing less than $200. This is even suitable for university students to make their own coffee; for the cost of a few Starbucks drinks, they can have a long-lasting coffee setup.
Especially the IKAPE K2 portable espresso maker, with its 51mm bottomless portafilter, offers extraction quality comparable to home machines. Its 18g double shot extraction is an effect that typical 51mm semi-automatic machines often cannot achieve. You just need an additional stand to set up the machine.
Outdoor companion, easily brew espresso anytime, anywhere
Currently, most coffee enthusiasts enjoying coffee outdoors do so by making pour-over coffee or using a Moka pot for stovetop "espresso". However, Moka pots only achieve 3-5 bar pressure, not to mention their somewhat complex operation. Making pour-over requires a heat source to get hot water and numerous accessories; if you're not careful, you might forget one piece and be unable to make coffee.
These drawbacks are solved by portable espresso makers. The easily carried espresso maker and coffee grinder can be integrated into one carry bag. Add coffee beans and a cup, and that's all the tools needed. Everything is that simple. Forget about V60 drippers, sharing pitchers, pouring kettles, filters, and other accessories.
If you love outdoor activities like hiking, camping, parties, sports, going to the beach, etc., you can use a portable espresso maker to easily make yourself a shot of espresso.
Suggestions for choosing and using portable espresso makers
How to choose the right electric portable espresso maker for you
With many machines on the market, choosing one you like and that suits you is very important. Consider the following aspects:
Choose reputable brands for guaranteed quality and after-sales service
Some unknown brands attract buyers with low prices, but product quality cannot be guaranteed, and there's often no after-sales support if problems arise, which can be a very bad experience. Therefore, I recommend choosing well-known brands recognized in the coffee industry, such as Outin and IKAPE. Although IKAPE entered the coffee industry from espresso accessories, it has passed market tests, its brand recognition is growing, and it is recognized by coffee professionals and enthusiasts. Some technologies in the KAPO K2 machine are very advanced, unmatched by other brands.
Compare product capabilities, choose a powerful portable espresso maker
Based on the features described above, comparing technical parameters is a correct approach to selecting a powerful product.
Most importantly, consider the pressure tolerance of the portable espresso maker. Try to choose a machine with a high pressure tolerance. If the pressure isn't sufficient and the extraction pressure exceeds the machine's limit without a proper pressure release, the machine could burst at the connection between the body and the coffee basket. Generally, choose a machine with a pressure tolerance exceeding 16 bar, preferably up to 20 bar.
A portable espresso maker with a built-in heating function is better. If you need it for outdoors, you must choose one with heating, so you don't need to worry about sourcing hot water. If your budget is limited and you only plan to use it at home, you might consider a model without heating. The price difference between the two types is usually around $30-50. Choose based on your budget.
Choose an electric coffee maker with a large battery capacity. A larger battery means longer battery life and more shots per charge. Typically, portable espresso makers have a battery capacity around 7500 mAh, allowing for about 200 shots using hot water and 4-5 shots using cold water. The IKAPE K2 has a battery capacity of 13500 mAh, twice that of conventional machines, and no other brand currently matches this capacity. If your budget allows, the IKAPE K2 is an excellent choice.
Choose the right machine based on intended use. Coffee baskets for portable makers are trending larger. The old small baskets holding only 7g of coffee no longer meet personal needs. Moreover, small baskets are harder to clean after use. Also, consider if you need to use capsules. If you usually use capsules, choose a portable espresso maker that includes a capsule adapter.
Usage suggestions for electric portable espresso makers
As a novel product, when you first get a portable espresso maker, you might wonder: Can such a small product really match a home-grade semi-automatic machine and produce rich espresso crema? How does it do it?
Using an electric portable espresso maker generally involves the following steps:
1. Grind coffee beans. Use medium-dark roast beans. Use 5-7g for small basket machines, weigh 16-18g for machines with a 51mm basket. Grind to a fineness similar to what you use for a semi-automatic machine.
2. Espresso puck prep: Use the dosing funnel and tamper that come with the machine to tamp the coffee grounds.
3. Screw the prepared coffee basket tightly onto the main body of the machine.
4. Add the required hot or cold water for extraction, approximately 60-70ml.
Double-click the extraction button or press and hold for 3 seconds to start extracting espresso.
5. Enjoy your espresso.
Usage tips:
1. Use fresh, medium-dark roast coffee beans for richer crema.
2. Use 16-18g of coffee beans. Adjust the amount based on personal taste and grind size.
3. Use the same grind setting as for a semi-automatic espresso machine, avoid grinding too fine. If no coffee comes out during extraction, make the grind coarser until coffee flows.
4. Use at least 50ml of water, as the machine consumes 15-20ml during the extraction process. Typically, 50ml of water yields about 30-35ml of espresso, adjust based on the actual process.
Summary
Portable espresso makers are increasingly popular among coffee enthusiasts due to their portability, making it easier and more convenient to get a shot of espresso. Prices vary significantly between brands. Analyze based on product features, user reviews, brand after-sales service, and other dimensions to find the right portable espresso maker for you.
IKAPE, as a well-known coffee accessories brand, has gained consumer recognition for its product quality and service. Moreover, the technology in IKAPE's latest generation portable espresso maker, the IKAPE K2 portable coffee maker, far surpasses that of other brands, making it a very good choice.
