Finding the perfect cup of coffee while travelling can be a challenge. Battery-powered coffee makers have become a game-changer for coffee lovers on the go. This guide will walk you through the best options for 2024, ensuring you never miss out on your morning brew.
Keep reading to find your ideal travel companion!
Battery Powered Coffee Makers: Key Takeaways
- Battery – powered coffee makers are great for travelers who love their coffee on the go. These machines offer convenience without needing a power outlet.
- The Aicok Portable Espresso Machine leads with features like 18 bar pressure and compatibility with Nespresso or L’OR capsules, making rich espresso anywhere.
- Makita’s DCM501Z shines for its rugged build and ability to brew up to three cups on a single charge, using either ground coffee or single-serve packs.
- Weoola’s Portable Espresso Machine is lightweight, portable, and can make up to four cups of espresso on a single charge, but lacks a wall charger which might limit recharging options.
- Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker emphasizes simplicity in design and operation but requires access to boiling water before brewing can start.
Top 5 Rechargeable Coffee Makers for Travellers
Moving from the introduction to the main event, we shift our focus to the best companions for coffee lovers on the go. These top 5 rechargeable coffee makers are designed with travellers in mind, promising a great cup of joe wherever you find yourself.
Makita DCM501Z
Makita DCM501Z Feature List
- Compact Design (9″ tall)
- Uses either ground or single serve coffee packs
- No paper filters are needed
- Brews up to 3 coffee cups with 1 battery charge
Makita DCM501Z Performance
Out of all the battery-powered coffee makers on test here, the Makita DCM501Z is the most expensive and also the largest in terms of physical size. It does, however, allow for a larger cup size in comparison to the others though.
It takes around 5 minutes from start to finish to brew 1 cup of coffee but I have no complaints when it comes to the quality of the coffee it makes. As always this is dependent on the coffee you use. The great thing about the Makita is that it can use either 6mm coffee pods or ground coffee as well.
As it is portable, it might be worth looking at a manual coffee bean grinder as well to take your on-the-road coffee skills to the next level. There is no battery included with this though which is disappointing although it does use standard Makita CXT or LXT batteries, which is good if you have them. It does also warn of using non-compatible batteries voiding the product guarantee though, so be careful.
A nice touch is the “boil dry function” which basically prevents the Makita from burning out if it runs out of water.
Makita DCM501Z Ease Of Use
To use the Makita you first have to fill the container at the top with water (up to 250 ml) this holds enough for just 1 cup. You place either your coffee pod or ground coffee into the receptacle at the front, ensure your mug is in place, and then press the little button at the base of the unit. It couldn’t be simpler, and after 5 minutes you have a steaming mug of coffee.
Of course, you also have to make sure that your battery is charged and fitted correctly to the machine as well. The mesh filter will also need cleaning regularly with just mild soapy water.
Makita DCM501Z Build Quality
As you would expect with all Makita products they are built to a very high standard and the Makita DCM501Z is no different. Made of tough plastic it feels really robust and I am sure will be of great use on a building site or while out and about. Be sure to use it on a stable surface though just to be sure it doesn’t topple over and spill water everywhere.
Makita DCM501Z Pros and Cons
Makita DCM501Z Verdict
Ultimately the Makita makes good coffee and that is the acid test for any coffee maker. It also takes standard mugs and even comes with a mug as well, which is great. Well built and fully portable, the Makita is a great buy. The only thing that lets it down though is the lack of inclusion of a battery but that would bump the price up even higher if it did. If you already have Makita powered tools then this is a great product for you.
Aicok Portable Espresso Machine
Aicok Portable Espresso Machine Feature List
- Compact and portable design
- Includes 12v car charger and 12v wall charger for home
- Uses Nespresso or L’OR coffee capsules
- Makes 18 bar espresso coffee 40-45 ml cup
- Comes with own cup
- Battery included in the unit
Aicok Portable Espresso Machine Performance
The Aicok portable espresso machine is a very compact and portable battery-powered coffee maker. It has a built-in battery and comes with both a generous and practical 12-volt car charger and wall charger. It also has its own cup housed in the unit.
All in all, the design is fantastic and all you need is either room temperature water or hot water (not cold water) and of course, you will need either espresso capsules or L’OR capsules. It is a very portable unit and will easily fit in a small backpack but with the water as well, it can weigh down the backpack which is something to bear in mind.
If you use room temperature water, it takes around 8 minutes to make an espresso. With hot water, it’s ready within a minute. Also, the battery will last for about 3 espressos when using room temperature water and considerably more with hot water. It takes around 4.5 hours to fully charge from flat so you need to remember this before you use it.
Aicok Portable Espresso Machine Ease Of Use
In use, the Aicok is very simple and very neat to operate. You simply unscrew either end, pour the water and add the coffee capsule. You then press the button on the side of the unit for 2 seconds and the brewing process begins.
The 18 bar espresso maker inside the unit is a really great addition and ensures you get a great espresso at the end of it. The button lights up green when the coffee has brewed.
The unit then unscrews from the cup at the bottom where your piping hot espresso is waiting for you to enjoy. It is very easy to keep the Aicok clean. It has its own self-cleaning function by filling with water and pressing the button for 5 seconds. This is genius! In addition, you just need to ensure the drinking cup is clean and also the capsule cup.
Aicok Portable Espresso Machine Build Quality
Amazing build quality all in all. It is made of tough plastic and looks fantastic too. I am not sure how it would cope with being dropped on a hard surface but I am sure it can withstand normal day to day handling while on your travels.
Aicok Portable Espresso Machine Pros and Cons
 |  |
|---|---|
| Great espresso on the side of a mountain! What’s not to love? | With room temperature water you need to wait a while for your espresso |
| A beautifully self-contained unit comes with home and car chargers, and battery and cup are built-in | Battery time reduces significantly with room temperature water |
| Robust and portable | |
| Easy to clean | |
| 3 espressos on one battery charge |
Aicok Portable Espresso Machine Verdict
The thing that struck me most about the Aicok portable espresso machine is the fact that it is both beautiful to look at and very functional as well. You get the feeling when you first use the Aicok that it was invented by coffee lovers who also like to travel.
This is possibly the biggest compliment you can lend to a battery-powered coffee machine! The coffee created is very good. You do have to wait for around 8 minutes with room temperature water but its a small price to pay for an espresso halfway up a mountain!
WEOOLA Portable Espresso Machine
WEOOLA Portable Espresso Machine Feature List
- Lightweight and portable design
- 12 Volt car charger
- Uses Nespresso capsules
- Makes 15 bar espresso coffee in a 45 ml cup
- Comes with own cup
- Battery included in the unit
WEOOLA Portable Espresso Machine Performance
Very similar in style, design, and features as the Aicok espresso maker but not quite as good. However, the Weoola portable espresso machine is a lot cheaper than its competitor so for the budget-conscious this machine could be a good choice.
The Weoola portable espresso machine only comes with a 12 volt car charger which is a shame because it does limit your charging opportunities. You can always purchase a wall mounted 12 volt power supply to charge it at home.
It takes around 10 minutes to brew using room temperature water and about 4 minutes using boiling water. You can also make around 4 cups from one battery charge. If using boiling hot water then you can make considerably more than that.
The espresso produced tasted really good but lacked a decent crema. It has a pressure of 15 bar which is also less than the Aicok but with that said, the coffee was still very drinkable.
WEOOLA Portable Espresso Machine Ease Of Use
To use the Weoola espresso machine it really is very simple. The beauty of this is that you can use water from your water bottle if you are out in the wilds and you can still enjoy a great cup of espresso. So long as you have remembered to charge the battery up that is.
Just like the Aicok, it comes with its own cup and the battery is installed inside the unit. Just add either room temperature water or boiling water to the top, close it up and press the button on the side and let this beauty brew you a nice cup of espresso.
WEOOLA Portable Espresso Machine Build Quality
The good thing about the Weoola is that it is built using tough plastic and can certainly withstand the backpack rigours of use while camping or hiking.
There are reports from some users that they experienced issues with the pump mechanism after repeated use but I never had any issues with the model I tried. The issue is that it would just stop pumping. It could be that it needs descaling if this is the case.
WEOOLA Portable Espresso Machine Pros and Cons
| |
|---|---|
| Makes great espresso coffee | Comes with just a car charger and not a wall charger |
| Lightweight and portable | Questions remain on the longevity of the pump |
| Easy to keep clean | Plenty of patience is required waiting for your espresso when using tepid water |
| Can make up to 4 cups with tepid water on one battery charge | Only 15 bar of pressure, the Aicok has 18 bar |
| Great to have a cup and battery all installed with the unit |
WEOOLA Portable Espresso Machine Verdict
A great little product if you like espresso coffee. It lacks the pressure that some of its competitors enjoy but the price of this little beauty makes up for that. It also only comes with a car charger and this does limit you, especially if you don’t have a car. So you should factor in the cost of buying a 12 volt home charger as well if this is a problem for you. If you are going to do that then maybe the cost advantage disappears.
All in all though, it does make great tasting espresso coffee and deserves its place in our top 5 list.
Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker
Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker Feature List
- Automatic pour over coffee maker
- Made of shatterproof materials
- Eco friendly reusable mesh filter
- Uses 2 x AAA batteries
Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker Performance
Compared to all the other battery-powered coffee makers in this comparison, the Linkind automatic pour over coffee maker is a little out there on its own. Sadly, not in a good way either. I am struggling to understand quite what the purpose is of this machine.
It uses 2 x AAA batteries which are easy to install and last for a long time.
Essentially, the idea is that it makes filter coffee and the automatic part happens while it pours the water over the coffee grounds. The water rotates around the coffee grounds ensuring an even brew. It’s a nice idea in theory but sadly in practice, it is just too small to make a decent-sized cup of coffee. Also, I found that the coffee was lukewarm at best after it poured and I wasn’t that impressed with the taste either.
Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker Ease Of Use
To use the product it is a fairly easy process. You add your coffee grounds to the reusable mesh filter. You then add boiling water to the top, press the button and let the machine rotate the water through the grounds into the cup.
The big problem here is that for a portable machine you need access to boiling water, it doesn’t heat the water at all. This is a big downside because obviously it means you need to carry a kettle or at least have access to one. Not easy on the side of a mountain or camping!
Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker Build Quality
The Linkind coffee maker is a really strong piece of kit. It is advertised as being made from shatterproof materials and in our tests it certainly felt very strong. It is also very lightweight and will easily slip into a backpack or small bag.
Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker Pros and Cons
| |
|---|---|
| Simulates how a barista pours coffee evenly | Makes a very small cup of coffee |
| Can use while on your travels or in the office | You have to provide the boiled water (Does not heat the water) |
| Easy to clean | Unconvinced that rotating the pour onto the coffee increases the quality of the taste |
| Very strong shatterproof materials | Much easier and cheaper ways to get better coffee on the go |
Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker Verdict
If you like filter coffee and you travel a lot or perhaps you work in an office then the Linkind could be the right machine for you. I was personally disappointed with the taste of the coffee, the temperature was tepid and it is just not big enough to make a large enough coffee.
Its a shame because the theory about rotating the pour over the coffee grounds is a good one and indeed does simulate how a barista would make a coffee.
Gourmia GCM3250 Digital Touch Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Gourmia GCM3250 Digital Touch Pour-Over Coffee Maker Feature List
- Automatic or manual mode
- Scales for water and coffee grinds to measure exact amounts
- Battery operated 3 x AAA – take with you everywhere
- Strong and well-made design
Gourmia GCM3250 Digital Touch Pour-Over Coffee Maker Performance
The Gourmia GCM3250 coffee maker is a pour-over coffee maker that makes a good cup of Joe. The best thing about this machine is that it brews enough coffee for 1 or 2 cups which is good for a portable coffee maker. To use it though you need coffee filters, boiling water, and of course coffee grounds to put in the filter.
This is the problem for me, the 3 x AAA batteries power a scale which tells you when you have the right amount of coffee to water ratio. A nice idea but sadly this is all the powered part of this machine does. It does not heat the water or keep the coffee warm, which is a shame.
Gourmia GCM3250 Digital Touch Pour-Over Coffee Maker Ease Of Use
It’s not quite as simple to use as other battery coffee machines but in a sense, this is what makes it unique, and I kind of like the idea of the machine telling you the exact ratio of coffee to water.
To use this machine you decide whether to use it in automatic or manual mode. In manual mode, you add the coffee grounds to the filter, the scale tells you how much more coffee you need to add. It will then track the amount of water that is being used for you to determine the perfect brew.
In automatic mode, you first decide the strength of the coffee and the scale will then tell you the exact ratio of coffee to water to make your cuppa.
When I used it, I thought it was a bit of a novelty to have this functionality but to be honest, I found it just as easy to add the amount of coffee myself and judge the water. To be honest the battery power is unnecessary for me. The fact that you need access to boiling water as well makes it a bit of a stretch to be truly portable.
Gourmia GCM3250 Digital Touch Pour-Over Coffee Maker Build Quality
The build quality of the Gourmia is pretty good though and it feels fairly strong. It measures in at about 11 inches tall, which is fairly big for a portable but at least you get a big cup of coffee.
Gourmia GCM3250 Digital Touch Pour-Over Coffee Maker Pros and Cons
| |
|---|---|
| In auto mode, it does a good job of getting the right ratio of water to coffee for your brew | Does not heat water, you have to supply the boiled water! |
| Strong and robust enough to take with you on the road | Felt slightly unstable. Not sure if it would be any good when camping on uneven ground |
| Coffee tasted great | Once you know the coffee to water ratio for your taste, you no longer need the automatic mode |
| Cheaper and better alternatives |
Gourmia GCM3250 Digital Touch Pour-Over Coffee Maker Verdict
I loved the coffee that the Gourmia made but I couldn’t see much point in the battery powered part of it. I felt it was a bit of a gimmick. I also felt it was a shame that you have to provide boiling water and it doesn’t heat the water itself. The saving grace though is that it does make good coffee so I am sure it will be good for someone.
Summary
My favorite battery-powered coffee machine out of all of the machines on test has to be the Aicok Portable Espresso Machine. It makes absolutely fantastic espresso coffee. It is truly portable, rugged enough to use in the most inhospitable of places and beautiful enough to get peoples attention.
It also comes with car and home chargers, uses nespresso or L’OR capsules and makes great coffee. Whats not to love?