Choosing a coffee maker for your home is simultaneously easy and overwhelming. For each brew method, there are so many makes and models the list is endless! A well-designed coffee machine can transform your morning routine from grey and dull to a time of day you actually look forwards to.
Have you ever looked at your beloved coffee maker only to be filled with disappointment in the fact that you can’t take it with you wherever you go? Wouldn’t it be great if you could brew delicious coffee at work, on a camping trip, or even if you’re out on a hike or having a picnic?
The good news is that you can do all this and more. All you need is a battery-powered coffee maker and you can enjoy delicious coffee whenever, wherever.
To help get you started on your journey into the world of battery coffee makers I’ve created this guide. It will show you the best option available to suit your needs, no matter if it’s drip coffee or espresso you’re after.
Here are the best battery-powered coffee makers for you to consider, alongside a battery-powered grinder so you can always enjoy the freshest beans, no matter where you happen to be!
Top Four Best Battery Powered Coffee Makers
- 1. Top Choice – Makita DCM501Z 18V LXT CXT Cordless Coffee Maker
- 2. Runner Up – CONQUECO Portable Coffee Maker
- 3. Budget Option – VacOne Coffee Air Brewer
- 4. Best Espresso Maker – CERA+ Portable Espresso Maker Fast Heating
1. Top Choice – Makita DCM501Z 18V LXT CXT Cordless Coffee Maker
Brand: Makita
Pros
- Compatible with 12 Volt CXT and 18 Volt LXT Battery
- Compact Design
- Drip Coffee Maker
- Brews Up To 10 Oz Hot Coffee
Cons
- Batteries Not Included
Our top choice for 2022 was the Makita and it’s still holding the crown for 2023. There just isn’t a better option in this market. This drip coffee machine brews a single serve cup of coffee using a rechargeable lithium-ion battery to make hot water. It’s compatible with the 12v and the 18v rechargeable battery by Makita so if you have any of their power tools then you already have the power source ready to go.
It’s compact by design and very easy to take anywhere as a travel coffee maker or you can tuck it away ready to be used as a backup for any power outages. It can be a bit tricky to find a mug that fits nicely under the brew head so getting a small travel mug to use alongside this machine is recommended.
It makes really tasty, really hot coffee but the major downside with this machine is that the batteries and charger are not included. This means you have to buy them separately if you don’t already own any Makita power tools. The batteries can be very costly so this is well worth considering before you buy this coffee brewer.
2. Runner Up – CONQUECO Portable Coffee Maker
Brand: Conqueco
Pros
- Portable Espresso Maker
- Comes with Car Charger and Home Charger Adapter
- Internal Self-Cleaning Function
- Travel Case Included
Cons
- Only Compatible with Nespresso and L’OR Capsules
Our runner-up is this portable espresso machine by Conqueco. It takes coffee pods and creates up to 15 bars of pressure to brew coffee. It charges up using a 12v charger to run off your vehicle if you’re out and about or you can use the home adapter if that’s easier.
If you add water but leave out the coffee pod then this works as an internal cleaning cycle to easily remove all the coffee oils that build up inside coffee brewers. It’s lightweight and very portable and even comes with a travel case so you can take it anywhere.
This option is compatible with the original line of Nespresso capsules or L’OR coffee pods. Unfortunately, you cant use Keurig K-Cup pods which is a bit of a shame as there are so many varieties of these.
It brews 1.3-1.4 Oz of espresso coffee in 5 seconds if you use pre-boiled water or 8-10 minutes if you’re starting with cold water. The coffee brews into the screw-on cap which doubles as a coffee cup so you really don’t need to take anything else with you to use this brewer.
3. Budget Option – VacOne Coffee Air Brewer
Brand: VAC
Pros
- Vacuum Brewing Technology
- No Filter Require
- USB Charger
- Glass Serving Carafe
Cons
- Needs to Heat Water Separately
This VacOne Air Brewer uses a unique method to brew either hot or cold coffee. It creates a vacuum environment that helps extract a full flavor and aroma from the coffee grounds. The device has a reusable mesh filter which cuts down on waste.
The USB charges it up in as little as 2 hours and following this it has a long battery life. It can brew up to 200 cups of coffee before it needs to be recharged. The glass serving carafe gives a clean-tasting cup of coffee as it doesn’t hold onto stains or odors.
This is a great option for cold brew coffee as it boasts a brewing time of only 4 minutes and can make a brew size of up to 14 ounces. Just make sure you use very fine grinds, similar to those used to brew a cup of espresso.
The downside with this option is that there’s no water heater integrated so if you want hot coffee you do need a kettle alongside this battery coffee maker.
4. Best Single Serve Coffee Maker – CERA+ Portable Espresso Maker Fast Heating
Brand: Cera+
Pros
- 20 Bar Pump Pressure
- Brews in 3-4 Minutes
- Travel Case Included
- 2 Second Heat Up
Cons
- Noisy
If all you want is a single cup of coffee then this espresso maker simplifies the brewing process and makes it completely portable. You can use mini Nespresso capsules or fine ground coffee to brew a shot of espresso in only 3-4 minutes. The pump can reach up to 20 bars of pressure to help extract that characteristic, thick crema.
It heats up in as little as 2 seconds and makes a beep sound when the extraction phase is complete. The pump can be a bit loud whilst it dispenses the coffee which isn’t ideal if you prefer a quiet morning.
This option comes with a travel case so it’s easy to have with you on the go but it does take 3.5 hours to charge so make sure you do this before you set off. Using preheated water can extend the battery life but it can also heat cold water so can be used anywhere.
Don’t Forget the Coffee Grinder
Portable Burr Coffee Grinder
Brand: Cueca
Pros
- 5 Fineness Settings
- Takes Type C Charging Cable
- Grinding Handle Attachment
- Ceramic Mill
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Every barista knows that the secret to brewing great coffee isn’t just down to the coffee maker. A high-quality coffee grinder is essential to ensure an even grind when it comes to your coffee beans. A burr grinder ensures a cool and consistent coffee grind so your cup of joe is balanced and delicious every time you brew.
This portable burr grinder by Cueca has an extremely durable ceramic mill and five grind settings so you can brew from espresso up to french press with ease. It charges with a regular type C charging cable and can grind up to 5 ounces of coffee in one go. It is slower compared to a plug-in grinder and you may need to grind coffee in batches for larger, multiple-cup coffee makers but it has the benefit of being completely portable.
It needs to be recharged every 5-10 uses which is a bit annoying but then there’s the benefit of manual mode as well. If the battery life starts to decline when you need it you can simply attach the handle and manually grind the rest of the beans.
Buyers Guide
Brew Method
The first consideration when choosing any coffee maker should be the brew method. There are so many different ways to brew coffee, you’re bound to find an option that suits your taste preferences. If you prefer a smooth, balanced brew then a drip coffee maker or Aeropress is ideal. If you prefer it bolder then consider a french press or espresso machine.
Water Tank
The size of the water tank will dictate how much coffee you can brew in one go before you need to refill it. Most battery-powered coffee makers have a small water reservoir as they can’t cope with large batches on a limited power supply. A removable water tank can be a good option as they’re easy to clean and refill.
Battery Life
Typically a battery-powered coffee maker will only remain charged to brew a limited number of cups of coffee. Some brew options give you a chance to extend the battery life by using pre-boiled water so they don’t have to warm it up as well. Lithium batteries tend to hold their charge the best so are a good option to look out for when choosing a battery-powered coffee maker.
Filters
Coffee makers vary a lot in how they filter the grounds away from the brewed coffee. Paper filters remove virtually all the sediment giving a smooth-tasting cup of coffee. Mesh filters allow some sediment through, giving a bolder flavor and thick texture. Consider the filter type your coffee maker calls for and make sure it’s in alignment with your taste preferences.
Battery vs Manual
A battery coffee maker is fully portable in that it can brew coffee anywhere. The downside is that the battery does need to be charged and if the device ends up running low on power then it ends up being completely useless.
A manual coffee maker requires you to heat the water and manually filter the coffee by pressing a plunger or pump system to push the liquid through the filter. These have the benefit of being completely portable but you do need another device to heat the water up.
F.A.Q.s
What are the benefits of using a battery-powered coffee maker?
Battery-powered coffee makers give you the freedom to brew coffee anywhere. They are great for camping trips, use at work, or as a backup if the power goes out. The downsides are that coffee makers use quite a lot of power so they do tend to have a short battery life and they need to be recharged fairly often. Good quality, lithium batteries are also very expensive so this can add a lot to the cost of the machine. In summary, they are great for occasional use but not the best for heavy use on a daily basis.
What is the best way to clean a coffee maker?
Some coffee makers come with their own cleaning cycle function which makes them very easy to keep clean. For most coffee makers, cleaning with warm water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth is best. To remove coffee oils, a mildly scented dish soap can be used but make sure to thoroughly rinse away any suds before brewing coffee. Coffee makers are best left to air dry as towels can leave lint remaining.
What’s the difference between a burr and a blade grinder?
Blade grinders work a bit like a food processor with a set of fast rotating blades. These spin and roughly chop the coffee beans into uneven sizes. The blades can also heat up and may even burn the beans.
A burr grinder remains cool and uses rotating cog-like wheels to evenly chop the coffee into a consistent grind size. This gives a much better grind overall which means you can brew a balanced cup of coffee with a consistent flavor every time.
What grind size should I use for the Aeropress?
The Aeropress coffee maker requires a medium-fine coffee grind that’s a bit finer than drip coffee but more coarse than espresso. The paper filter removes the sediment leaving a smooth and rich-tasting cup of coffee.
More Portable Brewers Reviewed
Aeropress Coffee Maker Review
Brand: Aeropress
Pros
- Rapid, Total Immersion Brewing Process
- Lightweight, Compact, and Portable
- Paper Filters for a Smooth Cup of Coffee
Cons
- Requires Some Practice
The Aeropress is a lightweight, compact, and portable coffee maker that utilizes a unique brewing process to make rich and delicious coffee. The body of the device is made from durable, food-grade BPA-free plastic so it won’t break if dropped.
It works to brew coffee by using an immersion stage to allow the coffee to sit soaking in hot water and after a minute or so the plunger is pressed. This creates a bit of pressure to extract a full spectrum of coffee flavor and also forces the brewed coffee through a paper filter and into your coffee mug. It makes a strong, smooth, sweet cup of coffee that’s low in acidity.
This device is very straightforward to use once you get the hang of it but it can take a bit of time to get used to the steps. It’s completely worth this initial phase as it does make really delicious coffee and is a great option for use at home, for work, and for travel.
Bodum Travel Press Stainless Steel French Press
Brand: Bodum
Pros
- Vacuum Sealed, Double Wall Insulation
- Spill-Resistant Lid
- Brewer and Coffee Cup In One
Cons
- Some Mirco Sediment May Remain in Your Coffee
French press coffee is dark and bold with a thick mouthfeel. It’s the kind of coffee that people either love or hate. As with all french press models, some sediment will always be left in the coffee as this adds to the flavor. If you’re not a fan of this then best opt for a device that uses paper filters instead.
The Bodum Travel Press is a coffee brewer and travel mug all in one. It’s built with a vacuum-sealed, insulated body that keeps the coffee piping hot, and the lid clips into place and stops the mug from splashing and spilling coffee. It’s not completely leakproof however and should still be kept upright when full.
Simply add coarsely ground coffee, top up with hot water, and wait four minutes. Any milk, creamer, or sweetener should be added at this stage. Press the plunger after this time has elapsed and enjoy your coffee.
This is a really simple coffee maker that brews really delicious tasting, rich and bold coffee.
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Brand: Wacaco
Pros
- Fully Manual
- 18 Bars of Pressure
- Compact and Lightweight
- 80ml Water Reservoir
Cons
- Tricky to Clean
For coffee lovers who also enjoy time in nature, a portable coffee maker can be a lifesaver. The Nanopresso by Wacaco is fully manual with reusable filter baskets so all you need is finely ground coffee, hot water, and a bit of elbow grease. It can brew 2-ounce cups of espresso without any power and if you choose a larger model you can brew several cups of coffee in one go.
It works best if you firmly tamp the grounds and then you use the hand pump to create pressure in the brewing chamber. It can produce up to 18 bars of pressure to fully extract those rich flavors and thick crema.
You can buy adapters to go with this device to allow it to work with different coffee pod brands and this makes it very versatile.
Final Thoughts
So that’s it for battery-powered coffee makers. These devices have major benefits when used in certain circumstances but they are no replacement for a standard plug-in model for daily heavy use. A battery-powered coffee machine can be an amazing tool as long as you manage your expectations and keep it clean and charged up so it’s always ready when you are.
