Portable Espresso Machines, Self-Heating, 20 Bar

Capsule or ground coffee

This is the first decision, and it is not reversible per model. Capsule machines are the faster routine and the narrower one — you are tied to the capsules that fit. Ground-coffee machines take any coffee you can grind, need a grinder and a tamper alongside them, and give you control over the shot.

Compatibility is model-specific. A capsule adapter or a basket that fits one machine does not automatically fit another, so check the model before assuming.

Where the heat and the pressure come from

Portable machines split into two families: those that heat their own water and those that take hot water from a kettle or flask. Self-heating models are independent of a kitchen but draw more power and are the ones with battery and carrier rules attached. Manual and pump models that take pre-heated water are lighter, need a source of hot water, and travel more easily.

Pressure in this range runs from 9 bar to 20 bar depending on the model. For travel, the deciding factors are usually weight, how the water is heated and whether the power source is a battery, a car socket or your arm.

• Self-heating with battery, or manual with pre-heated water
• Capsule, ground coffee, or both
• Battery capacity and charging route for the trip length
• Airline and carrier rules for lithium batteries before you fly