The perfect coffee maker to take on vacation

During my travels, I have experienced that finding quality coffee can be quite an odyssey in some hotels and vacation spots. Sometimes, the best they offer is a black liquid with an unpleasant taste that resembles tar more than a delicious cup of coffee.

In moments like these, having your own coffee maker becomes a valuable treasure, allowing you to enjoy an authentic and comforting cup of coffee. With the right choice, you can ensure that every day of your vacation begins with the perfect aroma and taste of your favorite coffee.

Immersion coffee makers

Immersion coffee makers are a practical and straightforward option for preparing coffee, making them ideal for travel. One of their great advantages is that they do not require a direct heat source to function. All you need is hot water at around 198°F, which will be added to the coffee to perform the infusion.

Note: Under normal conditions and with a small amount of water, it may take approximately 2 to 3 minutes to reach 198°F after boiling. This information is essential if you don’t have a thermometer.

1. French press

While its use is simple, it is important to remember that French presses are delicate and require careful handling during transportation. Their design includes glass components and other fragile materials that could be at risk of breakage during the journey.

To enjoy coffee prepared with this coffee maker during your vacation, protect it adequately in your luggage and be aware of its vulnerability during transportation.

✔️ Coffee prepared with the French press offers a robust and rich flavor, with all the essential oils and flavors retained in the cup.

Despite the necessary caution when traveling with it, the end result can be rewarding, providing you with a cup of coffee full of nuances to accompany your moments of rest and exploration.

2. Aeropress

The versatility and unique experience of brewing coffee with Aeropress make this coffee maker captivating. Like the French press, it operates through the immersion method, meaning it does not require electricity or additional heat sources.

Unlike the French press, the Aeropress stands out for its greater robustness and durability. Its design is intended to withstand the rigors of travel and possible jolts during transportation, giving you greater peace of mind on your journeys.

✔️ The coffee obtained with the Aeropress is a true delight: intense and full of aromas, with a surprising smoothness and minimal bitterness.

Thanks to its adjustable dosing and compact design, the Aeropress is an ideal travel companion for those seeking perfection in every cup.

Filter coffee makers

Filter coffee makers offer a practical and efficient option for brewing coffee during your travels. Unlike immersion coffee makers, they operate through the filtering process, passing hot water through the coffee grounds to extract the infusion.

Their ease of use, compact design, and ability to highlight coffee flavors make them ideal companions to take with you on your adventures.

Hario V60

The Hario V60 is a captivating filter coffee maker, ideal for travelers seeking quality coffee anywhere. With its ease of use, compact design, and ability to highlight the natural nuances of coffee, this coffee maker becomes a versatile and delightful option.

Made with durable materials such as plastic, ceramic, or metal, the Hario V60 is robust and can withstand the rigors of your travels without compromising coffee quality. It requires using paper filters for brewing, ensuring optimal preparation and easy cleanup.

✔️ In terms of coffee flavor, the Hario V60 excels in bringing out the natural nuances of the beans, offering a cup rich in aromas with a clean and refined taste.

The Hario V60 is an excellent travel companion that allows you to enjoy a refined and nuanced espresso in every destination you explore.

Percolator coffee makers

Percolator coffee makers are a practical and efficient option for brewing coffee during your travels. Unlike the previous coffee makers, these operate through pressure filtering, passing hot water through the coffee grounds to extract the infusion.

These coffee makers are ideal for traveling if you can access a heat source, as they produce intense and unique aromatic coffee.

The moka pot

The moka pot is a classic among percolation methods and can be an attractive vacation option if you have access to an appropriate heat source. Its iconic design and robustness make it resistant to withstand transportation challenges during your adventures.

✔️ With its simple yet effective operation, the moka pot produces an intense, aromatic espresso-like coffee with a similar texture. Although its versatility is focused on coffee preparation, the end result is a delight that transports you to authentic Italian coffee shops.

If you have a suitable heat source, this coffee maker will become a faithful companion to enjoy an authentic espresso while exploring new places.

Portable espresso coffee makers

Two manual espresso coffee makers stand out: lever-based ones like the Flair and pump-based ones like the Nanopresso. Lever-based ones offer slightly superior coffee, but they are less portable. On the other hand, pump-based ones were designed to enjoy a decent espresso anywhere.

In this section, we will focus on pump-based espresso coffee makers, exploring their advantages and features for coffee lovers on the go.

Note: You will also need access to 198ºF hot water for these coffee makers. Remember that boiling water takes between 2 and 3 minutes to cool down to that temperature.

Nanopresso

The Wacaco Nanopresso is a little wonder of coffee-making technology that has won my heart and palate during my travel adventures. This portable coffee maker is so compact that it comes in a case that takes up little space in my luggage, making it ideal for coffee lovers who don’t want to compromise on the quality of a good espresso anywhere.

Made with high-quality materials, the Nanopresso surprises with its robustness and resistance, allowing you to enjoy exceptional coffee regardless of the journey’s demands. Its intelligent and durable design ensures it continues to produce delicious espressos throughout many trips.

✔️ With its pressurized filter and manual extraction system, this little coffee maker highlights the natural nuances of coffee beans, offering a cup rich in aromas with a clean and refined taste that makes you feel like you’re enjoying an espresso in a renowned coffee shop.

Its portability, ease of use, and the flavor of coffee it produces make it an unbeatable option for those who want to enjoy a refined espresso with nuances at every destination they explore.

How do I handle coffee on my trips?

I have the perfect solution when it comes to traveling and not wanting to sacrifice the pleasure of a good coffee. I carefully store my pre-ground and pre-weighed coffee in small airtight bags.

This way, I can enjoy the convenience of having everything ready to prepare my cup of coffee wherever I go. Whether camping in nature or staying at a hotel, I always have my favorite coffee ready to be prepared and enjoyed to the fullest.

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal coffee maker to take on vacation depends on your preferences and the conditions of your trip. Here is a summary of my scores in a single table:

Any options I described in the article will allow you to enjoy authentic and delicious coffee while exploring new destinations, ensuring that each day of your vacation begins with perfection in every cup of coffee.