The 10 Best Portable Coffee Makers

Whether it’s Aeropress, French press, or faux espresso, we’ve found the best ways to make a great cup of joe anywhere.

By Scott Gilbertson  |   August 29, 2020

FOR COFFEE LOVERS, the day doesn’t just begin with a good, hot cup of coffee—it seems almost impossible without it. It’s not only the dose of caffeine that does the trick, although that does help. It’s also the ritual that surrounds it—the smell, the sound, even the wait are all a part of how coffee gets the day started right.

Every coffee lover has their favorite method of brewing, and it’s easy to feel lost without it on the go. To keep you from the depths of gas station coffee sorrow—or, worse, the complete absence of coffee—we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to brew coffee while traveling. Some of these options are also great for people who aren’t working from home, since office kitchens are likely closed.

Best Camp Brewer

Planetary Design Ovrlndr French Press

Planetary Design appears to have run out of vowels, but that’s OK because it has managed to turn out the best French press I’ve ever used. The Ovrlndr French press is solid, if a bit heavy, and unlike every other French press I’ve ever used, it’s super easy to clean. Unscrew the bottom, dump the grounds in the compost, rinse, and you’re done. As with other Planetary Design presses, the Ovrlndr features the Brü-Stop filter system. It consists of an extra-fine screen and silicone ring that creates a tight seal against the side of the mug to prevent grounds from escaping into your coffee. I still also like our former Planetary Design pick, the Double Shot 3.0 french press travel mug, but I prefer the larger capacity and easier cleaning of the Ovrlndr.