Brevvo vs Nespresso Classic in Perspective
To evaluate Brevvo’s real performance, we compared it directly with a standard Nespresso Original machine, still the benchmark for capsule espresso.
While the Nespresso Classic relies on constant power and pressurized heating, the Brevvo must achieve the same extraction entirely on battery power.
The market for the portable coffee machine is booming, promising to free espresso lovers from the limits of geography. But this space, crowded with short-lived gadgets, often struggles with trust. Even traditional capsule machines from major brands are known for limited lifespans so what can we expect from a device meant to travel everywhere?
That’s where Brevvo, a new Chinese startup, aims to stand out. Far from being a risky no-name project, it benefits from serious backing. Leading the initiative is Harry Lee, former crowdfunding director at Xiaomi, famous for spotting high-value tech innovations. On the advisory board sits Elliott Loubatie, co-founder of Wellbots, America’s top online retailer for smart products since 2013.
The Brevvo isn’t meant to replace your home espresso machine, it’s built for those who refuse to compromise on coffee quality anywhere. For digital nomads, campers, vanlifers, or anyone who wants real espresso on the go, it’s an impressive piece of engineering that finally delivers what so many portable coffee machines have promised real espresso, anywhere.
- Coffee Quality similar to a home machine
- Compatible Nespresso and ground coffee
- 15 coffees from cold water on a single charge
- Power Bank Function: 27,000 mAh battery
- Build Quality
- Prep Time longer than a classic machine
- 2.6 lbs, it's no featherweight
- Less simple than a countertop machine
- 7 hours for a full charge.
Portable Coffee Machine: The Art of Miniaturization
At first glance, it feels like the Brevvo engineers carefully dismantled a full-size capsule machine just to answer one question: how small can we make it without compromise?
So the result is impressive. Indeed, it’s hard to believe such a compact object can produce real espresso, let alone one that tastes good.
The Max version in this review measures 120 × 80 × 188 mm when folded and weighs 1.18 kg (2.6 lb), thanks to a massive 27 000 mAh battery. It feels like holding a large power bank and that’s not far from the truth, as it can also charge a smartphone or even a laptop. The Brevvo’s density inspires confidence.
Portable Coffee Machine vs. Classic Nespresso Machine
To evaluate this portable coffee machine, we put it head-to-head with a standard Nespresso on all key aspects.
Heating Time: Patience Required
Starting with room-temperature water (21 °C / 70 °F), the Brevvo takes just under 3 minutes to reach 86 °C (187 °F) for a 40 ml espresso. That’s actually remarkable for a battery-powered unit, but it feels long compared with the 25 seconds of a plug-in machine.
Extraction: Smooth and Automatic
Once heated, extraction starts automatically. The water tank shows two clear marks: 40 ml and 80 ml.
- Espresso (40 ml): ~15 seconds
- Lungo (80 ml): ~30 seconds
The process is fluid, ending cleanly once the water runs through.
Crema and Pressure on Portable Coffee Machine: Espresso Feel
Brevvo claims up to 20 bar pressure, and the result shows in the cup. The crema isn’t quite as thick or velvety as a countertop Nespresso, but it’s definitely there: light, golden, and persistent.
Taste Test: Authentic
This is where Brevvo shines. Indeed, with a standard Nespresso capsule and output temperature set at 86 °C, the espresso tastes almost identical to that from a kitchen Nespresso. Balance and body are preserved, without the bitterness that often plagues portable devices.
You can raise the temperature up to 95 °C, but that tends to scorch delicate capsules, better reserved for ground coffee, another option thanks to the included filter basket. This dual compatibility (capsules and ground coffee) is welcome.
Noise Level on Portable Coffee Machine vs Classic Machine
During operation, noise peaks around 70 dB, about 5 dB louder than our reference Nespresso (~65 dB). Audible but perfectly acceptable.
Real-World Test: Usability and Endurance
Setup and Cleaning on Portable Coffee Machine
While build quality is excellent, setup requires a bit of practice. Screwing parts together takes more force than expected. Cleanup can be messy, residual coffee may drip when unscrewing the capsule holder. Outdoors it’s fine; indoors, do it over a sink.
Battery Life of the Portable Machine
From a full charge, I brewed consecutive 40 ml espressos starting with cold water until the battery died.
➡ Result: 15 cups, exactly as advertised.
For the final few cups, the Brevvo flashes to signal low power, pressing the button a few times finishes the cycle, avoiding wasted capsules. Smart.
Recharge time is the only real drawback: about 7 hours to fully refill that giant 27 000 mAh battery.
Verdict:
To conclude, the Brevvo portable coffee machine is an all-in-one caffeine and power station. It manages to match the taste of a classic Nespresso, a genuine technical feat for a battery-powered espresso maker.
✅ Pros
- Coffee quality: close to a full-size Nespresso
- Versatility: Works with both Nespresso Original capsules and ground coffee
- Excellent autonomy: 15 shots from cold water
- Power bank function: 27 000 mAh battery can charge a laptop
- Solid build: Dense, well-engineered, premium feel
❌ Cons
- Long prep time: ~3 minutes vs 25 seconds
- Weight: 1.2 kg, not backpack-light
- Less convenient cleaning: Needs care after each shot
- Slow recharge: 7 hours for a full cycle
Final Thoughts
The Brevvo isn’t meant to replace your home espresso machine, it’s built for those who refuse to compromise on coffee quality anywhere. For digital nomads, campers, vanlifers, or anyone who wants real espresso on the go, it’s an impressive piece of engineering that finally delivers real espresso, anywhere.
Explore More Technology Reviews
While exploring the latest in wearable tech, don’t miss our in-depth reviews of the top projectors on the market.
