GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Coffee Maker Review

Bottom Line

When we want to impress our friends and family with our coffee game on camping trips, we pull out the GSI Mini Espresso Set. Unlike other camp coffee makers that require boiling in a separate kettle and transferring the finished product to a camp mug, this one uses heat to create pressure and deposit a strong cup of espresso right into a waiting cup. Just fill it with coffee and water, set the entire device on a burner, and relax while your stove does all the work.

The coffee maker comes in a sturdy, protective case that facilitates easy transportation while keeping the espresso maker in pristine condition, even when we haphazardly tossed it into a camp kitchen box in the back of the car for long road trips.

During testing, we loved that we didn’t have to pre-boil water to brew. The one-pot wonder made coffee prep a breeze. However, the whole device gets hot, making it hard to clean or reset for another cup before it cools down. We found that having a camp towel handy made it doable, though.

The device only makes one strong shot at a time, so it’s best for solo campers, but a 4-cup version is also available, both offering excellent value for those who crave quality espresso when camping. If you’d like to explore other options, consider our comprehensive guide to the best camping and backpacking coffee makers.

How We Tested

We have used the GSI Mini Espresso Set for years, so we can attest to its durability and longevity. We’ve taken it on cross-country road trips, camping trips in Death Valley and Big Bend, and even when flying to visit friends and family who aren’t as particular about coffee as we are.

Portability

When it comes to portability, the GSI Mini Espresso Set ranked near the middle compared to other camp coffee makers we tested. This is largely because, while it isn’t the smallest or lightest device (11 ounces), it includes a handy protective carrying case designed with travel in mind.

The case is bulky and boxy, which means it may occupy more space in your backpack or camp kitchen box than other devices. Additionally, it doesn’t nestle or stack with other cookware. The size you see is the size you get.

The case has long protected the set from scratches, dings, and stains through years of use. A convenient carry handle on the side makes it easy to transport or clip to the outside of your pack or cooler. Essentially, where this set falls short in weight and size, it makes up for in durability.

Ease of Use

The Mini Espresso Set is easy to use: just add water to the base and coffee grounds to the basket, then place it on a hot stove burner and wait. There’s no need for measuring or weighing water or beans, as you only need to fill to a pre-designated point. It consists of four simple pieces: the base, coffee basket, top, and small mug.

The ease of use does come with a small caveat: the base of the single-cup espresso maker (there’s also a larger four-cup version available) is small. During testing, we found that it fit on most backpacking and camping stoves, though occasionally with some difficulty. Wide-set stove arms or supports sometimes required us to take special care in placing the device to avoid tipping. It worked best with backpacking stoves that featured adjustable pot rests, allowing us to create a smaller surface on which to brew.

Time to Brew

If you want a quick shot of espresso, it doesn’t get much quicker than this. During testing at a chilly campground in Utah, the GSI mini espresso maker produced a serving in two minutes and 45 seconds, placing it near the top of the timed rankings.

What’s more, the entire brew time is inactive. This means that once you’ve added cool water and coffee grounds and set the device on your stove, you can kick back and relax because nothing more is required on your part. You don’t even have to transfer the black gold to another vessel, as the set comes with a double-walled demitasse.

Ease of Cleanup

Cleanup time was better than average with the Mini Espresso Set, taking around 30 seconds. Simply unscrew the top from the base, remove the coffee basket, discard the spent grounds, and rinse all three parts.

That said, since you’re brewing by placing the entire device directly on a hot surface, it takes time for it to cool down. If you wish to clean it and pack it up or refill it to make another cup, care must be taken to disassemble the hot device. We found that a camp towel or thick gloves were adequate to protect our fingers from the hot metal, but it was a bit unwieldy. Not a dealbreaker, but we were glad we had protective equipment.

Coffee Strength

Similar to other espresso makers we tested, the Mini Espresso Set produced a strong and robust cup of coffee. Yes, it’s a small cup, but it packs a punch. That’s thanks to the high ratio of coffee to water and the application of not just heat, but also enough pressure to send freshly made coffee upward through the spout.

If you enjoy espresso, you can drink the resulting shot as it is. If you prefer a milder, larger cup, simply add water to lengthen the shot into an Americano. Our favorite way to drink it was to add warm non-dairy milk to create a latte-style beverage to start our day.

Should You Buy The GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso?

This camp espresso maker is perfect for those who want a strong cup of coffee and an easy, no-fuss way to prepare it. For example, it appeals to those who don’t want to deal with weighing their water or beans. Likewise, anyone who has ever sat and poured hot water through a filter for three minutes while thinking of all the things they’d rather be doing will appreciate the largely hands-off brew process.

The device is better suited for single campers rather than a group, as resetting it for multiple uses is a time-consuming task that involves handling hot metal. However, if you enjoy the resulting espresso and the other features but often make coffee for several people, consider the four-cup version.

On the other hand, backpackers and those who prefer to carry less weight or seek a more compact device may want to consider alternatives. For those attracted to it, the price tag is aligned with similar competing devices, and due to the espresso maker’s durability and usability, it provides good value for the investment.

What Other Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers Should You Consider?

Maybe the GSI Mini Espresso Maker Set isn’t the best fit for you, but you’re still looking for a camp coffee maker. We’ve got you covered – check out these alternatives, all featured in our coffee makers for camping and backpacking gear guide.

Wacaco Minipresso GR Review: If you want espresso in a more portable package, the Wacaco Minipresso is worth considering. You can brew it hot or cold, although you will have to work for it using a hand pump to build the pressure needed for flavorful extraction.

Bialetti Moka Express Review: For a strong cup of coffee in a larger serving, check out this coffee maker. The all-in-one system means you don’t have to boil water separately before brewing. It produces at least twice the amount in the same time.

Aeropress Go Review: Want strong coffee sometimes but not always? The Aeropress Go lets you customize brew strength while remaining easy to use, compact and portable, and simple to clean between uses.