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The best portable coffee makers for camping

• Different types of portable coffee makers to suit your preferences
• Enjoy a luxurious coffee on the road
• All our choices are compact and portable

Written by Alex Boyd Updated: 21 September 2023

You’re on holiday in your campervan; you wake shortly after sunrise at 6:30; you gently raise your head and see the sun’s rays streaming through your window. You have all the necessary camping cookware, so that’s the perfect time and place for that first coffee of the day. And in such ideal circumstances, you don’t want to ruin the experience with sub-par coffee. You need a portable coffee maker to ensure that your morning experience is approaching perfection.

So, how do you go about making sure that your early morning (or, indeed, anytime) coffee is just right? There are now a number of coffee makers of varying degrees of sophistication that are suitable for inclusion in your camping cutlery collection to help you make the perfect travel cup of coffee.

We’ve had a look around to see what’s available and to highlight what might be the best coffee maker to accompany you on your next road trip.

Best portable coffee makers for camping at a glance:

Editor’s choice: Aeropress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press Kit – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best stovetop coffee maker: Bialetti Moka Coffee Maker – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best-designed espresso maker: Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker – Buy now from Amazon UK

Best portable coffee makers for camping

Editor's choice

Rrp: $49.95

Price: $36.95
Alternative Retailers
Target
$36.95
Walmart
$36.95
Wayfair
$36.95
Overstock
$49.95
It's straightforward and easy to use, and the Aeropress makes excellent ground coffee. You add water, stir and then gently press the plunger. No waiting and no mess – oh, and it's easy to clean afterwards. Once you've enjoyed your coffee, everything packs away neatly inside the travel mug, which also acts as a handy carrying case. It's compact, lightweight and durable, so ideal for the backpack or to be stored in your campervan cupboard. Just remember to stock up on paper filters for each brew.

Pros

  • Drinking mug doubles as a carrying case
  • Brews coffee quickly

Cons

  • Still need to boil water beforehand

Best stovetop portable coffee maker

Rrp: $41.97

Price: $39.99
If you're a fan of the traditional method of brewing ground coffee, this Bialetti Moka Coffee Maker will look great on your stovetop as the aroma of coffee fills the air while it does its magic. This is the evolution of the coffee maker that was first made in 1933. As the saying goes: 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Simply fill the lower chamber with cold water, put your coffee in the filter, screw on the lid and let the upper chamber fill. Once it's full of delicious coffee, you'll find that even the pouring action is just a little bit refined.

Pros

  • Time-tested method
  • Looks great

Cons

  • Upper chamber can fill quickly and boil over

Best barista-style portable coffee machine

The compact design of the De'Longhi Mini-Me Coffee Machine means you won't have too much trouble storing it away when it's not in use. Equally, when you are in the mood for a brew, it won't take up much valuable countertop space. The 15-bar pump pressure means you get professional coffee with thick, velvety crema for a luxurious froth. In addition, it will serve over fifty other different hot and cold drink varieties.

Pros

  • Quick to brew
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Only suitable for use with coffee pods

Best outdoors French press

Price: $29.95
The MSR Windburner Coffee Press Kit is a great way to make fresh, delicious coffee while backpacking, camping or in your campervan. It's lightweight and compact, so it won't get in the way while you travel. The coffee press itself is easy to use; put your coffee in, add hot water, allow it to rest for a few minutes, press down the plunger, and you have a great cup of coffee. Sometimes, coffee grounds can get through the side of the press, but that's not a major problem, as it can even happen with domestic presses. It's a nice bit of kit to allow you to enjoy French press coffee on the go.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Some coffee grinds can get through the side of the press

Best portable espresso maker

Price: $84.90
Alternative Retailers
Walmart
$16.00
The Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker is a great option for coffee lovers who want a shot of espresso on the go. The ergonomic design and build quality not only look good but also make the Wacaco easy and comfortable to hold, as it has a heatsink pattern to protect your hands from the heat of the boiling water inside. The pumping mechanism is easy to use and creates a rich espresso with a good crema, which you can pour into the detachable cup. The Nanopresso water tank can hold up to 80ml of water, which should be enough for two single-shot cups.

Pros

  • Portable and convenient
  • No power source is required

Cons

  • Can be fiddly to clean

Best portable coffee maker and flask

Price: $50.00
The BruTrek OVRLNDR Travel Coffee French Press is a travel-friendly French press built to withstand the rigours of outdoor adventures while delivering a superb cup of coffee.

The stainless-steel construction is not only durable but also provides double wall vacuum insulation to keep your coffee hot for hours; the double-filter system ensures a clean and almost ground-free cup, while the spill-proof lid and ergonomically designed handle make it easy to carry and use. It's also really easy to clean. Once you've finished, unscrew the base to easily dispose of the used coffee grounds.

Pros

  • Double-wall vacuum insulated
  • Removable bottom for easy cleaning

Cons

  • Not as compact as some other travel presses

Best portable espresso coffee maker for style

Small, lightweight, easy to use, and you get to have a delicious espresso on the go. With its innovative design and easy operation, it allows you to enjoy rich and flavourful espresso shots on the move. You get the best results by using finely ground coffee that is tamped hard.

The build quality is impressive, featuring a durable construction that ensures long-lasting performance. It's incredibly user-friendly, requiring no batteries or electricity to operate. The espresso it produces is surprisingly good, with a decent crema and a smooth taste. The compact size makes it the perfect companion for travel, camping, or road trips.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Folds away for easy storage

Cons

  • The pump can be difficult to push down


Some things to consider when buying a portable coffee maker

Portability: The most important consideration is how portable the coffee maker is. Something that is lightweight and compact is ideal so that you can easily pack it in your backpack, luggage or in your campervan cupboard.

Ease of use: Consider how easy it is to use. Some models are more complex than others, and you may not want to spend time fiddling about with a complicated device that is difficult to set up and use.

Type of coffee maker: There are a few different types of portable coffee makers available, including pour-over, French press, and espresso makers. Choose the type that is going to provide you with your favourite brew.

Materials: The materials used to make the coffee maker are also important. You’ll want something that is durable and can withstand the elements.

Price: The portable coffee makers we’ve reviewed here range in price from just over £20 to £100 or more. Set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.

Compatibility with your other camping gear: If you already have a camping stove, make sure that the coffee maker is compatible with it.

Cleaning: How easy is the coffee maker to clean? You’ll want something that is easy to rinse out and dry.

Features: Some portable coffee makers have additional features, such as built-in filters or timers. Consider what features are important to you and choose accordingly.

Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers specialising in Power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, Travel, Gardening, and music.

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