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
Rrp: $49.95
Pros
- Drinking mug doubles as a carrying case
- Brews coffee quickly
Cons
- Still need to boil water beforehand
Best stovetop portable coffee maker
Pros
- Time-tested method
- Looks great
Cons
- Upper chamber can fill quickly and boil over
Best barista-style portable coffee machine
Pros
- Quick to brew
- Versatile
Cons
- Only suitable for use with coffee pods
Best outdoors French press
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some coffee grinds can get through the side of the press
Best portable espresso maker
Pros
- Portable and convenient
- No power source is required
Cons
- Can be fiddly to clean
Best portable coffee maker and flask
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
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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