The Best Coffee Makers For RVs (Review) in 2023 | Autance

Owning an RV gives you the freedom of the open road with the added benefit of being able to take some of your home comforts with you. For many, one essential item is freshly brewed coffee. There is nothing quite like the smell to arouse the senses and get your morning off to a good start. However, there are a couple of issues related to having freshly brewed coffee while you are on the road. One is space and another is not always having access to a reliable source of power. We have taken those issues and others into consideration, and our panel of RV experts have compiled a list of the best coffee makers for RVs.

The Best RV Coffee Maker

Best RV Coffee Maker Buying Guide & FAQ

When you are looking for the right coffee maker for your RV there are numerous things that you may need to consider. The size of your RV, access to power, and the number of people that are traveling with you are just a few of these considerations. A one cup model may be perfect if you are traveling alone, but a more traditional percolator might be more appropriate if you are traveling with the family or as a group. In this section of the buying guide, we look at coffee makers for RVs in a little more detail, exploring the features that you need to look for and the different types of coffee maker that are available. We also discuss the cleaning and maintenance of RV coffee makers and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about RV coffee makers.

Features to Look for in Camping Coffee Maker

Making your morning coffee should not be a chore, and this is especially true while you are traveling in your RV. This is why it is so important to choose your coffee maker carefully. While some aspects will depend on your personal preferences and situation, other features are more universally important. Here are some of the key features to look for in an RV coffee maker:

• Size

pace is limited, even in the largest of RVs. This means that you need to pay particular attention to the size of any accessories that you add. Before buying your perfect coffee maker, ensure that it will fit in your kitchen and that you have space to store it. If it is too big, then you run the risk of it being difficult to use and possibly even being unstable while you are driving.

• Convenience

Consider how long you want to spend setting up your coffee maker to get your first cup in the morning. How easy is it to fill the reservoir for example? Also, look at how easy it is to clean and whether you need extra equipment to go with it. If you buy a French press, you are also going to need access to a kettle and grounds, or beans and a grinder. Look at aspects such as the filter as well. Does it contain a reusable basket filter, or do you need to mess around replacing paper filters? If you are considering a coffee maker that uses individual pods, do you have space to store the number of pods you are likely to want on your trip?

• Power

Most modern RVs are designed to hook up to power supplies at campsites and RV parks. Some have generators that provide power when you cannot access a hookup. But, will you want fresh coffee if neither of these options is available? Some coffee makers are designed for use with propane, while others can be sat onto of your camping stove. However, both these options affect the size and convenience of making your coffee.

• Materials

The materials that your coffee maker is made from effect everything from the taste of the coffee to how easy it is to pour. If you are considering a stainless steel construction, then look for one that has a stay-cool handle material. Similarly, if you opt for one with a glass carafe, you need to ensure that it is tough enough to survive life on the road, including the odd knock or jolt.

Different Types of  RV Coffee Makers

There are several different types of coffee maker that you may want to consider for your RV. There are benefits to all of them so the type you choose will depend on your preferences and the features that you find most convenient for you.

• Single-serve coffee makers

This type of coffee maker usually requires a compatible coffee pod. It uses the drip method to brew one cup of coffee in a brewing cycle. This is usually a quick and convenient method of brewing and requires little or no additional elements other than water. It is also a great way to brew different styles of coffee, with many of the top brands also being able to make tea and chocolate drinks.

The brewing cycle on a single-serve machine is very quick and the pods are easy to store. As the pods are sealed until they are used, it also ensures that your coffee remains fresh. However, single-serve machines can be expensive, and you do need to ensure that the pods that you purchase are compatible, otherwise, they will not work.

• Pour-over coffee makers

These are among the simplest coffee makers in their design. The French press is an example of this type of coffee maker. You just need to pour hot water over the coffee grounds, allow them to brew, and then pour your coffee.

While simple, this approach can be messy and does mean that you need access to grounds and hot water. If your pour-over coffee maker does not have a fine enough filter, you can end up with grounds in your cup. Similarly, if your water is too hot or your pour too quickly, it can affect the taste of your coffee.

If you are considering this type of coffee maker, then look for one with a fine mesh filter or ideal multiple filter screens to ensure the grounds stay in the pot.

• Percolators

A percolator is a much more traditional approach to making coffee. You add water and grounds to the percolator and allow it to heat up and brew until the coffee is the strength you want. The laws of gravity ensure the grounds remain in the pot.

The percolator is ideal if you need multiple cups of coffee and many can be used on camp stoves, making them ideal if you do not have a ready source of electricity. However, it is easy to over brew the coffee and end up with coffee that is too bitter.

• Drip coffee makers

These are the most common coffee makers that you will come across in homes and roadside dinners. They consist of a water reservoir, a filter basket, and a carafe. More modern versions do not require paper filters and instead have a washable and reusable filter that sits in the basket, adding to its convenience.

The carafe is usually toughened glass that is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean. Most will keep the coffee warm for a set period, however, they do require electricity to power them. Depending on the design, they can however, take up more space than other types of coffee maker.

• Under-the-cabinet machines

If space is an issue, then an under-the-cabinet coffee machine may be the answer. Specifically designed for kitchens where space is at a premium, they use space that would otherwise be wasted. The additional features that are available with such a machine vary by brand, with some offering fully programmable options that ensure your coffee is ready when you get up.

Travel Coffee Maker Cleaning and Maintenance

Before cleaning your RV coffee maker or undertaking any maintenance it is important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and to follow them carefully. Taking out or placing the wrong part in the dishwasher could result in damage or at the very least affect the taste of your coffee. However, there are a few things that are universal.

• Always allow your coffee maker to cool down before washing it out. If you use the carafe to refill the reservoir, then you risk cracking it if you go from hot to cold too quickly.
• Unplug from the electrical outlet before you undertake any maintenance
• Remove old coffee grounds and dispose of properly as soon as you have finished. Once brewed the grounds are wet and warm, the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
• Check all the parts regularly to look for damage

Best RV Coffee Maker FAQ:

Our Top Pick

Our top pick is the Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker K-Cup Pod. With its energy saving, auto-off function is the perfect addition to any RV. The coffee maker is easy to use, and the easily removable, large water reservoir can hold 48oz of water, reducing the time you spend refilling it.  It can brew multiple K-Cup Pod sizes, meaning that you can get your coffee at just the strength you want. The coffee maker brews in less than a minute, making it perfect for the first cup of the day when you are on the road.

Sources:

1. 10 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Caffeine – HuffPost
2. What To Look For When Renting An RV – HuffPost
3. RV Age-proofing Accessories – HowStuffWorks