Best Coffee Maker for RV: 7 Awesome Choices
We all have our ideal coffee brewing method.
Whether you prefer a pour over, French press, or a classic drip maker, waking up in the morning and brewing that perfect cup a joe is part of our routine. But when you’re camping, all of that investment can go to waste if the chemistry lab you call your “coffee brewing stuff” can’t fit in the RV.
To help solve the problem (and save on some space!) we’ve come up with a list of the best coffee makers for your RV.
Hamilton Beach Single SeRVe Coffee Maker
Excellent single/double-serve option that eliminates the need for a pod machine. A small, fast and convenient brewer. Just scoop, place, and brew 8 oz in under 90 seconds, or 14oz in less than double that time.
The machine has a solid track record, coming with a 1-year limited warranty and the tried and true testimony of thousands of good ratings and reviews over the years.
Things to Consider Before Buying an RV Coffee Maker
Finding the best option to make coffee in an RV is going to be a little bit different than doing so in your home kitchen. This is likely NOT going to be your primary coffee equipment, so no need to break the bank. You still need to choose carefully.
Focus on answering these few key priorities and choosing an RV coffee maker that can deliver a quality cup of coffee, and you’ll be all set.
How big is this thing in the first place?
When it comes to RVs, size is everything (1). So you’re going to want to keep an eye out for a mini coffee maker for your RV rather than any larger models that’ll take up too much space – or fall right off the counter. Your regular, home use coffee maker may be great in a normal situation, but in a cramped RV it will drive you crazy.
Convenience and clean-up
Even the best RVs aren’t quite as spacious as a good, functioning home kitchen, so remember to keep convenience in mind.Space is tight, and you don’t want to have to spread out over a five-foot counter to make your coffee.
Also, consider what else you’ll need besides your fancy new coffee maker and the coffee beans to go in it. For some options, like a French press, all you need is the press and a grinder. For other units, say a Hario V60, you’re going to want filters, a kettle, a grinder, etc.
Make sure you know everything you need before choosing your coffee brewing companion for the road!
The same thing goes for cleaning up.The simpler and cleaner the coffee brewing, the less hassle you’ll have cleaning up in that tiny RV sink, using a potentially limited water supply. Some models lend themselves to cleaning easier than others.
For example, here’s how easy it is to clean a French press.
A Chemex or other pour over devices tend to be easier to clean as well.
Comparatively, cleaning something like a drip maker usuallyrequires more time and effort, as it involves running vinegar or lemon juice through the machine and then rinsing it out multiple times. Consider whether or not you want to do this in an RV before making a purchase!
How will you store it?
Getting a mountable coffee maker is a great option to save on counter space, but those are few and far between, and can be more expensive. Even if you can’t get a mountable model, though, keep in mind how and where you’re going to store the unit.
Size isn’t the only factor here – what is it made of? Glass breaks easier than stainless steel. But you already knew that. All RV dwellers know these things, so you’ve been reminded.
Does it need some juice to brew?
No, we’re not talking about adding juice to your coffee here. We’re talking about electricity. Do you (ever) camp without electricity? That question alone can narrow your options down considerably.
For example, most drip makers require electricity, whereas a French press or Hario V60 don’t. But even the latter requires some form of hot water. There are some rechargeable coffee makers available in the market, but they, too, will require electricity every now and then.
So, do you plan on using an electric kettle or boiling the water over the fire? You’re going to want to keep the hot water factor in mind, as well as whether your camping setup needs a low watt electric coffee maker, as you shop.
A quick note on grinders…
Whatever coffee maker you end up with, you’re going to want to keep a grinder in mind. Whether you’re using a nifty little hand grinder or a full blow commercial-grade, electric machine, make sure that the grinder you have accommodates both the machine you choose and the kind of camping you will be doing.
Fresh coffee grounds are always better (2), but you can get those in multiple ways.
The 7 Best RV Coffee Makers
Now that we’re in the right headspace, let’s take a look at the best RV coffee pots and brewing equipment so that you aren’t left high and dry on your next camping trip.
The list begins with electric models, and moves on to non-electric options further down.
| IMAGE | PRODUCTS | DETAILS | |
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The Hamilton Beach Single SeRVe Coffee Maker |
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Behmor 5393 Coffee Maker |
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Cuisinart Programmable Coffeemaker |
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SpaceMaker Under The Cabinet Coffeemaker |
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Secura French Press Coffee Maker |
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Hario V60 |
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Wolecok Silicone Collapsible Coffee Brewer |
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#1 – The Hamilton Beach Single SeRVe Coffee Maker
Things we liked
- Brews quickly
- Ultra-convenient single serve
- 1 year limited warranty
Things we didn’t like
- Can’t do more than 2 cups at a time
- Requires a separate coffee grinder
This coffee maker hits many of our crucial for an RV parameters. For starters, it’s small, coming in at a sleek 9.8” x 7.6” for the base, 13.5” for the height and weighing less than 6 pounds. It’s also fast and convenient. You can brew an 8 oz cup of coffee in 90 seconds! You can also brew up to 14 oz in less than double that time.
Convenience really comes into play with a simple, three-step brewing method – scoop, place, and brew. The machine top flips open to receive the coffee grounds in the front basket, and delivers hot, fresh coffee on either a regular or a bold setting.
In many ways, this model is the closest thing you can get to a Keurig, delivering the single serve convenience of a pod machine without the cost, and nasty side effects (3), of all of those K-cups. It’s a perfect way to get rid of your pod machine and still keep all of the convenience… with the added benefit of using fresh coffee grounds.
The Hamilton Beach coffee maker is stainless steel, which means it can be stored safely in your RV while you’re bumping around on the road. It also has a flip-down tray to hold smaller mugs, while you flip it back up if you want to get a monster cup or fill your travel mug.
The machine has a solid track record, coming with a 1 year limited warranty and the tried and true testimony of thousands of good ratings and reviews over the years.
BEST SUITED FOR: Small, quick, and built to brew 2-3 cups at a time, this device is perfect for those campers who are looking for a few convenient, freshly brewed cups at a time.
#2 – The Behmor 5393 Brazen Plus Temperature Control Coffee Maker
Things we liked
- Adjustable water temp that takes altitude into consideration
- Pre-soak option
- SCAA certified
Things we didn’t like
- Not good for smaller batches of coffee
- A bit more expensive
Another popular model, this Behmor Coffee Maker is like bringing your own little R2-D2 on the road with you. It’s small enough to squeeze into a tight space, yet can also perform a host of coffee brewing tasks on your command.
Along with the typical fancy features like a programmable brew start time, this maker allows you to set a pre-soak time for the grounds and adjust the temperature between 190 and 210°F, giving you more control over the brewing process, even when you’re sleeping in the middle of nowhere.
As if that wasn’t enough, it also has an altitude correction setting for the water temperature. So, if you head from the coast up to the tippy top of the nearest mountain range, your coffee won’t suffer from the altitude difference – even if your breathing does.
Coming in at a slender 9” x 9” x 15.25”, this 40 oz stainless steel, thermal carafe is built to take a beating… and keep your coffee warm at the same time. Oh, and did we mention it’s also SCAA certified (4)?
This drip maker will truly take your camping adventures to a whole new level.
BEST SUITED FOR: Perfect for a coffee geek who wants to travel with a convenient and programmable machine (that can still be trusted to handle artisanal beans).
#3 – The Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Things we liked
- Small footprint for large amounts of coffee
- Affordable drip maker option
- Easily doubles as a home unit
Things we didn’t like
- Glass carafe can break when traveling
This drip coffee machine is the perfect option for any campers with larger coffee drinking needs. It has a small footprint, coming in at a wonderfully meager 8” x 8.11” and standing 14.17” high. But don’t let the paucity of its size fool you. This thing can brew a ton of coffee in a single pot.
The huge 12 cup carafe (with a smaller 10 cup option) comes in black and white and can brew in 1-4 cup settings, so if you find that occasionally it’s just one or two cups you need, you won’t be dumping a ton of coffee down that tiny RV drain.
The Cuisinart DCC-1100 is programmable, so you can wake up to that freshly brewed smell, and even has a brew pause feature if you can’t wait for the entire pool-sized pot of coffee to finish before diving in.
…the smell of fresh-roasted coffee remains one of the world’s most distinctive; in our humble opinion, it’s also one of the best.
The machine comes with a reusable filter, so you won’t need to stock paper filters — unless you want to be sure to avoid any sediment in the bottom of your cup. It also has a charcoal water filter, which can be a saving grace when you’re at the mercy of water provided by a campground or… well, nature.
Not only is this a great option for your camping needs, it can easily double as your home’s primary coffee drip maker, too, providing a dependable brewing method whether you’re at home or in the wild.
BEST SUITED FOR: For anyone needing to provide a large and steady supply of coffee to a campsite, this is the way to go.
#4 – The Black+Decker SpaceMaker Under The Cabinet 8-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Things we liked
- Perfect for a lack of counter space in a smaller RV
- Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot
- Auto shut off
Things we didn’t like
- Expensive
- Requires installation
If you have no counter space in your RV, like none at all, this coffee maker is the answer.
With its futuristically stylish black and stainless steel look, the Black+Decker SpaceMaker drip coffee maker literally hangs under your cabinet, leaving your counters permanently freed up for other tasks. The unit is fairly large, coming in at 17” x 12” x 13”, but much of that is its long, thin profile that hugs the bottom of the cabinet and never gets in the way.
Its removable water reservoir makes it easy to fill up, and it has programmable optionsto ensure the coffee both starts brewing when you want and eventually auto shuts off, too. It even has a “brewing pause” feature. The carafe is a respectable 8-cup size and is double walled, keeping that java hot for hours.
Of course, convenience always comes at a price, and this coffee maker rings in as our most expensive option on the list. So, if money is no object, and the convenience of never having to mess with storing and pulling out your coffee equipment is a priority, this is an option you’re going to want to consider.
BEST SUITED FOR: Surprisingly for its size, this is the ultimate choice for anyone with severely limited RV counterspace who wants a permanent solution to the coffee maker space problem.
#5 – The Secura Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker
Things we liked
- Extremely convenient and affordable
- Tough as nails, good for travel
- Dishwasher safe
Things we didn’t like
- Requires a separate source for hot water
Here we’re going to leave the electric drip maker options in the dust and check out some tried and true, electric-less brewing options.
The first one is our old friend, the French press. It is one of the most convenient and simple brewing methods, and as such is a great choice for your campsite. However, you don’t want to get a chintzy or delicate model that would look nice in your grandmother’s china cabinet. You want something industrial and ready to take a beating out on the road.
The Secura Stainless Steel French Press is built to last. It comes in both 34 oz and 50 oz options, making it a monster coffee maker. Made inside and out with a 3-layered stainless steel design, the smaller model measures up to just 6.7” x 6.1” x 9.8”.
It stores in a cabinet as easily as a travel mug, and it’s even dishwasher safe! So, while you’ll want to clean it in between uses on your trip (see cleaning video in the buying guide), once you get back from that sooty, grungy campsite, just pop it in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.
BEST SUITED FOR: If simplicity and good coffee are your jive, this fits the bill perfectly. Small, durable, and electricity-free, it delivers high quality coffee, whether you’re camping or not.
#6 – The Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper
Things we liked
- Affordable yet high quality
- Extremely convenient to travel with
- Requires minimal cleanup
Things we didn’t like
- Needs additional equipment like water kettle, filters, and coffee grinder
- Still more fragile than other options
If you’re a fan of a good pour over at home, there’s no reason why you can’t bring that flavor with you on the road. And while that delicate glass Chemex beaker might be a bit scary to pack up with your camping gear, the Hario V60 coffee dripper might be the solution.
The V60 is super affordable, although you’re going to need to keep a stash of filters on hand or consider getting a reusable filter. It is available in three different sizes, the smallest of which comes in at a tiny 4.3” x 3.9” x 4.2” and weighs under 11 oz. It’s the perfect size to stow and go!
A V60 offers the advantage of potentially producing a great cup (if you do things correctly)… Plus, it’s really easy to clean and carry for travel.
Available in a wide selection of colors and styles, this drip maker delivers a great cup of coffee directly into your mug. The only problem is that it’s made of ceramic, so, while tougher than that Chemex, you’re still going to want to keep it safely stored away when you start up the RV.
BEST SUITED FOR: Any fans of pour over who want a small and convenient way to brew artisan coffee on their outdoor adventures.
#7 – The Wolecok Silicone Collapsible Coffee Brewer
Things we liked
- Tiny and packs flat
- As affordable as it gets
- Durable on the road
Things we didn’t like
- Less overall control over the brewing quality than more
- Intricately designed methods like the Hario V60
Finally, if convenience and minimalism are your M.O., you might want to take a look at the Wolecok Silicone Collapsible Coffee brewer. If the slightly delicate nature of the Hario doesn’t appeal to you but pour over coffee runs in your veins, this just might be the answer.
The Wolecok only requires hot water, a filter, and some coffee grounds and is by far the most affordable option on our list. The definition of “easy to bring with you,” this silicone coffee brewer literally folds down into a flat line that could fit in your pocket… or snap onto your backpack with its nifty carabiner.
The ultimate option for a small coffee maker that quite literally requires no extra spaceto bring with you!
Hell, even if you plan on having a nicer unit for your camper, this one’s worth considering to just bring along on a hike or day trips. The portability and convenience are unmatched.
BEST SUITED FOR: Those who literally have no space or want a coffee maker they can keep in their pocket.
Coffee for the Road
Getting the best coffee maker for your RV can be a difficult choice. Just remember to keep things like size, convenience, and clean-up in mind before you commit to a purchase.
Where will you store the unit? Will it need electricity? Will you need any other equipment to make the coffee?
Our choice for the ultimate RV coffee maker to rule them all is the Hamilton Beach Single Serve Coffee Maker!
This small unit is as convenient as many other Keurig machines, quick and simple to keep clean, easy to store, and made of tough materials that can “rough it” right along with you as you camp. And do not forget to check out the list of best home coffee makers here so when you come home from your trip you can keep that quality coffee flowing!
Happy camping!
References
- 100+ RV Space Saving Ideas For Ultimate RV Organization (Get Tidy!) Retrieved from https://www.thewanderingrv.com/rv-storage-ideas/
- Is Pre-Ground Coffee Ever Better Than Freshly Ground? | Perfect Daily Grind Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2018/12/is-pre-ground-coffee-ever-better-than-freshly-ground/
- How Bad Are K-Cups for the Environment? – The Atlantic Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/03/the-abominable-k-cup-coffee-pod-environment-problem/386501/
- Certified Home Brewers — Specialty Coffee Association Retrieved from https://sca.coffee/certified-home-brewer
