The Best Coffee Makers for RV Living
When you’re RVing, starting your day with a good cup of coffee can make all the difference! The best RV coffee makers can transform your mornings, providing an essential boost of caffeine no matter where you are.
Below, we’ll explore the various types of coffee makers for RVs, what to consider when choosing one, top recommendations to make your decision easier, and a few tips to help you make a great cup of coffee on the road.
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Table of Contents
Factors to Consider When Choosing an RV Coffee Maker
Space and Size
Most RVs have limited counter space and storage, so a compact coffee maker is often the best option. Look for models that fit your RV kitchen layout or can easily be stored away in a cabinet. If you need to save even more space, consider an RV coffee maker under cabinet style for a sleek, out-of-the-way setup.
Power source
Consider whether you want an electric coffee maker or a manual option. Each has its pros and cons, depending on your RV’s power capabilities and your camping preferences.
If you’re an RVer who primarily boondocks (camping without any utilities), a manual coffee maker such as a French press, Moka pot, Chemex, or AeroPress are all excellent options since they require no electricity. You’ll only need to heat water for the coffee which can be done using your RV’s propane stovetop.
While RVers who camp with electric hookups may also enjoy manual coffee makers, not having to keep a close eye on power consumption opens up even more options for RV coffee makers.
Durability and Build Quality
Your RV coffee maker will need to withstand the bumps and vibrations of travel. Choose a model that’s built to last and can handle the rigors of the road.
Ease of Cleaning
In a small space, easy cleaning is crucial! For example, a French press requires a bit more cleaning up and washing since the coffee grounds get packed into the bottom of the press compared to an AeroPress that just needs a simple rinse since the plunger wipes the chamber and you can pop the grounds straight into the trash can.
If water conservation is important to you, you’ll want to opt for a coffee maker that’s simple to clean.
Coffee Preferences
Your coffee preferences will play a significant role in your choice. Whether you love espresso, drip coffee, or single-serve pods, there’s an RV coffee maker out there for you!
Types of Coffee Makers for RVs
Choosing the right coffee maker for your RV will depend on several of the factors we covered in the previous section. Here’s a look at the various types of coffee makers for RVs to help you find the perfect fit for your travel needs and coffee preferences.
Drip Coffee Makers
Drip coffee makers are a classic choice. These machines work by dripping hot water over coffee grounds contained in a filter, allowing gravity to draw the brewed coffee into a carafe below. They can brew multiple cups at once, making them ideal for larger families or groups.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Can brew multiple cups at a time
Cons
- Requires electricity
- Takes up more counter space
Best For
Larger families or groups, those who prefer traditional coffee
Single-Serve Coffee Makers
Single-serve coffee makers are perfect for solo travelers, couples, or those who want quick and easy coffee. These compact coffee makers offer convenience and variety allowing you to use pods or single-serve filters.
And, they’re not just for coffee drinkers! You can also find pods for hot chocolate, hot/iced teas, ciders, and more.
Pros
- Quick and convenient
- Minimal cleanup
- Wide variety of coffee flavors
Cons
- Uses disposable pods (unless using a reusable filter)
- Limited to one cup at a time
Best For
Solo travelers, couples, quick and easy coffee-making
When I polled our Instagram followers to ask what kind of coffee maker they used in their RV, the most popular answer was the Keurig or Keurig Mini! Nespresso is another popular coffee maker that uses pods and capsules.
Espresso Machines
An espresso machine can be a luxurious addition to your RV, providing you with the ability to make café-style drinks wherever you’re parked.
These machines force hot water through finely-ground coffee to create a rich, concentrated shot of espresso, which can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for drinks like cappuccinos, macchiatos, Americanos, and my favorite — lattes!
Pros
- High-quality espresso
- Consistently great espresso shots (once settings are dialed in)
- Makes a range of café-style drinks
Cons
- Space and power requirements
- Higher price point
Best For
Espresso lovers, those who want café-style drinks
French Press
A French press offers a rich, full-bodied coffee experience without needing electricity. This method involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in hot water and then pressing a plunger through the mixture to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. A French press is perfect for those who enjoy the process of brewing and appreciate strong coffee.
French presses are fairly inexpensive making them great for RVers on a budget. In the past, we purchased a French press from Ikea for around $10 and a Bodum French press for $20.
I’d recommend steering clear of a French press made out of glass for your RV coffee maker since they tend to be more delicate and fragile. Instead, opt for one with double-wall insulated stainless steel that will not only keep your coffee hot for hours but hold up to the bumps on the road.
BruTrek and Yeti both make a great stainless steel French press! Stanley also has one an “all-in-one” French press that’s perfect for tent campers.
Pros
- No electricity needed
- Rich coffee flavor
- More control over the extraction of coffee
Cons
- Requires more effort, longer brewing time
- Grinds sometimes leak through the screen on the plunger
- Can be messy/difficult to clean
Best For
Those who enjoy rich, full-bodied coffee, no need for electricity
AeroPress
The AeroPress is another manual option that’s beloved by coffee enthusiasts for its versatility and ease of use. This innovative coffee maker uses air pressure to push hot water through coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and smooth cup of coffee.
The AeroPress is perfect for RV living, offering a quick and efficient way to brew delicious coffee with minimal cleanup. Its compact, lightweight, and shatterproof design makes it one of the best coffee makers for RV travels and camping!
Pros
- Shatterproof, portable, and lightweight
- Versatile brewing options
- Quick and easy cleanup
Cons
- Smaller batch sizes (only makes about 1-2 cups at a time)
- Requires paper filters
- Not ideal for lighter roasts
Best For
Off-grid camping, travelers, and coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a quick, clean brewing process
- An Amazing Cup, Now On The Go: Take the AeroPress Go with you and enjoy a truly delicious coffee wherever you go. The AeroPress Go is slightly smaller than the AeroPress Original, but can still produce 1-3 servings of espresso-style coffee, and it features a handy mug and lid that double as a traveling case, making it perfect for the office, traveling, camping, boating and more
- All About Taste & Practicality: The AeroPress Go travel coffee maker brews smooth, delicious coffee without bitterness or grit, unlike other methods like french press. There’s no experience necessary for brewing with AeroPress Go: with a brewing time of just a minute, AeroPress is all about making it easy to brew delicious coffee wherever you are with a portable espresso maker.
- Be Your Own Barista: The AeroPress Go is a new way of brewing coffee that delivers a delicious result in just under a minute. You can choose to brew hot or espresso-style coffee, or use cold water to make cold brew in two minutes. Tweak your combinations and find the right spot for you – with the AeroPress Go, you have total control over your coffee with a portable coffee maker.
Pour Over
Pour-over coffee makers are a fantastic choice for RVers who appreciate the art of brewing and the rich flavors of manually brewed coffee. This method involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter, allowing gravity to do the work. Pour-over brewing gives you complete control over the brewing process, enabling you to fine-tune your coffee to your taste preferences.
Pros
- Simple and effective
- Control over the brewing process
- Small and lightweight
Cons
- Filters and a separate kettle are needed
- Attention to detail is required
- Takes more time
Best For
Minimalists and coffee purists, those who appreciate the brewing process
Percolator
A percolator is a classic choice for brewing coffee and is especially popular among RV campers and those who enjoy being off-grid. Percolators work by continuously cycling boiling water through coffee grounds, creating a strong, full-bodied brew. They can be used on a stovetop or over an open flame, making them one of the best coffee makers for RVers.
Pros
- No electricity needed
- Made of durable stainless steel
- Rich flavor
Cons
- Over-extraction can easily occur
- Difficult cleanup
Best For
Nostalgia lovers and those who camp without electricity
![COLETTI Classic Percolator Coffee Pot — Coffee Percolator, Camping Kettle – The Original Camping Coffee Pot, Now Modernized – For Campsite Brewmasters Everywhere [Black Enamel, 12 Cup]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51s4Iiea6UL.jpg)
- NO ALUMINUM OR PLASTIC: Our 100% steel camping coffee makers are toxin free. A one-of-a-kind camping coffee pot, the COLETTI Classic has stainless steel internal components, an over-the-fire hanging handle, & a heat-toughened glass top. The ultimate in campfire cooking equipment
- BONUS! PERCOLATOR COFFEE FILTERS: We include a pack of medical grade filters with your percolator coffee pot for easy cleanup. Not required for operation, these also keep finely-ground beans out of the brew. This stove top coffee maker comes ready to use
- TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP: Built from heavy-gauge steel, every piece of this stovetop coffee maker is kiln-hardened twice at 1,000℉. A handsome black camping coffee pot built to last
- CAMPING COFFEE MADE EASY: A percolator coffee pot is simple, efficient, & classic. When you want something strong, and it’s too early for beer, brew with a COLETTI Classic (NOTE: 1 coffee cup equals 6 fl oz). Your Perfect Cowboy Coffee Pot
- LIFETIME REPLACEMENT PROMISE: Top materials & workmanship enable a superb promise. Shop with confidence. This is the last camping coffee pot you will ever need. US-based customer service provided by veterans
Moka Pot
Moka pots, also known as stovetop espresso makers, are a staple in many European households and are a great option for RVers who crave a strong, espresso-like coffee without needing an actual espresso machine. They work by using steam pressure to force water through coffee grounds, producing a rich and intense brew.
Pros
- No electricity needed
- Compact and portable
- Rich and intense coffee
Cons
- Small capacity
- Learning curve
- More effort to clean
Best For
Espresso lovers and minimalists
- CRAFT COFFEE AT HOME: Produces six demitasse/espresso servings of rich, smooth espresso coffee in minutes. Craft your own espresso, Americano, Cuban coffee, Italian-style coffee, Moka, lattes, cappuccinos and more from the convenience of your home.Filter type:Reusable
- DURABLE DESIGN: Carefully crafted with cast aluminum for long-lasting durability. Provides thorough and even heat distribution for enhanced flavor, aroma and consistency. Features a flip-top lid with a heat-resistant knob and handle for safe, easy pouring.
- EASY TO USE: Simply fill the lower chamber with water, add ground coffee or espresso to the filter and place on stovetop. Within minutes, delicious espresso will fill the top chamber of your moka. Remove from heat and enjoy!
- EASY TO CLEAN: Simply rinse with warm water and allow all components to dry before reassembling.
Tips for Making Great Coffee in an RV
Brewing a delicious cup of coffee in an RV involves more than just choosing the right coffee maker! Here are some essential tips to help you brew the best coffee on the road.
Water Quality and Filtration
Always use filtered water to improve the taste of your coffee. Water quality can vary greatly from one campsite to another, and using a good RV water filter system can remove impurities and enhance the flavor of your brew.
Coffee Bean Storage and Freshness
To keep your coffee beans fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture. Freshness is key to a great cup of coffee, so aim to use beans within two weeks of roasting.
Fresh-Ground Beans vs. Pre-Ground Coffee
Freshly ground beans yield better flavor compared to pre-ground coffee. Consider investing in a portable coffee grinder for your RV to grind beans just before brewing. This ensures you get the most aromatic and flavorful coffee possible.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regularly clean your coffee maker to prevent the buildup of oils and residues that can affect the taste of your coffee. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and descaling your machine, and don’t forget to clean removable parts like filters and carafes.
How to Secure an RV Coffee Maker for Travel Days
Don’t forget to secure your RV coffee maker for travel days! Here are a few ways to prevent damage and ensure your coffee maker stays in place while driving down those bumpy roads.
Museum Putty or QuakeHold
Secure your coffee maker to the counter using museum putty or quake hold. These products keep objects firmly in place, even during travel!
Simply apply a small amount to the base of your coffee maker and press it onto the countertop. This method provides a strong yet removable hold, making it easy to reposition or remove the coffee maker as needed.
We used this method back when we had a simple Mr. Coffee drip machine and it worked great! You will need to remove the coffee pot and store it in a safe place for travel though.
- Ideal for securing antiques, collectibles, and other breakable items from falling
- Works on almost any surface
- Easy to apply with its pliable texture
- Non-toxic and non-damaging to your walls, surfaces, or furniture
- Easy to remove and reuse without leaving behind unsightly residue
Command Strips
Heavy-duty command strips can support significant weight and keep your RV coffee maker securely attached to the counter. They are also easy to remove without leaving residue behind.
- MAXIMUM FRAME SIZE 24 X 36 INCHES: One package includes sixteen pairs (eight strips total) of the Command 20 lb X-Large Heavyweight Picture Hanging Strips; four wall adhesive strip pairs (eight strips) holds 20 pounds; maximum frame of 24 x 36 inches
- WORKS ON A VARIETY OF SMOOTH SURFACES: X-large wall hanging strips bond to a variety of smooth surfaces that include painted walls, painted cinderblock and concrete surfaces for damage free hanging
- SURFACE PREP: Clean the desired surface with rubbing alcohol to remove grime and dust to allow the no damage wall hangers to bond to the surface; the indoor temperature must be between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 105 degrees Fahrenheit
Remove from Countertop
When on the move, it’s often best to store your coffee maker in a secure place, such as a cabinet or padded area. This prevents any risk of the coffee maker falling or getting damaged during travel. Make sure the storage area is well-padded and that the coffee maker is snugly fit to avoid any movement.
On travel days we move our espresso machine onto the bedroom floor of our RV so it won’t fall or move around. Our bedroom also has carpet which provides some additional padding.
The kitchen sink can also be a good spot to store your coffee maker while traveling. Line your sink with a towel so your machine stays protected while you’re driving.
Additional Coffee Accessories for RV Living
Complete your RV coffee setup with a few handy accessories that will help you brew and enjoy your favorite coffee wherever the road takes you.
Travel Mugs
Keep your coffee hot while on the go with an insulated travel mug. These are perfect for long drives or enjoying a hot beverage outdoors. Look for models that are spill-proof and fit comfortably in your RV’s cup holders. We use Yeti mugs and tumblers but there are tons of great options available!
Portable Coffee Grinder
For coffee enthusiasts who prefer freshly ground beans, a portable coffee grinder is a must-have. Manual grinders are compact and don’t require electricity, making them ideal for off-grid RV camping. Electric grinders are also available for RVers who prefer to camp with utilities.
Coffee Storage Solutions
Maintain the freshness of your coffee beans or grounds with airtight storage containers. Compact and stackable designs can even help save space in your RV kitchen!
- Freshness is Everything：Our coffee canister helps maintain the freshness of your coffee beans by keeping air out and free of harmful oxidation with a one-way CO2 valve and silicone rubber seal
- Date Tracker, Window, & Free Scoop：Keep your coffee fresh by setting storage or expiry dates with our date tracker on the lid. A handy window lets you see how many beans are left without opening the canister； Plus, we provide a free stainless steel coffee scoop that attaches with a hook
- Premium Quality Assurance：We understand the importance of quality when it comes to your coffee experience； That’s why our Veken containers are meticulously crafted from durable 304 stainless steel, creating an ideal environment for preserving the delicate flavors of your beans
- Optimal Size and Precision：Our canister is thoughtfully designed to accommodate your coffee needs； With the perfect size for storing beans and a handy scale line for precise measuring, you’ll always get the perfect brew
Milk Frother
For those who enjoy lattes or cappuccinos, a handheld or battery-operated milk frother is a great addition. These devices are compact and easy to use, allowing you to froth milk to perfection without taking up much space.
Collapsible Kettle
A collapsible silicone kettle can be a space-saving solution for boiling water for pour-over, french press, and AeroPress coffee makers. These kettles are lightweight, easy to store, and can be used on a stovetop or with an electric heating element.
Finding Your Perfect RV Coffee Maker
Finding the best coffee maker for your RV and style of camping may take some trial and error. Since we started RVing in 2019, we’ve tried a few kinds of coffee makers before finally landing on our current Breville Espresso Machine.
There are so many options out there, but as long as you enjoy the cup of coffee you make, that’s what matters!
What kind of coffee maker do you use when you’re RVing? I’d love to know how you make your coffee on the road!
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