4 Best Coffee Makers for Camping

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Hey there campers and welcome to my post where we will check out my four best coffee makers for camping to keep us caffeinated this year.  As we all know, although camping gives us a necessary break from our routine, there are just some things that many of us cannot leave behind.  And of course one of them is a good cup of coffee.  

I mean – it is coffee!  So in preparation here, go make yourself a cup now and then come back as we have a look at four good coffee making options for your next camping trip.

Let’s check them out…

My four recommended coffee makers for camping

I will review these in more detail below however if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience: 

02/18/2024 11:45 am GMT Lasso Brag

What are coffee makers for camping?

Also called travel coffee makers or portable espresso makers, coffee makers for camping are portable devices that are a lightweight, simple-to-use coffee brewer ideal for carrying with you on the road. 

Most portable coffee makers are extremely basic machines working with ground coffee or pods. After adding coffee to water that has been heated to the proper brewing temperature, they filter off the coffee grounds. While small hand brewers typically include a fine metal mesh filter, some full-pot drip coffee makers employ metal or paper filters.

best coffee makers for camping - coffee maker

What should you be looking for?

The following factors should be considered as you hunt around for a good coffee maker for your camping trips.

  1. Type
  2. Material
  3. Size
  4. Ease of use
  5. Ease of cleaning
  6. Additions

Type

Coffee makers for camping come in various types with the main options as follows:

  1. Press coffee makers: These function by soaking the coffee grinds in hot water for 4-5 minutes before removing the grounds using a plunger. In most situations, the plunger will force the grinds to the bottom of the cup while leaving the coffee on top. Some types instead squeeze the water out through the grounds.
  2. Percolator coffee makers: The percolator describes a coffee pot with a bottom chamber. A vertical tube connects the chamber to the vessel’s top, and a perforated basket lies at the tube’s top. At the bottom, there is either an internal or external heat source.
  3. Pod coffee makers:  These use pods (like those in Nespresso machines etc.) that filter hot water through to make your coffee.
  4. Travel espresso makers: As the name implies, these portable coffee makers are compact, handheld gadgets producing espresso. These machines require you to manually pump hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, resulting in a rich shot of coffee.
  5. Pour-over coffee makers: Here you gradually pour hot water over the grounds and are the closest to traditional drip coffee machines. They have the most basic designs and are the easiest to use and clean.

Material

Like with our other outdoor gear, buying long-lasting coffee makers for camping is recommended hence we must consider the material used in construction.

Materials such as stainless steel, aluminum and cast iron are all evenly resistant to breakage and heat. Of course, some of these materials are heavier than others, so whether you’ll travel the pot in your car or your backpack will also be a consideration. Plastics and rubbers are other inexpensive materials that are easy to transport.

Also, due to the material’s robustness, durability and low weight, rubber and titanium coffee makers as well as BPA-free hard plastics are also viable options.

Size and portability

These two are related since the bigger is the coffee maker, the more challenging for you to carry it. If camping with a large party, you should look for nine-cup or larger pots (you can look for 12- or 16-cup options). You can probably get away with something smaller for four people or less. If it’s only for one person, many single-brew choices will save you a lot of space.

Ease of use

When camping, you’re probably searching for something that will make the best-tasting coffee with the least amount of work. Hence I highly recommend buying coffee makers with a straightforward design. 

It is also practical to read the coffee maker’s instructions and see what accessories, such as coffee filters each type includes and if you’ll need to bring extra mugs or a pot and stove to boil water.

best coffee makers for camping - pouring coffee

Ease of cleaning

In some instances when camping, you will find that you you have limited access to water. This necessitates buying coffee makers that do not require much effort in cleaning. Stainless coffee makers excel well in this department because their surface prohibits coffee stains and paper filters in coffee makers keep the grinds confined and easy to dump as well.

You’ll have to scoop out the grinds and perform extra cleaning and wiping with coffee presses and espresso machines.

Additions

Other potential additions include:

  1. Carrying case: This item helps conceal the coffee maker, protecting it from the elements and making it easy to carry.
  2. Propane tank: This item is applicable for portable coffee maker machines since the propane serves as the device’s heat source.
  3. Heat-resistant handle: The handles of these camping coffee makers provide heat insulation to protect your hands.

FAQ

How do I make coffee when I’m camping?

When it comes to camping, a morning coffee around the campfire is one of its most enjoyable aspects. Fortunately there are a number of coffee making options available that allow you to enjoy a good coffee away from home. Look for a good percolator or all in one drip filter machine that can work on a camp stove, small burner or even the fire itself.

What is a camping coffee maker?

Also called travel coffee makers or portable espresso makers, coffee makers for camping are portable devices that are a lightweight, simple-to-use coffee brewer ideal for carrying with you on the road. 
Most portable coffee makers are extremely basic machines working with ground coffee or pods that typically include a fine metal mesh filter or pour over options.

My four recommendations broken down

So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:

1. Primula Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker

This first coffee maker is a popular choice for individuals as it is simple to use and can be heated on many different sources.  Made from durable materials, it only needs some water and ground coffee and you are good to go all from the one device.  See its specifications below:

  • Brand: Primula
  • Materials: Strong cast aluminum
  • Type: Percolator
  • Servings: Six cups
  • Weight: 1.6 pounds
  • Dimensions: 4.06 x 6.34 x 7.48 inches

Other inclusions:

  • Non-drip spout
  • Easy to clean
  • Heat-protective handle

Why have I chosen it?

This percolator model has a modern, elegant appearance with a high-tech finish for an espresso machine. With this device’s simple design, sipping a superb cup of espresso takes just 3 minutes.  It utilizes a temperature-resistant knob and handle that enables simple, safe pouring to protect from burns and the safety-release valve regulates water pressure and supply for consistently optimal espresso extraction.  These are so good you can use them at home as well.


2. Stanley Camp Pour Over Coffee Set

As the name suggests, this next option is a pour over coffee maker made of non breakable materials and a stainless steel filter. It works in the same fashion as a percolator in that you add the coffee, add hot water and let it filter through to the reservoir underneath. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: Stanley
  • Materials: Stainless steel
  • Type: Pour over coffee maker
  • Servings: 1 – 2 cups
  • Weight: 1.4 pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎5.8 x 5.8 x 8.9 inches

Other inclusions:

  • Stainless Steel filter

Why have I chosen it?

This option provides for fast (2-3 minute) coffee making made of durable materials. The stainless steel filter helps extract your coffee’s aromatic oils and subtle flavors without the need to constantly replace paper filters.  It is also extremely easy to clean and ready for the next coffee in minutes.  A great option for single or couple campers.


3. Outin Portable Mini Battery Espresso Machine

This next option is a handheld coffee brewing device with an innovative design and straightforward use.  It is handheld and battery operated for simple, on the go coffee in any location. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: Outin
  • Materials: Stainless steel
  • Type: Travel espresso maker
  • Servings: Five cups
  • Weight: 1.4 pounds
  • Dimensions: 2.72 x 2.72 x 8.82 inches

Other inclusions:

  • LED power indicator
  • Single-button operation
  • Fast-heating
  • 24-month return policy

Why have I chosen it?

The coffee maker offers numerous useful features with an IPX6 waterproofing rating and stainless steel construction that guarantees ease of cleaning. Preparing your preferred espresso is easily achieved thanks to its one-key operation that can heat water from cold in 3-4 minutes.  And best of all, it will work with both grounds and coffee pods as well.  This is a great option for those who like to hike to their campgrounds.


4. Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker

If a quality coffee maker is what you are after for those family or group camping trips, then final coffee maker is your best choice. Although it is a large drip brewer, this coffee maker performs well in the durability category with everything needed in the one machine. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: Coleman
  • Materials: Plastic and metal
  • Type: Portable coffee maker
  • Servings: Ten cups
  • Weight: 9.38 pounds
  • Dimensions: 9.75 x 14.25 x 17.75 inches

Other inclusions it has:

  • Push-button ignition system
  • Removable filter basket
  • 4 500 BTUs of cooking capacity

Why have I chosen this?

This item comes from a brand that produces durable and reliable camping equipment and despite its size, it  is sleek and sophisticated, even down to the metal safety sheet on the machine’s rear.  The gadget has a one-of-a-kind “PerfectFlow technology,” which ensures consistent brewing quality regardless of external temperature or altitude. The dishwasher-safe 10-cup glass carafe that comes with the machine is included as well as its own heat source via the propane gas burner.

Primula Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker, Moka Pot for Classic Italian and Cuban Café Brewing, Cafetera, Six Cup
$15.67
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 11:45 am GMT
Stanley 10-09566-001 The Camp Pour Over Set Hammertone Green NA
$43.39
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 12:17 pm GMT
Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker
$149.99
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 11:41 am GMT

Conclusion

There you have it, my four best coffee makers for camping to satisfy your caffeine needs whilst camping. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual,  let me know of your experiences with them.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul

Beachandfishing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Leave a Comment

Hi, I'm Paul

I am a passionate fishing, camping and four wheeled driving hobbyist who researches, tests and educates around issues and equipment relevant to them.

I am by no means a professional however my passion is to assist you in making informed decisions about buying and using awesome gear that will give you the best chance of success at whatever you are doing for the best price.

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Paul