Making coffee in the camper: How to make coffee in the motorhome

Brewing coffee in a camper: which method really suits you on the road

Anyone traveling in a campervan quickly realizes that coffee isn't just about a cup in the morning. How you travel is far more important. Do you have electricity at your campsite, or are you wild camping? Is there even room for a coffee machine in your small kitchen? Do you drink a quick coffee alone, or do you sit outside the campervan together in the morning and take your time? And if you have a Rent a camperFurthermore, you often have to make do with what is actually practical on board.

Coffee is an essential part of our motorhome trips. At the same time, we've often found that the best method for drinking coffee on the road isn't the same as at home. Some things take up too much space, others use too much electricity, and still others, while small, are impractical for everyday use. Therefore, it helps to first consider your travel situation and only then the specific equipment or accessories.

What really matters when making coffee in a camper van

Before you decide on a method, it's worth taking a quick look at four questions:

How much space do you have? In many camper kitchens, work surface is at a premium. Large appliances quickly become an obstacle.
Do you have a reliable power supply? This is usually not a problem at campsites. However, it's often a different story when wild camping or making short stops.
How many cups do you usually brew? Something that works well for one person differs from what works well for two or three people.
What is more important to you? Do you want to get ready quickly in the morning, or is good coffee more important to you than convenience?

These four points alone often determine whether you will be happier with a hand filter than with a machine, or whether an espresso maker works better in everyday life than a French press.

Motorhome kitchen for making coffee in the camper — In a campervan kitchen, every move counts.

Which method is suitable for which camper situation?

You have little space and no electricity

Then you're usually better off with a hand filter, AeroPress, or stovetop espresso maker than with a machine. All of these can be stored relatively compactly and require hardly any technology other than hot water.

You often stay at campsites with electricity.

In this case, a small coffee machine can be useful. However, it's worth taking a closer look beforehand, as some appliances take up more space than you'd want to sacrifice in a camper van in the long run.

You usually drink alone or just one cup.

For single servings, hand filters, AeroPress, or a small espresso maker often work particularly well. They take up little space and are ready to use quickly.

You drink your coffee together in the morning or enjoy longer coffee breaks.

Then a French press, filter coffee machine, or a larger espresso maker might be more practical. Anyone who prepares several cups in a row will quickly notice whether a method remains pleasant in everyday life or becomes annoying.

You mainly want coffee quickly.

This is where small coffee machines or capsule and pod solutions really shine. However, you need to consider electricity consumption, storage space, and cleaning.

You value taste more than speed.

Then hand filters, French presses, AeroPresses, or stovetop espresso makers are often the better choice. They require a little more attention, but usually deliver the kind of coffee you'd really enjoy drinking on the go.

Why making coffee in a camper is often more difficult than you think

From the outside, it seems simple: heat water, brew coffee, done. In practice, however, a few things quickly add up that make a difference in a motorhome.

lack of space

In many campervans, there isn't much counter space left besides the stove, sink, and dishes. A washing machine might be practical at home, but on the road it quickly feels like an extra bulky addition to an already small kitchen. That's precisely why simple methods are often the better choice.

Power Supply

Those who stay at campsites plan differently than those who often camp wild. Some appliances are only convenient if electricity is always available. Otherwise, the question remains whether you really want to have to worry about finding a power outlet, cables, and power output first thing in the morning.

Water and cleaning

Water supplies also play a role. Some washing-up methods generate more dishes than others. This is often more important than you might initially think, especially on travel days or during short stops.

Stowage during the journey

Not everything that fits in the kitchen is easy to store on the road. Glassware, heavy appliances, or multiple accessories are often more cumbersome in a camper than a compact solution that fits in a drawer.

Making coffee in the camper — There is often little space for a large machine in a camper.

Making coffee in a camper with electricity

If you regularly stay at campsites or RV parks with electricity, a power generator can make everyday life easier. However, it's only worth choosing if it's truly suited to your camper.

Small filter coffee machine

For many, it's the obvious solution. The coffee is ready quickly, it's easy to use, and if you drink more than one cup in the morning, it saves time. It's less practical, however, if counter space is limited.

Pad or capsule machine

These devices are compact and fast. For short trips or when you want minimal effort in the morning, this can be convenient. However, on longer trips, questions about waste, storage, and running costs quickly arise.

Kaffeevollautomat

Those who can't imagine life without freshly ground coffee at home might also consider it in their campervan. However, we often found it impractical due to the size. That's precisely why we... Coffeeness specialists interviewed on this topic. This can be a solution for large motorhomes, but in many rented campers a fully automatic system quickly seems oversized.

When a machine makes sense

A coffee machine is particularly worthwhile if you value convenience, have a regular electricity supply, and drink several cups of coffee in the morning. It's less suitable if you frequently change location, are camping off-grid, or have a very small kitchen.

Is there room for a coffee machine in the camper? — It's always worth taking a look at the work surface before choosing a machine.

Making coffee in a camper without electricity

Manual methods become interesting when electricity is unavailable or you want to conserve it. Many of them work surprisingly well on the go.

Hand filter

A hand filter takes up hardly any space and is quick to explain. If you enjoy classic filter coffee and like a calm morning routine, it's often the simplest solution when you're on the go.

French Press

It's well-suited if there are two of you or if you want to drink several cups. The coffee is strong, and the method is simple. However, cleaning requires a bit more attention.

espresso Maker

It works very well on a gas stove and makes a strong coffee. It's often a good choice for those who like espresso or a stronger cup. However, it quickly becomes more time-consuming for making several large cups in a row.

AeroPress

It's compact, lightweight, and versatile. It's especially appealing for those who like to experiment with grind size and strength. It's particularly useful in a campervan when space is limited but you still want good coffee.

DIY solutions

Cowboy coffee or improvised filters work in an emergency. On longer trips, I would consider them more of an exception. In the long run, they are usually less convenient and often less clean to prepare.

Accessories for making coffee in a camper van — Even when it comes to accessories, a small, practical solution is worthwhile in a camper.

Our conclusion from everyday camper life

For rented campervans and smaller motorhomes, we find that the most convenient methods are usually those that require little space and don't involve much technology. A pour-over filter works well if you like classic coffee. An espresso maker is practical if you prefer a stronger coffee. A French press is more worthwhile if there are two of you and you have more time in the mornings. A coffee machine is particularly convenient if you have plenty of electricity and the extra space isn't a problem.

The crucial factor is therefore not which method is generally considered the best, but rather which one actually works for you on your trip.

Accessories that can be useful on the go

Accessories can quickly become overwhelming in a camper. Nevertheless, there are a few things that can make a difference.

Manual coffee mill

Freshly ground beans often taste better. A small grinder is particularly worthwhile when you're on the go, especially if you really value aroma and are willing to spend a little more time on it.

Thermos

If you plan to sit outside longer in the morning or take coffee to the beach, the lake or on a hike, a good thermos is often more practical than every other pot in the camper.

Reusable filters

They reduce waste and take up little space. This is especially convenient on longer trips than constantly buying new paper filters.

Small storage container for coffee

Anyone who takes loose coffee with them will appreciate a container that can be securely sealed. In a camper, this is even more important than you might initially think.

Coffee beans for coffee in the camper. — Good beans make a noticeable difference, even on the go.

Which beans and grind size work well on the go

Even when camping, it's worth taking a quick look at the beans and grind size. Those who prefer mild coffee often opt for Arabica. For stronger coffee, Robusta or a blend is a good choice. The grind size depends largely on the brewing method: fine for espresso, medium for filter coffee and AeroPress, and coarser for French press.

While traveling, I wouldn't make things more complicated than necessary. If you're happy with a particular method, it's often better to simply take a good bean that works with it, rather than experimenting anew every morning.

Sustainable coffee in the camper

Especially when traveling, it quickly becomes apparent how much packaging and waste some solutions generate. Therefore, it's worth taking a closer look at what is practical for everyday use while on the go and also more resource-efficient.

Reusable filters reduce waste.
Organic coffee and fair trade beans are often the better choice for us.
If you only heat the amount of water you actually need, you save energy and water.
It is usually more practical to boil enough water for two people at once than to cook small portions several times.

Environmentally friendly coffee in the camper — There's a simple method for preparing coffee in a campervan in a more resource-efficient way.

Recommendations for different camping situations

For small campers without electricity: Hand filter or AeroPress.
For strong coffee from a gas stove: Espresso maker.
For two people with a little more time: French Press.
For campsites with electricity and multiple cups: small filter coffee machine.
For those who like to be especially comfortable in the morning: Pad or capsule machine, provided there is space and electricity available.

Practical products for coffee in the camper.

Only once you know which method suits your travel style is it worth looking at specific products. That's why you'll find the recommendations here first.

You can find small travel coffee machines here*. (Advertisement)

You can find hand filters here*. (Advertisement)

You can find French press models here*. (Advertisement)

Espresso makers for campers can be found here*. (Advertisement)

AeroPress models can be found here*. (Advertisement)

You can find fully automatic coffee machines for motorhomes here*. (Advertisement)

You can find small capsule machines here*. (Advertisement)

You can find small filter coffee machines here*. (Advertisement)

This is how you find your best solution

If you mostly travel in a campervan without electricity and have limited space, I'd start with a hand filter, AeroPress, or stovetop espresso maker. If you often stay at campsites and drink several cups in the morning, a small machine might be more practical. Those who primarily want good coffee should choose based on the method and type of bean. Those who want minimal effort in the morning should prioritize convenience.

Ultimately, when it comes to coffee in a camper, it's not a question of the best device, but rather the method that suits your everyday life while traveling.

Outdoors Making coffee while camping — The best method when you're out and about is often the one that works without much effort.

Do you also know...?

Source: own research and experiences in a motorhome. Our opinions remain our own.

Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright by Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline, Pixabay and Amazon product photos

Making coffee in the camper: How to make coffee in the motorhome