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Best Coffee Maker for RV Living: Don’t Be Stuck with Awful Tasting Joe

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Editors Choice

Farberware 50124 Classic Yosemite 8-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator

Farberware 50124 Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator - 8 Cup, Silver

Farberware’s products are always top-notch, and this percolator is no different. Not only is it durable and attractive, this Farberware Percolator is our best coffee maker for RV use for quite a few reasons more.

First, no need to plug it in. With outlets in an RV at a premium with other appliances and electronics already plugged in, this is definitely a bonus. Since generators and inverters usually only come with two to four outlets, it’s nice to have something that doesn’t need to use one. Second, it comes with a lifetime warranty and is the only product on the list that has this guarantee.

It is also manufactured well and with a non-reactive interior and looks expensive without being expensive. There is the potential for the glass knob to get broken, however, this is solved by going to a local hardware store and replacing the knob. Only a minor inconvenience we think in the pursuit of the perfect caffeine hit on your travels.

Staying Caffeinated While on the Road: Best RV Coffee Makers

Imagine feeling the cool morning breeze on your skin as you hold a hot cup of your favorite Joe, stimulating your senses, and preparing you for the day. Luckily you don’t have to forgo this because you’re on the open road in an RV.

You could do it the old-fashioned way, boiling up a pan of water on the stove, getting out your french press, and waiting on the brewing process to extract the rich flavor from the coffee grounds. You know it’ll make a good cup of coffee. But you know you’ll have to wait a while. And you’ll still have to clean the coffee grounds out of the french press and the sink plug afterward.

An alternative option to get you that delicious coffee faster, and with minimal clean-up afterward, is to invest in buying an RV coffee maker.

There are so many coffee makers that make excellent RV appliances that we decided to check out the top RV coffee makers on the market. We have created a selection guide and a list of our top choices to help you find the perfect motorhome coffee maker for you.

Looking for the Best Coffee Maker for RV Living?

  • Why you need a great coffee maker for RVing
  • What you should consider when buying
  • Reviews of the best coffee makers for RV travel 
  • Our unbiased recommendation on the best RV coffee maker

How to Choose the Perfect Coffee Maker for Your RV

Simplicity

When thinking about a coffee maker for RVs, best remember that you’re in an RV. You probably don’t want to get a complicated model that has a ton of parts that need to be stored and cleaned. Simple is most definitely better when you’re brewing in an RV. 

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Type of Coffee Maker

There are several different types of coffee makers for RVs, but not all of them are going to be practical in your RV. The most common type is automatic drip coffee makers. These run on electricity, so you’ll need an inverter or a generator to run them. This type of coffee maker is convenient to use and easiest to get up to the ideal coffee temperature.

If you prefer not to go for an electric coffee maker there are a couple of other options. Firstly, the French press or the AeroPress. These don’t require any electricity as you make your coffee by hand. The third type of coffee maker that’s popular for people with RVs is the stovetop option; these are great since you can use the stove in your RV or a camp stove to use them. 

Wattage

The wattage of any appliance in an RV is critical. When using these appliances you’ll likely be using a generator or an inverter, both of which have a maximum continuous Watts rating and a maximum startup Watts rating that can’ be exceeded. 

The startup wattage of your coffee machine is going to be the higher wattage of the two, this is the surge of wattage required to get the appliance powered up. Therefore, this startup watt rating must be lower than that of your inverter or generator to work. 

Even though an RV coffee maker is unlikely to blow out your inverter or generator on its own, you must also consider the total startup wattage of all other devices you may have plugged in at the same time. So basically you need the wattage for all appliances running at once to total less than the maximum rating for the generator or inverter.

When you consider the bigger picture, you can see how important it is to make sure you get an RV coffee maker that has a compatible wattage for your particular RV setup.

On average, a coffee maker will use around 800 watts to make four cups of Joe. The more cups you make, the more watts you’ll use and vice versa. Your preferred choice will boil down to how many people you’ll be making hot drinks for and how often you’ll be making them.

Warranty

RV coffee makers are usually sturdy appliances. However, you should still pay attention to the product’s warranty. A short warranty period may be a red flag that the manufacturer doesn’t expect the product to last too long and therefore doesn’t want to be responsible for fixing it. It is not uncommon to hear about a product that stops working just a few days after the warranty expires.

At a minimum, aim for a coffee maker with at least a 12-month (one year) warranty. A two-year warranty is even better. Make sure the warranty is concise and can be quickly found when you’re deciding.

Size

Coffee makers come in a whole range of sizes. So do RVs. You’ll want to consider how much RV kitchen space you have, and don’t forget about the height. Coffee makers aren’t usually that tall, so in most cases, height won’t make too much of a difference. However, if your counter space is tight and you have cabinets hanging over, you don’t want a coffee maker that’s too tall to fit in between. You may also elect to have an under-counter coffee maker for RV living installed, then you don’t have to use any counter surface space at all.

Price

Coffee makers are one of those products that you get what you pay for. This doesn’t mean that a cheap product won’t work, but you can’t expect top-quality performance from a cheap model. If you know what to expect, you won’t be disappointed.

On the other hand, you’re going to be in an RV, so you probably don’t want a super fancy, pricey model. Especially one that’s sensitive and may get broken while you’re traveling on the road.

The Best Coffee Makers for RVs – The Reviews & Ratings

Black+Decker Single Serve CM618 Coffeemaker

Best Budget Single Serve

BLACK+DECKER CM618 Single Serve Coffee Maker, Black

Single-serve coffee makers are a smart move when there aren’t many people who drink coffee regularly onboard. It saves time, space, and you won’t waste coffee. This Black+Decker model offers you all of this in a high-quality, compact automatic drip machine.

The machine measures 7.4 x 5.9 x 12.1 inches, so it doesn’t take up very much counter space. It has a cord storage compartment and a reusable permanent filter, so no need for paper filters. It’s lightweight and instead of having a pot comes with a handy, 16-ounce thermal travel mug, not only keeping your coffee warm but also one less thing to have to clean. This machine also only requires 650 starting watts.

We love the fact that you can use ground coffee or a k-cup pod. The flexibility is excellent and allows you to have a modern product at an affordable price.

  • PROs

    • It has an automatic shut-off feature
    • Easy to use, one-button brewing cycle
    • Can dispense hot water
  • CONs

    • It’s basic. Only one button and one function
    • You can’t stop the brew once it’s started

Bottom-Line: This is a basic, compact machine that is suitable for a one- or two-person party.

Keurig K-Mini Plus Portable

Recommended

Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker, Black

K-cup pods have taken the coffee world by storm, so being able to brew your favorite flavor in your RV can feel decadent yet very practical too. This Keurig model is excellent for RVs since it is lightweight, simple to use, and most of all brews a great-tasting cup of coffee.

This mini coffee maker has a convenient storage tray that can hold up to nine k cups. When the machine isn’t in use, the tray slides right into the space where the cup would sit. This means you don’t need to use precious counter surface space for storage. The machine is compact, measuring 11.3 x 4.5 x 12.1 inches, and needs 1,475 starting watts. After the heating cycle is finished, the running watts are from 10 to 15 watts.

This product gives you a few options that are nice to have. It can accommodate up to a seven-inch tall mug/cup. You can choose to brew between six and twelve ounces of coffee and have a button to make it a “strong” brew in case you need some extra kick. 

  • PROs

    • Has a removable drip tray
    • Automatically shuts off after 90 second
    • Comes in four different colors
  • CONs

    • Takes a while to brew coffee
    • Can be loud

Bottom-Line: This is a great, high-quality, compact machine for people who only need a single-serve coffeemaker.

Coleman Camping

Best for Stove Top

Coleman Camping Coffee Maker,Black

If you don’t have access to electricity in your RV, or you prefer an appliance that doesn’t use power, then this camper coffee maker is a great choice. The Coleman Camping snugly fits on most two- or three-burner stoves, and the steel base is perfect for making sure it doesn’t get damaged. It can efficiently brew up to 10 cups of coffee at a time and does have a longer coffee brewing time than electric coffee makers, but that is to be expected.
We love the fact that it’s simple and easy to use. It has a swing-out coffee filter basket, which is removable making it easy to clean. The water reservoir has a nice, wide neck so you can easily add water. It measures 10.1 x 12.1 x 15.7 inches, not the most compact design, but still small enough to not take up too much space.

  • PROs

    • Easy to use & clean
    • It comes with a one-year warranty
    • You don’t need electricity for it
  • CONs

    • The steel base tends to warp
    • The valve that stops coffee flow gets clogged easily

Bottom-Line: Overall, this is a great campers coffee pot for people who enjoy the simplicity of camping without electricity.

Farberware 50124 Classic Yosemite 8 Cup Stainless Steel Percolator

Editors Choice

Farberware 50124 Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator - 8 Cup, Silver

A percolator pot is a great way to get the richest, fullest flavor from great coffee. It’s also great since it doesn’t require electricity to work, making it a perfect camper coffee pot for RVs and camping. The Farberware Classic has a durable stainless steel pot and a brilliant, polished mirror finish that is dishwasher safe.

It has a built-in permanent filter, so no need to worry about having paper filters, and the interior is designed so that it doesn’t absorb odors. The lid seals tight, and your brew is ready quickly. The percolator is lightweight and small, so it’s not going to take up a lot of space. It’s an excellent percolator that’s going to do precisely what you need it to – brew great coffee.

The only issue you may have is with the glass knob. However, if this does get broken it can easily be replaced with a trip to a hardware store.

  • PROs

    • It’s made of high-quality steel
    • Transparent glass knob lets you see when it’s percolating
    • Has a lifetime limited warranty
    • Ease of Use
  • CONs

    • Glass knob can break because the lid gets too tight

Bottom-Line: Farberware is known for producing quality products, and this percolator is no exception, an excellent investment.

Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator RV Coffee Pot

Recommended

COLETTI Bozeman Percolator Coffee Pot — Camping Coffee Pot, Coffee Percolator – America’s Favorite Percolator – NO Aluminum or Plastic [9 cup]

Like the Farberware, this percolator has a stainless steel carafe and shines to perfection. It is a robust and durable percolator that resists warping and produces vibrant tasting, high-quality coffee. Like the Farberware, it has a clear glass knob on top that allows you to see when the coffee is percolating, but the handle is a lot stronger, so it won’t break just because the lid gets tight.

This percolator measures 8 x 4.8 x 7.5 inches, so it’s not awkward to use. We like the rosewood panels on the handle. They offer protection to your hands from getting burnt when you pick it up, but it also gives it a nice-almost rustic look.

It comes with filters, although they aren’t necessary, and the percolator also has a one-year warranty in case of defects. It’s a little pricey, but it’s a fantastic product that’s worth every dollar.

  • PROs

    • Wooden handle prevents burns
    • The company donates 100% of profits to charity
    • Easy to Use
  • CONs

    • The lid is loose and sometimes falls off when you pour
    • Only holds around 39 ounces of coffee

Bottom-Line: This is a high-quality percolator, a bit pricey, but it’s worth it when you consider that all the profit goes to charity.

Keurig K-Mini K15

Best Single Serve Coffee Maker

Keurig K15 Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, 6 to 10 Oz. Brew Sizes, Black

The second Keurig drip coffee maker to make this list is the K15 which has an increased variety of options and features. One important option is the ability to choose to brew six, eight, or ten ounces of coffee. It also has a brewing cycle of less than two minutes, so you don’t have to wait forever for your morning coffee.

The K15 is a portable, compact product. It measures 10.8 x 6.9 x 10.7 inches and can accommodate a travel mug or coffee mug up to 5.5 inches tall. This electric coffee maker requires at least 1,475 starting watts and has a cord storage compartment for extra minimal storage. This is one of the best coffee machines for an RV that you can get.

We do however wish this Keurig model had the same k-cup pod storage compartment as the K-Mini Plus does. Since everything else about this machine is superb we will cut Keurig a little slack on that point. Like all Keurig products, it is manufactured well with high-quality material. Just in case something does go wrong, it comes with a one-year limited warranty

  • PROs

    • Available in ten different colors
    • Removable drip tray holds a full cup in case of accidental brew
    • Has the ability to dispense hot water
  • CONs

    • It’s expensive compared to other comparable machines

Bottom-Line: If you’re willing to spend a little extra to get a top-quality machine, the Keurig K-Mini 15 is a great option.

Chulux Single Serve RV K-Cup Coffee Maker

Best Budget Coffee Maker

CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Capsule and Ground Coffee, Single Cup Coffee Machine, Black

This Chulux offering is a tiny, automatic-drip unit. It may be small, measuring 4.3 x 7.5 x 9.1 inches, but the brewing process makes a cup of java with a big, rich flavor. It works well in an RV, not only because of its size but because it’s easy to use and versatile. It allows you to either use coffee grounds with its reusable filter or by using it with k-cup pods.

While it’s not as fancy as a Keurig, it does provide you with the features you need. First, it’s 800 starting watts, so ideal for using with an RV generator or inverter. It automatically shuts off after the brew, saving power. It also comes with a one-year warranty in case of defects. While this product isn’t the highest quality on the list, it’s still an excellent machine that won’t break the bank.

  • PROs

    • Optional reusable filters are available
    • Brews quickly and quietly
    • Easy to use
  • CONs

    • It’s difficult to clean – especially if using ground coffee
    • It has a cheap look and feel to it
    • 12 oz water tank means you’ll be refilling it after nearly every cup of coffee

Bottom-Line: If you don’t want to spend a ton of money on a simple, compact coffee maker for RV living, this is an excellent choice with many of the same features as the more expensive products.

BLACK+DECKER SCM2000BD Space Maker Under-the-Cabinet Programmable Coffeemaker

Best Under Counter

BLACK+DECKER SCM2000BD SpaceMaker Under The Cabinet 8-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker with Thermal Carafe, Stainless Steel/Black

If saving space is your priority, then an RV under-cabinet coffee maker is a wise choice. The Black+Decker SCM2000BD is all about convenience. It has an insulated 8-cup carafe, a programming feature for automatic brews, and a removable water reservoir for easy cleaning and filling. It also has a cord storage hook, is dishwasher safe, and automatically shuts off to save energy.

This spacemaker coffee maker for RV living may save space on the counter but it isn’t compact. It measures 17 x 12 x 13 inches and weighs 11 pounds. This is large and heavy for a personal machine, although at least you would only need to handle it once during installation. Once installed, this product will quickly brew excellent pots of coffee but if you just can’t wait that long it also has sneak-a-cup technology. Amazingly, it only requires 900 starting watts, which is surprising for a machine of this size.

  • PROs

    • Can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance
    • Mini-LCD display makes programming and brewing easy
    • It has a two-year warranty
  • CONs

    • It’s large and heavy
    • It’s made with hard plastic instead of metal

Bottom-Line: An RV under-counter coffee maker is the best way to save space, and when you combine that with the quality of this Black+Decker product, you have the perfect appliance for your RV travels.

Coleman Propane Coffee Maker for RV

Best Propane Coffee Maker

Coleman 10 Cup Portable Prpn Coffmker Rd/Blk/Gry 2000020942

This is the only product on our list that works using propane gas. This is perfect for people who don’t have spare power or sufficient outlets in their RV. Propane gas provides even, steady heating, so even in cold conditions, you can still get your coffee hot enough.

It is made of durable steel combined with hard plastic, and like the Coleman Stovetop option comes with a one-year warranty.

This coffee maker measures 13.3 x 17.1 x 8.9 inches, slightly bigger and a little heavier than most other compact models. However, it’s still at a size and weight that’s manageable. Aside from its quality, the main reason we included it on our list is that having a propane-powered coffee maker in your RV is handy when there’s no available power.

  • PROs

    • It can be used anywhere since it doesn’t need electricity
    • It can be hooked up to a 20 pounds propane tank
    • Great ease of use
  • CONs

    • Comes with a glass carafe which can easily get broken during camping
    • The base gets very hot and could melt plastic

Bottom-Line: Whether you have electricity available or not, this excellent propane-powered RV coffee maker can produce some of the best coffee on the road.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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