Best RV Coffee Makers: Eat, Sleep, Camp, Coffee and Repeat!

For many of us, it’s tough to start a day without putting some caffeine into the system. And when you’re RV-ing, having a freshly brewed cup of hot coffee in the morning while watching the sun dawning over the landscape is a great way to  shake off the drowsiness, get yourself ready for the day ahead and perfect your camping experience. And for an insignificant initial investment, you can get the best coffee maker for RV to customize your coffee drinking routine. Full-time and seasoned RVers would swear that a good RV coffee maker tops the list of must-have items for camping. 

As simple as making coffee sounds, the abundant options can have you overwhelmed, if you’re new to the game. From the old-school non-electric, hand-poured coffee makers that have been around for hundreds of years and still loved today, to the convenient, multi-purpose electric models with various handy features, you have a lot to choose from, depending on your taste preference and whether you have the time to wait. 

Regardless of your priorities, you can have your pick from our selected list of the best RV coffee maker models. And to make your purchasing experience as stress-free as possible, also included is a comparison of the different types of RV coffee makers, the most important buying criteria, a list of the most prestigious brands, maintenance tips and more.

Comparison Chart of The Best RV Coffee Makers

No	Top-Rated RV Coffee Makers	Prices	Our Ratings
1	Black + Decker CM1160B	$	*****
2	Hamilton Beach 49981A	$$	*****
3	Cuisinart DCC-1100	$$$	*****
4	Cuisinart DCC-450BK	$$	****
5	Secura SFP-34DS	$	*****
6	Keurig K-Classic	$$$	*****
7	Black + Decker CM618	$	****
8	Breville Nespresso Vertuo	$$$$	*****
9	Farberware 50124	$	*****
10	Coletti Bozeman	$$	*****
11	Chulux QF-CM801	$$	****
12	AmazonBasics MA-D03A	$	*****
13	Keurig K-Mini Plus	$$$	****
14	Black + Decker SpaceMaker SCM2000BD	$$$$$	***
15	Keurig K15	$$$$	***

---

Different Types Of Coffee Makers For RV 

There seems to be an overwhelming number of coffee makers but models on the market could be classified into five types: drip, pour-over, single-serve, percolators and French press. 

Pour-Over Coffee Makers

The pour over has been around for decades now but has recently resurfaced in popularity, even after the emergence of more high-tech models. Due to its intricate brewing process that creates an enjoyable overall experience and one of the most efficient extraction ability among coffee makers of any type, the pour-over delivers vibrant brew results despite its as-simple-as-can-be mechanism.

With simple construction, pour-over coffee makers are extremely easy to use: a true pour-over is a filter with coffee grounds sitting at the top of a container. You pour hot water over the top, and it filters through the coffee grounds and drips down to the glass or stainless steel carafe. 

One major advantage for better taste customization is you can decide how hot the water is and you can get your hot water from a variety of sources. Any barista would tell you not to use boiling water. You can also ensure the even and thorough saturation of the grounds. And not only is it delicious to sip, but it’s also fun to make, which is why coffee making can be an experience, a process to enjoy.

Pour-over coffee makers come in all shapes and sizes as well so they have outstanding adaptability; you can put it atop your own mug, or a carafe. 

The downside is that you won’t be able to make coffee with this type of RV coffee maker during movement, and you’re very limited by the amount of coffee you can make. Most models of this type are single-serve, or just a bit more than single-serve. If there’s only you, maybe one more companion, a pour-over may be adequate, but trying to make coffee for anything more than two people would not be practical.

One of the best selling pour-over cups on Amazon with 4.6-star rating from almost 2,000 buyers is the Coffee Gator all-in-one Travel Coffee Maker and Thermal Cup, which comes in a vacuum insulated stainless steel 20oz-cup with a paperless filter dripper. 

French Press Coffee Makers

A French press coffee maker is a sibling of the simple pour-over style, but because it has a built-in trap for the grounds, it’s even more convenient. That said, compared to their pour-over contemporaries, French press coffee makers might take a bit more skill and know-how to produce coffee. That being said, they will never go out of style, and no matter how technologically advanced future coffee makers might be, the old-school French press coffee makers will always be loved. 

To make coffee, just scoop some medium grounds on the bottom of the unit, pour almost boiling water over the grounds, then stir a few times. Screw in the lid but push the plunger only to the water’s surface. Wait for 5 minutes or so, then slowly push the plunger to the bottom to trap in the grounds. 

An improvement on the conventional French Press: The AeroPress 

The most critical coffee drinkers might not like the bitterness and high acidity developed during the long steep time required by the French press. The good news is there is a new kid on the block that offers a better alternative to this conventional coffee press: the patented AeroPress coffee makers. 

These are a different kind of coffee press that uses a rapid, total immersion brewing process to make smooth, rich, full flavored coffee without the bitterness. This total immersion brewing process also reduces the coffee’s acidity. 

This perfect little RV coffee maker can make a variety of hot coffee as well as cold brews. For its user-friendly working mechanism, functionality and versatility, the AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press is currently a best seller on Amazon with a jaw-dropping 4.8-star overall rating from some 3,600 buyers. 

An AeroPress makes 1 to 3 cups of hot coffee per pressing in about only a minute and it can brew espresso style coffee for use in lattes, cappuccinos and any other espresso based drink. If you like cold brew coffee, they make 1 to 3 cups per pressing in about two minutes. 

The versatile cold brewing capability means you can still enjoy a delicious cup of coffee even without access to hot water. The new version AeroPress Go even includes a mug with lid that you drink out of, and then use as a carrying case while on the go.

Percolators

Need to prepare multiple cups of coffee? Then you should consider grabbing a percolator. ​​They are essentially a big pot with a capacity of at least 8 cups. Percolators rely on boiling water rising to a receptacle filled with grounds.

Percolators can be electric, but the good old percolators are originally meant to brew coffee over any heat source, like a propane burner or even a campfire cooking grate, which is why they are the original forebears of the so-called “cowboy coffee” – quick and versatile. You fill it with water, add grounds, and place on the heat source. When the water boils, it’s forced through the grounds.

Models of this type allow easy control over the strength of the coffee which makes them popular to a lot of RVers. They are very versatile: If you want to make tea or even hot chocolate, you can simply leave the coffee grounds out and treat the percolator like a big kettle.

They are often very inexpensive, highly durable and are very compact to take up minimal counter space in your RV kitchen. These coffee makers are good if you spend a lot of time dry-camping without electricity, and you don’t want to turn on your generator every morning just for a quick cup. 

Its major flaw is that the temperature of full-on boiling water is too high to brew quality coffee. This might not be a problem for some, but the most demanding drinkers would find coffee brewed this way too bitter, without that naturally sweet and creamy “crema” that a slow extraction process can deliver. As they are essentially a pot, they are also prone to boil-overs. Another common complaint is that some models let coffee grounds get into the coffee.

Another downside is that it takes longer for water to boil in this kettle-like coffee maker. Plug-in percolators are better, but they still require some time for the water to boil. If this is a deal breaker for you, you might want to consider electric percolators that come with a timer, so you can wake up to coffee nicely brewed and ready. 

Also, there aren’t many ways to secure the percolator when you’re rolling, so you’ll have to empty it, wash and safely store it away before every trip.

Single-Serve Hand Coffee Makers

Apart from the traditional drip, pour-over and French press coffee makers, the market for non-electric RV coffee makers have seen wildly innovative and convenient single-serve hand operated coffee makers for the lone travelers and couples. 

If you travel alone, for instance in a small van with little power supply, you’ll get good use out of a single-serve, manually operated coffee maker, like the Wacaco Minipresso GR Hand Coffee Maker. This Amazon best seller receives an overall rating of 4.4 stars from over 3,000 buyers.

This might be the one of lightest, most compact and versatile espresso makers on the market. With a ground capacity of 8g and a water capacity of 70ml, it’s more than sufficient for a single cup of good coffee for the lone traveler, and maybe for two.

Just add ground coffee to the filter basket using the scoop that comes in the kit. Apply slight pressure to level the ground. Add hot water into the water tank. Then, unlock the semi-automatic piston  from its travel position. Now all you need to do is to pump a few times to pressurize and control the amount of extracted espresso. 

You might not expect coffee made this way to taste very good, but the majority of customers often compliment on the generous flavourful and aromatic crema that they get in their coffee. 

Hand and Electric Drip Coffee Makers

Nowadays, especially in the Westter countries, when people say “drip coffee”, it’s most likely electric drip coffee makers. But drip coffee makers used to be another sibling of the pour-over type, more commonly used in Asian countries. It’s basically like a pour-over, but with an extra flat part with tiny holes that screws onto the bottom of the unit to tightly press the coffee ground. After pouring in hot water, you cover the unit with the lid. 

The compressed coffee ground means water will take a longer time compared to a pour-over type to drip through the tiny holes on the screw-on part through the pressed coffee then through the holes on the bottom of the unit. The process is much longer, but it makes very rich, smooth and aromatic coffee. In Asia, it’s often said to make the best tasting coffee, at the price of waiting time.

Today, we have electric drip coffee makers, which make it easier to brew drip coffee more frequently thanks to the filters being disposable.  

You put grounds in a porous coffee filter and pour hot water over it. A hot plate under the carafe keeps it warm for as long as you want, but note that too much heat for too long will turn the coffee bitter. Many electric drip coffee makers also have an automatic timer that lets you set it up the night before, so that it turns on at the precise time in the morning and voila, you wake up to coffee freshly brewed and waiting to be sipped.

Electric drip coffee makers are relatively cheap. Even some of the high-end electric drip coffee makers are still very affordable. This explains its popularity in household kitchens and cafes worldwide. 

Compared to the good old hand operated drip coffee makers of the past, these electric units are said to produce pretty mundane tasting coffee, even if you use premium fresh ground coffee. It also takes some time for you to learn to dial in the right ratio of grounds and water to avoid getting coffee that is either too weak or too bitter.

Single-serve Pod RV Coffee Maker

Pod coffee makers are designed for convenience. To use this type of coffee maker, you need to purchase small prepared pods or cups of grounds. Just put the pod into a receptacle in the coffee maker and hot water will be injected through it to extract a single cup of coffee.

A pod coffee maker brews coffee pretty quickly. Many of them are programmable so that you can wake up to coffee that’s ready. There is a wide variety of coffee flavors for pod coffee makers, from vanilla to hazelnut and much more, so you can have your pick. 

Pod coffee makers are single-serve, which means that in each brewing cycle, they only produce approximately one cup of coffee from one pod. Many models offer you the freedom to brew an abundance of different options, such as K-Cups, ground coffee, tea bags, loose tea, chocolate powder and more. 

They’re designed to be easy to use and clean. Another plus is they consume very little power, so they’re perfect for use with RV batteries. They are also quite compact, although not as much as some other types of coffee makers, so they won’t take up a lot of counter space in your RV kitchen. 

The downside to pod coffee makers is not the cheapest, plus dod coffee is more expensive than ground coffee, plus you need an inverter. However, you can make a much larger amount of coffee without much time and electric power invested.

Hard-Mounted Under-Cabinet RV Coffee Makers

Under cabinet coffee makers for RV are ideal if you’re on transit all the time and thus don’t want to worry about stowing it away while you’re in motion. These are also perfect for families with small kids or pets, so you won’t have to keep an eye on your coffee maker to ensure it doesn’t get knocked off the counter.

They sit out of the way under your cabinet, are hard-mounted for safety and security, and come in a variety of sizes to fit whichever free spot you have. They integrate right in with the rest of your built-ins. 

The downside is the electrical connection. Also, an under counter coffee maker for RV requires hard mounting. This needs some work, but it’s manageable with a video tutorial, and you would get a lot of use out of it later.

12-volt RV Coffee Makers

Being able to make coffee using the 12V DC power outlets in your travel trailer is extremely convenient.  The main issue with 12 Volt coffee makers is that they take way longer to brew the same amount of coffee than a regular wall outlet version does, and many claim that they don’t produce coffee that tastes just as good. They also can be harder to find.

You can either use the battery of the coffee maker or plug it into the 12 volt outlet in your rig. The battery can make two hot espresso from start to finish if you use pre-boiled hot water, or one cup if you use cold water. Some 12V coffee makers can heat up cold water and make coffee while others require you to use a kettle or stove to boil water first. The battery takes about 2.5 hours to recharge.

RVs and boats normally have stronger outlets compared to a regular car, rated for up to 20 amps. It takes a lot of power to boil water quickly, and even the strongest camper 12V outlets can only produce 240 watts maximum. Meanwhile, an electric fast boil kettle will use as much as 1500 watts to boil water and even the smallest coffee makers use about 700 watts to brew coffee.

These 12-volt RV coffee makers are quite hard to find, so we’ll give you a good starting point. The CONQUECO is one of the few 12 volt coffee makers that makes coffee from start to finish while plugged into a 12 volt power source. It is also battery powered.

What makes this a true portable 12-volt coffee maker is it can heat cold water, brew the coffee, and dispense it in one single unit. And it fits in a cup holder, so you can make coffee while driving your car.

---

Best RV Coffee Maker Reviews 

Below are models we selected as the best RV coffee makers on the market, based on their specifications, features, overall user-friendliness, the quality of coffee brewed and longevity when subjected to all the beatings and vibrations while traveling on the open road.

These models are wildly popular for good reasons, and there are thousands of in-depth reviews that would testify their value.

1. Black + Decker CM1160B – Best Overall

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 60 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 8.2 x 12.2 x 11.0 Inches 
• Weight: 4.4 Pounds
• Digital display 
• Front-facing water window
• Two-hour auto-shutoff 

Why This Is The Best: 

With an unbeatable overall rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon from over 21,000 buyers, the Black + Decker CM1160B Programmable Coffee Maker is a best seller among coffee makers of any type for both use in the home and the home on wheels. Engineered with advanced technologies and built to last, CM1160B by the renowned maker Black + Decker often proves to be a great companion for campers traveling on the open road. 

One of the features that sets this Black + Decker device apart is its innovative auto brew function. Hence, it’s possible to program the CM1160B to activate and prepare hot coffee around the hour you get up. This is a huge plus if you have a tight schedule in the morning and don’t have the time to wait for your coffee. With CM1160B of Black + Decker, you could also pour your first cup of coffee before the brewing cycle ends without leaving a mess behind. 

All in all, this Black + Decker camper coffee maker is designed with the user’s convenience in mind. With a digital display and rubberized buttons, CM1160B allows you to conveniently input commands and monitor the brewing process. In addition, the front-facing water window makes it easy to control the exact amount of water added. 

For maintenance, CM1160B employs a dishwasher-safe brew basket which means cleaning it is a walk in the park. If you enjoy drinking coffee on the road but frown at maintenance-intensive coffee makers, the coffee maker from Black + Decker should suit you well. Because of such all-around intuitive operational mechanism and overall user-friendliness, this hugely popular Black + Decker CM1160B is known as the best coffee maker for RV on the market, if you need to balance all important buying criteria. 

Things We Like

• Reasonable price
• Light and compact 
• User-friendly interface 
• Auto brew function with timer setting

Things We Don’t Like

• Quality control has room for improvement
• Several reviewers complain about coffee grounds getting into cups of coffee

2. Hamilton Beach 49981A – Best Value For Money

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 14 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.7 x 8.6 Inches 
• Weight: 5.6 Pounds
• Mesh scoop filter
• Built-in adjustable stand
• Spill-resistant drip tray

Why It Offers The Best Value For Money: 

With an overall Amazon rating of 4.3 stars from more than 14,000 customers, this Hamilton Beach 49981A single-serve coffee maker is one of the best sellers in the single-serve category. Boasting a fast brewing cycle, the Hamilton Beach 49981A could brew an eight-ounce cup in merely 1.5 minutes and a fourteen-ounce mug in less than 2.5 minutes. Naturally, this RV coffee maker is held in high esteem by those that wish to have coffee quickly and spend more time outdoors. 

The 49981A incorporates a mesh scoop filter, which allows you to have total control over the flavor and strength of your coffee. Thus it’s very easy to customize your morning cups of coffee to individual liking with the Hamilton Beach 49981A, which is especially handy if you travel with companions and each likes their coffee differently. 

In the course of operation, the 49981A can accommodate a wide range of coffee cups and mugs thanks to its built-in adjustable stand. So with the Hamilton Beach coffee maker on your rig, you should have no trouble getting your daily fill of coffee regardless of what you use to drink coffee with. It’s noteworthy that Hamilton Beach 49981A packs a spill-resistant drip tray, therefore, you don’t have to worry too much about coffee spills and stubborn brown stains.  

For its functionality, this unit is surprisingly inexpensive so it fits the wallet of even the budget campers. To reassure customers, Hamilton Beach backs 49981A with a one-year warranty that covers defects. 

Things We Like

• Affordable 
• High durability
• Brew coffee quickly
• Simple to use 
• Great functionality for its price

Things We Don’t Like

• Only produce one serving per brewing cycle
• Report about plastic smells show up intermittently 
• Less than ideal customer service

3. Cuisinart DCC-1100 – Editor’s Choice

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 60 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 8.0 x 8.1 x 14.2 Inches 
• Weight: 9.3 Pounds
• Automatic
• Self-clean
• Programmable

Why It’s Our Editor’s Choice: 

While the Hamilton Beach 49981A is a great model for the lone traveler, here is something for couples and big families. Cuisinart has made a name for itself in the competitive market for RV coffee makers, and the DCC-1100 is a representative example. Dependable and reliable, the Cuisinart DCC-1100 is a solid coffee maker that never fails to satisfy the expectations of its owners. Carrying a twelve-cup carafe, DCC-1100 is capable of brewing plenty of coffee for a big party. 

Regarding functionality, as this Cuisinart coffee maker comes with a brew-pause feature, you can treat yourself to a cup of good coffee prior to the conclusion of the brewing cycle, in case you’re in a hurry. Once operation resumes, DCC-1100 of Cuisinart remembers where it left off and continues from there. One super convenient feature is that the Cuisinart DCC-1100 is self-cleaning. This makes it much less work for you to keep the unit in tip top shape, since regular cleanings of at least once a month is recommended for any coffee brewers of the type to ensure great tasting coffee and the unit’s longevity. 

Owing to a combination of charcoal water filter and gold tone filter, this model by Cuisinart excels at removing unhealthy substances from the water. Thus, the health-conscious campers and coffee drinkers in general often refer to the DCC-1100 as one of the best RV coffee maker for its price range. 

As proof of confidence, Cuisinart offers every buyer a three-year warranty. This should speak volume about the unit’s reliability, as testified by over 8,000 buyers on Amazon. 

Things We Like

• Outstanding handling 
• Easy maintenance
• Versatile and long-lasting 

Things We Don’t Like

• Heat retention is mediocre 
• Users notice certain inconsistencies between unit

4. Cuisinart DCC-450BK

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 20 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 10.0 x 8.0 x 5.2 Inches 
• Weight: 3.2 Pounds
• BPA free
• Brew pause 
• Automatic shutoff 

Why We Love It: 

Designed with an emphasis on practicality, DCC-450BK of Cuisinart receives compliments from numerous RVers, novices as well as veterans. small. As it boasts a four-cup stainless steel carafe that contains both dripless pour spout and knuckle guard,  DCC-450BK allows people to prepare several servings of coffee at once. Furthermore, packing an indicator light, the coffee maker of Cuisinart keeps RVing enthusiasts informed of its power status. Following thirty minutes of continuous operation, Cuisinart DCC-450BK would also shut down to maintain safety. 

With a compact body, the coffee maker from Cuisinart is the all-time favorite of owners of recreational vehicles who don’t have much space to spare in the interior. Cuisinart DCC-450BK  is light as well so moving it from place to place is by all accounts a cakewalk. In the course of operation, DCC-450BK could fill its carafe at a rapid pace. But you may pause the Cuisinart coffee maker in the midst of the brewing cycle and pour yourself a cup. 

For post-purchase support, DCC-450BK of Cuisinart is backed with a three-year warranty. So if your DCC-450BK experiences issues caused by manufacturing defects within the warranty period, Cuisinart is willing to repair/replace it free of charge. 

Things We Like

• Decent capacity 
• Easy to manipulate 
• Top-notch reliability 

Things We Don’t Like

• Users detect sporadic spillage 
• Poor instructions 

5. Secura SFP-34DS

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 34 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 10.0 x 8.0 x 5.2 Inches 
• Weight: 3.2 Pounds
• Multilayer filter 
• Insulated handle and knob 
• Dishwasher safe 

Why We Love It: 

In the case that you are a fan of French press coffee, you would come to like Secura SFP-34DS. Made from lightweight stainless steel, the coffee maker made by Secura is portable and its endurance is impressive as well. With a double-wall construction, SFP-34DS is deemed to be superior to the average coffee maker for recreational vehicles in terms of heat retention. That is why with Secura SFP-34DS, you should be able to keep your coffee hot for a long time. 

As the handle and knob of SFP-34DS happen to be insulated, you could pour the coffee at will without ending up with nasty burns. Featuring a multilayer filter, the coffee maker of Secura facilitates the control of flavor too. Depending on personal preferences, owners of recreational vehicles have the option of adding/removing layers of the filter of  Secura SFP-34DS for optimal enjoyment. Unsurprisingly, SFP-34DS earns lots and lots of positive remarks from reviews of RV coffee makers for its flavor adjustability. 

Regarding cleaning, Secura SFP-34DS takes a couple of seconds to disassemble and all of its parts is dishwasher safe. Therefore, RVing enthusiasts don’t have to invest excessive time and effort into the cleaning of the Secura coffee maker. 

Things We Like

• Inexpensive
• Durable 
• Cleaning is a breeze 

Things We Don’t Like

• Quality control need to be improved
• Shipping issue sometimes

6. Keurig K-Classic

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 6, 8 and 10 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 13.0 x 9.8 x 13.3 Inches 
• Weight: 8.9 Pounds
• Push-button interface 
• Reusable filter 
• Removable drip tray

Why We Love It: 

Being a basic single-serve coffee maker, Keurig K-Classic clearly outmatches many of its competitors once it comes to convenience and ease of use. By putting K-Classic on your rig, you could prepare coffee and other tasty beverages in less than a minute. All you have to do is to insert a suitable K-pod (6, 8 and 10 ounces), choose the preferred brew size and your coffee is going to be ready in a minute. Aside from that, since the coffee maker from Keurig carries a removable drip tray, it accepts various cups and mugs. 

About control, K-Classic is created with a user-friendly push-button interface so the programming process is pretty straightforward. Also, the Keurig coffee maker possesses a series of indicators that permit people to supervise its operation with relative ease. The water reservoir of Keurig K-Classic is fully removable, thus, filling it with hot water is child’s play. At up to forty eight ounces, the water reservoir used by K-Classic is capable of sustaining the production of multiple cups of coffee before RVers have to refill it. 

After sitting idly for two hours, the coffee maker made by Keurig would automatically shut itself down to save power. Hence, K-Classic is among the leading coffee makers on the market for those that wish to cut utility bills. 

Things We Like

• Fair cost
• Low-profile 
• Excellent delivery service 

Things We Don’t Like

• Pump requires some improvements 
• Leak every now and then 

7. Black + Decker CM618

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 16 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.9 x 12.1 Inches 
• Weight: 2.2 Pounds
• Easy-clean permanent filter 
• Thermal mug 
• One-touch operation 

Why We Love It: 

Distributed with its own thermal mug, Black + Decker CM618 eliminates the hassle of pouring coffee from carafe which lets RVers enjoy their coffee the moment the brewing cycle completes and minimizes the odds of spillage. In addition, as the mug of the Black + Decker coffee maker fits most cup holders found on today’s recreational vehicles, securing it is simple. Last but not least, following use, the mug could be safely cleaned in the dishwasher and that is advantageous if you are short on time. 

Instead of using disposable paper filters like its contemporaries, CM618 of Black + Decker is equipped with an easy-clean permanent filter. As a result, if you own CM618, you don’t have to spend a single cent on replacement filters. It’s worth pointing out that the coffee maker made by Black + Decker is compatible with ground coffee as well as pre-packed coffee pods. So depending on available ingredients and individual liking, it’s possible to produce a hue variety of coffee at short notice with Black + Decker CM618. 

The coffee maker from Black + Decker is introduced at a price that ordinary RVers could accept so its purchase should have inconsequential impacts on your spending plan as a whole. CM618 is backed with a two-year manufacturer warranty too. 

Things We Like

• Adaptable 
• Low-priced 
• Structural integrity is marvelous 

Things We Don’t Like

• Only work with particular cups and mugs 
• People sometimes notice fluctuations in the flavor 

8. Breville Nespresso Vertuo

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 1.35, 2.7, 5, 8 and 14 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 8.3 x 11.9 x 11.9 Inches 
• Weight: 13.9 Pounds
• Centrifusion extraction
• Adjustable support 
• Automatic blend recognition 

Why We Love It: 

With the ability to support up to five cup sizes, Breville Nespresso Vertuo provides everyone with the coffee they like in a matter of moments. Being assembled for pre-packed coffee capsules, Nespresso Vertuo is convenient to operate and only requires rudimentary care from users in order to stay running. By employing centrifusion extraction that spins the capsules at high speeds, the Breville coffee maker perfectly blends coffee with water and delivers first-class flavors. Nespresso Vertuo also features automatic blend recognition so there is no need to adjust the setting after changing coffee capsules. 

Boasting a rather lightweight construction, the coffee made by Breville could be set up and put away at swill. Besides that, thanks to its size, Nespresso Vertuo experiences negligible troubles squeezing into tight space. Therefore, owners of small rigs that seek high-quality coffee as they travel often think highly of Breville Nespresso Vertuo. Though it’s kind of expensive compared to typical coffee makers for recreational vehicles, Nespresso Vertuo is still a great investment in the long term.

Upon purchase, Nespresso Vertuo comes alongside a set of capsules so its owner should be able to make coffee immediately. At the end of the brewing cycle, the coffee maker of Breville would eject the used capsule on its own. 

Things We Like

• Portable 
• Enduring 
• No-nonsense operation 

Things We Don’t Like

• A bit costly 
• Inadequate heating is reported 

9. Farberware 50124

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 40 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.7 x 7.0 Inches 
• Weight: 2.2 Pounds
• Tight-fitting lid
• See-through glass knob
•  Heavy-duty stainless steel 

Why We Love It: 

Though it lacks exceptional characteristics, Farberware 50124 remains a well-regarded coffee percolator that rarely lets its users down in use. Built with top-tier polished stainless steel, the coffee maker from Farberware is aesthetically pleasing and could handle rough handling. Additionally, possessing a tight-fitting lid, 50124 prevents heat from escaping so it’s a breeze to keep the coffee hot. Because of that, in terms of heat retention, 50124 of Farberware is undoubtedly among the best coffee makers available for purchase. 

Since 50124 utilizes a see-through glass knob, people should have an easy time keeping an eye on the percolating process. At the end of the brewing cycle, the coffee maker from Farberware would provide enough coffee for eight standard cups. Thus, Farberware 50124 is an outstanding choice for families of RVers that hit the road periodically. Lastly, owing to the integration of a robust permanent filter basket, owners of 50124 don’t have to deal with messy coffee filters which is nice.

Backed with a reassuring lifetime warranty, the Farberware coffee maker is praised by RVers that want to play it safe. If your 50124 of Farberware malfunction out of the blue, you have something to count on. 

Things We Like

• Dependable
• Long-lasting 
• Budget-friendly 

Things We Don’t Like

• A number of percolators arrive with their lid missing 
• Packaging receive complaints from time to time 

10. Coletti Bozeman 

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 45 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 8.0 x 4.8 x 7.5 Inches 
• Weight: 2.0 Pounds
• Heat-resistant handle 
• Dishwasher safe
• Tempered glass top 

Why We Love It: 

You enjoy off-roading and want to have a coffee maker that could take on the harshness of the outdoors? In that case, Coletti Bozeman is exactly what you need. With a high endurance body made from stainless steel, Bozeman would hold together for years to come even if exposed to heat, snow, sunlight and more on a regular basis. Also, as the Coletti coffee maker contains a heat-resistant handle, moving it around is a walk in the park regardless of the temperature inside. 

Capable of producing multiple cups worth of coffee in a single brewing cycle, Coletti Bozeman guarantees an abundant supply of caffeine for enthusiasts of RVing. With the coffee maker made by Coletti by your side, you don’t have to worry about preparing enough coffee for you and fellow RVers. In the course of operation, Bozeman is going to work well without a coffee filter. Coletti nonetheless distributes its coffee maker with packs of filters for people that like to keep finely ground coffee from passing through the percolator basket.

About post-purchase support, Bozeman of Coletti is backed with a one-year manufacturer warranty that puts RVers at ease. The coffee maker from Coletti takes minutes to clean as well so it saves time. 

Things We Like

• Highly affordable 
• Sublime durability 
• Slim and sleek 

Things We Don’t Like

• Knob tend to chip in use 
• Glass top get loose occasionally 

11. Chulux QF-CM801

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 5 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 4.3 x 7.5 x 9.8 Inches 
• Weight: 2.2 Pounds
• Detachable filter basket
• Coffee capsules 
• Reusable filter 

Why We Love It: 

Featuring a straightforward one-button control interface, QF-CM801 of Chulux is very simple to operate but could produce coffee in an assortment of flavors. The coffee maker from Chulux is engineered to work with coffee capsules and ground coffee so it’s highly adaptable. As a brewing cycle of QF-CM801 only lasts three minutes, enthusiasts of RVing hardly have to wait long to put caffeine in their system. In times of need, it’s possible to use Chulux QF-CM801 as a water boiler which saves counter space.

QF-CM801 comes at travel size, hence, its portability is superb and requires just a bit of effort to relocate. Aside from that, to address overheating, the Chulux coffee maker comes with an auto-shutoff that halts operation at the conclusion of the brewing cycle. For RVers that value safety and want to conserve power while traveling, Chulux QF-CM801 is naturally an ideal model. Being free of BPA (Bisphenol A), the coffee maker of Chulux is widely praised for its health-conscious design too.

As for cleaning, all RVers need to do is to load Chulux QF-CM801 with water and vinegar then proceed to click the clean button. That is why QF-CM801 is a must-have for RVing enthusiasts that lack the time and patience to manually clean their RV coffee maker. 

Things We Like

• Versatile
• Basic maintenance requirements 
• Responsive customer service 

Things We Don’t Like

• Heating power often fluctuate
• Intermittent overflows 

12. AmazonBasics MA-D03A

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 25 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.4 x 10.4 Inches 
• Weight: 2.7 Pounds
• Hot plate 
• Hand wash carafe
• Mid-brew pause

Why We Love It: 

Functional and practical, AmazonBasics MA-D03A gives a good account of itself in all kinds of working conditions. Able to produce five cups of coffee in a brewing cycle, MA-D03A is the perfect coffee maker for starting a day in the outdoors. If wanted, owners of recreational vehicles could halt the brewing cycle with the mid-brew pause and pour a cup. In addition to that, as the AmazonBasics coffee maker employs a hot plate, keeping the coffee heated is a cakewalk. 

To reduce the operational expense and facilitate cleaning, AmazonBasics MA-D03A boasts removable reusable filters and removable filter baskets. By choosing the coffee maker of AmazonBasics, you would save a lot of money and time for more pressing issues. Since its power cord is thirty six inches long and very flexible, RVers should have no problem with setting up and powering MA-D03A. Because of its low-profile construction, MA-D03A of AmazonBasics snugly fits the interior of the average recreational vehicle. 

Sold at a relatively reasonable price, the coffee maker from AmazonBasics is well-liked by budget-minded enthusiasts of RVing. MA-D03A is also backed with a one-year warranty that addresses troubles caused by manufacturing defects after purchase. 

Things We Like

• Tough 
• Fast brewing 
• Steady operation

Things We Don’t Like

• A couple of people notice odd plastic tastes 
• Irregular water leakage 

13. Keurig K-Mini Plus

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: from 6 to 12 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 12.0 x 4.5 x 11.3 Inches 
• Weight: 4.6 Pounds
• Cord and pod storage 
• Matte finish
• Energy efficient

Why We Love It: 

If you own a small rig and interior space is limited, Keurig K-Mini Plus is going to be the best coffee maker for you. With a design centered on space-saving, the coffee maker from Keurig works well in a lot of recreational vehicles. Moreover, K-Mini Plus is highly portable so you don’t have to break a sweat to move it around. As the drip tray of Keurig K-Mini Plus is adjustable, it could accept numerous coffee cups and mugs up to seven inches in height. 

In use, K-Mini Plus is capable of producing coffee using ground coffee as well as coffee capsules (K-pod). Interestingly, the coffee maker from Keurig possesses a built-in storage for its coffee capsules. At any time, you can keep nine K-pod coffee capsules in Keurig K-Mini Plus so you can make delicious coffee at your leisure. Similar to the coffee capsules, K-Mini Plus incorporates a dedicated storage for its cord too and that means it never gets in the way.

Within the ninety seconds of the last brewing cycle, the Keurig coffee maker would shut down without requiring outside interaction. That is much appreciated by owners of recreational vehicles that really like to save energy. 

Things We Like

• Compact
• Lightweight
• Control interface is linear

Things We Don’t Like

• Loud 
• Inconsistent brewing cycle 

14. Black + Decker SpaceMaker SCM2000BD

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 40 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 17.0 x 12.0 x 13.0 Inches 
• Weight: 11.0 Pounds
• Removable water reservoir
• Double-wall thermal carafe
• Indicator light 

Why We Love It: 

Need a no-nonsense under cabinet coffee maker for RV? Then it’s strongly recommended that you check out SpaceMaker SCM2000BD of Black + Decker. Possessing a small build, the Black + Decker coffee maker takes little space and could be moved into position in just a blink of an eye. Additionally, SpaceMaker SCM2000BD integrates a handy cord management hook which helps people keep the cord out of the way. The stylish finish of Black + Decker SpaceMaker SCM2000BD means matching it to interior themes of recreational vehicles is simple.

In use, the removable water reservoir of SpaceMaker SCM2000BD lets enthusiasts of RVing fill and empty it at will. Besides that, since the coffee maker made by Black + Decker comes with a double-wall thermal carafe, it delays the heat dissipation of the brewed coffee for quite some time. Needless to say,  SpaceMaker SCM2000BD of Black + Decker is sought after by those that desire hot and steamy coffee. Finally, with the ability to produce up to eight cups worth of coffee per cycle, SpaceMaker SCM2000BD meets the caffeine requirement of most RVers.

Compared to other coffee makers for recreational vehicles, Black + Decker SpaceMaker SCM2000BD is indeed sold at a steep price. That being said, the coffee maker of Black + Decker remains a good buy for RVers that have money to spend. 

Things We Like

• Resilient 
• Space-saving
• Well-written owner’s manual

Things We Don’t Like

• Expensive 
• Overfill and spill on occasions 

15. Keurig K15

Specifications And Features: 

• Capacity: 6, 8 and 10 Ounces 
• Dimensions: 10.8 x 6.9 x 10.7 Inches 
• Weight: 1.0 Pounds
• Optional colors 
• Indicator lights
• Automatic shutoff 

Why We Love It: 

Highly flexible and accident-proof, Keurig K15 is one of the best coffee makers on the market regarding cost-value. Being compatible with plenty of K-pod coffee capsules, K15 could prepare servings of coffee of many sizes in just a blink of an eye. Also, with its user-friendly interface, the coffee maker of Keurig allows owners of recreational vehicles to customize the flavor of the final product too. That is why K15 of Keurig is often known as an excellent model for those that seek refined coffee experience. 

Depending on what RVers use to drink, the drip tray of the Keurig coffee maker can be adjusted to ensure balance and reduce spillage. In the case that unexpected problems happen, the drip tray would easily hold the coffee produced by a full crewing cycle. Therefore, K15 of Keurig is good at preventing mess and that makes it a coffee maker for full-time RVers. Last but not least, following ninety seconds of inactivity, the coffee maker made by Keurig is going to shut down. 

As it’s small and light, K15 only needs little space and people would have an easy time manipulating it. The coffee maker from Keurig features FAIRLY straightforward cleaning requirements too so keeping it cleaned is essentially child’s play. 

Things We Like

• Cleaning is simple 
• Impressive adaptability 
• Mess-free operation 

Things We Don’t Like

• Mediocre heating capability 
• Random water leaks 

---

Things to Consider When Buying A New RV Coffee Maker

Needless to say, coffee makers vary wildly in many aspects, even among electric coffee makers alone. If you also count in the diverse hand operated coffee makers, the differences are even more vast. 

So although a coffee maker is relatively affordable when compared to the other numerous camping equipment and accessories, if you don’t understand the difference between the many types and designs of RV coffee makers, having to try out several models before you can get the perfect one can be frustrating. There are important buying criteria that you must consider when comparing models. 

Coffee Taste

In general, the majority of the avid coffee drinkers anywhere would tell you that those ancient hand operated pour-over or drip coffee makers make the richest, most aromatic and the best tasting coffee. The French press is often ranked after these two types, but are still considered by many as better than the new electric coffee makers of today. 

Users of the convenient electric coffee makers might argue that their coffee tastes great though. Just note that if you particularly like rich, strong espresso that is not at all bitter, the manually operated pour-over or drip versions would be the best. 

These are designed for maximum extraction of flavor over a longer period of time. Their only downside is that you might need to develop some basic skills in terms of controlling water temperature and pouring techniques for even and thorough saturation of the ground. And of course, the patience to wait for the coffee to properly release all that tasty and aromatic goodness.

Otherwise, you might find another type of coffee maker or a particular model of electric units more satisfying in terms of tastes.

Versatility

Some coffee makers are very versatile, and can work with tea leaves and even hot chocolate powder in addition to coffee grounds, including both manually operated and electric models. For instance, the good old percolator is essentially a big kettle that rely on boiling water rising to a receptacle filled with grounds. This mechanism allows for great versatility. If you want to make tea or hot chocolate, just leave the coffee grounds out and treat the percolator like a kettle.

There are also many models of single-serve pod coffee makers that allow you to brew a variety of different drinking options such as pod coffee, ground coffee, tea bags, loose tea leaves, chocolate powder and more. Just make sure to double check the product description before attempting to do anything out of the ordinary. 

Capacity 

Certain owners of recreational vehicles only need a cup of coffee to get going while others require more than that. Because of that, as you check out coffee makers for RV nowadays, you have to pay special attention to capacity.

If you travel by yourself and simply want some coffee in the morning, you could settle for a standard model. On the other hand, if you often need up to several cups of coffee and hit the road with a big party, it’s strongly recommended that you stick to coffee makers with high capacities. 

On the other hand, if you often need up to several cups of coffee and hit the road with a big party, it’s strongly recommended that you stick to coffee makers with high capacities. 

Brewing Time 

With various things that must be addressed, you surely have no use for a camper coffee maker that takes forever to put a full cup of coffee on your table. So in order to avoid ending up with a frustrating model, you should give time some thoughts as you assess coffee makers on the market.

The brewing cycle can range anywhere from around 2 minutes per serving to 15 minutes, depending on the type and the model. It’s worth pointing out that manufacturers of coffee makers routinely exaggerate the time their products need to make coffee. Hence, to determine how fast particular models can make coffee in reality, you have to read reviews of fellow RVers. 

Power Consumption

Generally, today’s coffee makers for recreational vehicles could be powered by an assortment of fuels from electricity to propane. Thus, it’s important that you take into account the fuels on your rig and what you have to spare for your RV coffee maker.

That should help you reduce the total number of models on your shortlist which undoubtedly saves a lot of time. Depending on the types of fuels they use, the efficiency of coffee makers may vary so keep that in mind.

The wattage demands can be pretty high with certain models, especially if your RV happens to have a 30 Amp electric system, so double check the product specifications before making a purchase. That said, on its own, a typical RV coffee maker shouldn’t exceed what a 30-Amp system can handle. In the case that a model might be pushing the envelope, but you really like it for all of its benefits, you might just as well buy it, but you may need to turn off the RV’s AC for a few minutes while brewing your coffee to be on the safe side.

Durability 

All in all, it’s ill-advised to treat appliances such as coffee makers roughly but you need to remember that RVing involves substantial vibration. That means if you pick up a flimsy model, it’s going to fail soon and force you to spend more money on a replacement.

All in all, as with all things in life, a coffee maker with fewer parts and simpler working mechanism will most likely last longer, with all else being equal. That is why despite the sea of new high-tech, ultra convenient electric or battery-powered coffee makers that floods the market today, many coffee lovers still opt for the good old hand poured drip coffee makers or pour-overs.

For your own good, you have to think about durability before coming to a purchase. Take a close look at the design and material of the coffee maker you like to see if it’s capable of holding together in use. Of course, browse the reviews to see if a model proves to be heavy-duty on the open road. 

Dimensions

Coffee makers don’t exactly take much space at first glance but since space is a luxury in recreational vehicles, RVers need to be thorough. The last thing you want to do is to empty your wallet on a premium-grade coffee maker for RV that your rig cannot accommodate.

As a result, it’s essential that you compare available space on your rig with dimensions of the market’s models and evaluate their suitability. Do it right and you would be able to simultaneously secure quality coffee and maximize space usage inside your RV.

---

Top RV Coffee Maker Brands

All things considered, you don’t have to worry too much about brand while buying coffee makers for your rig. So if you run into a model that matches your demands, feel free to purchase without bothering about its brand. Nonetheless, if you like to stay on the safe side, you should think about getting your RV coffee maker from one of the following manufacturers. 

Coleman

Once it comes to camping accessories and equipment for use in recreational vehicles, Coleman is widely regarded as one of the leading names. While Coleman essentially made their name in propane lanterns and other outdoor camping equipment, the brand is known for some of the best RV coffee makers on the market. With substantial experience and constant updates of technologies, Coleman could create solid products that give a splendid account of themselves.  

Black + Decker

Started out as a manufacturer of power tools, Black + Decker continuously expands its line of appliances and now, they also produce high-quality coffee makers. If all you seek is a no-nonsense RV coffee maker, Black + Decker is going to be your best bet. Black & Decker makes many of the best RV coffee maker units of different types, and makes some of the most stylish and programmable under counter coffee makers. 

Cuisinart

Owing to the emphasis on consistency as well as versatility, Cuisinart is capable of constructing coffee makers with impressive performances in all kinds of arrangements. Cuisinart has some of the longest-lasting coffee makers on the market, and most models come with the 3-year warranty, which speaks volume about the longevity of their RV coffee makers. Products of Cuisinart have reasonable price tags too, hence, squeezing them into spending plans is a walk in the park. 

Keurig

This is a somewhat new company that first made its name in the United States marketplace by selling single-cup coffee makers. In this niche, they are seen by many as the premium manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality customer service. They also sell their line of K-cups or pods with a wide range of flavors and specialty coffee drinks. Though it’s relatively new to the market, Keurig still manages to win over the trust of countless people thanks to a combination of responsive customer service and continuous innovations. For owners of recreational vehicles that wish to have slim and sleek coffee makers, Keurig is one of the top choices. 

Hamilton Beach

They are one of the more well-established home appliance brands in North America. Their consumer electronics have a reputation for thoughtful engineering and quality material selection. Although their home appliances, with RV coffee makers included, might not be the most affordable models for many folks, they do deliver and also boast aesthetically pleasing designs.

Braun

Braun is another major brand of home appliances. They make a wide variety of drinks preparation devices, including juicers, blenders and coffee makers, almost all of which receive at least a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot and other big retailers and e-retailers.

Ninja

Ninja might have made its name for its excellent product portfolio of juicers and blenders of all shapes and sizes, but its coffee makers are also impressive. Ninja’s popular offerings include 12-cup hot and cold brewed programmable coffee maker, with smaller capacities also available.

Nespresso

Nespresso might not need a long introduction. But if you’re not familiar with their iconic coffee machines, their products only make espresso. And they cost at least $150 all the way to $600, but with sleek design, convenient features, and great tasting espresso, their prices are justified.

Bunn

Like Nespresso, Bunn also makes some of the best-selling coffee makers for commercial uses as well as in the home and RVs. You might not have heard of them, since their offerings also cost north of $100, but most of their models receive top-level ratings on all e-retail platforms for well-rounded performance and longevity.

Mr Coffee 

For some $30 to $100, you can grab a fast-brewing coffee machine from Mr Coffee with a capacity running from 5 cups to 12 cups. They are fast and convenient, although their cheapest models might not deliver the kind of tastes that avid coffee drinkers might demand.

Eurolux

A young player in the arena for good RV coffee makers, Eurolux has a laser focus in stainless steel percolator coffee makers as well as electric juice squeezer. Their percolators often receive a minimum rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon, and offer a capacity ranging from 9 cups to 12 cups. They receive raving reviews for their simple and sleek design, functionality and longevity.

---

RV Coffee Makers Maintenance: Cleaning and Descaling

What “Descaling” Means and Why It’s Important

A cup of coffee is nearly 99% water, and all water contains various minerals, like calcium, iron and magnesium. This means that over time, all these substances will pass through your RV coffee maker and eventually accumulate on the heating element as limescale. 

“Hard” water, that is water that has high concentrations of minerals, would be even more damaging to coffee machines. You will know you have hard water if after washing the dishes, the water leaves reddish brown stains on your dishes, counter and dish drying rack.

As with regular cleaning, you also need to regularly descale all that limescale or mineral buildup. You’ll need to disassemble the heating elements, which are hidden away, to clean them. Diluted white vinegar is an effective solution, if soapy water is not sufficient for stubborn buildups.

If your RV coffee maker is clogged with mineral scale buildup, your machine and your coffee will be affected in a few ways:

• Mineral buildup can impede water flow, and clogging can cause a coffee maker to stop working ot develop leaks.
• A clogged heating element cannot operate properly to heat water, thus your coffee won’t be as nice and hot.
• Not-hot-enough water below the optimal brewing temperature of 203 °F cannot effectively extract the full flavor and aroma from your ground coffee beans.

Mineral buildup might not make your machine malfunction right away, but if you’ve bought your unit for a while without descaling it, you’re probably drinking more bland and tepid coffee. 

Why You Need To Clean Your Coffee Maker Regularly

Coffee beans contain a rich amount of oil or crema. Over time, coffee oils also accumulate inside of your machine and form a residue. This is inevitable, regardless of the type of coffee beans or how high-quality the coffee machine is. To make sure that your coffee will always smell and taste fresh, as well as maximizing your machine’s longevity, you’ll need to regularly remove this oily residue.

The components that need to be rinsed are those that come into contact with coffee grounds or beans, including grinder burrs, portafilter baskets, brew chambers, and the carafe.

Without regular rinsing, the oily, rancid residue will affect your coffee:

• Residue can clog up and make the machine stop working.
• Your coffee will have a rancid, acrid smell instead of smelling fresh.
• Your coffee will begin to taste bitter and tepid.

If you use your RV coffee maker daily but cannot rinse weekly while on a trip, a monthly routine would suffice. Just follow the easy steps below:

• Dump out old coffee grounds, and rinse all removable parts, including the coffee filter and water filter.
• Fill the water reservoir with a diluted solution of white vinegar and water of 1:1 ratio. Run the machine through a drip cycle and let the solution sit for a while to penetrate and loosen the buildup, as well as deodorize and kill bacteria and mold.
• If needed, repeat the step above.
• Fill the water reservoir with clean water and run the machine through a drip cycle twice, or more if you feel needed to get rid of any lingering vinegar smell. 
• You’re done. While you’re at it, also wipe down the exterior with hot soapy water and a soft, lint-free cloth.

And Don’t Use Hot Water From The Tap

A common mistake that many impatient coffee lovers make is to hurry the coffee pot by starting it off with the hottest water from the tap. You generally shouldn’t, as hot water can dissolve contaminants in your pipes faster than cold water, which is less healthy for you as well as your precious RV coffee maker.

---

So, Which Is The Best RV Coffee Maker?

• BEST OVERALL: Black + Decker CM1160B
• BEST VALUE FOR MONEY: Hamilton Beach 49981A
• EDITOR’S CHOICE: Cuisinart DCC-1100

The Black + Decker CM1160B deserves to be best RV coffee maker from every angle. Featuring cool new features: digital controls with rubberized feel, sneak-a-cup technology, 2-hour auto shutoff, easy-view water window, QuickTouch programming… makes this 12-cup programmable coffeemaker a great choice for many RV campers.

Another convenient and reliable option is the Hamilton Beach 49981A – a single serve coffee maker brewing hotter, faster and better-tasting coffee. Designed for ultra-simple preparation in three straightforward steps: Scoop, Place and Brew.

Cuisinart DCC-1100 is our favorite RV coffeemaker unit. This is a fully automatic coffeemaker packed with Cuisinart features such as Brew Pause, 24-hour programmability, and self-cleaning, this coffeemaker can even make just 1-4 cups without sacrificing flavor.

---

FAQs About RV Coffee Makers

1. Are expensive RV coffee makers worth it?

For clarity’s sake, let’s say an expensive RV coffee maker is one that is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and costs north of $200. All in all, these machines have an optimal extraction method for full flavor, rich aroma and nuanced coffee notes. They are superior than cheaper alternative in many ways:

+ Optimal brewing temperature: The optimal brew temperature for coffee is 95°C or 203°F, which is just below the boiling point for water, at 100°C or 212 °F, according to the SCA. SCA certified machines ensure this optimal temperature, and will less likely burn out over time.

+ Larger brew head: Optimal extraction of flavour, aroma and coffee crema requires even and thorough saturation of the coffee ground, which requires a larger, more efficient brew head.

+ Bloom & pulse: These expensive machines can imitate how baristas make a pour over coffee. The pulse brew adds layers of flavor and nuances, while the bloom allows the CO2 in the coffee to degass.

2. How long should a coffee maker last?

The average lifespan of a high quality coffee maker is about 5 years, while the very best models can last up to 10 years with regular cleaning, descaling and maintenance.

3. Where should I use a coffee maker in an RV?

You’re going to want a water source and a power source if yours is electric, so it’s most convenient to set up your coffee maker in your RV kitchen near the sink. Or a small table near an outlet should also work, if you don’t have room on your kitchen counter.

If you really don’t have room in the kitchen, a laundry area or a large bathroom with GFCI outlets can do the trick. Or perhaps invest in an under-cabinet coffee maker, which will be plugged into a GFCI outlet.

4. Where should an RV coffee maker be stored?

You need to store your coffee maker in a dry and warm place, where the temperature doesn’t drop below freezing. If you’re only storing it shortly, secure your machine upright to avoid water leakage from the inner tank. 

But if you plan on storing your RV coffee maker away for more than 1 or 2 weeks, first, always empty the removable water reservoir to avoid mold growth and freezing (if stored in a garage or somewhere cold, but you shouldn’t be exposing it to extreme temperatures in the first place). If your coffee machine does not have a drain plug, you might need to disassemble the unit to drain the water out. 

5. How many watts does an RV coffee maker use?

A basic, small coffee maker can consume between 500 and 1200 watts. A 5-cup electric drip coffee maker typically uses 550-900 watts. Higher-capacity RV coffee makers consume 750 to 1200 watts. Many models will automatically shut down after two hours or so.

6. How many amps does a 12 volt coffee maker use?

12 volt coffee makers for use in trucks, SUVs, boats and RVs are limited to 20 amps (240 watts).

7. Why is my coffee maker not hot?

The most likely reason is that the machine has not been used for a while. You will notice this more when you are making fewer cups for the first time after a long while. This is normal for all coffee machines.

This is because the machine has not heated properly. But after using it the second time, or if you make more coffee the first time, you should find that the coffee would be heated up nicely. 

One easy hack is to heat up your mug before you use it by filling it with boiling water, letting it saturate for a while and discarding it. Then pour your coffee in, and your coffee should be hotter by 10-15°F. Also check the keep warm time to ensure that the hotplate turns on as soon as the brewing cycle starts. 

8. How often should I clean my coffee maker?

If you use your coffee maker extensively every day, you can clean it at least twice a month or a deep cleaning once per month to remove mineral buildup and coffee oil residue. 

9. Can I run white vinegar through my coffee maker to clean it?

Yes, absolutely. A diluted white vinegar solution is very effective in cleaning and deodorizing your kitchen appliances, plus it’s very safe and readily available in your kitchen. If you haven’t rinsed your coffee machine in a while, the mineral and oil buildup might be too stubborn to simply remove with hot soapy water. A solution of equal parts of white vinegar and water should do, and remember to let it sit for a while to really penetrate and loosen the buildups.

10. How long can a coffee maker stay on?

Coffee shouldn’t be on the heat for more than 30 minutes, or else it will start to turn bitter. Many avid coffee drinkers suggest that you turn the heating element on your RV coffee maker off as soon as the brewing process stops for the best tastes.

11. Can RV coffee makers make tea also?

If your coffee makers can heat up water instead of requiring boiling water, it might be capable of making tea as well. In fact, a few RV coffee makers on the market can make a variety of coffee and tea as well as other drinks. Just double-check a certain model before buying if the product description claims that it can make tea in addition to coffee. 

12. How to make coffee in an RV camper?

There are several ways to make coffee without using electricity at all, using different types of manual coffee makers:

• Pour-overs: This is essentially another cup that sits on top of your coffee cup or a carafe, but with tiny holes at the bottom. You line it with a paper coffee filter, put it on top of your cup then add coffee grounds, and very slowly add hot water. Allow it some time to drip through the coffee, absorb all that goodness and drip through the filter. Then just remove the pour-over, pour coffee into a cup if you’re using a carafe and you’re good to go.
• French press: Add some medium ground coffee on the bottom of the unit, add boiling water over the grounds, then stir a few times. Screw in the lid but push the plunger only to the water’s surface. Wait for 5 minutes or so, then slowly push the plunger to the bottom to trap the coffee grounds. 
• Percolators: These are essentially a kettle. You can place percolators over any heat source, fill it with water, add grounds, and place on a heat source. When the water boils, the rising water will be forced through the grounds.

Otherwise, if you’re using a model that requires a power outlet or batteries to operate, the working mechanism will vary depending on the type and the model, so refer to your manual.

---

Need More Gear Advice?

Also in RV Appliances, we’re providing thorough reviews and buying guides which help RV campers have peace of minds and save time choosing the right RV appliance units for their needs. We test and recommend the best products available on the market today:

• Best RV Air Conditioners
• Best RV Portable Air Conditioners
• Best Pop-up Camper Air Conditioners
• Best RV Heater
• Best RV Microwave Convection Oven
• Best RV Vacuum
• Best RV Dehumidifier
• Best RV Air Purifier
• Best RV Washer Dryer Combo
• Best RV Dishwasher
• Best 12V Refrigerator
• Best RV Refrigerator
• Best RV Refrigerator Fan
• Best RV Vent Fan