7 Best RV Coffee Maker Reviews (Stay Awake On The Road)
Everyone wants the comforts and convenience of having the luxuries of home when vacationing in a recreational vehicle. Enjoying a freshly brewed cup of joe is no exception, and that is why you should have the best coffee maker onboard.
The best coffee maker can be summed up in three words; compact, convenient, and reliable. Several circumstances dictate what type of brewer you need with you on the road, but the whole point is not to compromise on quality.
Our roundup of the best RV coffee maker reviews should give you a headstart in finding the right one for your camper.
Best Coffee Maker for RV Comparison
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How Are RV Coffee Makers Different?
Everyone loves their coffee differently, making the brewer buying decision a process mostly driven by preference. The same applies to buying a coffee maker for your motorhome, and most people often wonder if they should get a regular brewer or go for a specialized RV model.
The truth is there isn’t any difference between an RV brewer and your regular one at home. Most brands come up with under-cabinet mounting designs and promote them as RV models.
Your preferences, the amount of space you are working with, and your budget ultimately determines you can swing it with a coffee press, portable, quick brewer, or an under-counter model.
Under-Counter Coffee Makers For RVs
Naturally, every kitchen has its space limit, and it affects your ability to stock it up with your preferred appliances. SpaceMakers come to the rescue for those items that you cannot compromise on, including the much-treasured coffee maker. As implied, these brewers come in designs that require installation over standard kitchen cabinets.
Even the under-counter coffee makers come in varying sizes and might still take up too much space. It makes sense to look at the dimensions of any machine that catches your eye and figure out if it fits right.
Faster Brewing Makers – Are They Quicker and Worth It?
There are times when you terribly need a pick me up as quickly as possible and having a fast brewer solves the problem. While in essence, coffee makers come designed to get a cup of joe in your hands in the shortest time possible, each brewer comes with its own brewing time.
Some produce a cup of coffee in three to five minutes while others can get the job done in under a minute. We would not say that you should solely shop for a quick-brew machine, but it does not hurt to get one that comes with a fast brewing time as a feature.
Brewing Options & Specifications
Next to the variety of coffee maker brands available in the market are the selections of brewing options. There are the single-serve,multi-cup, multi-use, and french press options.
Multi-Cup Coffee Makers
It makes sense to make your coffee in a batch at once and enjoy it throughout the day. The drip brewers offer this luxury, and most serve between six to 12 cups at an instance.
These models also come with a water dispensing feature and can pour the brewed coffee directly into a cup or travel mug. Given their markedly longer brewing time, they also come with a pause function allowing you to grab a cup mid-cycle. In general, they also feature generously sized water reservoirs to produce batches of coffee at a time without the need for mid-brew refills.
On the flipside, most do not give you the liberty to brew customized coffee for different drinkers. Most only allow you to brew a batch in your chosen strength at an instance.
Single-Serve Brewers
Perhaps you are the only regular coffee drinker traveling with people who occasionally consume the beverage. You want a machine that can handle the changing volume needs, and a single-serve brewer is what you need. Most of these machines use either espresso and drip brewing methods.
Also, single-servers make use of prepackaged pods giving you access to a variety of coffee flavors. Likewise, some only accept specific pod brands while others accommodate different pod sizes.
While these machines brew a single cup at a time, they still come with decently sized water reservoirs to save you from frequent refills. Some also have a variable cup size allowance which means that you can fill up your regular coffee cup or travel mug as you prefer.
Multi-Use Coffee Makers
Now some brewers combine the best of both worlds and allow you to either make a full pot or a single cup using a single machine. However, most of them use proprietary pods that carry barcode information instructing the device to dispense just the right strength and amount of water needed to make your desired beverage.
French presses
These coffee makers take a manual approach by steeping coarse coffee beans in a cup-shaped carafe for several minutes. A plunger then isolates the coffee beans from the actual beverage. They come in a variety of sizes and can make an average of one to four cups at once.
They are by far the most portable and travel-friendly suitable for camping, hiking, and backpacking trips. Most come in glass designs, but some feature insulated and sturdier designs.
Coffee presses produce the perfect brew with rich flavors, but they might let floating grounds slip into the final beverage. However, they function as muli-beverage makers and can create either coffee or teas.
Extras
All appliances come with some standard features across the board and a few individualized add-ons. Most of them aim at appealing to the varying needs of different coffee consumers. Therefore, once again, no coffee maker will suit every consumer because of vastly different preferences.
Programmable Settings
The ability to pre-schedule brewing times takes the bulk of work out of your hands. Imagine waking up to a freshly made pot of coffee because you preset the machine to brew right before you wake up? That is precisely what some coffee makers allow you to do by scheduling the settings in advance.
Once again, the setting varies from one brand to the other and others can let you pre-set even the amount of coffee that you need. Most come with a 24 to 48-hour programmable frame.
Auto Pause and Shut-off Functions
Sometimes you do not have the time to wait for your coffee to produce a full pot. The auto pause function allows you to sneak a cup when the machine is mid-cycle and resume brewing after.
When rushing about your day, you might even forget to turn off the coffee maker which means leaving it running all day. The auto shut-off feature takes care of it for you and the only worrying you need to do is getting a cup of joe in your hand.
Water Filter
When it comes to how you like your coffee, the elements that matter the most are strength and flavor. Water filters help to produce just the right flavor, and some appliances come with a complimentary one.
Some might come with a water filter handle as well as one or two water filters. It is one of the popular add-ons that come with most coffee brewers.
Self-Clean
The last thing you need is for that single cup of coffee to leave you with quite the mess to clean. Most coffee brewers take the hassle out of your hands by coming with self-clean or quick-clean features. For instance, most come with removable drip trays to collect drops that might slip away from the carafe.
Most require just a wipe down and come with dishwasher-friendly removable parts. Some come with descaling liquids to help you rid your machine of calcium buildups.
Price
RV coffee makers get a bad rep for being overly expensive, and most people wonder if they need them in the first place. However, coffee brewers are amongst the list of appliances that come in a wide range of budget-friendly options. It means that you can always find a quality coffee maker that is well within your budget.
Best RV Coffee Maker Reviews
Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable
Some notable features:
- It uses a fully-automated model.
- The brewer is 24 hours programmable.
- It comes with a 0 to 4-hour auto-shut feature.
- The coffee maker has 1-to-4 cup setting and a 12-cup carafe capacity.
- A charcoal water filter and gold-tone filter come with the package.
- It uses the North American electrical standards.
Our Top Programmable Pick
The Cuisinart DCC-1100 comes in a classic design and uses a fully-automatic model. It includes a 1-to-4 cup setting, self-clean, brew pause, and 60-second reset features. It is programmable for up to 24 hours with a 0 to 4-hour adjustable auto-shutoff function. The 12-cup carafe comes with an ergonomic handle, knuckle guard, and dripless spout.
It is a drip coffee maker producing a French press style brew with an excellent flavor. The package comes with a permanent gold-tone and charcoal water filters as well as a measuring scoop.
Two color options, black and white, give you a bit of room for customization, and a 10-cup version of the DCC-1100 is also available.
Who should buy this RV brewer?
This on-the-go coffee maker suits anyone who wants a brewer they can use on the road and also at home.
CHULUX Single Cup Coffee Brewer
A few highlighted features:
- The single cup brewer uses a one-touch operation.
- It accommodates K-cup capsules.
- A 12oz water reservoir accompanies the package.
- It is very portable and compact.
- A removable drip tray allows adjustments for different cup heights.
- Five color choices are available.
The Most Travel-Friendly Brewer
Chulux designed this brewer for travel, user-friendliness, and quick cleaning. One-touch operation makes it a hassle-free process to get your cup of joe in just three to five minutes. It accepts most K-cup capsules or generic pods saving you from worrying about getting specific brands.
The water reservoir can hold 12 0z of fluid which is more than enough to make you a cuppa. Cleaning is as simple as removing the water reservoir and drip tray or running vinegar followed by plain water through the machine.
It is also wholly BPA free and holds FDA & UL certifications for the brewer assuring safety. The product also comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Why buy this coffee maker?
The RVer with a limited amount of space to work with can appreciate the compact and portable nature of the Chulux coffee maker.
Kuissential SlickDrip
Our Favorite Compact Companion!
Some awesome features:
- It gets rid of bulky and expensive machines but still makes your coffee.
- The SlickDrip comes in a silicone-made long-lasting design.
- Its construction keeps your coffee chemical and odor-free.
- The coffee dripper also features a space-saving collapsible design.
- It is dishwasher friendly.
The Cheapest Pick
The SlickDrip offers a solution to enjoy the flavorful and delicious coffee regular counter-top machines often do not produce. It is the portable and space-saving coffee maker you need for your RV adventures. With this convenient companion, you do not have to brew a whole pot what you need is just a single cup of coffee.
It is what you want to maintain the flavor of your coffee without unpleasant odor transfers from the dripper. Its lightweight and collapsible model make it the most compact companion you want with you on the road for a quick fix.
Best yet, you can toss it in the dishwasher for quick and easy cleaning.
Who should grab one of these coffee drippers?
At its price, every coffee lover should own this dripper. It packs easy for those RV road trips, and you can still make use out of it in your everyday life.
KONA French Press Coffee Maker
Some highlighted features:
- It is a 34-ounce French press.
- An insulated outer shell gives it an attractive look.
- Its sturdy handle allows for comfortable handling.
- Most of its components are dishwasher friendly.
- It is eco-friendly with a BPA/BPS-free lid.
The Top Rated French Press For Camping
The KONA French press boasts of more than 11,400 positive reviews on Amazon making it the top-rated option. It comes with a generous 34-ounce glass carafe capacity which is protected by an insulated outer shell. A cleverly designed sturdy handle makes it comfortable to handle the coffee press.
Its non-electric model makes it highly suitable as a carry-and-go option. Cleaning it is as simple as tossing it in the dishwasher with its stainless steel filter screen and rubber plunger knob detachable for thorough cleaning.
It comes with a BPA/BPS-free lid which means that no plastic components come in contact with
Who should buy it?
The Eco-friendly coffee press is ideal for the outdoor camper and traveling hiker.
BLACK+DECKER SCM2000BD Under-Cabinet Brewer
A few noteworthy features:
- The Black+Decker coffee maker comes in an under-cabinet SpaceMaker model.
- It comes with a cord management hook.
- The brewer has an auto shut-off function.
- It features easy-access quick touch programmable buttons.
- The water reservoir is removable.
- It also has a sneak-a-cup function.
The Best Under-Cabinet Option
When traveling in a recreational vehicle, saving space is valuable, and the Black+Decker brewer comes designed for just that. It features an auto-brew function and the 8- cup thermal carafe keeps your coffee warm for long. A 24-hour programmable feature accessible from a modern digital LED control panel lets you pre-schedule several functions. The display also shows time and temperature.
The carafe also comes with serve buttons giving you a spill-free pour. The brewer also comes with a Keep Fresh indicator and Auto Shut-Off features. A cord management hook keeps cords out of the way and out of sight for a streamlined look.
A step-by-step installation guide, as well as standard screws, come with the package to help mount the coffee maker on any flat-bottomed cabinet.
Who should get one?
The frequent traveler who spends a considerable amount of time on the road should grab one of these SpaceMakers for their recreational vehicle. It also works for apartments and office environments.
Keurig K55/K-Classic Coffee Maker
Some highlighted features:
- It is a single-serve K-Cup brewer.
- A generous 48 oz water reservoir accompanies the coffee maker.
- It comes with an auto-off programmable feature.
- A descaling function cleans calcium deposits from the brewer.
- The package includes a water filter handle and two water filters.
- Four complimentary K-cup pods also come with the brewer.
Our Top K-Cup Brewer
The single-serve Keurig K-Cup coffee maker comes with simple touch buttons for a stress-free brewing experience. It accommodates multiple K-cup pod sizes giving the access to choice and variety. Its generous 48 oz water reservoir saves you from constant refills, and it can serve six or more cups of coffee.
It accommodates three cup sizes, and in just one minute you can enjoy a hot cuppa. The brewer also features a removable dripper to fit in travel mugs and for a more thorough cleanup.
The Keurig K55 is also available in two color choices and even in a package that includes an Amazon Dash Button which allows you to reorder products you love instantly. The device is WiFi enabled and linked to a specific product of choice that you can select from the Amazon Android/iOS App when setting it up.
Who should buy a Keurig K55 Coffee Maker?
When on a long RV trip with a considerable amount of it spent on the road, you want the liberty to use any K-cup pod rather than being limited to a specific brand. In such situations, this K-cup brewer proves the worthy adversary to have on board.
Keurig K250 Single Serve
A few standout features:
- It is a single-serve K-cup coffee maker.
- The brewer comes with a generous 40oz water reservoir.
- It accepts multiple k-cup pod sizes and 22,26 or 30 oz brew carafes.
- A strength-control feature setting enables brewing of bolder coffee flavors.
- Control the functions using a black & white touchscreen display.
- Dispense hot water only without inserting a pod.
- Clean-up thoroughly by removing the drip tray and wiping down the machine clean.
Our Top Keurig Pick
This Keurig brewer lets you make the coffee you love because it accepts multiple K-cup pod sizes. It also accommodates 22, 26 and 30 oz brew carafes allowing you to get as much coffee as you please. The generous 40 0z water reservoir saves you from constant refills and can produce four or more cups of coffee. A strength control feature allows you to enjoy a bolder cup of coffee.
Control the machine’s functions using the black & white touchscreen and have a cup ready in just one minute. If you want a hot cup of water, open the brewer handle, and it dispenses the liquid in the absence of a K-cup pod. The package comes with four complimentary K-cup pods, one water filter handle, two water filters, and descaling solution.
It comes in a selection of eight eye-catching color options giving you the ability to get one that blends in with your camper’s kitchen theme.
Who should buy one?
This bad boy suits the long-trip RVer with an ever-changing coffee palate. Its decent water reservoir size also allows the coffee lover to enjoy several cups of happiness throughout the day.
The Takeaway
Every coffee lover wants to know that they can enjoy a cup whenever they please even when vacationing in a motorhome. It takes the right coffee brewer to access this homely comfort on the road. We believe that our reviews and guide to buying the best RV coffee maker has given you an inkling of what you need.
Remeber that the space you are working with and your coffee preferences ultimately determine the kind of brewer you need. Also, invest in quality rather than just wanting to save a few bucks off for a machine that will not serve you for long.
If you already have a coffee machine at home, use it as a reference in determining what you need in your recreational vehicle. Here is to hoping that your never RV adventure will feature lots of on-demand access to cups of happiness.