The 7 Best RV Coffee Maker Options – 2022 Buyer’s Guide

Last Updated on May 12, 2022 by Chris and Lindsay

If you’re looking for the best RV coffee maker for your home on the road we’ve got you covered with our expert buyer’s guide. With over 4 years of full-time RVing under our belt, we’ve researched and tried out the best coffee makers in the market and have everything you need to know wrapped up in this post!

Having an awesome RV coffee maker is a non-negotiable for almost any RVer. We like to joke that coffee is the most important part of any day. So adding a coffee maker to all of the other RV essentials you pack into your RV will likely take top priority. 

But living in an RV is different than living in a brick-and-mortar home. Whether you are just out camping for the weekend or live full time in your RV, having the right coffee maker is a huge deal. 

Depending on the size of your battery bank and inverter, whether you are hooked up to electricity at a campground or are boondocking out in the woods somewhere, you need to have a coffee maker that fits your camping style and situation. 

In this post, we’ll take you through the best RV coffee makers, the criteria you should consider when deciding on which is right for you and give you our personal opinion on the portable coffee maker we chose and love as full-time RVers. 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain links to products we think you’ll like. If you purchase any of the products through the links below we’ll receive a small commission. As full-time RVers, we know our RV products well and only recommend those that we either own or would consider owning ourselves.

Our Top RV Coffee Maker Recommendations

Best Product // Our Top Picks at a Glance

The Best RV Coffee Makers

Instead of bombarding you with dozens of options, we’ve decided to list only the best coffee maker for each type out there. So you can rest assured you’ll find the best one to suit your personal preferences and tastes.

Here are our top recommendations to help you find the coffee maker for your RV that will do the most important job of the day.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE: AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

We really like that the Aeropress is one of the best coffee makers for any situation because of its simplicity and ease of use. All you need is the Aeropress, paper filters, coffee grounds and hot water.

It works incredibly well for RV life where you can choose to heat a kettle of water using your propane stove or 110V electrical connection. And it packs so well that you can scoop some coffee grounds into a plastic bag and take the whole thing on an overnight hike.

Even during the times when we have come off the road and had access to drip coffee makers we still choose to use our Aeropress because we believe the taste is so much better, even than single-serve coffee makers such as the Keurig models.

Brewing coffee should be simple. And it really doesn’t get much simpler than the Aeropress. You can treat it like a pour-over, where you simply pour hot water over the ground coffee and let it drip into your cup. Or you can use the BPA-free plastic plunger to press the water through the coffee grounds to make quality coffee every single time.

On the downside, you’re not going to be making fresh coffee for social hour with this coffee maker. The Aeropress will brew 2-4 cups of hot coffee at most each time.

But it is simple to brew more. Simply dump the used coffee grounds, wipe out the Aeropress, insert a new filter, scoop a few more tablespoons of coffee grounds onto the paper filter and add hot water.

You may also want to look elsewhere if you think boiling water separately is too much of a task. This is not your standard drip coffee maker where you can press a button and have the coffee drip into a coffee pot. There is a little work involved.

But the Aeropress cleans up and packs away incredibly easy. Plus it is entirely plastic, so you can (and likely will!) drop it as many times as it happens and the coffee maker will remain entirely intact!

We’ve brewed THOUSANDS of cups of coffee over our 4+ years on the road and our Aeropress shows no signs of slowing down!

PROS	CONS
* Small and lightweight * Easy to clean * Brews fast * Microfilter eliminates grit * Delicious coffee that’s low in acidity * Versatile in that you can brew regular, espresso or cold brew coffee * Brews right into your favorite mug	* Can only make 1-3 cups of coffee at a time * Need a way to heat water to brew coffee * Needs a special coffee filter

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BEST SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE MAKER: Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker

And with it being a single-serve coffee maker you can easily brew different types of coffee grounds, perfect for those picky coffee drinkers! Its stainless steel construction also looks nice when sitting out on the counter!

We really like the price point of this single-serve coffee maker as opposed to its more expensive Keurig K-Cup Mini coffee machine. We also like that you don’t have to track down, or store, K-cup pods. Use the reusable stainless steel mesh filter and scoop fresh coffee grounds into the filter for some nearly instant quality coffee.

This small coffee maker will also brew coffee without taking up much counter space. You can easily clean the filter and store the coffee maker away wherever it is convenient.

On the downside, while Hamilton Beach is one of the best single serve coffee makers for RV coffee, it does require a 110-volt power source and it draws 1,300 watts in use. if you have a large enough battery bank and at least a 2,000-watt inverter then you should be fine. But that is a lot of power for typical RV coffee makers.

Also, you can’t expect to serve a pot of coffee to friends around the campfire in the morning as this is one of the best single-serve coffee makers for a reason – it is only good for 8-14 ounces of hot coffee at a time.

PROS	CONS
* Stainless steel construction * Reusable mesh scoop filter with easy to read measuring lines * Versatile and option to choose boldness levels * Compact * Energy efficient * Great for smaller RVs	* Not good for those with more than two coffee drinkers * Requires 110V power source at 1,300 watts * Some buyers claimed their coffee tasted like plastic and the machine needed to be cleaned well before use

BEST MULTI-CUP COFFEE MAKER: Cuisinart 4-Cup with Stainless Steel Carafe

When it comes to drip coffee makers, this is your best bet for more than one delicious cup of coffee at a time.

We really like that it has a unique pause feature that allows you to pour a fresh cup while brewing coffee. Coffee machines are notorious for continuing to crank out hot coffee even if the carafe is missing. But not with this drip coffee maker.

We also like that this coffee machine doesn’t take up much counter space when brewing coffee and it easily stows away when not in use. The stainless steel carafe is relatively easy to clean with a brush and when it comes to drip coffee machines, you won’t find a similar product that packs as much value in it as this one.

On the downside, drip coffee makers like this Cuisinart require a 110-volt power source to brew coffee. As opposed to our favorite single-serve coffee machines, the brewing process for the Cuisinart only requires 550 watts of power. This is much more reasonable for the average RV battery bank and inverter.

Altogether, this is a great low-power camper coffee maker that will brew enough coffee for a few people to enjoy!

PROS	CONS
* 30-minute automatic shutoff * Compact design ideal for small RV kitchens * Lightweight at less than 5 pounds * Brew-pause feature if you need a cup before the pot is done brewing * Energy efficient  * BPA free construction	* Can be quirky with carafe and coffee filter alignment * Requires 110V power source at 550 watts * Some customers have had a leaking issue * The carafe can be hard to open and clean

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BEST POUR OVER COFFEE MAKER: Kalita Wave 185 Drippers Pour Over

You can add as many fresh coffee grounds to fit your taste and can brew up to 28 oz of coffee at a time.

We really like the simplicity of the brewing process of this coffee machine. In fact, we shouldn’t really call it a machine. Like the Aeropress, the Kalita Wave makes our list of best coffee maker for RV use because it requires little effort.

All you need to do is insert a standard paper coffee filter into the Kalita Wave and scoop your coffee grounds into it. Then pour hot water over the grounds and let the hot coffee drip into your travel mug.

We also like how quickly you can clean the coffee maker and put it away. If you don’t overpour the water on the ground coffee then you can simply remove and dispose of the used filter and stow the Kalita away.

If you need to wipe the coffee maker, its stainless steel construction makes it virtually impossible to leave messy. The Kalita Wave also requires very little counter space either to use or store and it’s rugged enough to handle some bumps in the road.

On the downside, using the Kalita Wave requires a source of hot water. So you’ll either need a stovetop or electric kettle for this. However, the energy use of a kettle, as opposed to a 110V power source for our favorite drip coffee makers, makes this issue less of a worry.

Additionally, we haven’t found any alternatives to the single-use paper filters required of this camper coffee maker. So there is some additional expense and waste that other coffee makers on our list won’t have.

But this is a fantastic option and the best coffee maker for those campers who prefer the flavorful coffee that comes from a pour-over coffee maker.

PROS	CONS
* Small and compact and easily stored away * Paper filters make for easier cleanup * Can brew coffee off the grid * Better taste	* Must have a stovetop or electric kettle or microwave to heat water for brewing * Paper filters create waste and cost more over time

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BEST FRENCH PRESS: OXO BREW Venture Travel French Press

We really like how compact and lightweight this coffee maker is. Weighing in at just under a pound, this french press might have every other coffee maker beat in terms of how easy and traveler-friendly it is!

We also appreciate the simplicity we find in this and all of the best coffee makers. Simply scoop fresh coffee grounds into the OXO BREW, add hot water and press the plunger to draw coffee flavors out of the grounds and into your travel mug.

Of course, what is not to like about the durability of the mini coffee maker? It works perfectly and takes up very little counter space in the RV kitchen. But it also doubles as an outdoor coffee maker where you can pack this mini coffee maker into your backpack to take with you on a hike or to simply brew outdoors.

On the downside, as with all traditional French press coffee machines, the coffee grounds are prone to escape the coffee maker and you may end up with some in the bottom of your coffee cup.

You will also need a way to heat water to pour into the OXO BREW. But many of the best coffee makers on our list require this, so it is really a personal brewing preference.

PROS	CONS
* No filter means no waste! * Brews 8 cups of coffee at a time * Lightweight  * Shatter-resistant carafe	* Need a way to heat water to brew coffee * Grounds can sometimes get past the plunger

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BEST PERCOLATOR: GSI Outdoors 8 Cup Enamelware Percolator Coffee Pot

We really like how durable this coffee maker is. While it is not the most complex coffee pot on our list, the GSI coffee maker can handle being placed over an open flame. And it has a clear resin top that allows you to watch your coffee brewing.

But we also appreciate the versatility of this percolating coffee maker. You can get your coffee brewing by placing the GSI Outdoors coffee pot on the stove inside your RV kitchen or over an open campfire.

On the downside, the percolating coffee pot can be a little difficult to clean with its narrow top. You’ll likely want to invest in a wand hand brush to get the hard-to-reach places.

You’ll also want to note that there is no heat-resistant handle to this stainless steel pot. So be sure that you use a potholder or towel to protect yourself from an overly hot handle.

But if you’re looking for a simple, non-electric coffee maker that will turn ground coffee into 8 cups of delicious coffee, then this is the best coffee maker for you.

PROS	CONS
* Durable * Brews up to 8 cups of coffee * Can be used on the stovetop or over a fire	* Can be hard to clean * Handle gets hot * Must be heated on a stove or fire

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BEST CAMPING COFFEE MAKER: Coleman Propane Coffee Maker

We really like the versatility that these stovetop coffee makers offer. Whether you cook your meals outdoors or inside, just fire up your propane stove, set this coffee maker on it and wait for a delicious cup of coffee.

On the downside, this stainless steel option is not the most compact coffee maker and will take up a bit of counter space in your RV kitchen. It is 12″ x 10″ x 16″ and weighs 10 pounds.

Further, it has a glass carafe which can be prone to breaking with the normal bumps of RV life. We stay away from glass items as often as possible and would prefer a stainless steel carafe instead.

And the kicker for the Coleman Propane Coffee Maker is the fact that you must use it over the standard outdoor propane grill. This can be a benefit if you are a minimalist and do not have a traditional stove in your RV.

However, as most RVers do have a propane or electric stovetop and not a portable camping stove, this may turn into a big inconvenience. It may be better suited if you are considering van life instead.

PROS	CONS
* Ideal for dry camping * Makes enough coffee for large parties	* Glass carafe * Comparatively large * Requires propane stovetop

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Factors to consider when shopping for an RV Coffee Maker

There are many factors to consider when shopping for the best RV coffee maker. Most of these center around your particular RV capabilities and your personal preferences.

If you are in a larger Class A motorhome with a huge battery bank and inverter you may prefer the convenience of setting a timer and having your coffee brew automatically while you wake up.

But if you’re in a smaller van or truck camper you may not have that option or you may prefer the art of coffee-making using a french press or percolator.

Regardless of your situation, here are the things you should consider when shopping for the best RV coffee maker.

Space. How Big Is The Coffee Maker?

How much space is this going to take up in your RV? If you have a lot of counter space or cabinet storage space in your RV kitchen, then you may not think twice about bringing your favorite coffee maker from home. But if you are like us and your space is limited you are going to want to consider a small RV coffee maker that makes the most delicious cup of coffee.

That is a big reason why we love our Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker. It breaks down into 3 parts that we can store in a small cabinet over our stove. It actually takes up less space than the container that holds our ground coffee!

But all of the options we listed in this post are small enough that they should fit in virtually any RV or van without taking up a ton of space.

Quantity. How Much Coffee Does it Make?

Do you want one pot of coffee or one cup at a time? If you are a coffee-drinking RV owner that doesn’t enjoy the art of coffee making as much as the joy of coffee drinking then you are probably going to want to select an RV coffee maker that brews more than one or two cups. And if you are traveling with a few coffee drinkers this will also apply.

But if all you are looking for is one or two cups of coffee at a time then you have lots of options.

We love our coffee in the morning (and sometimes in the afternoon!). But we aren’t usually interested in more than one 20 oz (big!) cup of coffee for each of us. Our Aeropress makes just enough for us with only 2 scoops of ground coffee and a kettle of water.

Aside from the Hamilton Beach single-serve coffee machine on our list, all other options will make between 4-10 cups of coffee. So if loads of coffee in the morning is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with any of the options we provided.

Convenience. How Easy is it to Use?

Is this easy to set up to brew coffee? Do you have to heat water in a kettle or just press a button? Is the coffee maker easy to clean once you’re done?

The convenience of an RV coffee maker is a huge factor to consider. We haven’t met anyone who prefers to spend more time making coffee and cleaning their coffee maker than sitting in a chair to enjoy it.

So as you consider which coffee maker you prefer, be sure to think about whether you want to simply dump and change the filter or have to put a little elbow grease into cleaning.

Power. How Much Power Does it Draw?

How much power do you need to use it? Do you have enough battery bank power and inverter? Do you need propane to boil water? These are all questions you need to ask before you purchase a coffee maker for your RV.

If you purchase a drip coffee maker that relies on electricity it will likely require a significant amount of power as it heats the water. If you are plugged into shore power this will not be an issue. But if you are dry camping then the size of your battery bank and inverter are hugely important.

But if all you need to do is to boil a kettle of water to pour over your coffee grinds then you don’t require much energy at all so you don’t need to worry much.

For this reason, we love our Aeropress. As we spend most of our time dry camping we simply heat up a kettle of water using our propane stove and within a few minutes, we are ready to pour the hot water into the coffee maker.

We never worry about whether we have a 110v power source or the size of our battery bank and inverter. We can make coffee literally anywhere!

Other than the Hamilton Beach single-serve coffee maker and the Cuisinart multi-cup coffee maker, all the options on our list do not require a 110V power source but only boiled water.

Read more about how to understand your RV power consumption in this great post.

Time. How Long Does it Take to Make Coffee?

Do you want to set a timer and wake up to a fresh pot of coffee or are you willing to let it take time to drip into your cup? This isn’t the most important factor unless you are a very cranky person until you’ve had your first cup of coffee!

But if you are impatient or have other things to do with your morning you may want an electric drip coffee maker for your RV.

Type. Style of Brewing

Do you want a French press, percolator, standard drip or a pour over? If you’re not a coffee snob it may not matter to you how your coffee is brewed. But for us, for instance, we do like the fact that the coffee we drink is less acidic and easier on the stomach with our Aeropress.

You may prefer the art of a French press or percolator or no art at all in simply pressing the “brew” button.

If you have a preference for the style of a coffee machine, clearly make sure you shop for RV coffee makers you like. We’ve included at least one of every kind of coffee maker to give you an idea of what the best options are!

Wrapping It Up

Overall, the best RV coffee maker is the one that delivers a piping hot, full cup of coffee each morning. Whether you enjoy the art of making coffee or simply the joy of drinking it, there is the perfect coffee maker for you out there!

We hope this buying guide has helped you pick out the best coffee maker for your RV!

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