Sitting around a camp fire and drinking coffee just seems to go together. Then again, for many of us, a good cup of java goes with any surroundings, like while you are driving your motor coach enjoying the scenic countryside. Or even better, it helps pass the time when sitting in construction traffic.
So, how do we get that rich fresh coffee flavor in every cup, and do this each and every time you desire? There is only one way. Make it fresh each time. This in itself is not possible with a standard drip coffee machine, and pouring it manually each time may not be a feasible solution either. The answer may be using a full blown European style café/cappuccino maker. These units grind the beans, heat the water and fill a cup with the freshest coffee you will find, all in 30 seconds or so.
Having one of these on the counter of your motor coach will provide a delicious hot cup of java, to your taste, at the touch of a button. No more wasting coffee if you just want one or two cups. No more drinking or throwing out stale, over heated, bottom of the pot dregs. Also, making only the exact quantity of cups needed reduces both energy and the fresh water required.
There are many makes, models and sizes available. The majority, if not all, that I have seen, are made by European manufacturers like Saeco or Trevi to name two. These are all capable of also making fancy coffees like cappuccino, latte, etc. The machines are not cheap. You can expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $1,000 or more for a unit size suitable for a coach counter top. You can find them usually in specialty kitchen shops or perhaps even in a large department type store. My family and I own two, a large Saeco in the house, and a smaller Trevi in the motor coach.
These coffee machines are relatively heavy in weight and sit on rubber feet, making them ride well on a counter top of a moving coach. Most, if not all, will not operate on a modified sine wave inverter. Therefore, if your RV does not have a true sine wave inverter, you will need to be plugged into shore power or have your generator running.
The only drawback, other than the somewhat steep initial cost, is the counter top space it takes up. But, for the convenience of this great option, it is a small price to pay for a real coffee lover. Once you have used one, you won’t want to go back. The pleasure and ease of making a fresh coffee is exceeded only by the exceptionally rich taste.
Just Smelling The Coffee – Lug_Nut – Peter Mercer
John
My wife & I saw a Krupps demo in our local Home Outfitters store yesterday and were amazed how fast a cup of espresso took. Sure gave us a boost too! They had two models, one with an LCD display for 1399.00 and one with a dial for about 300-400 less. It does all the LCD model does but for less money. If you have the $ to spend, it’s a great product and you won’t get any fresher coffee.
I also like the fact that it uses very little energy and only for the amount you want to make. Would like to see the other brands also. Going to compare prices in the US when we go to Arizona this winter. Any suggestions on a store or chain in the US?
Cheers,
John
Cheers,
John
Stefan
i too have the Saeco best cup of coffee I ever had. Try the Pilon or Bustelo brand of coffee.
John Jackman
I like to use a 2 demi cup expresso cup maker. It is an imported Italian expresso maker made from stainless steel. It would likely work on top of a grate on a fire .They make these from 1 to 8 cup models. It is easy to make on top of the stove and only takes about 3 to 5 minutes.. You should buy quality fresh ground beans in small amounts.
These are sold in alot of kitchen wares stores.
Lug_Nut
Great value, great input!
Jim
I second the motion on the Keurig coffee maker. Great value.
Bud
GREAT POT and lite.
Bud
2 Years ago we started with Folgers coffee singles as we like to dry camp and did not have an inverter yet, not good enough! Than found a 12V drip maker….45 min. for 2 cups, No good. Than went to the ole Perkulator, grounds in coffee, better but not good enough. NOW we have found the best pot ever, its a 12 cup max. drip coffee maker made by Coleman that you put on the stove burner, tastes JUST like at home. I do have to laugh because when we bring friends with us we watch them as they look for the cord.. GREAT POT and light.
Kathy
I can’t afford those expensive models either and waited to get a 20% discount coupon from Bed/Bath & Beyond or Linens & things to get my Keurig – check on line for these coupons – or get on the mailing list. You can also get a replacement cup to use your own brand of coffee, tea. BJ’s warehouse carries the K-cups also.
Ellen F
I guess if you can afford $250,000+ for an RV, a $1,000 for a coffee maker is nothing, but many of us aren’t in that income bracket! I stick to my $19.99 coffee maker and only brew a half of a pot at a time.
Jim Lair
I carry the Tsssimo one cup coffee maker for these cravings. It is compact and stores well in my cabinet above the TV in my class C. Target is the best source for the individual coffee’s, tea’s and hot chocolate. It makes a good cup of coffee.
Frank
Try the Keurig coffee maker. It uses “K”cups and you get a great selections of flavors and strengths, also tea and hot coco.. Green Mountain coffee co. is on line and offers a great deal. $150 sounds better than a$1000. What is nice is that it makes a very single cup of coffee. Tell them I sent you. 4 of my nieghbors alreaddy have them. We were the cecond in our neighborhood. They sell a version at Costco, that comes with some coffee and a coupon for a few extra boxes.
Lug_Nut
Hey Pete, Like you, many people are coffee lovers. I agree, these stand alone coffee makers are not cheap, and certainly hard to justify. Thanks, much for your input.
Pete
Well, to be honest…I love coffee. I have a t-shirt that says coffee is “the last legal high.” I love it the way I used to love good booze. But if I found myself jonesing for a fresh cup of coffee while traveling, and jonesing so bad I considering spending a thousand bucks so I could have a truly fresh cup…it would be time for me to check into rehab. I mean…oh, heck, I’ll stick with my old Thermos bottle.