3/5
Best Camping Coffee Maker for Espresso
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Anyone with access to hot water can make an espresso on the go with the Wacaco Nanopress. This compact single-serve espresso machine is about the size of a pint glass and fits perfectly in a backpack. Just add hot water to the grounds and pump it into your cup for a café-worthy brew. Weighing in at just 11.8 ounces with its own carrying case, this tiny espresso machine can fit in your cargo pocket. The Nanopresso comes in five color choices, and over 1,800 five-star Amazon reviewers agree that good things come in small packages. Consider it a unique gift for coffee lovers that they can use just about anywhere.
Pros
- Has a water tank capacity of 2.7 ounces
- Weighs just 11.8 ounces and is 6.14 inches long
- Comes with a case
- Available in five colors
Cons
- Doesn’t include a mug
- On the pricier side
4/5
Best Lightweight Camping Coffee Maker
Oxo Brew Venture Travel French Press
Love a cup of freshly pressed coffee? A French press is easy to use and the Oxo Brew is no exception. This lightweight, 8-cup French press is shatter-resistant and made from bisphenol A (BPA)-free plastic. Weighing under 1 pound and measuring in at 9.4 inches tall, this 1-liter coffee press has a user-friendly pouring spout with extra filtration to cut down on grounds in your cup. The dishwasher-safe clear carafe lets you see your coffee brew and, in a matter of minutes of adding coffee grounds and hot water, you’ll be sipping your java in serenity.
“I bought his for my husband for a camping trip. He’s never used a French press before, but I assured him it was very easy to do. He took it with him and he raved about it! He said it was super easy to use and clean, and he said the flavor was good and he thanked me for it,” says Tiffany A. Davis, a verified purchaser. If you want to consider more options, we also love this Stanley French press.
Pros
- Weights less than 1 pound
- Carafe is shatter-resistant
- Has a 1-liter capacity
- Features an easy-pour spout
Cons
- Not ideal for one person
5/5
Best Camping Coffee Maker for Multiple People
Coletti Butte Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
If you’re in charge of making coffee for the crew, choose the Coletti percolator. This best coffee maker can be used on the stovetop or over a campfire. It even comes with a steel wire handle to encourage hanging over an open fire. This coffee pot is available in 9-, 12- and 14-cup options, and the basket can be used with or without a filter. The stainless steel construction is top-of-the-line and built for durability, evident by the Coletti 100% lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Large capacity options
- Comes with a steel wire handle for hanging
- Made of durable stainless steel
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not ideal for one person
What to Look for When Buying a Camping Coffee Maker
When deciding on the best camping coffee maker, keep various factors in mind:
- Portability: Is it lightweight enough that it won’t weigh you down?
- Durability: Can it handle a few drops?
- Capacity: Is it just for you or are you brewing for a group?
- Style: Do you prefer regular coffee, espresso, French press, pour-over coffee or something else?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend?
- Heat: Do you want to brew in the palm of your hand or over a campfire?
How We Found the Best Camping Coffee Makers
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
