Whether you are home or exploring the great outdoors, morning coffee is a wonderful way to start the day. Many people simply don’t want a morning without a great cup of coffee. It’s often true that a cup of coffee when experiencing nature simply tastes better. However, many of our favorite ways of brewing a cup of coffee require electricity. This can be a challenge when on a building site or while, camping, or hiking.
Fortunately, there are a lot of great battery-operated coffee makers or portable coffee makers that can be recharged. Let’s look at the best battery-operated coffee makers.
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Notes About Battery Operated Coffee Makers
The most important thing to know about battery-powered coffee makers is that most of them require you to add hot water. The machines then use battery power to brew the coffee (or press coffee, in the case of battery-powered espresso makers). For all-in-one type machines that brew drip coffee like an ordinary kitchen appliance, it can take a long time and a lot of battery power to heat the water.
So, it’s good to first consider whether you will be able to heat water on a campfire or stove, or whether you need the coffee maker to do it for you. If you are using the coffee maker for that purpose, plan to bring along extra batteries and be patient.
**Looking to spice up your regular coffee? See our whipping cream coffee ideas to add some extra flavor.
Best Battery Powered Coffee Makers
Makita Lithium-Ion Cordless Coffee Maker
The Makita DCM501Z Lithium-Ion Cordless Coffee Maker is battery-powered, It comes ahead of other coffee makers due to its rugged handle and compact, cordless convenience that lets it go wherever you go. It works just like a conventional drip coffee maker: simply add ground coffee or coffee packs to the machine, fill the water reservoir, press a button and it will brew coffee. In its brewing process, you’ll get a 5-ounce cup of coffee in 5 minutes. It’s compatible with the Makita battery system and accepts Makita 3.0Ah or 4.0Ah LXT batteries.
The Makita DCM501Z Lithium-Ion Cordless Coffee Maker has a permanent filter, so you don’t need a coffee filter. Simply use your favorite delicious coffee or convenient single-cup coffee pods. There’s no need to pre-heat the water, so it’s an all-in-one device. It has boil-dry protection that shuts off the machine when the reservoir is empty.
This Makita battery-powered coffee maker can brew 2 – 2.5 5 ounce cups of coffee on a single battery charge, depending on which battery you use. It uses the existing Makita battery and charger system, so it’s perfect for people who use Makita tools in their shop or garden.
The Makita DCM501Z Lithium-Ion Cordless Coffee Maker measures less than 9 inches tall when the handle is folded down and accepts coffee cups up to 3.5 inches tall. It comes in distinctive Makita teal and black colors.
Pros
- Heats water and brews coffee just like a regular drip machine
- Compact and cordless
- Rugged handle for moving it from place to place
- Brews up to 3 cups of coffee on a charge
Cons
- Cups of coffee are small, at only 5 ounces and 3.5 inches tall
- The Makita LXT battery and charger system is expensive, so this might be a better option for people who already have the battery system for their existing power tools
- Brews one 5 oz. cup of coffee in 5 minutes when powered by a 18V LXT battery (battery not included)
- Brews up to (3) 5 oz. cups of coffee on a single 5.0Ah LXT battery charge (battery not included)
- No paper filters needed; permanent drip filter allows grounds to be poured directly into coffee maker
- Uses single-serve packs or ground coffee
- Compact design at only 8-9/16 tall with a 3-1/2 cup cleara
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Runner up – Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker
Making the perfect cup of pour-over coffee can be time-consuming because the water needs to be poured slowly while the coffee is gently stirred for optimal flavor. The Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker uses battery power to take the difficulty out of perfect pour-over coffee, creating a perfectly even pour every time. It also simplifies pour-over coffee, so there’s no mess, no paper filter, no need to measure coffee or water, and no waiting around. Simply add coffee, add hot water, turn it on, and let it make a perfect pour-over cup for you.
This battery-operated coffee maker takes all the trouble out of pour-over coffee. The coffee water capacity and measuring spoon create the perfect water-to-coffee ratio with no measuring or weighing.
The coffee maker is designed to create hassle-free temperature control: when water that is 100°C is added to the machine, it automatically becomes the perfect 70-80°C temperature for drinking hot coffee and extracts maximum flavor and richness along the way. During brewing, two agitating streams evenly saturate the coffee for ideal extraction. It takes less than 150 seconds to brew a perfect cup, and the machine shuts off after 5 idle minutes to conserve battery.
With a stainless steel mesh filter, you never need a paper filter, and the coffee maker is easy to simply rinse clean for the next use. It’s made of high-quality food-grade materials that are rugged enough to take with you on your next adventure.
Pros
- Perfect pour-over coffee without the mess or fuss
- No weighing or measuring
- Even extraction at the perfect temperature creates ideal richness and flavor
- Fast brewing cycle takes less than 150 seconds
- High quality food grade materials
- Rugged construction and battery power let you take it anywhere
- Easy to use and easy to clean
Cons
- Requires you to add hot water, ideally at precisely 100°C, but less than 109°C
- Automatic Pour Over- Simulating a skilled barista pour over and simplifies your routine. As easy as pie to brew a cup of tasty coffee by yourself. Max. 120ml of coffee for each brewing.
- Sturdy, Compact, and Portable – Shatterproof material to withstand drop down or repeated washing. Battery-powered(batteries not included), lightweight and compact design, brings extraordinary coffee with you at home or on the go.
- Even Coffee Extraction – Precise timing and water to coffee ratio, and even moisturizing through rotation delivers impressive consistency and handcrafted flavor.
- Eco-friendly Reusable Filter- Extra fine wire mesh filter to maintain the special flavor of coffee. No paper filters needed. Suitable grind size: medium coarse/medium/medium fine. Easy to clean. Simply rinse and set aside. Its that easy!
- Food Grade Certified Materials- Built with the same safe materials used in Baby Feeding Products: Tritan. Endure a temperature as high as 109
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Mounchain Portable Travel Coffee Maker
This Portable Travel Coffee Maker is as small and rugged as a thermos but makes a perfect cup of coffee anywhere, any time. It’s compatible with K-cups or add your own ground coffee to the included reusable K-cup for a custom, eco-friendly cup of coffee. The streamlined shape and durable construction are ideal for tucking into a purse or pack and taking with you, and it requires just 2 AAA batteries, so it’s lightweight and great for hiking or camping.
With the Portable Travel Coffee Maker, you simply add a K-cup or add coffee to the included reusable K-cup. Add hot water to the reservoir and press the button. In less than 2 minutes, it will automatically brew a perfect Americano. Unscrew the attached coffee cup and pour, enjoying your coffee wherever life takes you. The single-piece construction is incredibly easy to carry with you, and there’s no need to measure or weigh coffee. This coffee maker weighs about 12.5 ounces and is made of food-grade PP plastic for durability and reliability.
Pros
- Compact all-in-one design is as easy to carry as a thermos
- Automatically brews coffee in less than 2 minutes
- Accepts K-cups or use your own ground coffee in the included reusable K-cup
- Rugged and lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- Requires you to add hot water
CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker Travel Coffee Maker
The CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker Travel Coffee Maker is battery operated and can be recharged either with a home power outlet, or with the included car adapter, so it’s perfect for hiking, camping, and RV use.
The convenient all-in-one design makes it easy to transport in a pack, bag, or cup holder, and the rugged ABS material lets it go anywhere you go. When you want a cup of the perfect espresso, simply add a Nespresso capsule, add water, and press the button. The internal pressure pump extracts delicious espresso, and there’s no need to heat the water.
The CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker Travel Coffee Maker heats water and uses 15 bars of pressure to create perfect espresso in 8-12 minutes, or add hot water, and enjoy your espresso in seconds. When you use it to heat the water, it can make 3 cups of espresso on a single charge or heat the water yourself to make up to 200 cups of espresso on a single charge.
It fits easily in a cup or bottle holder, the ABS plastic body is durable and rugged, and it’s easy to clean and maintain. It’s only designed to work with Nespresso or Nespresso L’OR capsules and will not work with reusable or refillable capsules.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact, and rugged, perfect for outdoor use
- Battery can be recharged with conventional outlet or included car adapter
- Can be used with cold or hot water
- Self-pumping and high pressure for great espresso flavor extraction
- Easy to clean
- Three cups of espresso on a single charge
Cons
- Only uses original Nespresso capsules (not refillable alternatives)
- When using it with cold water, it takes a long time to heat
- CONQUECO Portable Coffee Maker: 12V Travel Espresso Machine, 15 Bar Pressure Rechargeable Battery with Organize Case for Travel, Camping, Driving, Home and Office
- 【Travel espresso machine】Portable Espresso Maker can be placed in easily in a cup holder or bottle holder in a backpack which can save the space of the backpack, so it will be your perfect partner when traveling, camping, hiking,etc. To reduce the fatigue of the journey.partner when traveling, camping, hiking,etc. To reduce the fatigue of the journey.
- 【About charging & heating】Portable Espresso Maker has quipped with a Car charger(12V 7A) for heating&charging in outdoors, and home charger(12V 2A) for charging inside.
- 【Easy to use and clean】Portable Espresso Maker is fully automatic. Only just need to wash the coffee cup, simply press the switch button for 5s to run the machine without capsules, it will auto wash, more simple and convenient.
- 【About capsule compatibility 】Genuine Original Line Nespresso Capsules & LOR capsules Only,it is designed and tested for Nespresso capsules (it does not work with Nespresso compatible capsul
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Battery Operated Coffee Maker Buying Guide
Here are some of the most important things you need to consider when choosing a battery operated coffee maker:
Hot or cold water?
As mentioned above, many of these coffee makers require you to add hot water. If you can easily boil water at your campsite, it makes brewing your coffee faster and easier. If you want to use cold water with your coffee maker, you should be prepared to run through batteries fairly quickly. For ultralight campers, carrying a lot of extra batteries may be a big drawback, so it may be more efficient to boil water outside of the coffee maker.
What kind of coffee?
Our top picks for the best battery powered coffee makers give you a great choice for your favorite kind of coffee, whether you prefer to use ground coffee, coffee pads, K-cups, or Nespresso pods. Our favorites don’t require disposable coffee filters, because that becomes just another thing to weigh down your pack, but some battery operated coffee methods do require paper filters. The choice of which kind of coffee isn’t just a question of taste preference, because the best “leave no trace” practices encourage you to pack out your used coffee grounds (or pods, pads, cups, etc.). The kind of coffee you choose to brew will determine how much waste you will be creating, and how you will manage that waste.
How easy is it to clean?
If you are using a battery powered coffee maker while out on the trail, it’s worth considering what you will do with the machine after you’ve drunk the coffee. Will it be hot or damp? Will it be difficult to clean or pack before you get on with the day?
It’s also worth remembering that, while a battery powered coffee maker is a fantastic piece of camping and outdoor equipment, you don’t necessarily need it. You can choose manual coffee makers, French press, pour over, cold brew, and a number of other ways to make coffee that don’t require electricity at all.
Final notes: The Best Battery Operated Coffee Maker
Best Choice Overall: CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker Travel Coffee Maker
The overall best choice for a battery-powered travel coffee maker in 2020 is the CONQUECO Portable Espresso Maker Travel, Coffee Maker. It has an ultra-portable design, streamlined, and easy to carry as a thermos or water bottle. The internal battery can be recharged with a wall outlet or with the included car charging adapter.
It can be used with cold water or hot water and will make three cups of hot espresso on a single charge, or 200 cups if you use hot water. It’s easy to use, has a convenient battery indicator, and makes delicious Nespresso. It’s the most compact, versatile, travel-friendly battery-powered coffee maker on the market.
You may have run out of coffee grounds and wondering how to get that caffeine fix, you may consider reusing coffee grinds.
Runner Up: Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker
Our runner-up is the Linkind Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker because it can be used at home or on the road to make the perfect cup of coffee without the fuss and bother. It automatically perfectly dispenses the water and agitates the coffee, to create the perfect coffee at the perfect temperature. It’s rugged enough to travel with, simple to use, and incredibly convenient.
Honorable Mention: Makita Coffee Maker
The Makita DCM501Z Lithium-Ion Cordless Coffee Maker isn’t designed for travel and camping, but it’s a fantastic portable coffee maker for a workshop, garage, or job site with limited electrical outlets. If you already have Makita tools and the Makita battery system, it’s a great way to get fresh hot coffee on demand, and it’s a high quality tool that will deliver all the coffee you need.
FAQs
How do you travel with coffee?
The best way to travel with coffee is to choose a lightweight, portable battery powered coffee maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test it at home to make sure you know how to use it. Bring your coffee with you, and make sure you keep it as fresh as possible, in an airtight container. It’s always a good idea to bring an extra set of batteries, just in case.
How do you use a portable coffee maker?
Each portable coffee maker works slightly differently, so it’s best to follow the instructions that come with your machine. Generally speaking, you add ground coffee to the basket/filter area (or use a coffee pad, K-cup, etc.), and then add hot water to the reservoir. The machine will brew the coffee into your cup or into an attached cup, and it’s as simple as that!
How do you make coffee while traveling?
There are lots of ways to make coffee while traveling, but most of them depend on whether you have access to hot water. If you have a stove, fire, or kettle where you can boil water, you can use a travel French press, instant coffee, paper or permanent filter cup, or a manual or battery-operated coffee maker to make coffee.
In a pinch, you can simply use instant coffee. If you don’t have access to hot water, you either need the best battery-operated coffee maker that will heat water for you or plan ahead the night before and start a batch of cold brew coffee.
