The 7 Best Coffee Makers for an RV | Expert Analysis

When you are camping in your RV, there is no time to stop and look for a coffee shop! However, we all need our cup of coffee, whether it is on a camping trip or at home. Every RV needs a small, compact, and efficient coffee maker to satisfy our coffee cravings and boost our energy levels on road trips.

Many coffee makers are available in the market but you cannot get just any for an RV randomly. Some coffee makers are too big, and some are too fragile. We have compiled a list of the 7 best coffee makers for RV that will fit in the vehicle as well as stay safe during a bumpy ride.

1. Mr. Coffee 2129512, 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker
2. Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker
3. Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
4. Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker
5. Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker
6. Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker
7. Instant Solo 2-in-1 Coffee Maker

Detailed product reviews and expert evaluations have been given in the latter part of this article.

RV Coffee Maker Buying Guide

A recreational vehicle is just the perfect vehicle for camping and fun trips. However, your RV is incomplete if you do not have the right coffee maker. Not every coffee maker is a good match for a recreational vehicle. While some coffee makers might offer you tons of promising features, they could be too big for an RV or sometimes maybe too fragile. Therefore, to pick the best coffee makers for your vehicle, consider the following buying guide for RV coffee makers.

Type of Coffee Maker

Numerous types of coffee makers are available in the market. Some coffee makers are powered by electricity, and some by gas. There are also pour-over coffee makers like the French Press, but we will only discuss stovetop (gas-powered) and electric coffee makers here. These are the most important ones to consider when buying a camping coffee maker. 

Electric Coffee Makers

Electric coffee makers offer several advantages over stovetop coffee makers. If you’re using a stovetop coffee maker, a cup of coffee should take approximately 8-10 minutes to brew. This procedure necessitates your whole attention, and you will need to be present to avoid spillage and bitter coffee. WIth electric ones, you can be free of this burden.

The entire coffee-making process is automated with a coffee machine. That is, all you have to do is push a button, and your coffee maker will take care of the rest. The machine adjusts the brewing temperature itself. This is important because a temperature too high or too low can make your coffee taste bad.

Electric coffee makers are also able to produce a variety of coffee beverages. More advanced models even offer a milk reservoir and frothing services. However, for an RV, you will have to make do without advanced features as those machines are quite bulky and delicate.

The disadvantage of electric coffee makers is that you might not have electricity present everywhere if you go camping. Even inside your RV, your coffee maker might not run on a limited energy supply.

Stove-Top And Gas-Powered Coffee Makers

Stovetop coffee makers are excellent if you plan on going to a remote area. All you will need are a few propane or kerosene cylinders to run the machine. The machine might not give the balanced flavor and perfect brewing sizes that an electric coffee maker gives, but it could be your go-to coffee maker when you don’t have a power supply.

A major benefit of a stovetop or gas-powered coffee maker is its low weight. Almost all of them weigh between 1 and 3 pounds (sometimes even less). This makes them easy to carry around. If you are using a percolator or Moka pot, then you can just light a fire and start brewing your coffee out in the wild.

The following table will help you understand the key differences between an electric coffee maker and a gas-powered coffee maker.

Size

A major factor to consider is the size of your coffee maker. The best RV coffee makers are always compact and space-friendly. Obviously, we do not have unlimited counter space in RVs, so it is vital that you pick a compact model.

Our list includes only the most compact pieces. Go for machines that are tall, thin, and stable. Another benefit of a tall coffee machine is that you can fit travel mugs into it and drink coffee while you drive.

Weight

A coffee maker for an RV should not weigh more than 6 pounds. The top coffee machines for travelling are supposed to weigh between 3 and 5 pounds. Kerosene and propane-powered coffee makers weigh around 2 pounds. This factor is important to consider because you cannot pack and carry heavy coffee makers all the time.

If weight is a big problem for you, then we recommend sticking to stovetop and gas-powered coffee makers. Even if you are hiking, you can fit these into your backpack and carry them along.  

Ease Of Use

Highly customizable coffee machines give you more personalized coffee BUT who even has time for that when camping and traveling? Let us not let the many features of a coffee machine distract us from the recreational activity! Therefore, the perfect coffee maker for an RV should be easy to use with a friendly interface. We recommend one-button coffee makers, where you only have to select a brew size and press start.

However, if you would rather have a better-tasting cup of coffee, get a machine that offers temperature and strength control. Don’t worry; there are several coffee machines on our list that do offer strength control. In fact, the Keurig K-Elite even offers elevation temperature control.

Suggested Reading: How to Make Iced Coffee at Home?

Material

Most coffee makers are made of plastic, glass, or stainless steel. All three have their drawbacks and benefits.

Glass Coffee Makers

Glass is a big NO when it comes to RV coffee makers. This is because it is delicate, and one fall could mean the end of your coffee machine. However, many people prefer a glass coffee maker because it is easy to clean, convenient to fill, and the pour-over retains heat well.

Glass is heavy as compared to plastic so it is not convenient for traveling. However, even if you get a coffee machine made of stainless steel or plastic, the carafe might still be made of glass. This is not a problem though. Carafes are usually made of more sturdy glass. Also, if the carafe does break, you can always use another one. Just make sure the machine itself is not made of glass. The top coffee makers for a vehicle need to be sturdy which is why you should skip the glass coffee maker no matter how attractive it looks.

Stainless Steel Coffee Makers

Stainless steel is the strongest material for coffee makers. We highly recommend steel coffee machines for your RV because they are strong and easier to clean as compared to plastic ones. The only downside to steel is that it is heavy.

Stainless steel is highly durable and will resist high temperatures. In addition to that, steel is safe and hygienic material for coffee makers since it is easy to clean.

Plastic Coffee Makers

Most people will love plastic coffee makers for camping and their RVs because they are so lightweight. Plastic coffee makers weigh between 2-and 3 pounds at maximum. The bodies are safe from breaking since sturdy plastic is not delicate. You can use these coffee makers roughly, and they will still last you for ages. Plastic coffee machines may not be attractive for some but they are travel-friendly.

One drawback is that they are not easy to clean. They require more upkeep and the color might fade. Also, users of plastic coffee makers report that their coffees have a slight “plastic taste” after they are used too much. This happens to be a general problem with plastic but it is not true for all models. Nevertheless, it is our second best recommendation. Also, remember to always buy BPA-Free Plastic coffee makers because they are safe for making your drinks.

Cleaning

Everyone loves a coffee maker that requires zero maintenance. Steel and glass coffee makers are easier to clean compared to plastic. If you want an easy-to-clean coffee maker for your RV, go for one with a steel body as it is easiest to clean. Several coffee makers have detachable trays that make cleaning them a breeze.

Permanent filters can be removed from some coffee machines and washed with water.

Pro Tip – Always look for coffee makers with removable components that can be washed in dishwashers or sinks. Also, many RV owners tilt toward coffee machines that require less maintenance because they do not want to spend their camping and RV trips on cleaning a machine.

Related: How To Clean Coffee Maker Without Vinegar?

Other Options

Usually, single-serve coffee makers do not offer a lot of features. However, in some of the more expensive models, you can get a certain level of customization. For example, some coffee makers offer brew-strength control and even temperature control. The most high quality coffee makers for an RV will always have a range of smart features like automatic shut-off and brew pause—the more the options, the better the machine.

Best RV Coffee Makers

Now that you are aware of important factors to consider when buying a coffee maker for recreational vehicle, let’s head on to individual RV coffee maker reviews to help you find the best one. 

Mr. Coffee 2129512, 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker

Mr. Coffee has earned its place on our list as the best coffee maker for an RV. The 2128512 is a winner since it only weighs 3.3 pounds and is compact. This coffee maker will fit any little place you have saved for the coffee maker. Apart from that, this coffee maker is also super easy to handle. It has been engineered in a way to give you maximum ergonomic comfort. You will be able to handle and pour from it quickly without spilling it, even if the RV is on a bumpy road.

This coffee maker also has ounce markings on it. Now, we do not take along our weighing scales on our camping journeys or keep on in the RV anyways, so having ounce markings is quite useful since you can accurately measure the doses.

A window on it lets you see the water level inside the coffee machine so that overflows are not caused. This is an excellent feature for an RV coffee maker because having too much water in the carafe or reservoir when the vehicle is moving can cause spills and there is nothing worse than a wet RV counter.

A lift and clean filter basket let you clean up the coffee maker easily. The Mr. Coffee 2129512 allows you to brew up to 25 ounces of coffee. This amounts to 2-3 cups. Another thing to point out is that this coffee maker is made of BPA-Free Plastic. Why is this important? Well, a jerk or jolt could sometimes throw your coffee maker to the ground. High quality plastic does not break easily, so the coffee maker will be safe from harm.

We also want to point out the Grab-a-Cup feature that lets you pour yourself a cup of coffee before the machine has finished brewing. This is an excellent feature if you are traveling in your RV and are in a hurry to get a cup of joe mid-brew.

This camping coffee maker will ensure you always have the perfect cup of coffee on your trip. Users of this machine have said that this machine never spills a drink thanks to its fantastic cylindrical shape and well-made spout. Lastly, this machine is a breeze to use. You only need to press one button, and the brewing begins. No need for extra time spent on programming and adjusting different settings.

Buy it from Amazon – Mr. Coffee 2129512, 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker

Features

• Weight – 3.3 pounds
• Product Dimensions – 7.3 x 9.9 x 10.7 inches
• Material – Plastic
• Grab-a-cup feature
• Power indicator
• Easy to view water window
• Ergonomic carafe

Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker

When looking for the best RV coffee maker, we always recommend steel or plastic models. Luckily, the Cuisinart DCC-450BK is the perfect fit! Even the carafe is made of stainless steel to make sure it resists any jerks and falls. The coffee maker itself is highly stable, but carafes usually fall when in an RV. However, the stainless steel carafe on this one won’t succumb to those effects.

This coffee maker is compact and lightweight. You will not need to make any additional room for it as it can be accommodated in tiny spaces. The DCC-450Bk offers premium design features such as the power indicator light and auto shut-off feature.

With the automatic shut-off feature, the machine automatically turns off after half an hour. Therefore, you can save energy and also keep your RV safe. Keep in mind that if your appliance is on for too long, it can be harmful for the machine in the long run. You can even get it for your homes as it is one of the best 4-cup coffee makers.

There is a dripless pour spout so that you can conveniently pour without spilling coffee in your RV. A brew-pause feature allows you to pour coffee before the brew is complete; a perfect feature if you are traveling in a hurry and can not wait for the entire cycle.

A knuckle guard ensures you do not get burnt, as a stainless steel carafe can burn your hand if touched directly. This is an outstanding feature for RVs because you might not have a holding cloth available. This coffee machine can be used both in tiny houses as well as cars.

While some users have reported that there need to be some changes in the design, most users have said that the Cuisinart DCC-450BK is super durable and makes the most excellent coffee. We highly recommend this as one of the best camping coffee makers. 

Buy it from Amazon – Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker

Features

• Weight – 3.25 pounds
• Product Dimensions – 10 x 8 x 5.25 inches
• Material – Stainless steel
• 4-cup carafe
• Automatic shut off
• Brew pause feature
• Dripless pour spout

Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

Who says a small, single-serve coffee maker can’t offer you fantastic features? The Keurig K-elite is a living example of a small machine that provides the most customization. 

Like most Keurig’s coffee makers, the K-Elite is simple to operate. All you need to do is fill the water reservoir, insert your favorite K-Cups and click the brew button. You will get a steamy cup of coffee in no time!

We recommend trying the integrated hot water faucet if you enjoy chai tea or hot chocolate. You can use the warm water from the dispenser/faucet and add cocoa powder or a tea bag to get delicious drinks while chilling in your RV.

Now, why would that matter? When you are in an RV traveling, you will come across all sorts of people. They might not necessarily like coffee so you can offer them a different hot beverage!  This feature makes it one of the best coffee makers for an RV.

Thanks to the sleek brushed metal appearance, the K-Elite looks like the real deal luxury coffee maker. Anyone coming inside your RV will surely be stunned by its appearance. In fact, a lot of users praise this coffee maker for its appearance alone. One user even said they would buy two machines: one for the RV and one for their kitchen. For this reason, Keurig K-Elite is the best travel Keurig coffee maker.

The K-Elite single-serve coffee maker is compatible with almost all varieties of K-Cups, ensuring that you will never get bored of the same coffee every morning. This machine is unique as it also offers a brew over-ice option!

It also comes in five distinct cup sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces. We emphasize the 12-ounce cup size because it is a travel mug size perfect for RVs. Even though the Keurig K-elite is only a single-serve coffee maker, it has a remarkable 75-ounce water tank. This is one of the largest water tanks you can find in a single-serve. It will be quite beneficial for a recreational vehicle because you will not have to refill again.

This model includes a convenient “Maintenance Reminder” that alerts you when it’s necessary to service it. The K-Elite coffee maker also has a removable drip tray that facilitates cleaning and makes it simpler to fit larger mugs.

If all this isn’t enough to convince you that the K-elite is one of the best coffee makers for an RV, then let us tell you that it also offers the most flexibility and customizability when it comes to brewing. While most single-serve machines do not provide any customizability, the K-elite allows you to customize the temperature of your coffee. This excellent coffee maker even allows you to adjust the temperature between 187 and 192 degrees Fahrenheit and even includes height settings if you need to brew coffee at a greater elevation.

While the temperature of the water is a crucial aspect in coffee extraction, it’s a feature that’s rarely found in single-serve coffee brewers. Hence, if you are particular about the way you like your coffee, we recommend the K-Elite. In a nutshell, this is one of the best camping coffee makers you can get for this price range.  

One must keep in mind that this is a pricier option than other coffee makers in our list.

Buy it from Amazon – Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

Features

• Weight – 6.6 pounds
• Product Dimensions – 13.1 x 9.9 x 12.7 inches
• Adjustable brew temperature
• Maintenance reminder
• 4, 6, 8,10, and 12-ounce sizes
• 75-ounce water tank

Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker

The Coleman propane coffee maker is one of the top recommendations of coffee makers for an RV because it has been specially designed for traveling. This is one of the lightest coffee makers you can find, so it is super easy to take along wherever you go.

You will need a 16.4-ounce propane cylinder to work it. This could be a major plus point if you do not have electricity access or if your RV can not power an electric coffee maker. Using this propane coffee maker is super easy as well. Just press the InstaStart button to start brewing. Remember to be careful with the flame.

Another important reason why we recommend it is because it is a low-priced camping coffee maker. The only visible drawback would be that the carafe is made up of glass so it might be susceptible to breaking. Even though the coffee pot is made up of glass, the machine itself is a combination of plastic and steel. Therefore, even if the coffee pot breaks, the machine will be safe. Remember that this machine was intended for camp use, so it is pretty durable to the atrocities of nature.

On one filling of propane, this coffee maker can run for 4.4 hours. Therefore, you can use the machine for two to three days making coffee twice a day. If you are a single person, then one 16.4 oz propane cylinder could last up to 5 days making it one of the best single serve coffee makers as well. 

Many users were satisfied with the convenience the machine provided on camping trips. Even if you do not have an RV and are traveling in a different car, you can use it. That is the beauty of a propane cylinder. You can even use it in the middle of nowhere!

Buy it from Amazon – Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker

Features

• Weight – 1.09 pounds
• Product Dimensions – 17.4 x 13.8 x 9.5 inches
• Propane operated
• One button operation
• Comes with a carrying case

Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker 49981A

Hamilton Beach coffee makers never cease to amaze us when it comes to single-serve coffee makers. The 49981A is yet another model that is made of stainless steel with a super durable body giving it an elegant design as well as resistance to rough usage. Let’s proceed with the detailed analysis.

First of all, we can say that this is a versatile coffee maker. You can choose between a standard or premium brew. You can use the strong option for a fuller coffee if you like premium coffee. As a result, everyone gets to have their coffee with their own requirements.

With this fantastic coffee machine, making coffee is a breeze. In less than two minutes, you can make a delicious small 8-ounce serving. It is just the right speed for your RV adventures, and we believe a brewing time of 1.5 minutes is ample even if you are in a hurry. The Hamilton Beach 49981 will automatically shutdown after the brew cycle is over.

The whole equipment is simple and convenient to maintain. You’ll need to run a few water cycles through the machine when you first assemble and install it. It only takes a few minutes. However, once a month, it merely requires a thorough cleaning.

With the adjustable drip tray, you may choose which size you want to use. Not only do you have room for a thermos bottle or traveling cup, but you can also place the drip tray so that your mug is nearer to the spout to avoid spillage. We love that spilling is prevented because a moving recreational vehicle increases the chances of spilling.

If you are looking for the best instant solo coffee maker, Hamilton Beach has got you covered. The coffee maker effortless to use as no programming is required. Simply pour in your coffee and select whether you want a regular or stronger cup. This machine makes use of a mesh scoop filter as well. The mesh filter scoop is dishwasher safe, so you can wash it after every use without worrying about damage. You can easily make a cup of coffee without using a paper filter.

Of course, this coffee maker is compact and lightweight as well. These are also two critical features of a top-notch coffee maker. At only 5.5 pounds, this is the perfect weight for a stainless steel coffee maker. Users of this coffee maker 49981A have reported that the stainless steel body is quite easy to clean with a simple cloth wipe.

This machine uses ground coffee only. This might be a drawback to some of you, but if you ask us, it is a benefit! No pods and filters mean less wastage and hence more sustainability for the environment. Some users reported that the coffee is too watery sometimes, but this is not the same case with everyone. As long as you have the perfect ratio of water to coffee, watery coffee will never be an issue. The movable drip tray was a favorite feature amongst most users because all sorts of cups could be adjusted on it.

According to our expert evaluation, the wide variety of features are the main selling points of this machine. Therefore, it is one of the Best Coffee Makers for an RV.

Buy it from Amazon – Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker 49981A

Features

• Weight – 5.05 pounds
• Product Dimensions – 8.35 x 6.7 x 8.67 inches
• Stainless steel body
• Coffee strength Options
• Dishwasher safe Filter scoop
• Adjustable drip Tray

Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker

Another amazing choice of a compact coffee maker for your RV is the Keurig K-Express. Like all Keurig coffee models, the K-express is no less than a stunner. Let us first talk about the fact that it costs less than a hundred dollars. It comes with a 42 oz. reservoir and multiple cup size options.

This removable reservoir is enough to brew 4 cups (8 oz.) before it needs a refill. If you are a single person, then you will only need to refill the machine once every two days. Also, since the reservoir is removable, you can conveniently pull it out and fill it in the sink to install it again.

A major plus point of this Keurig coffee maker is the fast brewing time. In just 2-3 minutes, you can get a piping hot cup of coffee. Vehicle owners will love it if they tend to be on quick journeys. If you prefer using travel mugs instead of cups, then you are in luck because the K-express can accommodate mugs up to 7.4 inches in height. All these features make it one of the best single serve coffee makers. You can easily carry it around making it ideal for travel. 

There will be no need to stick to a single cup size and make multiple brews to fill a travel mug. With the K-express, there are multiple brewing options. You will be able to brew 8 oz, 10 oz, and even 12 oz size cups. The 12 oz serving size is just enough to fill a travel mug. There is also a removable drip tray for easy cleaning.

The K-Express is straightforward, with only five keys and two moving components. Thanks to these few controls, learning to use the machine takes only a few minutes. Since the machine is small in size, cleaning and descaling do not take too long either. Considering its compact size, the Keurig K-Express doesn’t skimp on flavor, and you’ll have exposure to a variety of K-Cup options.

The K-Express offers more than one brew option when it comes to brewing. You can choose the ‘strong’ brew option for a stronger, more powerful cup of coffee and use the mild option for a regular cup of joe.  The only noticeable drawback is that you cannot attach a water filter without buying a separate attachment.

From the user reviews of Keurig K-Express, it has been found out that this coffee maker brews faster than its predecessors like the K-mini. The entire process takes only 1.5 minutes. Users even reported that the coffee from this machine tastes a lot like something you could get at a café.

Buy it from Amazon – Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker

Features

• Weight – 4.1 pounds
• Product Dimensions – 12.8 x 5.1 x 12.6 inches
• 3 Cup Sizes (8, 10, 12. oz)
• 42 oz. Water Reservoir
• Travel Mug Friendly
• Drip Coffee Machine

Instant Pot Solo 2-in-1 Coffee Maker

Last but surely not least, the Instant solo coffee maker is also a perfect fit for any RV. It features a much faster brewing time to give you a dose of java as fast as possible. For RV owners always in a rush, this is the coffee maker for you.

The design is attractive, sleek, and modern to add a contemporary touch. It occupies low space and you will hardly have to move anything to make room for it. The unique selling point of this coffee maker is that it is programmable to some extent. This means that you can adjust the brew strength of every sip and make a bolder coffee if you prefer.

The Pre-infuse cycle ensures that each cup is packed with flavor. It accomplishes this by soaking the K-cup before starting the brewing cycle. Picky coffee lovers are bound to love this feature. You get three brew size options: 8 oz, 10 oz, and 12 oz. The 12 oz option is perfect for travel mugs.

There is a 40 oz. — removable reservoir for easy filling and cleaning. If you are a single person, then you will only need to refill it once every two days. Many user reviews of the Instant Pot Solo Coffee Maker have appreciated the flavorful coffee from this machine. It is engineered in a way to extract maximum flavor and aroma. Lastly, the Instant Solo coffee maker has an easy-to-understand user interface. It has a flat-screen and sensor buttons as well.

We highly recommend this machine because it is super affordable, gives tasty coffee, and is programmable. Users of this coffee machine were shocked to see all these features at such a low price. Based on our research, we f0und that the Instant Pot Solo Coffee Maker is one of the best single serve coffee makers that can also be used for travelling purposes.

Buy it from Amazon – Instant Pot Solo 2-in-1 Single Serve Coffee Maker

Features

• Weight – 2.5 pounds
• Product Dimensions – 13 x 65 x 14.3 inches
• Programmable brew-strength with 3 options
• 40-oz removable reservoir
• Pre infuse cycle

Expert Recommendation

Even though all of the coffee makers on our list are ideal for an RV, we would like to recommend a few in particular that are perfect for different scenarios.

• Overall Top Pick — Mr. Coffee 2129512 Coffee Machine
• Most Durable — Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffee Maker
• Best Budget Picks — Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker and Instant Solo 2-in-1 Coffee Maker
• Works Without Electricity — Coleman Propane Coffee Maker
• Keurig Coffee Makers for an RV — Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker and Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker

Our overall top pick in the list of RV coffee makers is the Mr. Coffee 2129512 Coffee Machine since it is durable, compact, lightweight, and offers all the essential features you could ever need for your RV journey. The Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker is also one of our top picks because of the 3-year warranty and stainless steel material of construction.  

However, if your concern is with luxury and functions, then we highly recommend the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker as it offers the most functions and is portable and lightweight at the same time. Likewise, the Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker is also one of the most user friendly and premium coffee makers for your recreational vehicle. However, these two options are a bit pricier. 

You can refer to the following table for a better comparision among all options.

Conclusion

Now that you have had a comprehensive look at the best coffee makers for an RV, we hope you will be able to make a more informed decision and buy just the right one. Remember that portability and weight are of prime importance, but you should also not sacrifice quality. Happy camping!