If you are constantly on the move or are planning a long trip, there is no reason not to enjoy a good cup of coffee as you go. The best 12-volt coffee maker is designed to get power from your car, RV, boat, or truck's cigarette lighter.
Now, while they are smaller than traditional kitchen coffee makers, these 12v coffee makers get the job done in no time but will make coffee in lesser quantities. When you understand how much coffee you need to make per session and that your cigarette lighter will handle the output, it is time to look for your best portable coffee maker.
We have compiled this list with five of the best 12-volt coffee makers you can find today, so read on to understand what makes them unique. Towards the end of this article, we will also share some vital factors you will need to consider when buying and answer a few questions about these coffee makers.
1. Makita 12-Volt Cordless Coffee Maker
- Brews one 5 ounce cup of coffee in 5 minutes when powered by a...
- Brews upto (3) 5 ounce Cups of Coffee on a single 5.0Ah LXT...
- No paper filters needed; Permanent drip filter allows grounds to...
- Uses single-serve packs or ground coffee
- Compact design at only 8-9/16" tall with a 3-1/2" cup clearance
This cordless coffee maker is your best option for use at home or on the move. It uses a 12V battery that is not included in the purchase. However, as a Makita battery, you will easily find it at a store near you or from other Makita tools.
It is a compact coffee maker you can take with you anywhere; it weighs less than five pounds. It comes with a permanent drip filter and can make a five-ounce cup of coffee in less than five minutes. It uses single-serve packs or ground coffee.
It is an affordable coffee maker with a durable body with a carry handle for easy portability. It is also compatible with 18-volt batteries and has a boil-dry protection feature that automatically shuts it when the water is too hot.
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2. RoadPro 12-Volt Smart Car Pot
- Plugs directly into cigarette lighter socket
- 100 Watts/8 AMP current draw
- 8 AMP 12-Volt, 4.5' power cord
- Automatic shut-off
- Holds up to 20 oz.
If you travel in your truck, RV, boat, or car, this is a smart pot you can use to make coffee fast. It is a 12v coffee maker you can plug directly into your cigarette lighter socket.
In addition to coffee, it is also an ideal pot for making tea or heating soup. It comes with a 4.5-inch power cord, so you can easily place it anywhere in the car. Additionally, it has an automatic shut-off feature when all the hot water evaporates.
It is a great travel companion that holds 20 ounces of water or coffee but will heat at a slow pace, only drawing 100 watts. The coffee container is detachable, thus easy to clean, and features an ergonomic handle for easy portability.
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3. 12-Volt CONQUECO Single Serve Portable Espresso Maker
- Electric brewing espresso：Electric Portable Espresso...
- Travel espresso machine：Self heating and automatically pumps...
- About charging & heating：Portable Espresso Maker has quipped...
- Easy to use and clean：Portable Espresso Maker is fully...
- bout capsule compatibility ：Genuine Original Line Nespresso...
This espresso maker is best for you whenever you are on the move. It comes in a stylish, streamlined design and fits easily in your car's cup holder.
It is the best 12-volt coffee maker that you can use with cold or hot water. If you want to make your cup of coffee with cold water, you'd need to press the power button for two seconds to start heating. Your hot coffee will be ready in eight to twelve minutes.
You will be able to charge it with your car, and you will also find it say to clean by pressing the power button for five seconds, only without a capsule inside. However, you will need to handwash the coffee cup separately.
The espresso maker also comes with a 15-bar high-pressure pump that allows you to make the best coffee. It is also ideal for other outdoor activities such as hiking or camping since it will easily fit in your backpack. This model only works with Nespresso capsules only.
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4. Imons Automatic Mini Car Use Drip Coffee Machine
- ☕ Can Heat Water: when car's engine is ON, heat water with...
- ☕ Fill either cool or hot water to make coffee or tea in your...
- ☕ For outdoor use by car-cable; for indoor use by optional 12V...
- ☕ Food grade SUS304 water tank and drinking cup
- ☕ One button control for easy use
This best 12-volt coffee maker is easy to use in your car. You can power it from the cigarette lighter socket, and it will also sit comfortably on your cup holder.
You can make coffee with cold or hot water, and it will be fully brewed in 12-15 minutes. The coffee cup will hold 140mls, and it is made with food-grade stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning.
This 12v coffee maker comes at an affordable price, and it looks stylish. It features an easy-to-use power button you will need to prepare coffee or clean the machine. In addition, the machine comes with a reusable filter that you can also use to make tea. If you make coffee, it is best to use original K capsules as others will damage the inner stainless steel cup.
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5. JUSTUZE Portable 12V Coffee Maker
- ☕ SMART ESPRESSO MAKER - It is easy to make a cup of 40-45 ml...
- ☕ PORTABLE EXPRESS ESPRESSO MAKER – You just need to wash the...
- ☕ ESPRESSO MACHINE CAMPING - With its small size, shape, and...
- ☕ MULTI-FUNCTIONS - This travel gadget can boil water over 90...
- ☕ SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - While we are sure that you will...
The Justuze portable espresso maker is another 12-volt coffee machine you can get to use on the move. The machine comes in a classy black color with an easy-to-use button you will use to make coffee.
The coffee cup can hold up to 45mls of coffee, thus only ideal for one person. However, it is also portable, so you can store it on the cup holder or fit it in a side pocket of your hiking bag for extra outdoor activities. It is also one of the best 12-volt coffee makers to bring to the office.
This coffee maker comes with a rechargeable battery, and while it is fully charged, it can easily prepare up to 200 cups of coffee. You will need to use a 12V 7A car cable to recharge it or a 12V 2A charging cable at home.
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What Are the Important Things to Check When Buying the Best 12 Volt Coffee Maker?
While we share the best 12-volt coffee makers with you, there are some personal preferences you need to check off your list before your purchase any. So let us review them below.
a) Max Amperage
Even as you get your 12-volt coffee makers, it is best to understand that not all come with the same power requirements.
If you want to use the coffee machine at home, in the office, it in your car, make sure that the 12 volts DC outlet you will use can handle the machine.
Using the correct 12v DC outlet will enable you to make coffee faster without damaging your power outlet.
b) Portability
When you need the best 12V coffee makers, one of the things to think about is how you can easily take them with you from one place to another. A portable coffee maker may come in a sleek design that fits in your car's cup holders or the side pockets of your travel bag.
If you want one to bring along on your drives, you may also go a step further and get one with a magnetic base to mitigate the risk of spills as you drive on uneven terrain.
Alternatively, you can get a bigger coffee maker that is battery-powered and also one that can make several cups of coffee. If you get this model, you could also get a sturdy rack to keep your coffee maker fixed as the car moves.
c) Capacity
The amount of coffee you can prepare at a time is also an important consideration before buying. It ultimately depends on how much coffee you want to consume or how many people you wish to make coffee for.
You can find a coffee maker that will make one cup for you, another that can make several more milliliters for two or more people.
d) Brewing time and coffee quality
Firstly, you can buy two types of these portable coffee machines. You can choose between Nespresso coffee makers or ground coffee machines.
Additionally, the time your device uses to brew coffee can also influence your choice. For example, if you need a fast coffee maker, you can opt for one whose interior temperature rises at a fast pace.
e) Build Quality
Your 12V coffee maker needs to be constructed with the strongest materials to guarantee longevity. Most espresso makers come with insulated bodies and stainless steel cups. In contrast, bigger coffee makers are made with heavy plastic and come with stainless steel or glass containers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best 12-Volt Coffee Maker
a) How does a portable coffee maker work?
It works similarly to your countertop coffee maker by brewing coffee grounds or Nespresso coffee packs. The only difference is that it can come with rechargeable batteries so that you can make coffee on the go. Alternatively, you can plug it into a 12V DC outlet like your car to make a hot cup of coffee.
b) Where should I plug my coffee makers?
Before buying the device, understand how much your DC outlet is capable of putting out. Then, look for a coffee maker that will work with that kind of power.
Most outlets, including the car or home outlets, will indicate the maximum amperage they can handle. For instance, a 12V DC outlet may indicate a max amperage of 10Amps to 20 Amps, where the latter would be compatible with most portable coffee makers.
c) Can I use different coffee pods or capsules with my coffee maker?
It is best practice to follow your manufacturer's guide on which pods or capsules to use with your machine. If you can't get the exact models, you may research how to create the best seal inside the device.
d) Do the coffee makers make coffee fast?
Most espresso and other coffee makers require a minimum of five minutes to prepare the coffee. However, you can speed up the brewing process by using boiled water instead of cold.
e) Can I use the coffee maker daily?
Yes, you can use your portable coffee machine as frequently as you need. However, understand that this can drain the battery faster.
To prevent damage, you will need to wash your cups regularly. It is also good practice to unplug it as soon as you make your coffee.
f) Can I use the portable coffee machine to make tea?
Most portable coffee machines can also make tea and boil drinking water. The best one for tea will come with a reusable filter that you can clean afterward to eliminate any tea flavors for when you need to make coffee.
