If you’re shopping for the best coffee maker for an RV, you’re looking for a machine with a compact design that won’t take up much space in your camper. This is because you probably have limited counter space and need to maximize workable areas. Thankfully, RV coffee makers vary widely from a simple drip machine or pour-over coffee maker to a fancy pod coffee maker, so you can easily find the right option for your needs.
You’ll want to consider whether you want a programmable coffee maker and how much coffee can be brewed in one session. Additionally, think about whether you want a permanent filter or a model that works with disposable filters. And, of course, the limited space in an RV means you’ll want a model with a compact size.
Keep reading our best coffee makers for RVs guide for more information. And if you’re not sure where to start, check out our comprehensive buying guide on the best coffee makers.
Top Coffee Makers for RV
#1 Mueller Ultra Brew DC-760 10-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This coffee machine has an innovative multi-walled carafe that keeps coffee at serving temperature, helping to save energy. This model has a 24-hour delay brewing timer for convenience.
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- Durable all-metal design
- Thermal carafe keeps coffee warm
- Permanent filter
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- Carafe is difficult to empty
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RV dwellers will appreciate the all-metal design of the Mueller Ultra Brew DC-760 coffee machine. The coffee maker has a stainless steel jar that prepares great coffee without the shattering risks associated with glass carafes. This 10-cup carafe is large enough to accommodate coffee for entire families in one go and it has a thermal design that keeps the coffee warm. However, the carafe has a quirky design that makes it difficult to empty.
This coffee maker has a delay brewing function that lets users program brewing up to 24 hours in advance. An automatic shut off function on this device helps save energy. It has an LCD display for monitoring settings and has conveniently located button controls for simple operation. We like the reservoir window with markings that enables users to monitor the water level without opening the coffee machine. Featuring a stainless steel finish, this machine adds a touch of elegance to any space.
#2 Mr. Coffee SK13-RB 12-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A pause brew feature on this machine enables users to sample the coffee without completely bringing the brewing cycle to a halt. This model has transparent, graduated carafe and reservoir windows for simple monitoring.
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- Innovative pause brew function
- Transparent carafe and reservoir glass windows
- Sleek design
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- Lacks delay brewing function
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The Mr. Coffee SK13-RB 12-cup coffee maker has a pleasant appearance with a sleek finish that stands out. This coffee maker has an intuitive on/off switch that features an LED for easy monitoring. It has a small footprint that will easily fit on small RV kitchen counters. It has a large 12 cup glass carafe with markings for 4,6, 8, 10, and 12 cups. A warming plate keeps coffee hot for up to 2 hours. However, this model lacks a delay start timer.
Featuring graduate, transparent water windows on the carafe and water reservoir, this coffee machine makes it easy to monitor the brewing process. It has a 26-inch power cord for flexible placement. This model runs on a 900W heating element that provides enough power to boil water fast. It has a Grab-a-cup auto pause function that allows users to pour out a cup without completely stopping the brewing cycle. This model has a lift-out filter basket that supports simple cleanup.
#3 Keurig K-Mini 1-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: BEST FOR PODS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This coffee maker has a compact footprint, fitting easily on RV kitchens with small counter space. It has a sleek appearance and intuitive controls for simple operation and management.
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- Power saving features
- Compact design
- Works with 6 to 12-oz single-serve cups
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- Small one-cup reservoir
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RV owners with small kitchen spaces will be pleased with the size of this Keurig K-Mini 1-cup coffee maker. With a width of about 5 inches, this coffee maker has a very small footprint. It offers flexibility over the cup size, brewing cups ranging from 6 to 12 oz. This coffee machine has integrated cord storage, helping users to eliminate clutter on the RV counter. However, the one-cup reservoir on this model necessitates adding water after every cup.
An auto-off feature shuts of the coffee machine after 90 seconds of inactivity, helping RV dwellers save power. The coffee maker is available in a number of attractive color options that provide visual appeal. This machine is compatible with all Keurig K-Cup coffee pods, eliminating the need for washing filters after brewing with ground coffee. It’s also compatible with the My K-Cup universal reusable coffee filter for brewing ground coffee. A one-cup reservoir accommodates water for brewing.
#4 Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: BEST BREW PAUSE FUNCTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This coffee machine has a stylish design with a sleek finish that will raise the aesthetics in any RV or home. The machine has a small footprint to save space and a 30-minute automatic shut-off function to save energy.
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- Sleek design
- Brew pause function
- Durable metal carafe
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- Lid and carafe are not dishwasher ready
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The Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup coffee maker features high quality construction with premium parts that last. This coffee maker has a four-cup stainless steel thermal carafe that will withstand the rigors of mobile RV life. Featuring an auto-off function, the coffee maker automatically shuts off after 30 minutes of inactivity, helping RV owners save the battery or gas. However, the carafe and lid of this machine are not suitable for dishwasher cleaning.
A knuckle guard on the carafe enhances safety. This coffee maker has an On indicator light to alert users when the machine is on. With a small footprint, this coffee maker takes up little space and is suitable for compact kitchens. It has a simplistic design with limited controls for hassle-free operation. A high-quality drip-free spout on this unit helps prevent spills when serving, while an ergonomic handle offers a good grip.
#5 Mixpresso 8-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: BEST APPEARANCE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This coffee machine has an attractive design with a sleek finish that will add visual interest to any space. It brews a full batch in about 3 minutes, helping users save time and energy.
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- Stylish design
- Comes with a dishwasher safe filter and basket
- Large family-friendly jar
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- The carafe doesn’t have markings.
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This Mixpresso 8-cup coffee maker has a stylish design that will make a lasting impression. The coffee maker boasts a digital control panel with illuminated controls for hassle-free operation. It has a transparent glass carafe to enable monitoring brewing. This coffee maker is programmable for convenience An included reusable filter and filter basket supports brewing ground coffee. These parts are dishwasher-safe for simple cleaning. However, the jar doesn’t have markings.
Featuring an optional auto shut off feature, this coffee maker turns itself off automatically after a period of inactivity to help save the RV battery or gas. It brews a maximum of 8 cups in one go and it boasts a warming plate to keep the brewed coffee at serving temperature. This machine has a sleek finish that cleans easily with a wet cloth. It brews a full pot of coffee in under 3 minutes, helping users to save power.
#6 Gevi 5725 10-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: BEST FOR COFFEE BEANS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This coffee machine comes with an integrated grinding system, converting coffee beans into aromatic coffee in minutes. It has a large system ideal for families and boasts a delay start function.
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- Top-grade coffee grinding system
- Delay start function
- Warming plate
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- Noisy grinder
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Thanks to a built-in Burr coffee grinder, the Gevi 5725 10-cup coffee maker is the model of choice for people with coffee beans. It has a large jar that accommodates up to 10 cups in one brewing batch, and it also supports brewing in batches of 2, 4, 6, and 8 cups. With three different brewing settings, this model allows users to control the flavor of the coffee. However, this device makes a lot of noise especially when the grinder is turned on.
This coffee machine has 8 coffee powder grade controls, allowing users to customize the texture. This model is equipped with an automatic start function to enable users to program coffee brewing. An audio prompt alerts users when brewing is finished, while a warming plate keeps the coffee at serving temperature after brewing for up to 120 minutes. We like this device’s stainless steel finish that complements other kitchen appliances. This device uses a drip system to provide excellent extraction for a great coffee taste.
Beginner’s Guide to Coffee Makers for RVs
What is a Coffee Maker for RVs
Coffee makers for RVs are simply coffee makers that you can take with you while exploring the world in an RV. They are usually more compact to accommodate a smaller living space. But RV coffee makers can vary widely depending on your coffee preferences and which features you feel are most important.
For example, if you’re a fan of pod brewers, you may feel that a Keurig machine, like the Keurig K-Mini Plus, is more than sufficient for your needs. Meanwhile, someone else might be a serious espresso fan, so they should opt for a compact espresso maker. And, depending on how large your RV is and the amount of space dedicated to the kitchen or dining area, you might be willing to select a larger multi-cup brewer.
Coffee Makers for RVs vs Other Coffee Makers
In most cases, the primary difference between an RV coffee maker and other brewers is the size. Traditionally, even the largest RV has limited countertop space and storage. As such, you need to be thrifty with what items you bring with you and where you store them. While you can opt for a larger coffee maker, something smaller will occupy less space.
Aside from size, the other main concern with RV coffee makers is their electrical specifications. Usually, if you’re shopping for a coffee maker for your RV, you’re still picking from standard models. You’ll need to keep in mind that your RV will not only be powering your coffee maker but also other essential electrical appliances, such as a water heater, your air conditioning, or more depending on how fancy your camper is. While a typical brewer wouldn’t put intense power demands on a house or apartment’s electrical system, the same can’t always be said of an RV.
After adjusting for size and electric demands, RV coffee makers are no different than standard coffee makers you’d use in your home or office. This can include drip brewers, pod brewers, percolators, Moka pots, French presses, pour-over coffee makers, and even the best coffee maker with a grinder. And as we mentioned earlier, for espresso fans who can’t do without — even on the road — it is possible to find more compact espresso makers.
How Coffee Makers for RVs Work
RV coffee makers are virtually indistinguishable from a coffee maker you’d use in your home or office and operate similarly. Drip brewers rely on heated water passing through coffee grounds to create coffee. French press coffee must be steeped, and manual pour-over coffee still needs to be processed by hand.
The biggest focus is going to be whether you leave your coffee maker on a counter or shelf, or if you store it in a closet or cabinet after each use. Similarly, depending on the wattage requirements for the brewer, you might need to pause some electric-based activities to prevent overloading your RV’s electrical system. For example, you might need to pause the air conditioning while brewing your coffee.
Why You Should Buy a Coffee Maker for an RV
Hitting the road doesn’t mean that you have to forego your daily hot coffee ritual. A good RV coffee maker can help you embrace each day or create a cozy routine while exploring nature. If you’re a coffee lover with an itch for the open road, buying an RV coffee maker is a worthwhile investment.
Is a Coffee Maker for RVs Worth Buying?
- You’re an Avid Coffee Drinker: If you’re a serious coffee drinker, having to stop one or more times a day to find a coffee shop — and dealing with the cost — can become a pain. Bringing a coffee maker and your favorite coffee with you can help you save time and money.
- You’re Traveling Somewhere Remote: If you’re simply RVing on a short road trip, you can easily make a pit stop at your favorite coffee shop. But if your travels are sending you into remote locales — like far-flung national parks — finding a place to get good coffee might be a tall order. Bringing a brewer with you is a smarter option.
- You Love Your Creature Comforts: Whether you live in an RV or prefer it for travel, you shouldn’t have to forego the little things that spark joy in your life. RV coffee makers don’t have to be large but can add some normalcy to your life.
Why Coffee Makers for RVs May Not Be for You
- You Don’t Own an RV: To be clear, RV coffee makers are not a unique product category, and it’s just as likely that people with small kitchens would buy a compact coffee maker that might also work in an RV. But, if you don’t own an RV, the chances that you’re searching for an RV-friendly coffee maker are relatively low.
- You Don’t Drink Coffee or Tea: If you don’t consume hot drinks, you might feel like a coffee maker — even a compact one — is an unnecessary purchase.
- You Like Your Coffee Shop Trips: Some people genuinely love the experience of going to a cafe or coffee shop to get coffee. They like becoming regular and the feeling that comes with knowing that their favorite barista knows their order as soon as they walk in the door. If this is you, you might not want to buy an RV coffee maker.
How Long Will Coffee Makers for RVs Last?
RV coffee makers aren’t a real product category. It usually simply refers to a smaller coffee maker. So, similar to coffee makers you’ll use in your home or office, you can expect to get roughly five to 10 years of use out of it before you need to replace it.
This lifespan range will vary based on the quality of the materials, how frequently you brew coffee, whether you perform routine maintenance, and, of course, user behavior. Cheaply built coffee makers may not even reach five years before you need to replace them. Meanwhile, people who brew several cups or pots of coffee per day may find that they don’t reach the average lifespan even with a high-quality brewer.
People who fail to descale their coffee makers regularly may realize that they must replace them every year — especially if they live in or frequently travel to regions with hard water. And, anyone who’s unnecessarily rough when handling their coffee maker should expect that it won’t achieve the average lifespan.
How to Choose a Coffee Maker for an RV
The two biggest factors you need to consider are the size and the wattage. But aside from those concerns, picking a coffee maker for this unique locale is no different than if you were replacing a coffee maker in a traditional home or office.
Best Coffee Makers for RVs Key Factors to Consider
1. How large is the coffee maker?
In an RV, space is at a premium. Unless you have an oversized RV, you’re most likely working with a compact kitchen and limited storage space. So, you’ll want to find a coffee maker that doesn’t occupy too much counter space when in use and that can easily fit into a cupboard or closet if you don’t want to leave it out permanently.
2. What is the wattage of the coffee maker?
RVs are fantastic at giving you a comfortable modern experience — even when you’re on the road. But they do have limitations with how much power-based functions they can support simultaneously. You’ll want to think about your RV’s power system and find a coffee maker that ideally is below that amperage. If you pick a coffee maker that requires the same power output as your RV can support, you’ll need to be economical when using it by turning off any other non-essential appliances or systems.
3. What kind of coffee maker do you want?
RV coffee makers can be any brewer that’s small enough to fit in your kitchen or on a dining table. So, this means you can opt for electrical, stovetop, pour-over, French press, or even an espresso maker if you prefer. Keep in mind that if you pick pour-over or French press brewers, you’ll also need to bring a kettle as these two can only work with preheated water.
4. How much coffee can be made in one brew cycle?
Think about how frequently you drink coffee or if you’re brewing for multiple people. Someone who only needs a cup a day might find that a compact single-cup brewer is perfect. Meanwhile, if you’re traveling with others and all of you are avid coffee drinkers, you’ll want to pick a compact model that can also support multi-cup brewing.
5. How durable is the coffee maker?
Considering that you’re buying a coffee maker for your RV, there’s a good chance that you might find yourself making coffee while you’re driving. That means you’ll want a durable coffee maker that can handle a bump or two without falling apart.
6. Is it a programmable coffee maker?
Brewing coffee is usually a straightforward process. But if you’re the type who likes to wake up to the smell of coffee brewing, you might prefer a coffee maker that supports programmability. This allows you to automate the coffee-making process and take a task off your morning routine.
In some cases, this can go a step further with full remote automation. For example, some coffee makers now come with a companion app that allows you to control the appliance from your smartphone.
7. Is there an auto shut-off feature?
Considering that you want to be conscientious with power consumption, auto shut-off is a good feature for an RV coffee maker. This means that after brewing is complete, the coffee maker automatically powers down.
8. Do you want a glass or steel carafe?
This is a question that’s going to depend on preference. But, if you’re focused on minimizing power consumption, an insulated steel thermal carafe is more energy efficient. After brewing, it’ll keep your coffee hot for hours. Alternatively, if you want to see how much coffee is left, a glass carafe might be preferable. Just remember that if there’s a warming plate, this means you’re still drawing power from your RV and that if left too long, you may be drinking burnt coffee.
