How to choose a car coffee maker? The principle of operation from the cigarette lighter, varieties and popular manufacturers

When going on a trip or a long business trip, many people desire to enhance their journey with a flavorful cup of espresso. Unfortunately, it is not always feasible to find a nearby cafe and purchase the desired beverage.

Furthermore, the quality of coffee obtained from such establishments may not always provide complete satisfaction. Fortunately, with the help of cutting-edge technologies, it is now possible to indulge in a tasty and indulgent drink right in the comfort of your car, thanks to the availability of compact car coffee makers.

To ensure you choose a reliable and proven device, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the most popular models that offer excellent value for money.

The following table showcases the models that have received the highest ratings and reviews on the Yandex.Market platform.

Rating of the top 5 best car coffee makers

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What is a car coffee maker?

A car coffee maker is a compact and portable machine designed specifically for brewing coffee in cars and trucks. It has a sleek design that can resemble a thermos, made of durable plastic, or a conventional drip-style model.

The device has a diameter of just 10 cm, which perfectly fits into a car cup holder. It runs on a 12 V power source and is capable of quickly brewing a cup of strong and energizing coffee.

It’s worth noting that the car coffee maker is a relatively new product in the Russian market. While it is already quite popular among European and American motorists who are into auto-tourism, many consumers in Russia are still unfamiliar with this handy device.

Features of portable devices

Coffee makers designed for cars operate on the same principle as regular electric coffee makers. The only difference is the power source – instead of being plugged into a standard electrical outlet, car coffee makers are designed to be used with a car’s cigarette lighter.

The car cigarette lighter provides low power, so the brewing process may be slower than in a traditional kitchen coffee maker. The power output is typically limited to 200 watts, but this does not significantly impact the speed of the brewing process.

Different models of car coffee makers may vary in terms of their reservoir capacity, but even the smallest ones can hold enough water to brew 50 ml of strong, flavorful coffee.

It’s important to note that car coffee makers feature a minimalist design and are free of unnecessary details. They are compact and stable, making them perfect for use on the go.

How to choose?

When it comes to selecting a car coffee maker, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:

• The capacity of the reservoir – the device may be suitable for brewing one or eight servings of coffee. For a regular passenger car, it’s not necessary to choose a coffee maker with a large reservoir.
• Power supply – a 12 V device is suitable for drivers of regular passenger cars, whereas a 24 V product would be more suitable for truck or bus owners.
• Material composition of the body – the construction should be sturdy and made of high-quality materials.
• Availability of additional features – not all models come with an automatic shut-off function, but it’s recommended to purchase a coffee maker with added functionality for convenience.
• The coffee machine’s water container needs to have a secure lid that is airtight and has a small opening for easy filling. This design feature ensures that the beverage does not spill while the machine is in motion.

Types

There are two types of car coffee makers available: drip and espresso. Each type has its own unique characteristics, pros, and cons. By understanding these differences, you can easily select the perfect coffee maker for your vehicle.

Drip

Drip or filtration devices are very similar to standard drip coffee makers, but they are smaller in size, making them convenient for use in cars.

An essential component of a drip coffee maker is the filter, which can be made of paper, nylon, or "gold", and is filled with coffee grounds. The paper filter is necessary for making a single serving of coffee.

Once the coffee is brewed, the paper filter needs to be discarded, which can be inconvenient as it requires carrying extra filters. A nylon filter is a better option for multiple uses as it can be washed and reused.

The "gold" filter is made of titanium nitride-coated fibers, which makes it durable, does not affect the taste of the coffee, and is easy to clean. However, it is not often readily available for purchase.

Please take note: The heated water gradually flows through the coffee at a slow pace, allowing it to soak up all the flavors and aromas from the freshly ground beans. As a result, the resulting drink is exceptionally rich and bold.

Operating Principle:

This device operates based on the following principles:

1. Water is poured into the reservoir.
2. Ground coffee is placed in a separate compartment.
3. The coffee maker is connected to the car’s cigarette lighter.
4. The liquid begins to travel through the tube to the heating element, reaching a temperature of 90-95 degrees.
5. The water then passes through the coffee grounds and is dispensed, resulting in a finished cup of coffee.

Advantages:

• The device produces strong and flavorful coffee.
• The design is reliable.
• Operating the device is simple.
• The device is lightweight.
• Advantages of a car drip coffee maker:
• Optimal reservoir volume;
• Ergonomic design;
• Compactness;
• Large range of models;
• Cost.

Disadvantages:

• Disposal of coffee grounds is required;
• Need to replace filters regularly;
• Bottled water must be used.

Medium cost:

A reliable drip-type coffee maker for preparing a coffee drink in a passenger car can be purchased for 1400 rubles. Models for brewing several portions of coffee in a cargo vehicle cost much more expensive – 8000 rubles.

Popular manufacturers:

Well-known manufacturers of car drip coffee makers are:

• Koolatron – a Canadian company whose range includes chargers, numerous car accessories, fans, and tool kits;
• Waeco – a German company that produces sought-after products for motorists.

Espresso

An innovative mobile device that quickly creates a delicious beverage with a rich and creamy crema in just two minutes.

These espresso coffee makers are constructed using premium ABS plastic, a material that is free from toxic emissions, completely safe for your health, and resistant to absorbing unwanted odors.

This versatile machine allows you to prepare your coffee using either pre-ground coffee or coffee pods designed for single servings. Once the coffee is ready, the device will signal its completion with a convenient sound notification.

What’s more, this compact device is designed to fit perfectly in your car’s cupholder, making it easy to store in your glove compartment alongside spare cups.

Operating Principle

The coffee preparation process is simple and straightforward:

1. Begin by pouring purified water into the container.
2. The sealed lid is screwed on and the appliance is connected to the power supply.
3. The specialized compartment is equipped with a cup – a filter bag containing compressed ground coffee.
4. Upon pressing the activation button, steam-heated water is forcefully passed through the coffee.
5. After traversing through the coffee, the final beverage is poured into a cup.

Advantages

• Quick preparation of espresso;
• Automatic shut-off function;
• Minimal consumption of ground coffee;
• Presence of velvety crema in the finished drink;
• Durable body;
• Pleasant appearance;
• Easy maintenance of the device;
• Compact design;
• Almost noiseless operation.

Disadvantages

• Many models are capable of making only one cup of coffee;
• Only purified water should be utilized;
• extra expenses when purchasing coffee pods;
• expensive price tag.

Moderate price

Portable car espresso coffee makers are significantly pricier compared to drip models. The average price of such a gadget is 12,000 rubles.

Well-known manufacturers

The most sought-after espresso coffee machines originate from the renowned French brand Handpresso. There are also products referred to as EspressGo, but they are a result of a collaboration between coffee producer Lavazza and Handpresso.

Waeco in-car coffee makers

• Waeco PerfectCoffee MC 01
• Waeco PerfectCoffee MC 02
• Waeco PerfectCoffee MC 03

These coffee makers have a compact size, are easy to use, and have adjustable settings for making the perfect cup of coffee according to individual preferences.

1. PerfectCoffee MC 052 is a compact drip coffee maker designed to brew five delicious cups of coffee. The coffee maker’s body is made of strong and durable material, and it also features a transparent container with measurement markings. With its reliable fasteners, this device can be securely mounted anywhere you desire.
2. PerfectCoffee MC 01 is a drip coffee maker that comes equipped with an automatic shut-off function, which activates when the water level in the tank is low. It also features an LED indicator and includes a cup for your convenience. With a 150 ml capacity, this coffee pot is perfect for making a quick and effortless cup of aromatic coffee while on a long journey.

Useful video

Discover the inner workings of one of the car coffee maker models in this video:

A car coffee maker is an essential companion for travelers and drivers alike, providing convenience not only on the road but also during picnics, hunting, or fishing trips.

For owners of trucks, experts suggest opting for a drip-type coffee maker, as they are capable of brewing a superb cup of coffee while being user-friendly and cost-effective. Those who love great-tasting coffee and drive passenger cars may find an espresso coffee maker more suitable due to its compact size and easy operation.