When going on a trip or a long business trip, you really want to brighten up the road with a cup of aromatic espresso. However, it is not always possible to stop near a cafe and buy a drink.
In addition, you cannot be completely sure of the quality of such coffee. Thanks to innovative technologies, you can enjoy a delicious and rich drink right in the car using a compact car coffee maker .
To choose a reliable and proven device, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the most popular models in terms of price and quality.
The table contains models that have received the highest reviews on the Yandex.Market service.
Rating of the TOP 5 best car coffee makers
| Place | Model | Price |
| Models with cigarette lighter operation | ||
| #1 | Thermo mug Golden Snail GS 9014 | |
| #2 | Thermal cup holder NAVITEL TC500 | |
| #3 | Coffee maker ALCA 542120 | |
| Portable models | ||
| #1 | Coffee maker Wacaco Minipresso NS | |
| #2 | Carob coffee maker Wacaco Nanopresso | |
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What is a car coffee maker?
A car coffee maker is a small portable device designed for making coffee in cars and trucks . In appearance, the device may resemble a thermos made of durable plastic or a regular drip-type model.
The case diameter is only 10 cm, which corresponds to the size of a car cup holder. The electrical appliance operates on a 12 V network and is capable of brewing a portion of a strong, invigorating drink in a few minutes .
Important! A car coffee maker is a new item on the Russian market. The electrical device is in great demand among motorists from Europe and America, where auto tourism is developed, but most consumers from Russia are not yet familiar with this device.
What types of coffee makers are there for cars?
Drip
They are popular in countries where auto tourism is well developed, as well as where the main method of intercity freight transportation is carried out by truckers. Capsule coffee makers for cars are supplied to Russia by the German company WAECO. The design of the coffee maker requires changing the filters after each coffee preparation. An electric coffee maker prepares a drink by passing hot water through a filter bag containing coffee. Only bottled water is used for preparation. The power of such a machine is small; the smaller this parameter, the longer the coffee is brewed and the quality of the final product increases.
Espresso coffee makers
A more advanced type, since such devices pass steam under pressure through ground coffee. Espresso coffee machines are supplied to Russia from France by Handpresso. The coffee maker operates from a 12 V mains voltage and is capable of brewing espresso with thick foam in a few minutes. The diameter fits into the hole in the car cup holder.
To prepare car espresso coffee, you can use natural ground coffee of your favorite variety or ground roasted pressed coffee (pod). The water in the coffee maker does not heat up to a boil, so you must use bottled water.
The popularity and quality of Handpresso makes consumers take a closer look at espresso models of car coffee makers, but they are much more expensive than drip coffee makers.
You can make coffee in any machine only with the engine running and preferably when stopped or in a traffic jam.
Features of portable devices
Coffee makers for cars operate on the principle of standard electrical appliances for brewing coffee. Only the power source has been changed, because unlike the usual ones, the road model runs from the cigarette lighter .
A car cigarette lighter is characterized by low power, so the device for preparing a flavored drink in a car works slower than in a home kitchen . Power – no more than 200 W, however, this does not affect the cooking speed.
The volume of the tank may vary between models, but even the smallest one will be enough to get 50 ml of rich black coffee .
Attention! The coffee machine has a minimalistic design and has no unnecessary parts. The design is compact and stable.
How to choose?
When choosing a car coffee maker, you need to take the following points into account::
- tank volume - the device can be designed for one or eight servings of drink. For a passenger car, there is no point in choosing a device for preparing large quantities of coffee.
- voltage - a 12 V device is suitable for the driver of a passenger car, and a 24 V product will help the owner of a truck or bus to brew coffee.
- the material from which the body is made - the structure must be durable and made of high-quality material.
- availability of additional options – not all models are equipped with an automatic shut-off function, but for convenient use it is better to purchase a coffee maker with advanced functionality.
- reliability and safety - the water container should have a sealed lid with a small hole for filling the device with coffee, so that the drink does not spill during movement.
Review of coffee makers
Handpresso Auto
Characteristics:
- voltage: 12 V;
- power: 140 W;
- water tank capacity: 53 ml;
- internal pressure: 16 atmospheres;
- product height: 220 mm;
- weight: 880 g.
Fits in the glove compartment, there is a travel case with a set of unbreakable cups of different sizes. An ESE class pod containing compressed coffee is inserted into a special receiver. The machine prepares coffee within 2 minutes.
Instructions for using the Handpresso Auto coffee maker:
- The car coffee maker is installed in the cup holder.
- Water is pouring.
- Sugar is added.
- Connects to the cigarette lighter.
- The pod is inserted.
- The device starts by pressing a button.
- Coffee preparation time is about two minutes.
- A sound signal indicates the readiness of the drink.
Making coffee with the Handpresso Auto coffee maker is an extremely easy process. It is compatible with Nespresso capsules. The device is pleasant to the touch, stylish and allows you to always have real coffee in your car. The materials from which the coffee maker is made are of high quality. There is no plastic smell during operation. Espresso has a wonderful taste and aroma, and a thick foam forms on the surface of the drink. The only disadvantage is the expensive price of the coffee maker and branded pods.
WAECO PerfectCoffee MC 052
Characteristics:
- voltage: 12 and 24 V;
- power: 200 W;
- water tank volume: 680 ml;
- dimensions: 210x260x140 mm (together with mounting kit);
- weight: 1.34 kg.
The device is intended for both passenger cars and trucks. The body is made of durable plastic. Ground coffee is used to prepare the drink. Due to its size, the machine can prepare a drink for 5 people while the car is moving. The WAECO PerfectCoffee MC 052 coffee grinder can be installed anywhere thanks to its special mounting kit. The car coffee maker is very convenient to use and easy to clean. Has an automatic shut-off function when there is no water in the tank. The light indicator will allow you to track the operation of the device. Prepares coffee within 10-20 minutes.
Minipresso Wacaco and Nanopresso NS (for ground and capsule coffee)
The Wacaco car coffee maker does not require an electrical connection and is simple and intuitive to operate.
Characteristics of Nanopresso:
- water tank capacity: 80 ml;
- vacuum pump power: 18 bar;
- product dimensions: 15.6×7.1×6.2 cm;
- weight: 336 g.
Nanopresso contains:
- portafilter with dispensing spout;
- coffee cup;
- the main body in which the piston is located;
- brush and spoon;
- water container;
- espresso cup.
A pocket coffee machine is used for ground coffee. To use capsules, you must additionally purchase a special Nanopresso NS adapter. It is installed on the top of the coffee machine instead of a cup. A Nespresso-type capsule is inserted into it and hot water is added. The button is pressed 10-15 times to create pressure. The result is a shot of espresso with thick foam.
The manufacturer recommends using original Nespresso capsules, as products from other brands may not work well with the coffee machine.
Types
There are two types of car coffee makers: drip and espresso . Each device has its own distinctive features, advantages and disadvantages, knowing which you can easily choose the most suitable device for your vehicle.
Drip
Drip or filtration devices practically do not differ from standard drip-type devices, but are smaller in size, making them convenient to place in a car .
An important element of a drip coffee maker is a paper, nylon or “gold” filter, which is filled with coffee powder. A paper filter is required to prepare one serving of the drink .
After cooking, this device will have to be thrown away immediately, which is not very convenient, since you always need to have spare filters with you. A nylon filter is suitable for reusable use - after brewing coffee, it can be washed and reused.
The “golden” filter is made of fibers coated with titanium nitride - it is durable, does not affect the taste of the drink and is easy to clean, but it is rarely on sale.
Note! Due to its low power, heated water slowly passes through the coffee, filling it with all the flavor and aroma properties of natural crushed beans. The result is a very rich and strong drink.
Operating principle
The device works according to this principle:
- Water is poured into the reservoir.
- Ground coffee is placed in a separate compartment.
- The coffee maker is connected to the cigarette lighter.
- The liquid begins to move through the tube to the heater, reaching 90-95 degrees.
- The water passes through the coffee powder and is discharged out, after which the finished coffee can be consumed.
Advantages
- The device brews strong and aromatic coffee;
- reliability of design;
- simple controls;
- light weight;
- optimal tank volume;
- ergonomic design;
- compactness;
- large range of models;
- price.
Flaws
- you need to dispose of coffee grounds;
- the need to regularly replace filters;
- you need to use bottled water.
average cost
A reliable drip coffee maker for preparing a coffee drink in a passenger car can be purchased for 1,400 rubles . Models for brewing several servings of coffee in trucks are much more expensive - 8,000 rubles.
Popular manufacturers
Well-known manufacturers of car drip coffee makers are:
- Koolatron is a Canadian company whose product range includes chargers, numerous car accessories, fans and tool kits;
- Waeco is a German company that produces popular products for motorists.
Espresso
A type of mobile device that allows you to prepare an exquisite drink with thick, creamy foam in 2 minutes.
Espresso coffee makers are made of high-quality ABS plastic - this material does not emit toxic substances, it is absolutely safe for health and does not absorb foreign odors.
To prepare coffee in this device, you can use both ground coffee and pods designed for one serving of drink . Once the coffee is ready, the device will notify the user by sounding a beep.
By the way! The device is small in size and matches the diameter of the cup holder hole, which allows you to store the espresso coffee maker in the glove compartment along with spare pods.
Operating principle
The coffee preparation process is carried out as follows:
- Purified water is poured into the container.
- The hermetic cover is screwed on and the device is connected to the network.
- A pod is installed in a special compartment - a filter bag with compressed ground coffee.
- After pressing the power button, water heated under steam pressure seeps through the coffee.
- After passing through the coffee, the finished drink is poured into a cup.
Advantages
- quick espresso preparation;
- automatic shutdown function;
- low consumption of ground coffee;
- the presence of creamy foam in the finished drink;
- durable body;
- pleasant appearance;
- easy maintenance of the device;
- compact design;
- almost silent operation.
Flaws
- many models can make just one cup of coffee;
- It is necessary to use only purified water;
- additional costs for purchasing pods;
- high price.
average cost
Portable car espresso coffee makers are several times more expensive than drip models. The average cost of such a device is 12,000 rubles .
Popular manufacturers
The most popular models of espresso coffee makers belong to the French brand Handpresso . There are also devices called EspressGo , however, they are the result of a collaboration between the coffee manufacturer Lavazza and the Handpresso brand.
Types and types of car coffee makers
Coffee makers in the car have appeared on the modern market quite recently. These products are particularly successful in America and European countries, as automobile tourism is developed there. Based on their design, car coffee makers are divided into two types:
Drip coffee maker
The principle of operation of such a coffee maker is similar to the operation of a filter. Water is poured into the device, heated to a certain temperature and passed through ground coffee. It is believed that boiling water kills the taste of coffee, so the water in the device has a temperature of 85-95 degrees and does not reach a boil. Thus, you get a strong and aromatic drink right on the road. Among the disadvantages of a drip coffee maker in a machine, one can note the need to dispose of coffee grounds and periodically replace filters. You will also need to carry clean bottled water with you, since the water in the device does not reach boiling point.
Drip coffee makers are divided into subtypes based on filter type:
- The paper filter is disposable and is thrown away immediately after brewing the drink along with the coffee grounds. Paper is an inert material
therefore, it will not affect the taste and smell of coffee, but at the same time you will always have to have a supply of filters in the machine; - The nylon filter is made of a special material, which allows it to be used repeatedly. After each use the filter
must be washed thoroughly. In addition, after several dozen uses, the nylon filter may become covered with plaque, which will slightly affect the taste of the drink; - The gold filter is also made from nylon, but it is coated with titanium. This filter is durable, easy to clean and even after
Many uses do not leave plaque on it. The main disadvantage is the cost of the filter.
Car espresso coffee makers
- The espresso coffee maker in the car works from the cigarette lighter. In the device, water is heated and then steam pressure is forced through the coffee. In just a couple of minutes you can get aromatic, freshly brewed espresso.
- This type of coffee maker can use both ground coffee and capsules. A capsule car coffee maker costs much more than
drip analogue. To use it, bottled water is also required, since when the device is operating, the water does not heat up to boiling point. - There are 12 volt coffee makers in the machine and 24 volt ones.
A device with more power allows you to prepare a drink faster. But at the same time, if you use ground coffee, then a coffee maker with a lower power prepares the drink more slowly, which means the taste and aroma are more intense. In addition, 12 V power is recommended for passenger cars, and 24 V for trucks. You can also find models on which you will see the numbers 12/24 V. This means that you can set the desired power of the device and use the device both in a passenger car and in a truck or bus.
Waeco car coffee makers
The German brand Waeco, founded in the 70s of the last century, specializes in the production of equipment intended for home, transport and travel .
The manufacturer produces portable compressor car refrigerators, cooling modules, coffee makers, car kettles, minibars and repair equipment.
Waeco's innovative products have proven themselves well in the global market, surprising with their high quality and winning the trust of many customers.
The manufacturer offers a wide range of products and gives consumers the opportunity to purchase equipment at affordable prices.
Important! Waeco coffee makers captivate users with their stylish design, optimal volume and stand out for their technical characteristics.
To date, the best models are :
- PerfectCoffee MC 052 is a compact drip-type device for preparing five servings of the drink. The body of the coffee maker is made of durable material, and there is also a transparent container with measuring divisions. The device is equipped with reliable fastenings, so it can be fixed in any convenient place.
- PerfectCoffee MC 01 is a drip coffee maker with an automatic shutdown function if there is no water in the tank, an LED indicator and a cup for the finished drink. The capacity of the coffee pot is 150 ml, which allows you to quickly and effortlessly prepare a portion of aromatic coffee during a long trip.
Useful video
From this video you will learn how one of the car coffee maker models works:
A car coffee maker will become a faithful companion for every traveler and motorist, because it is indispensable not only on the road, but also on picnics, hunting or fishing .
Experts recommend that truck owners choose drip-type devices - they are capable of preparing an excellent drink, are easy to operate and are inexpensive. For lovers of delicious coffee who drive a car, an espresso coffee maker, characterized by its small size and ease of use, will be more suitable.
Conclusion
- A good thing for those who spend a lot of time on the road.
- Owners of passenger cars can choose a drip coffee maker for 1-2 cups or an espresso coffee maker.
- Owners of trucks or buses can buy a device with a capacity of up to 10 servings.
- Expresso coffee makers are approximately 5-6 times more expensive than drip coffee makers.
- The quality of coffee in various car coffee makers is quite tolerable, no worse than in half of the coffee shops.
- Espresso coffee makers can use various capsules and make cappuccino or latte.
- For economical use, you can buy a Waeco drip coffee maker for 1500-1600 rubles.
- There is no fundamental difference between the models of Handpresso expresso coffee makers, so you can buy a basic one for 10-11 thousand rubles.
Do you have a car coffee maker?
