How to choose a car coffee maker? The principle of operation from the cigarette lighter, varieties and popular manufacturers
Going on a trip or on a long business trip, you really want to brighten up the road with a cup of fragrant espresso. However, it is not always possible to stop near a cafe and buy a drink.
In addition, one 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 ratio.
The table contains the models that received the highest reviews on the Yandex.Market service.
Rating TOP 5 best car coffee makers
| Place | Model | |
| Cigarette lighter models | ||
| #1 | Thermal 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 | Coffee maker Wacaco Nanopresso | |
What is a car coffee maker?
The car coffee maker is small portable apparatus, intended for making coffee in cars and trucks. In appearance, the device may resemble a thermos made of durable plastic or a conventional drip-type model.
The case diameter is only 10 cm, which is the same size as a car cup holder. The appliance operates on a 12 V network and is able to brew a portion of a strong invigorating drink in a few minutes..
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 conventional, road model powered by cigarette lighter.
The car cigarette lighter is characterized by low power, so the device for preparing an aromatic drink in the car is slower than in the home kitchen. Power - no more than 200 W, however, this does not affect the cooking speed.
The volume of the tank in different models may vary, but even the smallest will be enough to get 50 ml of rich black coffee.
How to choose?
When choosing a car coffee maker, the following points should be taken into account:
- tank volume – the device can be designed for one or eight servings of a drink. For a passenger car, it makes no sense to choose a device for making a large amount of coffee.
- voltage - a 12 V device will suit the driver of a car, and a 24 V product will help to brew coffee for the owner of a truck or bus.
- the material from which the case is made - the design must be durable and made of high-quality material.
- availability of additional options - not all models are equipped with an automatic shutdown function, but for convenient use it is better to purchase a coffee maker with advanced functionality.
- reliability and safety – the water container must have a sealed lid with a small opening for filling the coffee appliance so that the drink does not spill during movement.
Types
Car coffee makers are of two types: drip and espresso. Each device has its own distinctive features, advantages and disadvantages, knowing about which you can easily choose the most suitable device for your vehicle.
drip
drip or filtration practically do not differ from standard drip-type devices, but have a smaller size, making them convenient to place in the car.
An important element drip coffee maker is a paper, nylon or "gold" filter that is filled with coffee powder. A paper filter is needed to prepare one serving of a 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. Reusable nylon filter – 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.
Operating principle
The device works according to this principle:
- Water is poured into the tank.
- Ground coffee is placed in a separate compartment.
- The coffee maker is connected to the cigarette lighter.
- The liquid begins to move along the tube to the heater, reaching 90-95 degrees.
- Water passes through the coffee powder and is discharged to the outside, after which the finished coffee can be consumed.
Advantages
- the device brews strong and aromatic coffee;
- design reliability;
- simple control;
- light weight;
- optimal volume of the tank;
- ergonomic design;
- compactness;
- a wide range of models;
- price.
Flaws
- coffee grounds need to be disposed of;
- the need for regular replacement of filters;
- bottled water must be used.
average cost
A reliable drip-type coffee maker for preparing a coffee drink in a car can be purchased for 1400 rubles. Models for brewing several servings of coffee in freight transport are much more expensive - 8,000 rubles.
Popular manufacturers
Well-known manufacturers of automotive drip coffee makers are:
- Koolatron - a Canadian company whose range includes chargers, numerous accessories for the car, fans and tool kits;
- Waeco is a German company that manufactures popular products for motorists.
Espresso
A kind of mobile devices that allows you to prepare an exquisite drink with a 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 odors.
To prepare coffee in this device, you can use both ground coffee and pods designed for one serving of the drink.. After the coffee is ready, the device will notify the user by beeping.
Operating principle
The process of making coffee is as follows:
- Purified water is poured into the container.
- The tight cover is twisted 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 cream foam in the finished drink;
- durable case;
- pleasant appearance;
- simple care of the device;
- compact design;
- virtually silent operation.
Flaws
- many models can make just one cup of coffee;
- use only purified water;
- additional costs for the purchase of pods;
- high price.
average cost
Portable car espresso coffee makers are several times more expensive drip models. The average cost of such a device is 12000 rubles.
Popular manufacturers
The most popular models of espresso coffee makers belong to the French brand Handpresso. There are also devices called EspressGohowever, they are the result of a collaboration between coffee maker Lavazza and the Handpresso brand.
Waeco coffee makers
The German brand Waeco, founded in the 70s of the last century, specializes in the production of technology, designed for home, transport and travel.
The manufacturer produces portable compressor auto-refrigerators, cooling modules, coffee makers, car kettles, mini-bars and repair equipment.
Waeco's innovative products have proven themselves in the global market, surprising with 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.
To date named the best models:
- PerfectCoffee MC 052 - a compact drip-type device for preparing five servings of a drink. The case of the coffee maker is made of durable material, there is also a transparent container with measured divisions. The device is equipped with reliable mounts, so it can be fixed in any convenient place.
- PerfectCoffee MC01 - drip coffee maker with automatic shutdown function in case of lack of water in the tank, LED indicator and a cup for the finished drink. The volume 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 of every traveler and motorist, because it irreplaceable not only on the road, but also on picnics, hunting or fishing.
Experts recommend that truck owners choose drip-type devices - they are able to make an excellent drink, are easy to use and are inexpensive. Coffee drinkers who drive a car may prefer an espresso coffee maker, which is small in size and easy to use.
My family and I often go somewhere, we also love coffee, so we found an article on how to choose and which one to choose. Most of all I liked the espresso coffee maker, since the procedure is quite compact and convenient, you don’t need a lot of effort. We decided to try. The price did not scare, we found a relatively inexpensive model. Liked!
I'm glad the article was helpful =)
My husband and I love to travel in our own car. Therefore, for us, a car coffee maker is a very indispensable thing, given that he and I are coffee lovers. We bought a type of espresso from Handpresso. Completely comfortable and safe. It takes up little space in the car, its size is 22 cm in height, the case diameter is 10 cm and the volume is 53 ml. Coffee with foam obtained from this miracle machine is excellent, and most importantly hot.
And yet, for example, you can take a simple Turk or a geyser coffee maker with you to nature and cook in it on a compact gas burner.
But it seems to me that all this is a whim ... In a hurry, you can’t brew good coffee at an expensive price, and you certainly won’t enjoy it. If not at all, then you can make an instant thermos in a thermos, but if you want really tasty strong coffee, then it’s easier to slow down at any coffee shop or cafe ... Yes, and gas stations now make normal coffee ...
Yes, a thermos is a cool alternative!
You just don't have to travel long distances.
Advise a coffee maker for a bead, I want to give my husband a present, but I can’t find it.
We had a car coffee maker back in the 80s, for one mug, I don’t know where they then disappeared from the sale ......