Using 12 Volt Coffee Makers & Kettles In Cars, Trucks, Boats & RVs
Being able to make coffee using the 12V DC power outlets in your vehicle, semi-truck, boat or RV is not only convenient but also a great way to save time and even money.
The main issue with 12 Volt coffee makers is they aren’t something you see every day and honestly, they can be hard to find.
Related Product: BESTEK 500W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC (click to view on Amazon)
I’ve done my best to find you the best options that include the best 12 volt coffee makers and the best 12 volt kettles which you can use to boil water for brewing coffee with portable non-electric coffee makers.
The most important thing you need to know before getting a 12 volt coffee maker or kettle is what can the 12 volt DC outlets in your vehicle or boat handle.
Did you know that different 12V DC outlets are rated to output different amounts of power?
Normally smaller cars have weaker outlets ranging from 10-15 amps. Vans, trucks, SUVs, RVs, boats, and semis will normally have stronger outlets that are rated for up to 20 amps.
Read more about how to tell how many amps your vehicle’s 12V outlet is rated for in the FAQ section below.
Why is the amp rating on my 12V DC outlet important?
It takes a lot of power to boil water quickly, and even the strongest 12V outlets rated for 20 amps can only output a max of 240 watts.
To put that into perspective a small coffee maker used about 700 watts to make coffee and an electric fast boil kettle will use as much as 1500 watts of power.
That’s why 12V coffee makers and kettles take way longer to do what a regular wall outlet appliance can do, and it normally doesn’t do it as well.
Now that you know what to expect in a 12 volt coffee maker here are your best options.
Some of these are true 12V coffee makers that can heat water and make coffee while others require you to use a 12V kettle or stove to boil water first.
You can find more info on the best 12 volt kettles later on in the article.
No matter what you choose make sure you check how many amps your 12 volt outlet is rated for before you buy.
Getting a 12 volt coffee maker that uses more power than your 12V outlet can output may result in damages to your vehicle or boat’s electrical system which can be an expensive repair.
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Best For High Amp Outlets (20)
Best For Low Amp Outlets (10-15)
Best Overall
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best 12 Volt Coffee Makers Reviews & Info
1. RoadPro 12 Volt Coffee Maker
The RoadPro 12 volt coffee maker is one of the only true 12V coffee makers you can get today. It’s a mini version of a regular drip coffee maker with a glass carafe that can hold up to 20 oz.
The 12V power cord is 7 feet long and has a fuse which should help protect your DC outlet just in case it’s rated for less power than what this 12 volt coffee maker will use.
It should use around 14 amps of power when brewing which means you want to use at least a 15 amp DC outlet, preferably 20 amp.
If you want to make coffee in a small car that most likely has 10 amp 12V outlets then the CONQUECO Nespresso 12V coffee maker reviewed below is a better option.
Included with purchase is a steel mesh filter that is reusable, but you can also use paper filters.
A coffee scoop, and a wire mounting bracket that will fit around the base of the coffee maker to permanently secure it to a flat surface.
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It’s perfect if you want to be able to use and store it on the counter in an RV, van, boat, or semi-truck even when you are driving.
Much like other drip coffee makers, there is a sneak-a-cup feature that will stop the coffee from dripping when the carafe is removed. It has an on/off switch and water level markers on the carafe.
When used in a proper 12 volt outlet that is rated for at least 15 amps the 12V coffee maker can brew 20 oz of coffee in 20 minutes.
The RoadPro 12 Volt Coffee Maker is one of the only true 12 volt coffee makers on the market today.
It’s not going to be nearly as fast as the coffee maker you have at home and the water might not get as hot but for getting coffee while on the road or camping it’s a fantastic choice.
Especially if you need coffee for two people.
PROS
- Makes 2 Cups Of Coffee
- Can Use Paper Or Reusable Filter
- Can Be Mounted To Countertop
- No Separate Kettle Required
- Only Takes 20 Minutes
CONS
- Won’t Work In Cars With 10 Amp 12V Outlets
- Glass Carafe
2. CONQUECO Nespresso Travel 12V Coffee Maker
The CONQUECO is both a 12 volt travel coffee maker and a battery powered coffee maker.
It’s one of the few 12 volt coffee makers on this list that makes coffee from start to finish while plugged into a 12 volt power source.
What makes this a true portable 12-volt coffee maker is it can heat cold water, brew the coffee, and dispense it in one single unit. And it fits in a cup holder, so you can make coffee while driving your car.
It’s compatible with Nespresso capsules (click to view on Amazon) and L’OR pods (click to view on Amazon). They are very convenient for travel.
You don’t have to worry about spilling coffee grounds or messing with filters.
You can even buy capsule carry cases (click to view on Amazon) made specifically for travel.
You can either use the battery of the coffee maker to brew coffee or brew while plugged into the 12 volt outlet.
The battery can make one hot espresso from start to finish if you use cold water. If you use preheated water it can make about two espressos.
The battery takes about 2.5 hours to recharge. It can charge using the included wall outlet charger or 12 volt power cable.
You can run the 12V coffee maker when it’s plugged into the 12V power source but not when it’s plugged into the wall.
See Also: Best Non-Electric Coffee Makers For Camping & Daily Use
The 12V espresso maker uses only 7 amps when brewing and can be used in most 12V outlets.
If you use cold water it will take 10 minutes to heat the water and brew your coffee. If you use hot water it can push out an espresso in only 2 minutes.
To use, unscrew the bottom and put in the Nespresso capsule, then replace the lid that is also the cup and flip it over.
Remove the top cap and pour in water. When using cold water you press the button for 2 seconds, if you pour in hot water press the button for 5 seconds.
After about 10 minutes to heat the water it will automatically start pouring coffee into the small cup screwed on in the bottom, so make sure you have replaced that and secured it tightly.
You now have a nice hot cup of coffee, it’s as simple as that. The only part you need to clean is the cup because the 12V coffee maker has a self-cleaning system.
The CONQUECO Nespresso Travel 12V Coffee Maker is an amazing little espresso maker but it’s only if you like Nespresso or L’OR pods and have the budget to use one every time you want coffee.
I like the idea of coffee pods for vehicle and boat use because they require very little clean up and can’t cause as much of a mess as a bag of coffee grounds.
Being able to choose between running this with a 12V plug or on the battery alone makes this great for not only travelers and truckers but also camping and backpacking.
It’s very light and easy to carry around. With all things considered this is one of the best 12 volt coffee makers, you can buy.
PROS
- Has Battery
- Can Run On 12 Volt Power
- Can Be Charged With Wall Charger
- No Kettles Or Mugs Needed To Use
- Fits In Cup Holder
- Will Work In Most 12V Outlets (10 amps & up)
CONS
- For Nespresso & L’OR Capsules Only
- Makes Espresso Only
3. Makita Battery Powered Coffee Maker
Makita, as you may or may not know, is a fantastic Japanese brand that mostly makes quality power tools.
I myself have a Makita drill and so do a lot of people. That’s what makes this next battery powered coffee maker so perfect.
That’s right, this is a Makita drip coffee maker. It’s powered by the same battery that powers its tools.
What’s even better is this model can run off of the 12V or the 18V Makita batteries.
This means if you already have Makita power tools you will be able to use this nifty little battery powered coffee maker from the get-go.
If you have another brand of power tool battery, like Dewalt, there are adapters that will make them compatible with Makita products (click to view on Amazon).
What makes this better than the old 12 volt coffee makers is it gets the water hot and it doesn’t take forever either.
It can brew a 5 oz cup of coffee in 5 minutes and if you use an 18 volt battery you can make up to 3 cups of coffee on a single charge.
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It’s very easy to use and clean as well. There is a permanent drip filter pre-installed so you don’t need to use any paper filters.
Just pour the coffee grounds into the front compartment, fill up the removable water reservoir on the top, and start it up.
It will automatically turn off after the water runs out so there are no worries about wasted battery power or damage to the coffee maker.
It’s extremely compact and has a robust carry handle so you can take it with you everywhere.
A slight downside is the space for the mug is only 3.5 inches tall. Luckily it comes with a mug that’s just the right size, a lid for the mug, and a measuring scoop.
So how will this work when traveling in a car or truck that only has a 12 volt outlet?
Well, the good news is Makita makes a battery charger (click to view on Amazon) that plugs into a 12 volt outlet so you can charge batteries in your vehicle as you drive.
The 12 volt Makita battery charger will use a maximum of 9 amps when charging. It will use even less when charging the smaller 12V batteries.
The low power draw means it’s compatible with all 12V DC outlets, even the ones in smaller cars. (at least 10 amps)
If you don’t already have Makita batteries I suggest getting an 18 volt one (click to view on Amazon). A bigger battery means more coffee on a single charge.
What I love about the Makita Battery Powered Coffee Maker for travel or camping is you can make coffee fast without having to turn on your car.
If you stopped at a campground for the night and want to have breakfast and coffee before you hit the road you can do it without turning on the engine.
And if you keep the battery charged up after using it you could have coffee whenever you want.
It’s fast, makes great coffee, and extremely portable.
All things that make it one of the best coffee makers for camping, truck drivers, van living, or travel even though it’s not technically a true 12 volt powered coffee pot.
PROS
- Battery Powered
- Can Get 12 Volt Charger For Battery
- Makes Coffee Fast
- Easy To Clean
- No Filters Needed
- Auto Shut Off
- Portable
CONS
- Not Budget-Friendly
- 12V Charger Sold Separately
- Battery Sold Separately
Note: The next three items in this review are not technically 12 volt coffee makers but when paired with 12 volt kettles they can be used to make coffee using a 12V DC outlet.
I choose these travel non-electric coffee makers because they are easy to use while on the go, and can make different styles of coffee to fit different tastes.
4. Coffee Gator Pour Over Travel Mug
One of the easiest to use travel coffee makers is the Coffee Gator pour over travel mug. It’s super simple to set up, and brews coffee in minutes.
It’s a high quality vacuum insulated double walled stainless steel travel mug with a pour over brew cone made to fit perfectly over the top of it.
To make coffee just put the cone in the mug, drop in a couple scoops of ground coffee, and pour boiling water over it until the mug is full.
There are no paper filters necessary but you can always use one if you prefer.
There’s even a pop-on travel lid that will keep your coffee from spilling out when you are driving.
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The mug can hold up to 20 oz of liquid and fits easily in cup holders. It’s also good for more than coffee, it will keep drinks cold as well.
The only thing you need to pair with this simple pour over coffee cone/mug combo is a way to boil water in your car.
In the section below you will find the best 12 volt kettles for boiling water that go perfectly with this travel coffee maker.
The Coffee Gator Pour Over Travel Mug has a smart design for any kind of traveler.
Whether you are RV camping, out in a boat, or going on a road trip in a van or car it’s going to make fantastic coffee over and over again. All you need is boiling water.
PROS
- No Paper Filters Needed
- Mug Can Be Used For More Than Coffee
- Comes With Lid For Travel
- Easy To Set Up & Use
CONS
- Need Way To Boil Water
- Not Great For Multiple People
5. Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Machine
Espresso is great to have when traveling because it gives you that perfect shot of caffeine and coffee flavor without the extra liquid which makes you have to stop more for bathroom breaks.
There is a fantastic capsule 12 volt coffee maker on this list but the Wacaco Minipreso is a neat little portable espresso maker that is great for travel as well. And it doesn’t require capsules, just ground coffee.
For a decent espresso, the main thing you need is pressure. The pressure is what makes espresso the way it is and is the reason you get that amazing layer of tasty golden “crema” on top.
The crema is the flavorful and acidic oils that are extracted from the coffee beans because of the high pressure.
The Wacaco Minipresso is a simple little machine that uses any kind of ground coffee to make espresso or rich coffee.
All you have to do is add a scoop of coffee to the filter basket, add boiling water, close the lid, unlock the pump piston from its travel position, and start pressing it to start the pressure process.
The cap that protects the espresso outlet can also be used as a mug.
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It takes about 20 seconds and you end up with beautiful and tasty espresso.
The Minipresso is very small and portable measuring only 7 inches tall and around 3 inches in diameter. It weighs 0.8 lbs and has a water capacity of about 3.4 oz/70ml of water.
Included with the Minipresoo is a built-in mug, a coffee scoop, a reusable filter basket, and a travel bag.
The Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Machine is another fantastic way to make coffee in your car, semi-truck, boat, RV, or campsite.
Once again all you need to add is boiling water which you can make using one of the 12 volt kettles reviewed below.
PROS
- Can Use All Kinds Of Coffee Grounds
- Built In Mug
- No Paper Filters Needed
- Small & Lightweight
- Portable
CONS
- Need Way To Boil Water
- Not Great For Multiple People
6. AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press
AeroPress has started making a name for itself in the espresso and coffee world with its genius and simple way of making rich espresso without the high acidity and bitterness.
The AeroPress Go is a portable version of their larger press that comes with a mug, a lid for the mug, a coffee scoop, a stirrer, microfilters, and a case for the filters.
The way it works is you place one of the small paper microfilters inside the filter basket on the bottom of the tube.
You then place the tube on the included mug. Add the coffee grounds and give it a shake to level them.
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Next, add boiling or even cold water depending on the style of brew you want to do. Fill to line 1 for espresso or 2-3 for french press style coffee.
Stir the water and grounds for just a few seconds if you added hot water or 1 minute for cold water.
Then insert the tube with the plunger end and slowly press until all the water has transferred to the mug.
You now have some amazing coffee.
The AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press is perfect for travel because it comes with everything you need for enjoying coffee in a vehicle, boat, or RV.
It’s simple to use and can make espresso or French Press coffee without the acidic and bitter flavor. All you need is a way to boil water and you’re good to go.
PROS
- Can Use All Kinds Of Coffee Grounds
- Mug With Lid Included
- Small & Lightweight
- Portable
- Microfilter Reduces Bitterness
- Can Make Espresso or French Press Coffee
CONS
- Need Way To Boil Water
- Not Great For Multiple People
- Have To Use AeroPress Paper Filters
Best 12 Volt Kettles To Boil Water For Coffee
Three of the portable coffee makers on this list are non-electric.
They don’t use any power to make coffee but do require you to use boiling water. So the main question is “how do I boil water in my vehicle or RV?”
Luckily, there are some decent 12 volt powered kettles out there that are perfect to use with the three non-electric travel coffee makers in the reviews above.
The main downside is all of them are only going to work best with 15 or 20 amp DC outlets.
Best Overall
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Spardar 12 Volt Water Heating Cup
The Spardar 12 volt water heating cup is better than a standard 12 volt kettle because it can boil water while your driving.
It only takes 16 minutes to reach a boil, so when you are getting close to a place to pull over just turn it on. By the time you stop you are ready to brew some coffee.
The way it works is there is a power base that fits into your cup holder.
The base has a cable with a 12 volt plug coming out of it. As a side note don’t let the cable touch the part of the cup that gets hot because it can damage the cable.
The nice thing about the power base being separate is you don’t have to have the cable hanging when you are pouring water, or you can take it out of your car and brew coffee outside but leave all the wires inside.
Another cool feature is an LCD screen by the base where you can control the temperature of the water. You can press a button to keep the water warm, get it to a boil fast, or adjust the temperature.
If you brew a lot of coffee you can put it in this and have it stay warm as long as you are in your car.
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It also has a dry boil cut off that will stop the heater if it senses that there is no water in the kettle.
The body of the 12 volt water heater is stainless steel and food safe. You can even make noodles and boil eggs in this. The water capacity is 12 oz/350 ml.
The heating element uses 8-10 amps of power when heating depending on what setting you have it on.
Because it reaches the 10 amp line I would suggest only using this in 12V DC outlets that are 15 amps or higher. That means smaller cars may not be able to power this 12 volt kettle.
When using make sure to press the pressure relief button on the lid every few minutes to release pressure when heating.
The Spardar 12 Volt Water Heating Cup is a fantastic way to get boiling water in a truck, semi-truck, van, RV, or boat.
All you need is a 15-20 amp 12V outlet. It’s the fastest water boiler on this list and one of the best overall choices.
PROS
- Can Be Used To Keep Coffee Hot After Brewing
- Gets Water Boiling Fast Compared To Other 12V Kettles
- Can Boil Water While Driving
- Fits In Cup Holder
- Adjustable Temperature
- Can Be Used To Heat Food
CONS
- Can Only Be Used With 15 Or 20 Amp DC Outlets
- Only Holds 12 oz Of Water
- Need To Keep An Eye On Pressure Build Up
2. Zerodis 12 Volt 1 Liter Travel Kettle
The Zerodis 12 volt kettle can take up to a liter of water and boil it in 20 minutes.
You won’t be able to use it while driving like the Spardar 12 Volt Water Heating Cup but if you need a lot of hot water to make coffee for a bunch of people then this is the way to go.
It’s made of plastic and automatically cuts the power when the water starts to boil.
Because of the size and style, this is the perfect 12 volt travel kettle for semi-truck drivers, boaters, van dwellers, and RVers. You can use the water for coffee, tea, noodles, and more.
It’s big compared to normal 12V kettles and therefore takes a lot of power.
It will take as much as 12.5 amps while heating which means you are going to want at least a 15 amp 12V DC outlet for this but a 20 amp is preferred.
The Zerodis 12 Volt 1 Liter Travel Kettle may have the downside of not being able to boil water while you drive but you are going to need to stop anyways to brew the coffee with your selected method of non-electric portable coffee maker.
PROS
- Large Water Capacity
- Fairly Fast
- Turns Off When Water Starts To Boil
- Great For Brewing Large Amounts Of Coffee
- Won’t Build Up Pressure When Heating
CONS
- Can Only Be Used With 20 Amp DC Outlets
- Can’t Be Used While Moving
- Only For Water
3. Yarr 12 Volt Heating Mug
The Yarr 12 volt heating mug is a lot like the Spardar but it has twice water capacity and takes twice as long to boil water.
The body is made with stainless steel and has a plastic lid with a spout and handle. The 12V power cable comes out of the bottom and is permanently attached to the mug.
The amp draw is around 9 which means this is another 12 volt kettle that can only be used in 15 or 20 amp 12V DC outlets like the ones found in semi-trucks, SUVs, trucks, RVs, vans, and boats.
The mug is 8.7 inches tall and 3.4 inches in diameter. The water capacity is 22 oz/750 ml. It takes 30-40 minutes to boil water.
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It does fit in most cup holders and can be used while driving.
That means you can start it when you’re about 30 minutes from a rest stop and you will have boiling water to brew coffee with when you get there.
The Yarr 12 Volt Heating Mug is a good option if you need enough water to make 2 cups of coffee.
It does have a fairly high power usage and takes a long time to bring water to a boil but if you have the right size of 12V DC outlet and the time it’s a great option.
PROS
- Can Boil Water While Driving
- Fits In Cup Holder
- Holds Enough Water For 2 Cups Of Coffee
CONS
- Can Only Be Used With 15 Or 20 Amp DC Outlets
- Slow
- Stainless Steel Body Gets Hot
If you travel in a small vehicle that doesn’t have a 15 or 20 amp DC outlet or you prefer the non-electric travel coffee makers a good option is to use a small gas burner backpacking stove (click to view on Amazon) and a small kettle (click to view on Amazon) to boil the water before you start driving.
They even make super fast stove/kettle/coffee maker combos (click to view on Amazon) that are ultra lightweight and portable. Perfect for camping, backpacking, and even making coffee on a road trip.
It’s not technically a 12 volt option but I wanted to suggest it to show all the available options for making coffee when traveling or camping.
It’s also the option that will for sure get you the hottest water the fastest, especially when compared to the 12 volt coffee makers and kettles.
Conclusion & Recommendations For The Best 12V Coffee Makers
There are tons of ways to make good coffee while traveling or working on the road.
Truckers, RVers, van dwellers, and boaters with 20 amp 12V DC outlets have more options than those who travel or camp in small cars but there’s still something for everyone.
Best 12 Volt Coffee Maker For Low 10 Amp DC Outlets – CONQUECO Nespresso Travel 12V Coffee Maker
It’s one of the few true 12 volt coffee makers on the market today and one of the smallest. The CONQUECO isn’t going to put out piping hot professional espresso but it will give you something close to that.
I know that review doesn’t sound super positive but I think people have certain expectations of 12 volt appliances that don’t hold up to the real thing.
The amount of power these products are working with is fairly low if you compare it to the amount of power a normal coffee maker gets to use. That’s why the water doesn’t get quite as hot or work nearly as fast.
For what it is the CONQUECO Nespresso travel 12V coffee maker is really great.
It will work in a small car’s 10 amp 12V DC outlet and it will make good coffee in a relatively short amount of time. If you know what to expect it’s the best 12 volt coffee maker for regular cars and DC outlets.
Best 12 Volt Coffee Maker For High 15-20 Amp DC Outlets – RoadPro 12 Volt Coffee Maker
For RVs, vans, semi-trucks, boats, and large vehicles this is one of the best and only true 12 volt drip coffee makers you can get.
It has a lot of pros. It can make 2 cups of coffee, it has a reusable filter, it comes with a mount for securing it to a counter or table, and it’s pretty fast.
You do need to give 12 volt coffee makers a bit of a break since they don’t have a lot of power to work with but all-in-all the RoadPro is a great 12V coffee maker and a great choice for everyday use.
Best 12 Volt Coffee Maker Overall – Makita Battery Powered Coffee Maker
The very best portable coffee maker on this list is hands down the Makita. It can be run with a 12V or an 18V battery and it really makes great coffee.
It does require more parts if you want to be able to use it in a vehicle or boat but once you get the necessary stuff it’s worth it. Especially if you plan on making coffee multiple times a day.
It can brew more than one mug of coffee on a single charge and you can use the battery to power other tools. It’s a win-win, especially if you already have Makita’s other tools.
The 12V DC battery charger is compatible with all regular DC outlets which means you can make high quality coffee that normally is reserved for larger vehicles in a small car.
It’s something that works for everyone, and that’s why it’s my choice for the best overall 12 volt coffee maker.
What To Look For In A 12 Volt Coffee Maker
Max Amperage
You need to make sure the 12 volt DC outlets in the vehicle or place you intend to use your 12 volt coffee maker or kettle is rated high enough to handle it.
People accidentally burn the fuses and even the actual outlets all the time trying to use a DC appliance that draws more power than what the outlet is capable of.
Not all 12V appliances and outlets are made equal.
I talk more in detail about it at the beginning of the article but I also outline the best ways to tell what kind of amp rating the DC outlet in your vehicle or RV has in the FAQ section below.
Budget
You could go all the way and get an incredible battery powered coffee maker like the Makita Battery Powered Coffee Maker or you could go the more basic route and get a 12 volt kettle and a pour over coffee maker.
It’s up to you and there are options for all budgets or needs on this list.
Storage Space
If you are traveling or camping in a car then space will be very limited and you want the smallest, easiest 12 volt coffee maker you can buy.
If you camp or live in a van or RV your options are a little broader and you can go for a larger battery powered coffee maker or a big 12 volt kettle.
Do you have time to stop?
Some of the brewing methods require you to stop your car so you can brew the coffee or set it up.
The only 12 volt coffee makers on this review you could use while driving (although I don’t recommend it) is the CONQUECO Nespresso Travel 12V Coffee Maker.
If you have another person to help you it might be possible to use the other two drip coffee makers on the list but it could end up being messy.
What kind of coffee do you want to use?
There are 2 kinds of coffee you can use with the 12 volt coffee makers in this review.
Nespresso pods or regular ground coffee. Deciding on the kind of coffee you like will almost decide for you when choosing a coffee maker for camping and travel.
What kind of coffee do you like for travel?
An espresso is a great option for road trips and truckers because less liquid results in fewer bathroom breaks, but if you love a nice big cup of joe in the morning a regular drip style coffee might be more your thing.
There are fantastic non-electric and 12 volt coffee maker options on this list. Maybe even having an espresso maker and a drip coffee maker could work depending on the amount of storage space you have.
Frequently Asked Questions About 12 Volt Coffee Makers
How to tell how many amps your vehicle’s 12V DC outlet is rated for
Figuring out how much electricity the 12V DC outlet you are going to use is capable of putting out is the first and most important step in finding the best 12 volt coffee maker for you.
Getting a 12V appliance that uses more power than the 12V DC outlet is rated will result in a blown fuse and sometimes even damage to the wiring in the vehicle, boat, or RV.
The first place you should look is the outlet itself. A lot of the time there will be a plug that protects the outlet and that plug usually has the information you will need.
Below is a picture of the 12V DC outlet in my truck. It says right on it that it’s a 20 amp outlet so I know I am going to be able to use any of the 12 volt coffee makers and kettles in this review.
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If the cap isn’t there the second place you can look is the owner’s manual. There’s usually a section that will talk about the outlets in your vehicle, boat, or RV.
If you don’t have the manual then another less reliable option is to look at the fuse box. It’s not an exact science but normally the fuse has the same rating as the outlet.
For example, if there is a 10 amp fuse for the outlet in your car then you could assume that it’s a 10 amp outlet.
Be careful using this method though as sometimes people will swap out fuses for bigger ones which isn’t always safe.
If a previous owner has put a 20 amp fuse where a 10 should be using a high amp 12V appliance could damage the electrical wiring in the car.
Cigarette lighter outlets are normally 15 amp since they need a good amount of power for the lighter.
But newer cars don’t even have cigarette lighters which is why some small cars only have 10 amp 12V DC outlets.
How many watts does a 12 volt coffee maker use vs a regular one?
To get a good idea of the watts a 12 volt coffee maker is going to use you need to multiply the voltage by the amperage.
For example the RoadPro 12 Volt Coffee Maker (click to view on Amazon) uses around 14 amps when brewing.
We know the voltage is going to be 12 since it’s a 12V product. 14*12=168 watts.
The Zerodis 12 Volt 1 Liter Travel Kettle uses 12.5 amps to boil water. 12.5*12=150 watts.
Now let’s compare that to a small drip coffee maker that plugs into a wall outlet.
The small Black+Decker coffee maker (click to view on Amazon) I use in my RV takes 650 watts.
That is almost 4 times more power than the RoadPro 12 volt coffee maker which uses the most watts on this 12V list.
You can see why it takes so long for 12V appliances to do what regular appliances do, they are working with way less power.
Can you plug a 12 volt coffee maker into a car?
Sort of. Regular cars usually have low amperage 12 volt DC outlets in them, around 10 amps, maybe 15 if your car is old enough to have a cigarette lighter in it.
This means you are only going to be able to use a low amperage 12 volt coffee maker. And there’s really only one, the CONQUECO Nespresso Travel 12V Coffee Maker.
What is the best portable coffee maker?
The most portable coffee maker on this list that has a large battery you can recharge at home and take with you is the Makita Battery Powered Coffee Maker.
It’s small, lightweight, and 100% portable. You can get battery chargers for it that can plug into a 12 volt outlet or use the standard battery chargers that plug into wall outlets.
It’s a fantastic portable coffee maker and great for camping, travel, and using on a job site where you may already be using Makita tools.
If you have other brands of power tool batteries like Dewalt they actually make adapters so they can fit Makita products (click to view on Amazon).
What is the best small coffee maker?
If you have access to a wall plug/AC power and just want an amazing small coffee maker you can check out this list of the best ones here (click to view).
Why use a 12 volt coffee maker?
If you are planning a long road trip where you will be sleeping in your car, truck, or van then a 12 volt coffee maker is a fantastic choice.
You may be sleeping on BLM land or in a rest stop that doesn’t have a place you can buy coffee nearby.
If your morning cup of joe is important to you then a 12 volt coffee maker is going to be a great way to get coffee in the morning using your own vehicle as a power source.
If you’re a truck driver making your own coffee in your semi-truck is not only going to save you time it will also save money in the long run.
Most semi-trucks already have high amperage 20 amp 12V DC outlets which means you are going to be able to use any of the 12 volt coffee makers or kettles on this list.
What is the best brand of 12V coffee maker?
RoadPro is one of the only companies that makes a traditional 12 volt coffee maker that actually works.
It’s a fantastic choice if you have a 20 amp 12V DC outlet in your vehicle, boat, or RV.
Makita makes an excellent coffee maker and they are a brand with a great reputation.
It’s not technically a 12V coffee maker but you can get a 12V battery charger to charge the battery Makita’s portable coffee maker uses.
Read more about it in the product reviews section above.
Have any more questions about 12 volt coffee makers? Leave a comment below.
Excellent article!! You helped me to understand the power source and how to avoid overwhelming it. I had just ordered the Imons portable 12v coffee maker before I read your article. Your article helped me to confirm that I made the right decision. Can a 12v/120 watt power supply be compatible with a 150 watt power inverter?
Hi Melissa,
The 150 watt power inverter will work with a 10 amp (120 watt) 12v outlet, but you do risk blowing the fuse if you plug anything in that uses more than 120 watts.
If you’re certain you won’t ever go over the 120 watt limit you should be fine, but there is a slight risk when using a larger inverter that you accidentally go over.
Many cars have at least 1 15 amp 12 volt outlet, if you can find one of those the inverter will be completely compatible.
I use to have 12v / 120v coffee maker back in the 70s that i use to make about 4 small cups of coffee
on my way to my deer lease. What happen to them.
Hi Joseph,
I’m not sure why but 12 volt/120 volt coffee makers are so hard to find. Not many options these days.